Panizzi convinced of potential of PROTON

After completing the recent Rallye Sanremo in 20th overall on his debut in the PROTON Satria Neo Super 2000, asphalt ace Gilles Panizzi is convinced of the Malaysian car’s potential for the future.

The PROTON, run by British firm MEM, has been lacking in asphalt development time, but Panizzi believes that with further improvement, the car can regularly challenge at the front.

"For me, the solution is now quite easy to see," said the 45-year-old. "MEM have done a very good job to bring the car to the level it is at, but it’s clear that more development budget is needed to bring the car to the level of Peugeot and Skoda."

Panizzi, who was responsible for the development of the Peugeot 207 S2000, has already been able to suggest some future directions to PROTON’s top management, who were interested visitors to Rallye Sanremo.