Winning start in IRC for Peugeot’s new 208 R2

Peugeot’s 208 R2 made a winning start to its international rallying career with a class victory on Rallye Sanremo, the penultimate round of the Intercontinental Rally Challenge.

Driven by Bryan Bouffier, the all-new car topped the R2 section of the IRC 2WD Cup after leading from start to finish.

Having been trialled on the IRC-counting Giru di Corsica-Tour de Corse as a course car, Bouffier’s appearance on the Italian asphalt last week marked the car’s competitive debut.

And the Frenchman underlined the potential of the machine by setting the second fastest time by a Group R car on the opening stage. He eventually beat his nearest R2 category rival, Elwis Chentre, by 1m36s.

“I was fortunate enough to drive the 208 R2 on gravel in Poland and now I have driven it on asphalt here in Sanremo,” said Bouffier. “In both cases, I drove it for the first time on the shakedown stage, and I immediately felt comfortable with the car. It is already well sorted and easy to drive, which is obviously great for confidence. I would say its biggest strength is the overall balance of its chassis and suspension. Its brakes are very good, too; the famous 44-kilometre Ronde stage was a good test of how efficient and durable they are. The engine is strong, as well, and we posted some quick stage times, so that is very promising given that the version which will go on sale will feature further improvements.”