Yalta IRC points vital for Peugeot duo

Peugeot Sport’s competition manager Frederic Bertrand says it’s vital that Bryan Bouffier and Guy Wilks finish this week’s Prime Yalta Rally following their exits from the previous round in Corsica.

Both 207 Super 2000 aces crashed in Corsica and have slipped back in the IRC drivers’ standings as a result with Bouffier occupying fifth overall and Wilks now in sixth.

“The crucial thing for Guy Wilks and Bryan Bouffier will be to reach the finish,” said Bertrand. “They were strong in Corsica, so there is every reason to be optimistic about their chances this weekend.”

Bouffier said: “After retiring in Corsica, I have no other option than to chase the big points in Ukraine. I don’t see why that shouldn’t be possible, because I was competitive on the last round. This weekend’s rally is new to me, so the most important thing will be to make sure we spot all the hazards during [the] recce.”

Wilks added: “I’m still kicking myself for my off in Corsica, because it was entirely my fault. I had just posted the fastest time on the previous stage, so why did I go and overdo it? My 207 Super 2000 is sufficiently competitive not to have to take it beyond its limits.”