The World RX of Hockenheim will see four Peugeot 208 WRX’s in action once again as both the Peugeot-Hansen squad and the Hansen Academy team will aim for the top step in a bid to begin their challenge for the 2016 FIA World Rallycross Championship.
Both Timmy Hansen and Sébastien Loeb qualified for the semi-finals last time out in Portugal, however it nine time WRC champion Loeb who went on to the Supercar Final and finish in fifth place. Hansen and Davy Jeanney both fell at the semi-final stage but that will only spur on both drivers to try and secure victory at this weekends event. Jeanney’s team-mate Kevin Hansen enjoyed a fruitful first outing where he finished in 13th place at the intermediate stage, just missing out on a Semi-Final place.
Hockenheim offers the opportunity to for all four drivers to fightback and to make up ground in the drivers championship and this is some that Team Peugoet- Hansen Boss Kenneth Hansen has no doubt of, “After our mixed fortunes in Portugal, we took the time to analyse what happened and we are determined to put the lessons we have learned to maximum effect at Hockenheim. The PEUGEOT 208 WRX is a sound car.
“We simply need to make sure its strengths all gel together at the right moment, and we couldn’t be more motivated to succeed in making that happen. If it rains like it did in Portugal, we will be better prepared for the conditions this time.
“Hopefully, we will be able to use the planned layout at Hockenheim this year because we are looking forward to shining again in front of the Stadium’s packed grandstands. In 2015, the spectators were up on their feet and I am sure they will enjoy our spectacular show this time, too!”
Loeb is looking forward to competing at the legendary German circuit, “Hockenheim is a legendary place. I think it’s great to be able share a meeting there with the DTM. There’s sure to be a tremendous atmosphere. It’s always nice to compete in front of a big crowd and Hockenheim’s not far from Alsace, my native region, so I think a lot of friends and fans will make the trip.
“I can’t wait for the second round. I enjoyed my first experience of rallycross in Portugal but the track was a little atypical, so this race will give me a chance to see how I compare with the others in a different context. I am confident I will be able to make more of the car’s potential in Germany.”
Meanwhile Timmy Hansen is looking for a return to his 2015 form, “I know Hockenheim well because I won a single-seater race there once. It’s a venue that is steeped in motor racing history and competing there in front of packed grandstands is always something special.
“The rallycross track is quite different from what we usually see and the gravel section calls for a fairly aggressive driving style, so you need to take that into account in the way you approach the weekend. Along with the other drivers, as well as all the engineers and mechanics, we are intent on reproducing the sort of form that helped us to win the Teams’ title in 2015.”
