The 2016 World RX of Argentina will be the finale of this years FIA World Rallycross Championship and with 17 points to make up, 2015 Title holders Team Peugeot-Hansen are looking to mount a stern title defence against rivals EKSRX.
The Franco-Swedish squad has taken two hard fought victories this year with Timmy Hansen winning in Canada and nine time WRC legend Sebastien Loeb taking his debut World RX victory in Latvia, however due to lost points earlier in the season and the strong early form of their rivals, the squad now sees themselves on the backfoot as they go into the final round of the year. Rapid development of the Peugeot 208 WRX Supercar has seen a return to its 2015 form where the team dominated the second half of that season.
Petter Solberg pursues the two Team Peugeot-Hansen 208’s at the 2016 World RX of Germany. Credit: IMG / FIA World RX
Team Principal Kenneth Hansen is well aware of the task ahead and the focus needed for this mammoth effort.
“It’s true that we have squandered a certain number of points in the course of the season but we also know that the Peugeot 208 WRX has progressed since Barcelona, and anything is possible in rallycross.
“We have shown that several times in the past and the whole team is focused on achieving the perfect weekend in Rosario. That might not be enough, but that’s what we need to do if we are to successfully defend the Teams’ title we won last year.”
Latvia winner Loeb already has experience from racing in Argentina and is looking forward to returning there.
“I know Argentina quite well after competing in the country on numerous previous occasions in the World Rally Championship, as well as on the Dakar for the first time back in January. I love the passion the people here have for motorsport. I hope the spectators will be just as vociferous at the rallycross meeting in Rosario,” explained Loeb.
“We still have a chance of winning the Teams’ title. It won’t be easy but I’ve seen for myself several times already that anything can happen in rallycross. We will keep fighting until the very end!”
Meanwhile Timmy Hansen is aiming for the top step again as the season comes to an end at the Rosario track.
“Competing in Argentina is always very special. Last year’s track was very interesting in spite of the dust which caused several problems. I hope the organisers have taken steps to cure that this time.
“Apart from this detail, I like the track layout and I think it’s where I was at my fastest last season. The 2016-spec Peugeot 208 WRX is faster than the 2015 car so I’m hoping for a top result to help the team win the Teams’ title for the second year running.”
