FIA World Rallycross

Team Peugeot-Hansen Take Positive Start To 2017 Season

2 Mins read

Team Peugeot-Hansen witnessed all three of its drivers in the mix at the opening round of the 2017 FIA World Rallycross Championship.

Timmy Hansen had the best weekend out of the three, as he survived the difficult conditions of Qualifying to make it to the Semi-Finals. Having raced to third place in the Semi-Final, Hansen then moved to the Final where he raced against Petter Solberg, Johan Kristoffersson and Andreas Bakkerud.

Timmy Hansen took fifth place in the Supercar Final 2017 World RX of Spain in his Peugeot 208. Credit: Red Bull Content Pool

Hansen was pleased with his progress so far.

“Our rivals are clearly fast but, from what we saw in the semi-finals and the final, I feel we have the speed, even though the way the weekend unfolded didn’t always permit us to make the very most of our car’s potential,” explained Hansen.

“I never found it a problem to keep up with the others, though, so we have good potential. I feel optimistic, even though we were a little down on luck this weekend, but I’m sure that’s going to change.”

Kevin Hansen qualified for the Semi-final stages but missed out on a spot in the Supercar Final. Credit: Red Bull Content Pool

Kevin Hansen also made it through to the Semi-Final stage where he was engaged in a tough battle with Hoonigan Racing’s Ken Block. In his first full season of World RX, Hansen came home fifth in his 2016 machine with plenty learnt for the season ahead.

Hansen rued was what a missed opportunity this weekend.

“I was a little lucky in Q2, but less so at other times. I don’t think I really managed to show my full potential,” explained the younger Hansen. “I was in sixth position for the start of my semi-final, so I had to find a way to move up the order. I attempted a move but it didn’t work out.”

Sebastien Loeb suffered a difficult start to his 2017 World RX Campaign, missing out on the Semi-Final stages. Credit: Red Bull Content Pool

Sebastien Loeb suffered a difficult start to his weekend, which began with finishing seventh overall at the end of Day One. However a mechanical issue in Q3 and a slow time in Q4 saw the French driver fall out of the vital top 12.

“I had a small problem during Q3 which was a crucial heat after Saturday’s poor weather. The track was in a good state but I was unable to reach the finish after a drive shaft popped out,” said Loeb. “I ended up last in Q3 and I was first to run in Q4 when the dusty surface prevented me from reaching the semi-finals. It was very frustrating.”

 

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I have been a very passionate fan of Motorsport for over 30 years with Touring Cars as my favourite form of Motor Racing. I cover The TCR UK Series, The TCR Europe Series and The FIA World Touring Car Cup (WTCR) as well as following various TCR Series around the world.
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