Photo: Peugeot
French automaker Peugeot together with Red Bull and Total have announced plans to return to the Dakar Rally in 2015. In addition, Peugeot Sport has released the first teaser of its new raid machine, the 2008 DKR.
Based on the 2008 crossover, the vehicle was developed by the same team that created the monstrous 208 T16 Pikes Peak. The manufacturer had nothing to say about the race car, but confirmed that it will be revealed at the 2014 Beijing Motor Show on April 20.
For the 2015 Dakar, Peugeot’s first cross-country rally after 25 years, the French team has recruited Carlos Sainz and Cyril Despres.
The Spaniard has two WRC titles to his name with Toyota in 1990 and 1992 and a Dakar win with Volkswagen four years ago. Despres, on the other hand, won the Dakar Rally five times riding a KTM motorcycle.
“I have often competed against Peugeot Sport in the past and I have known for years just how passionate it is about motorsport. I also know that when they decide on a programme, they put everything into it. I’m the same. Given how much I love the Dakar, it was too good a proposal to resist when Peugeot asked me to be part of its line-up for its comeback to this unique adventure,” Sainz said.
“When you do the Dakar on a motorbike, you can spend up to 10 hours on your own every day, so you have plenty of time to reflect on different things. In fact, the idea dawned on me during last January’s Dakar, then Peugeot and Red Bull came up with this incredible opportunity. I am very proud. I didn’t take me long to weigh up the pros and the cons! For me, it’s a dream come true and the beginning of a new life,” Despres added.
Peugeot won the Dakar Rally four times between 1987-1990 with the 205 T16 and the 405 T16. The winning cars were driven by Ari Vatanen (1987, 1989, 1990) and Juha Kankkunen (1988).
For the 2015 Dakar, Peugeot’s first cross-country rally after 25 years, the French team has recruited Carlos Sainz and Cyril Despres.
The Spaniard has two WRC titles to his name with Toyota in 1990 and 1992 and a Dakar win with Volkswagen four years ago. Despres, on the other hand, won the Dakar Rally five times riding a KTM motorcycle.
“I have often competed against Peugeot Sport in the past and I have known for years just how passionate it is about motorsport. I also know that when they decide on a programme, they put everything into it. I’m the same. Given how much I love the Dakar, it was too good a proposal to resist when Peugeot asked me to be part of its line-up for its comeback to this unique adventure,” Sainz said.
“When you do the Dakar on a motorbike, you can spend up to 10 hours on your own every day, so you have plenty of time to reflect on different things. In fact, the idea dawned on me during last January’s Dakar, then Peugeot and Red Bull came up with this incredible opportunity. I am very proud. I didn’t take me long to weigh up the pros and the cons! For me, it’s a dream come true and the beginning of a new life,” Despres added.
Peugeot won the Dakar Rally four times between 1987-1990 with the 205 T16 and the 405 T16. The winning cars were driven by Ari Vatanen (1987, 1989, 1990) and Juha Kankkunen (1988).
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