With just seven weeks to go before the start of the 2004 WRC series, Peugeot is not sure whether it should campaign the new 307 rally car from the onset, or soldier on with the older 206.
With just seven weeks to go before the start of the 2004 WRC series, Peugeot is not sure whether it should campaign the new 307 rally car from the onset, or soldier on with the older 206.
The new car has impressed the team in testing thus far but the Monte Carlo Rally, scheduled for January 23, may just be too soon for the car’s international début.
Former double world champion Marcus Gronholm has been evaluating the 307 WRC in Roquesteron in southern France and this week said: “The 307 WRC is very good already. I’m really happy with how it’s going… I hope it will be ready (for Monte Carlo)”.
However, there are fears within the French squad that parts supply may hamper the team’s efforts to get the 307 WRC competitive by January 23. Current testing will influence Peugeot’s decision, but it will make its choice before carrying out a specific test of Monte Carlo settings on December 17.
The Peugeot 206 won three consecutive world championships (2000, 2001 and 2002), but towards the end of the 2003 WRC season, the car was outclassed by Citroën’s Xsara and Subaru’s Impreza.
Nevertheless, the old car will still be seen in the 2004 series, because Peugeot is keen to nurture new talent and is planning to support two semi-works 206 WRCs on the Monte Carlo Rally.