In parallel to its official endurance racing programme, Peugeot Sport will continue its commitment to its subsidiaries and customers in 2009 with a range of single-make series and a choice of race and rally cars. The 2009 calendar features a blend of rallying and circuit racing in which the 207 - the best-selling model of its segment in Europe - will take front stage.

RALLYING

1/ The 207 Super 2000

As illustrated by its one-two-three finish on January’s Rallye Monte-Carlo, the Peugeot 207 Super 2000 has emerged as the benchmark in its category. In addition to claiming Intercontinental Rally Challenge honours in 2007 and again in 2008, its has also harvested several titles at national level - including in Italy, Portugal, Switzerland, Poland and Spain - thanks to the programmes its subsidiaries. Peugeot Sport will pursue the development of the 207 Super 2000 in 2009 with a view to enabling its customers and subsidiaries to challenge for victory against some particularly fierce opposition. Sixty 207 Super 2000s have been sold to date, including the Peugeot UK-backed car driven by Kris Meeke, and the Peugeot Belgium- Luxemburg machines of Freddy Loix and Nicolas Vouilloz. All these drivers are contesting the 2009 IRC. Meanwhile, Peugeot Italy (with Paolo Andreucci), Peugeot Portugal (Bruno Magalhaes) and Peugeot Poland start the year as favourites in their respective national championships.

2/ The 207 RC Rallye / Volant 207 - New for 2009

The 207 RC Rallye was developed by the staff at Vélizy and benefits fully from the expertise and experience of Peugeot and Peugeot Sport. Derived directly from the production model, it is powered by the 1,600cc turbocharged THP (Turbo High Pressure) engine developed in conjunction with the BMW Group, and which has already been seen in the Spider and LW in circuit racing. It drives through an all-new straight-cut six-speed gearbox and is equipped with Magneti Marelli Sport electronics, as well as a specific wiring loom, while enhanced cooling ensures durable stopping power for the generously-dimensioned brakes. The 207 RC Rallye boasts 180hp for a weight of 1,120kg and is homologated in Group R3. This implies a welded rollcage, a valuable plus on the safety front. It is one of the few cars of its category to have been designed to compete on both asphalt and dirt, and the transformation from one spec to the other is quick, straightforward and inexpensive. Some 30 cars are expected to contest Peugeot Sport’s rallying showpiece - the Volant 207 - which is this year celebrating its 30th anniversary. Since its creation, the firm’s one-make challenge has served as a valuable springboard for the careers of many talented young drivers, as well as a means of having fun for the more battle-hardened runners. A long list of top Frenchmen have come up through the ranks of the brand’s one-make series, including François Delecour, Gilles Panizzi, Cédric Robert, Nicolas Bernardi, Alexandre Bengué, Bryan Bouffier and Nicolas Vouilloz, plus Arnaud Augoyard, Guillaume Canivenq and Sébastien Ogier. At the end of the 2009 campaign, the under-30 champion will win a programme for the following year. The 2009 Peugeot Sport-run Volant 207 will feature a calendar of eight rounds (four on asphalt and four on dirt), while national series are also being organised in Spain and Italy.

The 2009 Volant 207 calendar April 17-19 Lyon Charbonnières (asphalt) May 29-31 Limousin (asphalt) June 29-30 Pila Canale (Corsica) (asphalt) July 25-26 Terre de Langres August 28-30 Terre des Causses October 10-11 Terre des Cardabelles November 14-15 Terre du Vaucluse November 28-29 Var (asphalt)

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