After successful outings at the Dakar and Silk Way Rally, Peugeot has announced that it will enter two 3008DKRs into Rallye du Maroc in October, placing the cars into the hands of Sébastien Loeb and Daniel Elena as well as Carlos Sainz and Lucas Cruz.
As the team continue preparations for the 2018 Dakar, the Rally du Maroc will provide important rehearsal for Loeb and Elena, while Sainz and Cruz will be looking to build on last year’s performance following a second-place finish.
Peugeot’s participation in the race which will run from Fes to Erfoud, demonstrates the commercial strategy of the company in Morocco. With a new state-of-the-art production facility set to Open in Kenitra, success in the rally will provide a boost in the African market which the company considers a cornerstone.
The new Peugeot 3008DKR Maxi enjoyed a successful maiden outing on July’s Silk Way Rally where it showcased the competitive potential of its latest evolutions. However, with it being too wide for Rallye du Maroc eligibility, for which the 2017 FIA Cross-Country Rally World Cup regulations will apply. Loeb and Sainz will consequently drive the Peugeot 3008DKR in North Africa.
“We expect fierce competition in Morocco, especially as the sport’s rule makers have revised the balance of performance for different competitors involved since our one-two-three finish on the 2017 Dakar,” explained Bruno Famin, director at Peugeot Sport. “In concrete terms, it means our cars will have to carry an additional 50kg, whereas our rivals will be able to run more than 100kg lighter. It promises to be an exciting rally.”
