After competitive performances a fortnight ago in Latvia, the PEUGEOT 208 WRX drivers aim to repeat their form in a bid to claim the top prize at the 2017 FIA World Rallycross Championship’s penultimate clash at Estering-Buxtehude (Round 11) on September 30-October 1.
Team Peugeot Hansen returns to the scene of the PEUGEOT 208 WRX’s victory in 2015 that sewed up that season’s world title in its favour.
Between its visits to Riga and the Estering, the team organised a test to further fine-tune the set-up of the PEUGEOT 208 WRX.
Following his outstanding run in Latvia, Kevin Hansen is more determined than ever to qualify his PEUGEOT 208 WRX 2016 for the final at the German track which he particularly enjoys.
Kenneth Hansen (Team Principal):
“Buxtehude is unique and leaves no room for error because the walls that line the track are never very far away. Another feature is the paddock which is not only quite small but also located in the circuit’s infield. The races are frequently quite dramatic, especially since the layout makes the work of the spotters fairly difficult, so anything can happen! You are responsible for your own luck and you need to play your cards the best way you can. We succeeded in doing that two years ago when Davy Jeanney took the win and we intend to do our very best to achieve the same result this time round!”
Sébastien Loeb (PEUGEOT 208 WRX #9):
“The starts are especially important here and I believe this is an area in which we have improved recently, so that’s encouraging. In rallycross, anything can happen, though, so we’ll just try to be as competitive as we have been at the last two rounds.”
Timmy Hansen (PEUGEOT 208 WRX #21):
“Because of my background as a circuit racer, Estering is one of the biggest challenges I face each year. The track is fun to drive since you’re drifting much of the time but that’s not something that comes naturally to me. I am more accustomed to leaving my braking as late as possible and taking the tightest line. Here, I need to do the opposite! The first turn is one of the most boisterous of the season and anything can happen. It’s a track that always springs a few surprises…”
Kevin Hansen (PEUGEOT 208 WRX #71)
“I love Estering because it really puts the emphasis on car control. It’s a proper, bumpy, gritty rallycross track and there tends to be plenty of bustling through the opening corner. I went well here last year when I notched up my best performance in a Supercar. I came second in my semi-final, then fourth in the final! I’m looking forward to racing here again and I will do everything I can to qualifying for the final once more.”
THE CIRCUIT• Length: 0.952km
Asphalt/dirt: 60%/40%
Lap record: 35.971s
TIMETABLE
Saturday, September 30
9:00am: Free Practice
12:00 noon: Q1
2:30pm: Q2
Sunday, October 1
9:00am: Warm-up
10:00am: Q3
10:35am: Q4
3:00pm: semi-finals and final
