Autosportfoto

ERC/PEUGEOT Sport alliance extends into 2018 and beyond

The FIA European Rally Championship's hugely successful alliance with PEUGEOT Sport will continue in 2018 following confirmation of three key elements.

*The winner of the 208 Rally Cup's Under 27 division in 2018 will earn a season in the 2019 FIA ERC Junior Under 28 Championship, which totals six events on gravel and asphalt and caters for young stars in R5 category cars.

*The winner of the 208 Rally Cup's Under 23 division in 2018, if different from the 208 Under 27 winner, will earn a six-event campaign in the 2019 FIA ERC3 Championship.

*With the support of Eurosport Events, the ERC promoter, the best-placed U23 crew at the mid-point of the 208 Rally Cup season will be enrolled into the ERC Junior Experience training programme.

The above is in addition to an existing commitment for Laurent Pellier - an ERC Junior Experience graduate - to tackle an FIA ERC Junior Under 28 Championship campaign in 2018 at the wheel of a PEUGEOT 208 T16, his prize for winning the 208 Rally Cup in 2017.

Jean-Baptiste Ley, the ERC Co-ordinator, welcomed PEUGEOT Sport's continued support of the ERC. "PEUGEOT's rallying heritage and pedigree is widely acknowledged and we're delighted to be extending our long-standing relationship. It's also very satisfying that PEUGEOT Sport recognises the potential for learning and career progression provided by the ERC platform and we're very excited to be playing our part in helping to develop the next generation of rally talent supported by PEUGEOT."

PEUGEOT Sport has played a key role in developing young talents for 35 years through its Volant PEUGEOT one-make rally series with notable champions including Gilles Panizzi (1992), Nicolas Bernardi (2000), Bryan Bouffier (2002), Nicolas Vouilloz (2003), Sébastien Ogier (2007), Kevin Abbring (2013), José Suárez (2015) and Pepe López (2016).

Laurent Guyot, Manager, Customer Competition Programmes, PEUGEOT Sport, said: "The 208 Rally Cup is not only exciting but also a great way to progress. The level of competition is particularly high and our formula always attracts drivers from outside of France. We have sought to place the accent on the development of young drivers, with a chance to take part in the European Rally Championship's Junior Experience coaching scheme with backing from Eurosport Events. We also offer a choice of entry options and a carefully-scheduled calendar that delivers a range of challenges within the framework of the FFSA French Rally Championship. The 208 Rally Cup is both fun and affordable."

The 208 Rally Cup takes in seven events in France, starting with Rallye Terre des Causses from 30 March-1 April and concluding with Rally de Var from 22-25 November. Meanwhile, the 2018 ERC season begins with the Azores Airlines Rallye from 22-24 March.

Zdroj: fiaerc.com