Post by afx on Nov 22, 2017 9:08:20 GMT -8
Extensive testing throughout the year in locations as varied as France, Portugal and Morocco has been utilised to bring the Peugeot 3008DKR Maxi up to speed
The fearsome Peugeot 3008DKR Maxi is tuned up and ready to roar at the 2018 Dakar Rally. As winners of the past two editions of the Dakar the pressure is on Team Peugeot Total to nail the three-peat. That’s why no corners have been cut in the preparation of their latest beast designed to conquer the deserts of South America.
Extensive testing throughout the year in locations as varied as France, Portugal and Morocco has been utilised to bring the Peugeot 3008DKR Maxi up to speed. With over 18,000 kilometres on the clock it’s safe to say that nothing has been left to chance ahead of this latest Dakar title defence.
“The problem is that the more you win, the more you want to keep on doing it!” – Stéphane Peterhansel, Team Peugeot Total driver.
At the controls of the fleet of four Peugeot cars contesting the upcoming Dakar (January 6–20, 2018) is the most decorated driver line-up ever assembled for the event. Stéphane Peterhansel/Jean Paul Cottret, Sébastien Loeb/Daniel Elena, Carlos Sainz/Lucas Cruz and Cyril Despres/David Castera have a staggering 19 Dakar wins and 148 stage wins between them.
“The expectations and our preparations for the Dakar are the same as always.” – Carlos Sainz, Team Peugeot Total driver.
Earlier this year Team Peugeot Total locked out the final podium at the Dakar with Peterhansel, Loeb and Despres finishing first, second and third respectively. That success has been built on with a win for Despres at the 2017 Silk Way Rally and two high profile podium finishes for Loeb this year.
“The Dakar is by nature unpredictable, so we’re giving ourselves every advantage we possibly can to try and win it.” – Sébastien Loeb, Team Peugeot Total driver.
With further race wins since the last trip to South America and countless hours of testing put into developing their new car it’s back to the unique challenges of the Dakar. The route through Peru, Bolivia and Argentina promises to present gruelling challenges for both man and machine during the event’s 40th anniversary.
“It looks like this Dakar will be particularly tough because of the complexity of the route.” – Cyril Despres, Team Peugeot Total driver.
We’ll be with Team Peugeot Total every step of the way at the 2018 Dakar Rally so join us for the ride at RedBull.com/Dakar.