Peugeot 206 WRC

The Peugeot 206 WRC made its impressive debut at the "Tour de Corse", the 6th race of the 1999 World Rally Championships (WRC). After the Peugeot 206 clenched the dual title in 2000 and the Manufacturer's Title in 2001, Team Peugeot entered the 2002 season with high hopes. The Peugeot 206 WRC 2002 features a 4WD mechanism with longitudinally installed transmission combined with a 2-liter turbo engine mounted on the most compact chassis of all WRC cars, is equipped with electronically contrlled active differentials. In 2002, an active anti-roll bar was newly loaded to regulate the roll of the car via electronically controlled hydraulics capable of setting modifications during running. The Peugeot 206 also underwent improvements regarding cooling system, engine power and weight. The modifications made on the 2002 version obviously paid off. By the 12th rally, the double title was within Team Peugeot's grasp. Set for victory, Peugeot entered 4 machines in the rugged gravel course that comprises the 1st leg of the New Zealand Rally. 2001 champion R. Burns, who transferred over from Subaru the previous year took the lead and controlled the first leg of the race. Burns, who had not yet had a victory in 2002, was hungry for a 1st place finish. However, teammate M. Gronholm would climb to first position during the 2nd day of racing, and managed to take the victory with his consistent driving on the third day. Teammate H. Rovanpera followed in second place, for an amazing one-two finish by the Peugeot team, which now boasts 3 consecutive Manufacturer's Titles. 2002 was a year of true excellence for Peugeot which took 8 victories out of 14 races, with all victories being one-two finishes by the Peugeot 206, a car that will go down in rally history as a true "Winner".