28/05/2013 17:00
For the first time ever, the Peugeot T16 Pikes Peak Car has left the confines of the Peugeot Sport's facility or a closely guarded circuit to perform a dress rehearsal for the Pikes Peak Hill Climb in June.
Driver Sebastien Loeb and his team took the vehicle to Mont Ventoux, a famous stage on the Tour de France bike race that represents one of the toughest climbs.
Peugeot made use of the last six kilometres of the track, which makes for the perfect training ground for the Pikes Peak race in Colorado.
"This is an important run because Pikes Peak is very different from a nice, smooth race track," said S�bastien Loeb.
"It is vital for us to evaluate the car on a terrain that is more like what we will find in the States."
He said that it is not so much the power that impresses him with the vehicle now, but rather the speed at which it can take corners thanks to the responsive steering.
Furthermore, the trial run allowed the Peugeot engineers to see how the vehicle runs at altitude and work with it in real-life conditions.
The Pikes Peak Hill Climb is due to take place between June 24th and 30th when the 208 T16 will truly race to the clouds.
Posted by Craig Salter