''The reference'' for the Terre de l'Auxerrois RallySince the end of the '70s, the Peugeot Cup has not aged by a wrinkle. From the 104 to the 206, with the Samba, 205 and 106 in between, the Cup has become "the" reference.
In 2007, the 206 XS will enter its sixth
year of service. For the occasion, the Cup will lose its "Volant 206" name in order to reclaim its beginnings : the Peugeot Cup.
Many drivers learned their classes within the promotional Peugeot Sport formula rally before hitting the higher stages. François Delecour, Gilles Panizzi, Nicolas Bernardi, Bryan Bouffier, Nicolas Vouilloz or even Philippe Aragneau and newcomer Guillaume Canivenq, the official Peugeot driver for the Rally Championship of France at the wheel of a Group A 206 RC.
The Peugeot Cup has therefore served as a springboard for many drivers, be it to reach competition levels or be it to reach the summits of the sport.
In 2007, the
Peugeot 206 Cup will be the only promotional formula to offer real diversity. Four ground events and four tarmac events appear on the menu of this Championship, where the items are not only varied but also of high quality. The four ground-based events will be held within the Rally Championship of France. In regards to the asphalt events, three will be held within the French Rally Championship while the fourth will be set at Antibes with the European Championship.
This year, no drive will be offered in reward to the most promising contender, but rather a series 207 RC for the overall Champion. The different classes have disappeared (juniors, ground, tarmac, etc.), with the exception of the co-pilot's trophy.
Changes this year- Tyre manufacture Michelin will return, providing the 206 XS cars with sets for ground and tarmac.
- There will be only two counts at the end of the Championship (one per surface).
- One point will be added for each crew participating in the event, and one point for each crew finishing the event.
- At the end of the season, the winning crew will be rewarded with a series 207 RC, the second crew will receive 10000€, the third 8000€… up to the 20th crew, along with revised bonuses. Per rally, the first to finish will receive 3500€ with an additional 3500€ purchase coupon at the Peugeot Sport boutique, the second will receive 3000€ with a 2500€ boutique coupon, the third will obtain 2500€ and 2000€ coupon… distributions will continue until the 20th crew at the finish line!
The Peugeot Cup 200748 crews are expected for the first event at Terre d'Auxerre. Along with the French participants, Italy, Switzerland and Germany will also be represented.
Amongst the favorites, a few names come to mind, like that of Sebastien Ogier (Rally Juniors 2006), who accomplished a first 206 XS Volant scratch win in the Neige Hautes Alpes rally last January.
"Charly" Beck is also a contender and will be doubly motivated after a blank 2006 score following a harsh accident. Denis Millet, 4th last year for the Volant 206 formula, Jeremi Ancian or even Cyril Audirac, recently named "best hope" by Échappement magazine, are to be considered as well.
Lastly, drivers such as Benjamin Mosson or the two rookies of the Junior Rally, Julien Bregeon and Stéphane Pellerey, could make a splash.
The challenge is interesting because versatility will be a must. To obtain the
207 RC offered at the end of the season, drivers will have to be constant on ground as on asphalt, with three of the four best results being counted at the end of the calendar's eight events.
The Terre d'Auxerre Rally will be held 14 and 15 April.
206 Coupe Peugeot press release
