Peugeot UK Kicks off Their 2009 IRC Campaign

Peugeot UK and Kris Meeka will line up at the start of the 77th Monte Carlo rally, one of the oldest races of its kind, alongside reigning IRC champion Nicolas Vouilloz and his other KRONOS supported team-mate Freddy Loix. Driving te Peugeot UK KRONOS prepared 207 S2000, Kris will be aiming to repeat his previous victory at Monte Carlo back in 2005 in the JWRC.

The ceremonial start of the rally commences in Monte Carlo, in front of the Casino, on the evening of Tuesday 20th January and finishes back in the pricinpality on Saturday 24th. The rally will be contested over three legs and will also include four stages held at night, with two runs over the famous "Col de Turini".

Following tradition, 100 competitors will be allowed to start the rally, however, only the top 60 will go through to the final Turini stages. The rally will finish at 01:20 on Saturday morning.

A number of well-known drivers will also join Kris and the IRC regulars at the start of the rally. These will include: former World Rally Champion Didier Auriol, three times winner of the Monte Carlo Rally driving another Peugeot 207 S2000; Toni Gardemeister, who finished second overall on the Monte Carlo Rally in 2005, driving an Abarth Grande Punto and Le Mans Peugeot 908 HDI FAP driver, Stephane Sarrazin, driving a Peugeot 207 S2000 for Peugeot Sport.

Source: Peugeot Motor Sport Press