TEAM PEUGEOT SATISFIED WITH FIRST RALLY OUTING

Team Pirtek Peugeot drivers Hein Lategan and Visser du Plessis can reflect on a satisfying run in the challenging Sasol Rally over the weekend. Both Peugeot 207 S2000s performed flawlessly in their first real outing in the South African Rally Championship and ended the event in points scoring positions in this FIA African Championship event.
 

The Sasol Rally delivered its normal mix of quick and tough stages in the forest areas around Sabie and Nelspruit. As South Africa’s only true forest type rally this event typically tempts competitors to attack the stages and compete on the edge of their own, and their vehicles’, endurance. Within the first few stages a fierce battle for the top ten positions developed between the four makes of vehicle at the head of the field and took a severe mechanical toll as usually bullet proof competitors picked up mechanical issues.

It was in this hugely competitive environment that Lategan and du Plessis got their first taste of special stage competition in their Peugeots. Both showed a steady improvement in stage times as the event progressed edging into the top six or seven stage times by mid-rally. In the penultimate stage of the event Hein Lategan set the second fastest time as he became more comfortable with the car.

STORY BY PEUGEOT