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Peugeot 206 WRC in the World Rally Championship

Peugeot 206 WRC

Manufacturer: Peugeot
Category: WRC

The Peugeot 206 WRC (World Rally Car) was a highly successful rally car developed by Peugeot to compete in the World Rally Championship (WRC) during the early 2000s. Here are some key points about the Peugeot 206 WRC's participation in the WRC:

  1. Introduction: The Peugeot 206 WRC made its debut in the World Rally Championship in 1999, replacing the highly successful Peugeot 306 Maxi Kit Car. It competed in the newly established WRC era, featuring more standardized regulations and specifications for rally cars.

  2. Championship Success: The Peugeot 206 WRC achieved notable success in the World Rally Championship, winning the Manufacturers' Championship in 2000 and 2002. Peugeot also secured the Drivers' Championship in 2000 with Marcus Grönholm behind the wheel of the 206 WRC.

  3. Performance: The Peugeot 206 WRC was known for its exceptional performance on various rally surfaces, including gravel, tarmac, and snow. It featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four engine, producing around 300 horsepower and 500 Nm of torque, coupled with a sophisticated four-wheel-drive system.

  4. Driver Lineup: The Peugeot 206 WRC was driven by talented rally drivers such as Marcus Grönholm, Richard Burns, Gilles Panizzi, and Harri Rovanperä, among others. These drivers contributed to the car's success in the WRC, securing numerous podium finishes and victories.

  5. Rally Wins: The Peugeot 206 WRC secured multiple rally victories throughout its competitive career in the WRC. These victories included iconic rallies such as the Monte Carlo Rally, Tour de Corse, Rally Finland, and Rally Australia, among others.

  6. Legacy: The Peugeot 206 WRC left a lasting legacy in the World Rally Championship, cementing Peugeot's reputation as a dominant force in rallying during the early 2000s. Its success on the rally stage and its iconic design have made it a beloved car among rally fans and enthusiasts.

The Peugeot 206 WRC played a significant role in Peugeot's motorsport history and left a lasting impact on the World Rally Championship. Its championship-winning performances and competitive prowess make it one of the most memorable rally cars of its era.

Peugeot 206 WRC teams and drivers

During its competitive years in the World Rally Championship (WRC), the Peugeot 206 WRC was campaigned by several teams and driven by various talented rally drivers. Here are some notable teams and drivers associated with the Peugeot 206 WRC:

  1. Peugeot Total Team:

    • Marcus Grönholm: The Finnish driver enjoyed significant success with Peugeot, winning back-to-back WRC titles in 2000 and 2002 driving the Peugeot 206 WRC.
    • Richard Burns: The British driver competed for Peugeot in the early 2000s, achieving podium finishes and contributing to the team's success.
    • Gilles Panizzi: The French driver competed for Peugeot, notably achieving victories on tarmac surfaces.

  2. Peugeot Esso Team:

    • Harri Rovanperä: The Finnish driver competed for Peugeot, achieving podium finishes and contributing to the team's performance.
    • François Delecour: The French driver campaigned the Peugeot 206 WRC in select events, showcasing his talent and experience in rallying.

  3. Privateer Teams:

    • Gronholm Racing: Marcus Grönholm established his own privateer team, Gronholm Racing, which competed with the Peugeot 206 WRC in select events.
    • Bozian Racing: The Bozian Racing team campaigned the Peugeot 206 WRC in various rally competitions, with drivers such as Sébastien Loeb and Daniel Carlsson.

Peugeot 206 WRC rally victories

The Peugeot 206 WRC, a highly successful rally car developed by Peugeot Sport to compete in the World Rally Championship (WRC), achieved numerous victories during its competitive years. Here are some of the notable victories of the Peugeot 206 WRC:

  1. 2000: The Peugeot 206 WRC made its debut in the World Rally Championship during the 2000 season. While it did not secure any victories in its inaugural year, it demonstrated its potential with several podium finishes.

  2. 2001: The Peugeot 206 WRC claimed its first victory in the hands of Marcus Grönholm and co-driver Timo Rautiainen at the Rallye Monte Carlo in 2001. Grönholm went on to win five more rallies that season, including the Rally New Zealand, Rally Argentina, Rally Finland, Rally Australia, and Rally Great Britain.

  3. 2002: The Peugeot 206 WRC continued its success in the 2002 season, with Marcus Grönholm securing victories at the Rallye Monte Carlo, Rally New Zealand, and Rally Finland.

  4. 2003: In 2003, Marcus Grönholm and Peugeot continued their winning streak, capturing victories at the Rallye Monte Carlo, Rally New Zealand, and Rally Great Britain.

  5. 2004: The Peugeot 206 WRC enjoyed further success in the 2004 season, with Marcus Grönholm securing victories at the Rally Mexico, Rally New Zealand, and Rally Japan.

  6. 2005: The final season for the Peugeot 206 WRC saw Marcus Grönholm and co-driver Timo Rautiainen clinch victories at the Rally Sweden, Rally New Zealand, and Rally Japan.

Peugeot 206 WRC technical specifications

  1. Engine: The Peugeot 206 WRC was powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four engine. The engine featured direct fuel injection (known as the "EW10J4S" engine) and was capable of producing approximately 300 to 320 horsepower, depending on specific tuning and regulations.

  2. Transmission: The transmission of the Peugeot 206 WRC was a six-speed sequential gearbox. It featured hydraulic operation for quick and precise gear changes, essential for competitive rallying.

  3. Four-Wheel Drive: Like all WRC cars, the Peugeot 206 WRC utilized a sophisticated four-wheel-drive system to maximize traction on various surfaces encountered during rally stages. The system allowed for variable torque distribution between the front and rear axles to optimize grip and stability.

  4. Suspension: The Peugeot 206 WRC featured adjustable suspension components, including dampers, springs, and anti-roll bars. The suspension setup was tuned for each rally event to adapt to different terrain and driving conditions.

  5. Brakes: The braking system of the Peugeot 206 WRC consisted of ventilated disc brakes on all four corners, with high-performance brake pads and calipers. The brakes provided strong and consistent stopping power, crucial for the demanding braking zones encountered in rallying.

  6. Aerodynamics: The Peugeot 206 WRC underwent extensive aerodynamic modifications to improve downforce and stability at high speeds. These modifications included a large rear wing, front and rear spoilers, and aerodynamic bodywork enhancements to reduce drag and improve airflow around the car.

  7. Weight: The weight of the Peugeot 206 WRC was kept to a minimum through the use of lightweight materials and components. The car's low weight contributed to its agility and responsiveness on rally stages.

  8. Safety Equipment: The Peugeot 206 WRC was equipped with a comprehensive safety package, including a roll cage, racing seats, harnesses, fire suppression system, and other safety features to protect the driver and co-driver in the event of an accident.

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