Star drivers get to grips with mount for Dakar

As the countdown to the 2015 Dakar Rally begins to accelerate, the Peugeot-Total squad is continuing to develop the fearsome Peugeot 2008 DKR at a frenetic pace with its three-star drivers, including Cyril Despres, who is getting to grips with competing on four wheels for the first time.

The three crews that constitute Peugeot’s dream team will for the first time all take turns behind the wheel. Following shakedown tests at Freneuse, Montlhéry and Creusot in France, the beast now has the opportunity to demonstrate its mettle across rocky terrain that offers a foretaste of the kind of adventure that awaits it in South America.

Now that Carlos Sainz has drawn upon his experience to identify the inevitable initial teething troubles, his two new teammates have also come along to help out. On the programme is validation of the modifications made to the chassis and cooling system.

Stéphane Peterhansel settles into the high-perched cockpit of his new mount. The French multiple Dakar winner wastes little time in heading towards this track, which represents a real challenge – even for a vehicle that aspires to the life of a trailblazer. As the kilometres pass by, Stéphane confesses to experiencing a genuine culture shock:

“Switching over to two-wheel drive changes everything!” he cheerfully reflects. “I’ve never previously driven a car with so much suspension travel. The first big surprise is the manner in which the Peugeot 2008 DKR soaks up potholes and compressions. I’ve always been accustomed to getting thrown around like a rag doll inside the cockpit, but the behaviour of the Peugeot 2008 DKR is infinitely more efficient and smooth. I’ll need to adapt my driving style accordingly…” All the more so, indeed, as this beast is truly alive!

“Being two-wheel drive, the Peugeot 2008 DKR is a bit livelier and as such, demands a defter and more precise touch behind the wheel since it is not quite as easy to control. You really need to always be at the point of sliding. Apart from that, the engine and gearbox both feel good, and while we are still inevitably a long way from finding the ideal set-up, initial impressions are excellent – there is plenty of potential here.”

So what awaits Cyril Despres? The former motorcyclist – a five-time Dakar winner on two wheels – embarking upon a new career on four wheels, is like a kid at Christmas.

After completing several dozen kilometres, he returns to base, with tears of emotion running with beads of sweat. “That was crazy!” he exclaims, visibly awestruck by the experience. “In every possible area, it’s far better than I had ever imagined it would be! And what’s more, I’m still a long way from pushing flat-out and exploring its full potential…”

We can’t wait for the Dakar!