Peugeot UK overcomes obstacle in IRC shakedown stages

Peugeot UK complete the Belgium shakedown stages

Peugeot UK set the joint second fastest time

Kris Meeke has completed the shakedown stages of the Belgium Ypres rally – albeit on three wheels.

The Peugeot UK team went slightly wide halfway through the first stage, breaking the right hand rear wheel of the 207 S2000.

However this proved little deterrent to Kris and co-driver Paul who, after a quick repair by the Peugeot UK team, went on to set the joint second fastest time.

Speaking after the shakedown, Kris said: “These Belgium roads are quite specific. If you slide wide by six inches you’re going to touch something and be out of the rally. We’ve a lot to learn in this rally.”

The Ypres rally – on tarmac stages – is round five of the 2009 IRC Series. Kris and co-driver Paul Nagle currently top the drivers’ table after two victories on gravel, yet expect competition to be tough this weekend. Kris added: “This is one of the most unique of the season. I’m looking forward to the challenge.”

And co-driver Paul said: ‘Two stages in the dark will be very difficult for us, but we’re looking forward to it – we usually go very well in the dark.”

Keep up to date with all the action with our vodcasts with Kris and Paul.

FINAL RESULTS – SHAKEDOWN STAGES

POSITION	DRIVER	CAR	TIME
1	Jan Kopecky	Skoda Fabria S2000	2:49.2
2	Thierry Neuville	Peugeot 207 S2000	2:49.2
3	Kris Meeke	Peugeot 207 S2000	2:49.3
4	Freddy Loix	Peugeot 207 S2000	2:49.3
5	Nicolas Vouilloz	Peugeot 207 S2000	2:49.4

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