Peugeot were an unstoppable, all-conquering force during the Dakar during the late 1980s. Now after a 25 year hiatus, they’re back.
Last year Peugeot were successful in their quest to smash the Pikes Peak Hill Climb record – blazing their way up the mountain in just 8 minutes 13.878 seconds. It seems like the achievement has whet the brand’s appetite for motor sport all over, with Peugeot Sport now announcing it’s return to the 10,000km cross country Dakar rally.
The decision sees the return of nostalgia surrounding the period of history during which the French team won the event four years running – between 1987 and 1990 inclusive.
The first of these victories was with the 205 T16 Grand Raid, while the latter trio came through the use of the 405 T16 Grand Raid. Utterly legendary machines which hold a special place in the heart of any rally fan.
Of course the toughest cross-county rally in the world has changed significantly since Peugeot made an exit – gone are the (sorely missed) dunes of northwest Africa, replaced by the tracks and trails of Latin America. Peugeot Sport will arrive in South America with Red Bull and Total in tow – the machine of choice for the January 2015 kick off is said to be based on the 2008 DKR, whilst the drivers are to be Carlos Sainz and Cyril Despres.
To take on the 10,000km of the world’s longest and toughest cross-country rally 25 years after the French car manufacturer last contested the event, the team has recruited Carlos Sainz and Cyril Despres. We’re sure that having 2008 Dakar Winner Sainz on board will be a real boost to Peugeot’s chances at grabbing their 5th win from five total starts. 
Most of all, we’re just glad to see that Peugeot are so excited about rallying all over again!
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