Peugeot to end Dakar programme after next year’s rally
Peugeot, which won the Dakar Rally in both 2016 and 2017, has revealed it will end its programme for the challenge after the 2018 race.
The move was largely expected, after comments made Sebastien Loeb earlier this month hinted at an exit, and Peugeot’s dissatisfaction with upcoming rule changes.
“As this will be the last Dakar for Peugeot, we would like to finish our amazing campaign on a high note,” said Peugeot Sport director Bruno Famin. “But as I always say you can’t count on anything in advance. The most difficult thing after winning is to do it again.”
The team will retain its drivers for the 2018 event. As well as Stephane Peterhansel, who won the event in both of the last two years, World Rally champions Carlos Sainz and Sebastien Loeb, and Dakar motorcycle winner Cyril Despres, will remain.