Peugeot aces Breen and Ancian ready for ERC Rally Islas Canarias
Although the event didn’t originally figure on the Peugeot Rally Academy’s calendar, the Rally Islas Canarias has finally been added and will be contested by two of the programme’s three ambassadors. After his recent performance in Latvia, Craig Breen will start his second ERC round of the year, this time teamed up with Jérémi Ancian in the second 207 S2000.
Jérémi Ancian: “I can’t wait”
Jérémi Ancian’s reward for his victory in the 2012 ‘Volant 207’ (which has this year been superseded by the ‘208 Rally Cup’) was a six-round ERC campaign in 2013 at the wheel of a 207 S2000. Along with his co-driver Gilles de Turckheim, he has the potential to figure rapidly among the European Rally Championship’s front-runners.
Jérémi Ancian: “My programme was supposed to have started at the ‘Açores’. However, after talking to Bruno Famin, we will now start in the Canary Islands. At the moment, this event replaces the Sanremo and that will give us more time to find the extra budget needed to contest seven, or even more rounds this season. I am obviously thrilled to be kicking off my programme earlier than planned because the wait was starting to get a bit long! I admit I don’t know what to expect about either the rally or the other drivers. The biggest challenge won’t be the asphalt, which I enjoy, but the car. I have only driven two-wheel cars until now, except for a short run in a Fiesta WRC a while ago now. Monday’s test before the rally will therefore be very useful! I know I will need time to adapt but hopefully I will be able to set times up there with the top drivers, especially since I will be in a car that has the potential to win…”
Craig Breen: “A great opportunity”
In addition to being factory driver with Peugeot Sport in 2013, Craig Breen has also been recruited as ambassador for Peugeot Ireland and recently took time off testing the 208 T16 to contribute to the launch of the new 1.4-litre diesel 208 Active. Now, Craig’s busy programme will include a visit to the Canary Islands, a little more than a month after he came second overall in Latvia following his duel there with Jari Ketomaa.
Once again, the Peugeot Rally Academy driver will drive the 207 S2000 prepared by Saintéloc Racing. He will also be back with Paul Nagle who has finally found a solution to co-drive the Irishman in 2013.
Craig Breen: “It’s a great opportunity to do an extra rally. On top of that, I hear it’s a very nice event. This will be my first go at it but my co-driver, Paul, has been there before and he has a great deal of good to say about it. After the snow, cold and rain that Latvia threw at us, the Canary Islands will make a pleasant change and, hopefully, we will get some sunshine! My objective will be the same as it was in Latvia. If we feel competitive, we will push and try to win, but the priority will be to learn as much as we can. It’s my first year as a works driver and there is so much that is new to me. It will therefore be important to reach the finish of events in order to score points and gain experience. Taking part in nine rounds instead of eight gives me a better chance in the championship. On paper, I am normally quicker on asphalt than on gravel or snow, and I do enjoy the sort of bumpy, dirty stages you get in Ireland! On top of that, the 207 S2000 is fantastic on asphalt. Everyone in the team is fired up and I think we can look forward to another close fight with some very quick rivals.”
Source: Peugeot Sport
