PH Sport optimistic on running three 2008 DKRS

French preparation firm Ph-sport has reported an overwhelming response to its Peugeot-based Dakar programme for next season.

The firm’s first foray into offroad racing will be based around three customer 2008 DKRS, recently delivered from Peugeot’s Velizy factory. The cars are all 2016 specification, as used by Stephane Peterhansel and his factory teammates to dominate January’s South American event.

Ph-sport’s Bernard Piallat told MN he was looking forward to the move into off-road racing for the first time.

“We are very excited by the idea of taking on this new challenge,” said Bernard Piallat, Ph-sport manager.

“Being able to lease the best car in cross-country rallying is an exceptional opportunity, both for Ph-sport and the drivers that choose to join us.

“We have many drivers interested for both Dakar and Morocco and it’s a case of the first three to confirm their programme will have the car.

“We’re confident that the 2008 DKR can win again [with us] next season.”

Ph-sport’s programme with the all-conquering 2008 DKR16 begins with October’s Rally of Morocco.

Ph-sport is the chosen satellite operation for the PSA Group, with the firm running Citroen’s semi-works DS 3 WRCS on selected rounds of the World Rally Championship this year.

While the Abu Dhabi Total WRT won’t be present on Rally Argentina this week, Ph-sport will run a DS 3 WRC for local hero Marcos Ligato.