Peugeot 2008 DKR to enter Silk Way Rally

Peugeot’s 2008 DKR will return to competition for the first time since conquering Dakar at this week’s Silk Way Rally.

The world’s longest endurance event starts from Moscow’s Red Square on Friday (July 8) and finishes in Beijing 16 days later. Between times, crews will face a 6,670-mile route, of which 2,550 will be against the clock in 15 stages through Russia, Kazakhstan and China.

One of Peugeot’s developments since Stephane Peterhansel’s win in January is the introduction of an air conditioning system in the car – which will be much appreciated as Peterhansel, Sebastien Loeb and Cyril Despres pass through the Gobi Desert.

Loeb told MN: “Silk Way will be the big challenge for Daniel [Elena, co-driver] and I. We are still working for the way in things like the navigation and how to drive in certain conditions. It’s a long road, but it’s what we need to help us be ready for Dakar next year.”

X-raid will line up five Minis in opposition to the Peugeots, with Britain’s Harry Hunt and Yazeed Al-rajhi leading the German squad.

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