PEUGEOT SAYS: With four rounds of this year’s series remaining, the 2009 Intercontinental Rally Challenge is poised to enter a decisive phase. Although Peugeot still dominates the provisional Manufacturers’ standings, the chase for the Drivers’ title continues to be particularly close. Kris Meeke (207 S2000 Peugeot UK) tops the table with a score of 34 points, five points clear of Jan Kopecky who will be on home ground this weekend with his Skoda Fabia. Giandomenico Basso (Fiat Abarth) and Freddy Loix (207 S2000 Peugeot Belgium-Luxemburg) follow in third spot on 27 points.
"There will be no question of simply trying to notch up points in the Czech Republic; we’ve got to be looking at winning," stresses the Peugeot Belgium-Luxemburg driver Freddy Loix, winner of last year’s Barum Rally. "My aim is to recover second place in the IRC standings and move as close as possible to Kris Meeke in the battle for the 2009 crown. I feel optimistic because I know my car is capable of challenging for victory."
The Belgian driver’s enthusiasm is shared by his French team-mate Nicolas Vouilloz: "The very least you can say about the Barum Rally is that its stages are spectacular to drive. They are extremely fast, and there is practically no room for error on the many portions that take you through the woods. It’s not easy to go quickly when the trees are that close, but that’s what you’ve got to do; driving defensively won’t help you feel any safer. I am less well placed than Freddy in the championship but, like him, the only thing I am interested in this weekend is winning…"