Loeb gets awesome Pikes Peak Peugeot 208T16 to race again

Peugeot created the car, which produces 875bhp from its twin-turbo engine and uses the rear wing from its 908 LMP1 Le Mans sportscar, specifically for the famous American event.

Loeb used it to set a still-unbeaten record time of 8m13.878s for the 12-mile Colorado course. His Sebastien Loeb Racing team will run the car at selected events after Peugeot agreed to pass it on to him.

Loeb was back behind the wheel recently for a shakedown run at the Anneau du Rhin circuit in his native Alsace region.

"I dreamed of owning this car one day and I was delighted and proud when Peugeot agreed to pass it on to me," he said. "It's quite a complex car to drive but it didn't take me long to find my marks again.

"The sensation at the wheel of the 208T16 Pikes Peak is unique, but nothing much has actually changed. Peugeot Sport engineers took great care over getting it running again and the technical staff at Sebastien Loeb Racing didn't take long to grasp its niceties."

Loeb added he was excited about the opportunity to show his home fans what the car can do.

"I really wanted to drive it again, but this time in my home region, Alsace," he said.

"I think that's important, not only for me and my team but also for French motorsport fans."