Image credit: Janus Ree Red Bull Content Pool
While the Peugeot brand has been part of the championship since its inception in 2014, this year saw the manufacturer mount a full factory entry with rally star Sébastien Loeb and Timmy Hansen as the main drivers. Kevin Hansen also provided support with a non-manufacturer entry.
Despite the added investment, the dominance of PSRX Volkswagen Sweden has seen Loeb as the only driver other than Johan Kristoffersson to win a race this year.
The statement from the manufacturer reads:
After presenting its new generation of Plug-In-Hybrid vehicles as part of its electrification strategy at the Paris Motor Show, Peugeot announces the development of a new range of electrified sports vehicles from 2020.
The Peugeot brand will concentrate its resources on developing these new vehicles & has therefore decided to withdraw from the FIA World Rallycross Championship at the end of the 2018 season, whose evolution towards electrification is uncertain.
With the announcement out in the public domain, both Hansen brothers have taken to social media to reveal their heartbreak.
Timmy Hansen
✔@Timmy_Hansen
Peugeot Sport withdraws from WRX at the end of the year
Let’s see what the future will bring.
Kevin Hansen
✔@kevinhansen71
My world had been turned upside down this morning. It’s by far the toughest day of my life. I feel really sorry for all my friends at Peugeot Sport, I send all of you all the love I have. Future is now open, lets come back stronger!Peugeot is out of World Rallycross.
While Peugeot is leaving the series as a manufacturer, we could see the return of the Hansen branding to the team, reverting to a private entry, this could also be a similar route followed by the EKS RX team.
Source: The Checkered Flag