Sebastien Loeb to enter 2013 Pikes Peak hillclimb with Peugeot
Nine-time World Rally Champion Sebastien Loeb will compete in this year's Pikes Peak hillclimb for Peugeot
Loeb will drive a purpose-built 208 T16 Pikes Peak in the unlimited class. AUTOSPORT revealed on Wednesday that Peugeot was evaluating a return to the hillclimb challenge.
The precise specification of Loeb's car will be revealed in the middle of next month, but it is likely to run around 600bhp, twice the amount of power he was used to from his Citroen DS3 WRC.
It will be the first time the Frenchman has competed on the Colorado Spring event, which runs on June 30. Peugeot has won it before, however, with the 405 T16.
Maxime Picat, director general of Peugeot Automobiles, said: "I would like to take this opportunity to thank Citroen for this one-off 'loan' of its exceptional champion.
"Our objective is to win, so we needed to stack up as many cards as possible in our favour by joining forces with the very best partners for this unique project, namely Total, Red Bull, Michelin and Sebastien Loeb.
"Pikes Peak is a legendary race that has inspired all the brand's teams. It is also a tough, exceptional challenge which leaves no room for error."
The 12.42-mile route up Pikes Peak features 156 corners in an ascent from 2,800 to 4,300 metres.
It has been resurfaced completely in asphalt for the first time this year.
Rhys Millen set a new record for the climb in his Hyundai last season, crossing the line in 9m46.164s.
Ari Vatanen's 1988 Pikes Peak victory for Peugeot was made into the Climb Dance film which was released the following year.
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