Peugeot admits 307 WRC is running late
Peugeot has admitted that development of its all-new 307WRC has fallen behind schedule, amid rumours that it is having to fight hard to keep work on the replacement for the all-conquering 206 WRC on track, reports this week's AUTOSPORT magazine
The French team's technical chief Jean-Pierre Nicolas has played down the situation, but he did acknowledge that progress on the new car has been slightly slower than scheduled.
"We have had some trouble with the supply of parts from outside manufacturers," said Nicolas. "We are a little behind, but we expect to be back on schedule by September."
No date has been set for the 307WRC's launch, but drivers Cedric Robert and Andrea Aghini continue to test prototype versions of the car. Reigning world champion Marcus Gronholm drove the car for the first time three months ago, while Briton Richard Burns is scheduled to have his first run in the new machine in mid-July.
"I would not say the car is faster than the 206 right not, but we would not expect it to be," said Nicolas. "The new car is at the start of its life, so it is the same at the 206 was at the start of its life. At the moment, we are running the car, finding the problems and working them out."
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