Since the 2015 Dakar, Team Peugeot Total has continued to work on the development of technical evolutions for its Peugeot 2008 DKR. This ongoing programme will now also include participation in this summer’s 15-day China Grand Rally (CGR).

Team Peugeot Total is having a very busy 2015, with its sights set firmly on the daddy of all cross-country rallies: the 2016 Dakar, the outline itinerary of which was recently revealed.

“We will begin with sand in Peru. This will be followed by some high-altitude running and, to conclude, stages that wouldn’t be out of place on a WRC rally and where two-wheel drive transmission isn’t ideally suited. Overall, it’s a more balanced route than the 2015 event,” said Bruno Famin, Peugeot Sport Director.

From the engine, to the suspension and chassis, every part of the car’s performance has been analysed. Engine testing was carried out in the Paris region last February and, a few weeks later, the team travelled to Spain, where drivers Carlos Sainz, Stéphane Peterhansel and Cyril Despres racked up the kilometres in the 2008 DKR.

Two Peugeot 2008 DKRs have been slated to take part in the China Grand Rally being held from August 29 to September 12. The total length of the route is likely to be around 7,000 kilometres.