After two fantastic years with Peugeot UK competing in the Intercontinental Rally Challenge (IRC), Peugeot will bid a fond farewell to the 2009 IRC drivers’ champion Kris Meeke at the end of the year, as today he announces his decision to take up a new challenge in the World Rally Championship (WRC) in 2011. Kris will, however, continue to drive for Peugeot UK until the end of the 2010 IRC season.
Peugeot’s Director of Communications, Andrew Didlick says: “Kris has been a great ambassador for the Peugeot Brand and along with the Peugeot 207 S2000 has surpassed all our expectations when we entered the IRC in 2009. By winning the drivers’ title in 2009, in his first year in the IRC, Kris clearly demonstrated his world class abilities. It’s been a non-stop source of excitement having him on board and we wish him every success for the future.”
Kris, who began his rally driving career back in 2000, after winning a Peugeot UK Competition to find a future “Rally Star”, rejoined the brand in 2009 to spearhead Peugeot UK’s IRC challenge. He also helped Peugeot win a third consecutive IRC manufacturers’ title in 2009 and has placed Peugeot UK on the podium eight times, with five on the top step, from the nineteen rallies he has contested in his Peugeot UK 207 S2000.
Kris Meeke says: “I’d like to extend a huge thanks to Peugeot UK for giving me the opportunity in the IRC and for its commitment and support over these last two years.”
Peugeot UK will continue in 2011 in the Intercontinental Rally Challenge (IRC) and will announce details of next year’s programme, at a later date.