Bertrand: Preparation key

Bertrand’s operation will be overseeing four importer-backed 207 Super 2000s plus two privateer versions on round two of the 12-event Intercontinental Rally Challenge.

“The competition is likely to be extremely fierce, so we will need to hit the ground running,” said Bertrand. “That is why our technical team worked hard on optimising the 207 S2000’s set-up to match the specific characteristics of the Gran Canaria stages. The drivers running in the colours of our subsidiaries have tried this set-up and seem pleased with it.

“Our policy is to provide all the crews who choose to run a 207 S2000 with identical, competitive cars and ensure contained competing costs. That has been our chief focus since [winning] Rallye Monte-Carlo.”

Peugeot heads Skoda by 10 points in the manufacturers’ standings while Bryan Bouffier tops the drivers’ table following his victory on January’s Rallye Monte-Carlo.

Kris Meeke was the highest-placed Peugeot finisher on Rally Islas Canarias last year in fourth overall. However, the former IRC champion was extending his lead when he suffered a tyre deflation caused by his car hitting a compression at high-speed.