Peugeot recalls Rovanpera

[RallyRaider]

From World Rally News

A matter of months after being cast adrift, Harri Rovanpera is being recalled by Peugeot for the Corona Rally Mexico next month.

The 37-year-old Finn was dropped at the end of last season and replaced by Freddy Loix - and is now replacing Loix after just two rallies.

Rovanpera won in Mexico two years ago in a 206 and has tested the 307 before. He is scheduled to drive the latest car again in Sardinia this week.

Peugeot reiterated that Loix, whose future was the subject of ferocious speculation during the Swedish Rally, remains under contract and will drive for the team again. Peugeot indicate from the outset that other drivers might be used as well for “specialist” events. Team boss Corrado Provera described the Belgian as a “third driver” during the Swedish. 2004 rules require only two drivers per team.

After the shabby treatment he received last year I hope Harri can make the most of this opportunity. I think Loix will be back, especially for the tarmac rallies, that is where his strength is IMHO.

[freakray]

Well, if they want to pound Peugeot with the '2 driver' rule then they better pound Ford for the same.
I am disappointed for Loix, only 2 chances to drive a brand new car and they are already saying he is off the pace and want to get rid of him?

Rovanpera is a natural replacement though considering his past experience.

[ales]

The deal at the moment is MExico only, and it could be a good move on Pug's part as Harri won that event recently (2002, was it?). I'm sure Freddy will get another chance to proove himself in the 307.

[Guido]

Originally Posted by ales

The deal at the moment is MExico only, and it could be a good move on Pug's part as Harri won that event recently (2002, was it?). I'm sure Freddy will get another chance to proove himself in the 307.

I just need to step in now.

Freddy has NOT been threated correctly by Peugeot. Point. After the 10-rally contract as a third driver was signed, Mister Cigar Provera, told Freddy he'd get the 16 rallies. Now that, after Rovanpera's female engineer - who seems to have a good close relationship with Harry - was upset in the way Harri was send walking last year and has misthreated Freddies car (on purpose?) timing belt malplaced, no-one listened to his feedback etc. they put him back on status-3 driver? What is that? We all know that Provera's explanation is a laugh, why would he inform the Belgian press as a first?? He couldn't even confirm if Freddy is going to compete the 8 remaining rounds he has in 307. It'll be a WRC-car Provera said, so it might as well be a 206

I hope to see the day, he shows them some ... in a 206. We tought after Mitsu it couldn't get any worse... well this beats everything, after 2 rallies I'm totally dissapointed.

[RallyRaider]

Dunno about the conspiracy theories Guido, but the biggest vilian in all of this is the FIA. Thanks to them about facing on their about face, Peugeot and Loix were left with a contract that was out of date before it even came into play. Loix was hired as the third driver, so Provera is partly right there (although why he doesn't just support his current team instead of undermining it is beyond me).

Could be Loix is just the meat in the sandwich as Peugeot management try and make the FIA look stupid? Of course the FIA never needed any help in that regard and it is Provera and Co that are looking like gooses at the moment.