Peugeot lose Formula Rally appeal

[SJ Spode]

According to autosport.com, Peugeot's appeal against its disqualification from last year's Formula Rally series on a homologation technicality has been rejected by championship stewards.

Justin Dale and co-driver Andrew Bargery were stripped of their Formula Rally title for having breached the championship regulations because their 106 car was not homologated. Apprantely their had been a gentleman's agreement with the other manufacturers at the beginning of the year that the 106 could run un-homologated, as long as the 206 Super 1600 made its debut before the end of the season.

A 206 was run on the series final round, the Banbury Rally, but driven by Barbara Armstrong and not Dale. That prompted the series' other manufacturers to lodge a complaint against the team.

A similar appeal for the Proton Satria team of Mats Andersson and Claire Mole was also rejected.

Martin Rowe is now the official Formula Rally Champion, with Ford Puma team-mate Patrick Magaud second. Martin Sansom in the second Peugeot 106 GTi moves up to third overall.

Must admit I feel sorry for Justin Dale; he had a great year. I think Peugeot set out with every intention of running the 206 with Dale but by the last round (correct me if i'm wrong) it was too close to risk on a relatively untested car.

[Speedworx]

Peugeot broke the rules and have paid the penalty. Martin Rowe deserved the title in all fairness.

[Takuma]

It is the right decision, if they cant abide by the rules they deserve to lose the title