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Interesting comparison can be made between Ford Focus WRC and Peugeot 206WRC, both of which were new and exciting cars that made debut in 1999. Where Focus was able to win it's only third event, 206 only looked like winner and scored win in it's eight event. But roles changed quite soon, Focus too often failing to finish and 206 quickly becoming dominant force.
Before 206WRC ever hit stages it was expected that the mere presence of Peugeot would raise the level of competition. But when truth became apparent, level of 206WRC was beyond anyone's belief. On paper, car is nowhere near as radical as it's spiritual forebear 205T16. But as is case with Peugeot, planning is superior and execution almost flawless.
Transversely mounted engine mated to longitudinal gearbox was one relatively new implementation. This allows almost perfect mass distribution and better serviceability but also makes power transfer from engine to transmission more complex, involving more gears than in longitudinal/longitudinal or transverse/transverse configurations. Indeed, gearbox failures were single most common problem for early 206WRC.
For a driver, especially tall lead driver Gronholm, first impression of the car is it's compact, even miniscule size. Elevated driver's seat due to central transmission tunnel and rear-ward inclined engine all contribute to small interior dimensions. Small size has made life difficult for engineers too, all necessary components have been crammed to positions where they fit, not necessarily where they ideally could be placed.
One curiosity is that team uses their own dampers.
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| Debut WRC event: | Corsica 1999 |
| Best WRC result: | 1st by Marcus Gronholm in Sweden 2000 |
| Rallies contested: | 10 | (works entries) |
| WRC starts: | 24 | (works entries) |
| Outright wins: | 1 | (wins to rallies ratio 10.0%) |
| Podiums: | 3 | (podiums to starts ratio 12.5%) |
| DNF's: | 13 | (DNF's to starts ratio 54.2 %) |
| Points scored: | 31 | (manufacturer championship points) |
| Avg points per rally: | 3.1 | |
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| Group and class | World Rally Car |
| Engine |
| Location: | Front transverse |
| Turbo: | Yes |
| Cylinders: | 4 in line |
| Valves: | 16 |
| Bore x stroke: | 85.0 x 88.0 mm |
| Cubic capacity: | 1997 cc |
| Power: | 300 hp |
| Torque: | 530 Nm |
| Compression ratio: | 8.5:1 |
| Dimensions |
| Length: | 4005 mm |
| Width: | 1770 mm |
| Height: | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase: | 2468 mm |
| Front track: | 1534 mm |
| Rear track: | 1534 mm |
| Weight: | 1230 kg |
| Transmission |
| Drive: | 4WD |
| Gearbox: | Longitudinal |
| Gears: | 6 |
| Sequential: | Yes |
| Clutch plates: | 3 |
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Shock is here in form of Delecour and new Peugeot 206WRC, Tour de Corse 1999
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