Seb Loeb sets course record at Pikes Peak

Sebastien Loeb has added a win in the historic Pikes Peak hill climb to his illustrious record. Taking outright victory in the 91st edition of the famous “race to the clouds”, the nine times World Rally Champion set a record time of 8.13.878, making him the first man to climb the 12.42-mile course in under nine minutes.

Rising from just over 9,000ft to 14,110ft, the challenging Colorado course climbs through 156 turns to its summit and finish line, yet Loeb averaged an incredible 87.4mph in his Red Bull backed Peugeot 208 T16.

• Peugeot 208 review

Powered by a 3.2-litre twin-turbo V6 engine, the four-wheel drive, mid-engined 208 was built to compete in the unlimited class of this famous race. With a spaceframe chassis and an incredible 875bhp, the French racecar thrilled the crowds at this classic American event.

Pikes Peak legend Rhys Millen finished second in his unlimited class Hyundai, with a time of 9.02.192, while 2013 Le Mans GT class winner Romain Dumas retired when his Norma prototype suffered a mechanical failure.

In the rain affected electric vehicle class, six-time Pikes Peak winner, Nobuhiro “monster” Tajima took victory in his E-Runner special, with Mitsubishi’s pair of MiEV Evolution II racers taking the other podium spots.

But coming 25 years after Peugeot’s last win in the event, with the 405 T16, it was Sebastien Loeb’s stunning drive that will be remembered. And with the French firm keen to make the most of its success, the winning 208 T16 will be air freighted back to Europe to make a starring appearance at the forthcoming Goodwood Festival of Speed. However, with his loan from Citroen over, British fans won’t get to see Sebastien at the wheel, as the record breaking 208 T16 will likely be driven by Peugeot’s test driver Gregory Guilvert.