Panizzi back at the wheel

Having parted company with Red Bull Skoda earlier this year, Gilles Panizzi has returned to his former home, Peugeot Sport, as a test driver at this time.

Last week he drove the prototype Peugeot S2000, formally called the Peugeot 207 RCup, in the south of France on its first official asphalt test. This follows successful gravel testing at Chateau Lastours with Sebastien Lindholm and resident Peugeot driver, Bryan Bouffier.

A heavy test programme for the car is planned, with the team returning to Chateau Lastours in July before another asphalt test, with two more separate tests scheduled for August.

There will be an official presentation by Peugeot in November but the car is not destined for active competition until 2007, when it will be run by importers' or private teams.

It was with Peugeot that Panizzi, then accompanied by his brother co-driver Herve, took his seven FIA World Rally Championship victories.

-FIA WRC