Peugeot Sport and Sébastien Loeb have set up camp on the famous mountain for the first official practice sessions ahead of the 2013 Pikes Peak Hill Climb.

The result of the team’s first attempts at the course was particularly encouraging. The team’s preparation included testing the engine on a dyno at altitude and shaking down the car at Pikes Peak Speedway.

On the first day or testing, Loeb tackled the lower part of the mountain during the morning, then attacked the upper portion in the afternoon.

“I feel very confident with the car,” said Sébastien Loeb.

“That’s a reassuring start, if only because of the speeds we get up to here. We are already getting close to the limit in many places. All we need to do now is make some detail changes and we will be ready for the Big Day!”

Loeb took time to familiarise himself with the 156 turns that make up the infamous course, assisted by his co-driver, Daniel Elena.

The aim of the nine climbs was to ensure that the World Rally Champion was able to associate each corner with a precise mental ‘pace note’, a task facilitated and honed by his vast experience of world class rallying

This week’s Pikes Peak test schedule includes:
Friday, June 14 (free practice): 5:30am-8:30am (local time)
Saturday, June 15 & Sunday, June 16 (free practice): 5:30am-8:30am (local time)