P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Friday favourite: Peugeot’s Group B gold standard that began Kankkunen’s legend
World Rally Championship legend Juha Kankkunen considers the Peugeot 205 T16 as his favorite car because it delivered his first world title in 1986. The Peugeot 205 T16 is highly regarded as one of the most iconic cars in WRC history, representing the daring and dangerous Group B era of 1983-1986. Peugeot impressed with strong performances in 1984, winning three out of the final four rallies of the season. The car initially produced 350 horsepower, but by 1986, it had evolved into the fire-breathing E2 version with 500 horsepower. The Peugeot 205 T16 won back-to-back manufacturers titles in 1985-86. Kankkunen faced challenges during his solitary season with the car, including the disqualification controversy at the Sanremo Rally, but ultimately secured his first world title, marking the end of the Group B era. Afterward, Kankkunen went on to defend his title in the Group A era and won two more championships in 1991 and 1993.
