After much speculation Peugeot have officially confirmed they will not be competing in the British Touring Car Championship in 2002.

Peugeot had previously withdrawn from the BTCC before the end of the 1998 season, but returned this year with a two year contract with Vic Lee racing. However the 406 Coupe car was rarely on the pace with the leading Vauxhall Astras and the team only had limited sucess.

The manufacturer has decided to concentrate on competing in the World Rally Championship. Mick Linford said "This is a case of a complete fresh look at our programme following the signing of Burns. It does make a massive difference. We were really excited in the UK when Gronholm won the World Championship, and Burns has got us excited again. I know him well, and Peugeot UK now feels much more a part of it and see it as a massive promotion opportunity to reassess and put our strength behind rallying"

It is possible that independant teams may wish to run the 406 Coupe's in next years championship. It is unknown if VLR still indends to enter 307's in the production class as previously announced.

The withdrawl of Peugoet is a blow to next years championship but even without Peugeot there are three confirmed manufacturers - Vauxhall, MG and Proton, with Honda thought almost certain to join the series.