Peugeot 206 1.1 1999

[linterns]

Loss of power on the motorway electrics dead. Battery drained of all power.

I assumed it was the alternator, but now I'm not so sure. I removed the alternator, recharged the battery to get it to run on battery power alone. The car now starts when I turn the ignition key in position 2 on the switch (should be position 3) and the starter motor solenoid is continually engaging the sprocket with the flywheel. Is the Starter motor at fault or is it the ignition switch?