Peugeot team ready for Le Mans challenge

Le Mans: Building on the momentum generated by its one-two finish at Le Mans this time last year, Peugeot is on the hunt for a second straight win in one of the world's most famous races.

Twelve months of hard preparation work since June 2009 has kept the team under pressure in its bid to secure repeat success in this unique event which attracts more than 250,000 spectators annually.

The victorious Peugeot 908 HDi FAP car and its three drivers – Alexander Wurz, Marc Gené and David Brabham – embarked almost immediately on a “lap of honour” tour which lasted from June until September before the car finally made its way back to the team’s Velizy workshops. Since then, with its sights set firmly on 2010, the year of Peugeot’s 200th anniversary celebrations, Team Peugeot Total hasn’t taken its eye off the ball in the slightest.

Since the chequered flag came down on last year’s race, the team preparations have taken the form of three races and eleven test sessions, including extended simulation runs, set-up work and the development of a complete range of tyres in association with Michelin.

“Our work initially focused on adapting the 908 HDi FAP to the new 2010 regulations, which essentially meant the engine and bodywork, explains Peugeot Sport’s Technical Director, Bruno Famin. “The only aerodynamic change is the result of having to adjust to this year’s new engine power levels. We have endeavoured to recover some of the power lost because of the rule changes, which involved working with Bosch on improving engine combustion, reducing power losses through friction with Total and improving the flow efficiency of the intake and exhaust systems with Dow. This is the 908 HDi FAP’s fourth and final year of competition. It is an outstanding car and I think we can look forward to an incredibly thrilling Le Mans 24 Hour; I believe it will be very close from flag to flag.”

Team Peugeot Total had its first taste of victory this year with a one-two finish in the 1,000 km de Spa-Francorchamps in May. This race also provided a taste of what spectators can expect at Le Mans, namely a long, unrelenting sprint during which the slightest error or misjudgement on the track, in the pits or in terms of strategy could well prove very costly. The race was an important part of the team’s preparations as it provided the team with real-world race practise in order to give everyone a chance to rehearse their respective roles under the sort of pressure that only competitive action can provide.

Last October’s Petit Le Mans win, the win in Sebring and the recent 1,000km de Spa have all contributed to making Team Peugeot Total an even stronger team, a process helped by the one-two finishes in all three races.

“Our win at Le Mans in 2009 did a great deal for the team’s confidence,” remarks Peugeot Sport’s Director Olivier Quesnel. “This time last year, we had the impression that our backs were to the wall. Today, we are still under pressure, but we have used that pressure to make positive progress. Le Mans is the greatest race in the world and we all felt a big sense of pride when we succeeded in beating Audi which has been the benchmark in endurance racing for many years. We have done everything in our power to prepare as thoroughly as possible to repeat that win, but everyone is aware that this is a long race during which anything can happen. However, much work you put in, it’s Le Mans itself that decides who walks away with the trophy at the end. I am expecting an extremely intense race because I am sure that our main rival has evolved, as we saw at Spa.”

Team Peugeot Total’s 2010 Le Mans driver line-up consists of nine evenly-matched, fast and experienced team drivers who are ready to take the team to the top step of the podium again.

No1 908 HDi FAP (Blue Mirrors)
Anthony DAVIDSON (GBR) / Marc GENE (ESP) / Alexander WURZ (AUT)
Gene and Wurz were both in last year’s winning car. Marc has one win to his name, while Alexander has won twice from three attempts at Le Mans. This international trio also won last March’s visit to Sebring.

No2 908 HDi FAP (White Mirrors)
Nicolas MINASSIAN (FRA) / Franck MONTAGNY (FRA) / Stéphane SARRAZIN (FRA)
These three French drivers were team-mates at Oreca in 2002, so they know each other and complement each other very well. They also have considerable experience of Le Mans, with no fewer than twenty seven starts between them. Stéphane Sarrazin has also claimed the last three pole positions.

No3 908 HDi FAP (Red Mirrors)
Sébastien BOURDAIS (FRA) / Pedro LAMY (POR) / Simon PAGENAUD (FRA)
These three drivers won May’s thrilling, high-speed 1,000km de Spa-Francorchamps together.