Peugeot Sport will not be present at the 90th edition of the 24 Hours of Le Mans with its new LMH prototype. Although the objective of the firm of the lion was to compete with its new Peugeot 9X8 in La Sarthe, the deadlines to be able to put the car on track in the 6 Hours of Spa and meet the FIA and ACO requirements are too tight not to compromise prototype development. With a five-year homologation, the French firm has chosen not to take risks and optimize the evolution of its new prototype.
Although the Peugeot 9X8 is already a functional LMH prototype and could compete on the track, the gala brand wants to have everything tied up when homologating its vehiclesince the life cycle of this LMH prototype is for five years and there are only five jokers to touch up the car until 2025. Those responsible for Peugeot Sport prefer to be cautious and continue to carry out more tests to improve the competitiveness and reliability of the car before the vehicle actually enters the competition.
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In this regard, the manufacturer’s statement ensures that the Peugeot 9X8 will make its debut in the World Endurance Championship in the summer, with an official team that will put two LMH on the track with numbers #93 and #94. Taking into account the WEC calendar, the logical thing is to think that this debut will arrive at the 6 Hours of Monza, which gives Peugeot an additional month to continue the development and evolution of its prototype. However, the firm has not given any specific date or more information about it.
Olivier Janssonnietechnical director of the Peugeot Sport program in the WEC, explained in this regard: “«This decision gives us the time we need to achieve the required level of reliability.. For obvious reasons regarding the ‘Balance of Performance’ adjustments, it would not have been possible to compete in the 24 Hours of Le Mans without first contesting the previous race, the 6 Hours of Spa. Thus, we can put the full weight of our team and all our resources into our own tests».
“Both operationally and from a reliability perspective, Le Mans is the most difficult race on the calendar. We will start with some shorter races, which will allow us to pick up speed progressively in the championship and gain confidence in our car. As with our street vehicles, when we have to choose between meeting a deadline or focusing on quality, we always put quality first» added Olivier Jansonnie to confirm Peugeot’s absence from Le Mans.
Photos: peugeot sport