908 HDI FAP 2010

At the time of the finish of one-two at Le Mans this time last year, Peugeot is looking for a second consecutive victory in the prestigious French race. Twelve months of hard work of preparation since June 2009 have kept the team under pressure in their attempt to repeat the success of this unique event that attracts more popular than 250,000 spectators a year.

From 2009-2010: scenes of emotion and a lot of hard work, if only for foreigners, and the pitfalls of the play, which have always been an integral part of feeling Le Mans 24 hours a day and the joy that come win a big race in the French language is completely unique. When the Peugeot had the privilege of tasting success at Le Mans in 2009, was able to measure the wave of passion, therefore, ask that the public and the entire company. Victorious in the 908 HDi FAP and its three drivers - Alexander Wurz, Marc Gene and David Brabham - began almost immediately, "lap of honor" tour, which lasted from June to September, before the machine finally the way back to Vélizy laboratories of the team. Since then, his gaze firmly, 2010, the anniversary of 200 years of Peugeot Team Peugeot Total not take your eye off the ball nothing.

Last January, the French automaker released details of its new project, which - in line with the signing of a brand of all-new Peugeot, business and emotional - continues to put emotions at the heart of motor racing and motor sport is long been deeply ingrained in the DNA of Peugeot.

Careful preparation after the checkered flag fell from the visit last year to 14 June 2009 in Le Mans, the team's preparations are in the form of three races and 11 of the testing sessions, including a simulation run, the set-up and to progress with Michelin tires completely. "Our work is focused on the regulation of the 908 HDi FAP in the 2010 regulations, which essentially means that the engine and chassis," says Peugeot Sport Technical Director Bruno Famin. "Only the change in shape is the result of years to adapt to this new engine. We tried to recover the lost power due to the change of the rules involved with Bosch is lit, the fight against energy loss through friction with the total efficiency and improve the flow of intake and exhaust with the Dow.

All the things that gave us problems in 2009, is also taken into account, even if we have helped in our ongoing effort to improve reliability. This is the fourth and final competition of the 908 HDi FAP. It 's a very good coach and I think we can expect an incredibly exciting Le Mans 24 hours, I think it's very close to the flag of the flag. "

Millet 100 of Spa-Francorchamps in May gave a foretaste of what fans can expect at Le Mans, namely a long sustained sprint where the slightest mistake or misjudgment on the track, in pits or in words strategy could prove very costly. It was therefore considered essential for the team to get in the practice of real-world race to give everyone a chance to repeat their roles in the kind of pressure that only a competitive offer. In October of last year's 10 hours Petit Le Mans, March's 12 Hours of Sebring and the last 100 million spa, all tours, which have helped make Team Peugeot Total operation more mature, a process facilitated by his one-doubled in all three races. To date, the 908 HDi FAP carved an extraordinary item of 15 wins in 21 starts, including classics such as Le Mans, Sebring, Petit Le Mans, etc.

After returning from three factories Spa 908 HDi FAP have been stripped of everything that has been thoroughly checked and reviewed by the inquiry to be held in Le Mans Sunday, June 6. At the same time, the mechanics of the team were committed Vélizy workshop to train the wheel changes and long-term work to ensure that they are ready for any eventuality. "We also run in some parts of Le Mans, Magny-Cours," said Bruno Famin and test drive the latest car to be designed for their purposes, near Paris. When the week of the race starts, we will use the first part of Wednesday and Thursday for free and eligible to work in practice set-up in our three cars and to evaluate fuel consumption and tire performance, but at the same time to gather as much information as possible, we need this weekend . after the race Wednesday night, the engines modified to save the race. "

"We see ourselves as the challengers again, despite last year's win"

"Our win at Le Mans in 2009 did a great deal for the team's confidence," notes 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. And we mustn't overlook the other cars, either. The Aston Martins, for example, enjoy greater top speed compared with last year, and that can sometimes force our drivers to take risks when overtaking. This is our car's fourth year of racing, so, in this respect, we see ourselves as the challengers again, despite last year's win…"

In addition to its existing associations with Total, Michelin, Bosch, Dow, Eurodatacar, Peugeot Financement and BRM, Peugeot Sport will also boosted by support from PlayStation for the 78th edition of the Le Mans 24 Hours.

A line-up of nine sprinters

Team Peugeot Total's 2010 driver line-up comprises nine evenly-matched, bonded, fast and experienced drivers who are ready to join battle to take the team to the top step of the podium at Le Mans for the second year running. Between them, they boast 54 previous participations in the Le Mans 24 Hours!

N°1 908 HDi FAP (blue mirrors)

Anthony DAVIDSON (GBR) / Marc GENE (ESP) / Alexander WURZ (AUT)

Gené 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.

N°2 908 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 27 starts between them. Stéphane Sarrazin has claimed the last three pole positions.

N°3 908 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. Following their success in Belgium, Pedro and Simon went on to win the Nürburgring 24 Hours and the ALMS round at Laguna Seca respectively.

Key statistics

- There will be four Peugeot 908 HDi FAPs at the start of this year's Le Mans 24 Hours (three factory cars, plus the Oreca car)
- The 908 HDi FAP has contested 21 races and notched up 15 wins since 2007
- Since their Le Mans debut in 2007, the different 908 HDi FAPs have totalled 191 hours of racing in La Sarthe from a possible 192 hours
- Team Peugeot Total's nine drivers boast 54 Le Mans starts between them
- There will be some 2,000 Peugeot guests at Le Mans this year (sales network, subsidiaries, partners, media, etc.)
- Peugeot will have 25,000 square metres of hospitality space at Le Mans this year, with 40 cars on display