Peugeot attempts to repeat its 2009 Le Mans 24 Hours and 2010 Intercontinental Le Mans Cup success with its latest development, the 908 racer. This year's ILMC series will see seven races and new technical regulations for Le Mans itself, which is for double points.
The Peugeot 908 is not the same Le Mans Prototype as competed in previous years, as the designation would suggest. It is a new design, which - according to Bruno Famin, Peugeot Sport's Technical Director - only shares the windscreen wiper with the old car.
The new 908 is built to meet 2011 standards and is the third endurance racing car developed by Peugeot Sport, following the 905 and the 908 HDi FAP. The new car is equipped with a 3.7-litre V8 HDi FAP 550bhp diesel engine, aimed at better fuel consumption. Peugeot, however, stuck with the closed-cockpit layout, and applied a lower downforce aerodynamic kit due to the new regulations (i.e. decreased engine power by 150bhp). Instead, the 908 is equipped with four same-sized wheels in a bid to enhance grip at the front of the car.
Peugeot aims to defend its ILMC title and has submitted entries for two cars for every round of the Cup, except Spa-Franchorchamps where it will compete with three cars.
The 908's biggest challenger is likely to be the equally new Audi R18 TDI.
Mark Nichol - 7 Feb 2011
