Peugeot celebrates 100 years at the 24 Hours of Le Mans and aims for the front of the pack

One hundred years ago, in 1926, two Peugeot 174S took part in what was then called the "Grand Prix ofEndurance of 24 Hours.” A century later, almost to the day, the Peugeot 9X8s numbered 93 and 94 will take off from the starting line of the Circuit des 24 Heures to perpetuate a unique relationship between the Lion brand and the Le Mans race. 44 participations, three victories — in 1992, with the historic 1-2-3 finish of the 905s in 1993, and the 1-2 finish of the 908 HDi FAP in 2009 — and an almost uninterrupted presence as a manufacturer or engine supplier: Peugeot is one of the Le Mans families, and this 2026 edition is its most solemn celebration.

For Emmanuel Esnault, the team director, the stakes go beyond the sporting realm. “Participating in this special edition, marked by the centenary of the brand’s first participation, gives even more meaning to our commitment. We are, at our level, the custodians of this heritage, with the desire to keep it alive and to ensure its place in the present and the future.” Peugeot CEO Alain Favey shares this vision: " This year, Le Mans 2026 will be much more than a race. It will be a major celebration of our heritage and our future.

An encouraging sporting dynamic

While the anniversary occupies a central place in the team's communication, the sporting ambition is very real. After its Hypercar debut marked by the difficulties of a 9X8 without a conventional rear wing — a bold aerodynamic gamble that long penalized performance — the car has undergone a significant evolution.

The Imola and Spa-Francorchamps rounds confirmed progress in both qualifying and race pace, and the team approaches Le Mans with renewed confidence. "The progress observed since the end of the 2025 season reflects a positive dynamic.", the team emphasizes. In a field of eighteen Hypercars, aiming for the front positions remains an ambitious goal — but more realistic than it was a few months ago.

Paul Di Resta, who shares the number 93 9X8 with Nick Cassidy and Stoffel Vandoorne, sums up the group's mindset: "I think we are better prepared than in previous years. We have worked well on the simulator, the car is reliable, the team is ready." Vandoorne, for his part, puts the issue back into its context: "It's for the 24 Hours of Le Mans that manufacturers like Peugeot are involved in Endurance racing."

Clear ambitions

In issue number 94, Loïc duval He returns to a race he considers a home event — he's from Chartres, just 130 kilometers from the circuit. Alongside him, Malthe Jakobsen will represent Denmark in an event steeped in history for Nordic drivers, particularly Tom Kristensen.

Theo Pourchaire, who grew up in Le Mans during his years at the FFSA Academy and passed his baccalaureate there, will compete in his first Le Mans race in Hypercar after an experience in LMP2 last year with Algarve Pro Racing. “As a Frenchman, racing at Le Mans in a French car, especially for the brand’s centenary… It puts a bit of pressure on me, I would really love to get a good result.”

For fans, Peugeot has planned a packed program of events throughout the week: an exhibition of the new E-208 GTi in the manufacturers' village, open-air cinema screenings of cult motoring films—Rush, Le Mans '66, Gran Turismo, Taxi—and, most notably, a grand historic parade on Saturday, June 13, featuring twenty iconic racing and production vehicles from the history of the lion brand. The race will start at 4:00 PM, with Sir Mark Cavendish giving the starting signal. One hundred years and one day after the Peugeot 174S, the 9X8s will take to the track for the 94th edition of the 24 Hours of Le Mans, hoping to reach the top step of the podium.

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