Quesnel: “A new chapter”

The 1000 km of Silverstone next weekend will be significant in more than one way. Two important events will take place there: the epilogue of the season of Le Mans Series and the birth of the Intercontinental Le Mans Cup. Like a passing of the baton, the LMS will benefit from additional exposure thanks to the reinforcement of Peugeot and Audi, manufacturers highly interested in the new ILMC.

Olivier Quesnel, director of Peugeot Sport, is satisfied to witness the birth of this competition. “ As a manufacturer, we wanted an international endurance championship to highlight our technologies and our know-how around the world and particularly in countries important to our markets., He explains. The ACO listened to us and laid the first stones of a promising building with these three races in 2010. Added to the 2011 regulations, it is the start of a new chapter for endurance races. We therefore had to be present and we will do everything we can to try to make a Peugeot win from 2010 on three continents. »

In addition to the ILMC, the 1000 km of Silverstone will be of interest to Peugeot as part of the Le Mans Series, since the Peugeot of Oreca and Stéphane Sarrazin can be titled. But the 908 from the Var team will also be of help to Peugeot regarding the ILMC.

« We also rely on the presence of the Peugeot 908 HDi FAP from Team Oreca, says Quesnel. This scores points for Peugeot in the ILMC championship. On the other hand, she is playing for the LMS title which we wish her to win. There are therefore two cutting-edge Peugeots capable of scoring points for the ILMC manufacturers' ranking which interests us. As for our drivers, it was obvious to hire our “locals” Nicolas Minassian and Anthony Davidson at Silverstone. We have opted to share the races as equitably as possible for each of our nine drivers, to whom, I remind, we have renewed our confidence for 2011 »

If stability is essential for the drivers, it is also important for the car, since the 908 will benefit from few changes for this race. “ There are no developments per se but adaptations. The cars will be equipped with their “high downforce” aerodynamic kit as was the case at Spa or Sebring. On the engine side, we returned to steel connecting rods »