H+9: Peugeot solid in the lead

On a sporting level, Peugeot did not encounter any problems, neither on the mechanical level, everything taking place like a well-oiled rehearsal for the French manufacturer. At the end of the eighth hour of the race, the No. 908 Peugeot 08 HDi FAP was able to take advantage of a neutralization to take the lead, Pedro Lamy starting again ahead of Anthony Davidson. The latter, who spun shortly before, was saved by neutralization. But, while the end of the race is scheduled for 3:30 a.m. (French time), nothing can hinder the firm's double at the Lion.

On the other hand, uncertainty still reigns regarding the number of the car that will win. If Peugeot has a lot of certainty regarding the reliability of its car, it is more the racing strategies that are tested at Sebring. No. 07 and No. 08 started with different strategies. While the 07 saw a change of driver from its first stop (Alex Wurz replaced by Marc Gené), the 08 saw Sébastien Bourdais complete a double relay. Since then, the two cars have been on a staggered strategy, their positions alternating on the track due to the length of each stop.

The duel with Lola Aston Martin ultimately did not take place, while Peugeot feared rivalry from gasoline-powered cars. Olivier Quesnel, director of Peugeot Sport, remains suspicious. “ These cars can go faster but, as we have increased the size of the flanges for the “gasoline”, they consume more, he confides to Motors TV. Today, it is no longer performance that makes the difference, it is consumption. As our performance was reduced, we worked a lot on consumption and we managed to maintain the gap on the clock thanks to that. But I didn't expect gasoline engines to be so thirsty ! »

Proud to see two Peugeots in the lead, Olivier Quesnel declares that no instructions have been sent to the drivers of the Lion firm, other than not to take unnecessary risks. Uncertainty therefore reigns regarding the identity of the winning crew, with race strategy having to weigh in the end. On the other hand, on the mechanical side, everything is fine.

« Everything is under control, we are leading the race, the two Peugeots are in front, confirms a serene Quesnel. We are more than eight hours in and there are no mechanical problems to report. The car is in its fourth year, it is normal that we are the most reliable. As we will not be the fastest at Le Mans, it is essential that we be the most reliable, the smartest, the fastest in the pits. »