Peugeot is not roaring yet

Two Peugeot 908 HDi FAP on the front row of the Petit event Le Mans : the Lion could roar but Peugeot is careful not to triumph before the start of the race, which will be given at 17:15 p.m. (French time). “ A first line cannot be refused but this in no way predicts what the race will be like tomorrow, especially in the American context which favors spectacle. », confirms Olivier Quesnel, director of Peugeot Sport.

« This qualification reflects everything we saw during the testing sessions, continues the boss of the French team. The cars display great consistency by managing to align the same times from the first to the fiftieth lap and this is essential in endurance. Everything now remains to be done, especially with the rain which should mix with the heat for the race. The objective is therefore to go to the end with both cars. Road Atlanta is a full-scale work session for the team in preparation for 2010 ».

Peugeot drove a lot during the free practice sessions – “ we are the ones who rode the most » even insists Bruno Famin, technical director – and it is therefore with more experience that the drivers, Pedro Lamy and Stéphane Sarrazin, will start the race.

During free practice, the Peugeot n°08 was the fastest but it was ultimately the n°07 of Lamy/Minassian which took the lead. “ Finally, here is a pole position that makes me particularly happy! », says Minassian.

« Road Atlanta brings me luck, I had already obtained pole in 2006 with the Creation ahead of the Audi R10s, continues the Frenchman. We worked well all week starting from a distance because the other 908 was faster. We made progress by exchanging information with the other crew. In qualifying, I did two clean laps, pushing hard and using the tires well. Since the start of the year, the entire Peugeot Sport team has progressed, gained experience and we surely have the best prototype in the world! »

Franck Montagny, designated to compete in qualifying in place of Stéphane Sarrazin, who had played this role at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, was on the other hand more reserved about his performance. “ I am happy with this 100% Peugeot front row even if I am obviously a little disappointed with my performance in qualifying. I was embarrassed 2 rounds out of the 5 but that's the game! »