Loeb and Räikkönen on the 908 Hybrid4 at Test Day

Publicity stunt or real necessity? According to Peugeot , the presence of Sébastien Loeb and Kimi Räikkönen explains this by the absence of a driver available on the day of the first confrontation of the 908 Hybrid4 against the traditional LM P1s. We thought the main drivers were sufficiently advanced in their preparation for the 24 Hours, but it seems that the problems encountered with the 908 this winter are forcing them to focus on the latter.

« The victory at 24 Hours of Le Mans is the priority objective of Peugeot Sport this season, declared Olivier Quesnel. The conclusion of the defects noted on the 908 forces us to work harder and this is why we want our drivers to concentrate on the 908 which, two weeks later, will have to compete in the ILMC round at Spa. A demanding circuit in terms of aero ».

The Director of Peugeot Sport and Citroën Racing denies any attempt at a marketing stunt. “ The choice of Loeb and Räikkönen is logicalHe says. Seb has experience of the circuit and driving this type of car. His podium with Pescarolo in 2006 speaks for itself. As for Kimi, you don't become world champion in F1 by chance. Its adaptation to a prototype will happen naturally and its technical “feedback” will be very useful to us. ».

Last year, both were approached to join the Peugeot Sport squad at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. For various reasons, the project could not be completed. This is an excellent way to get one foot back into the adventure. While waiting for the two rallymen to participate in the Le Mans classic in 2012?

The tests taking place on April 24, this does not call into question the Finn's participation in the race. Nascar Truck Series in Charlotte, May 20.