Quarkus and Bruce Jouanny to conquer Pikes Peak in 2024

The French manufacturer Quarkus, which is currently developing its future road supercar, will be at the start of the legendary Pikes Peak hill climb! A unique event for a unique car. Bruce Jouanny will be at the wheel of the Quarkus P3 for this participation in the 102nd edition of the Race to the Clouds, held in the United States on June 23, 2024.

A summit to climb for the Quarkus P3

With its 156 bends grouped in around twenty kilometers, a difference in altitude of almost 1500 meters for an arrival at more than 4300 meters above sea level, Pikes Peak offers an unparalleled setting. It is in this very special environment that the Quarkus P3 will shine at the start of summer 2024. At the heart of the development of its road supercar, the French manufacturer has in fact decided to measure itself against a motorsport legend, the second oldest race in America, established in 1916.

People are precisely at the heart of the program and it is logical that Bruce Jounny will be the driver of the Quarkus P3 bearing the number 26. The Frenchman, involved since the first laps of the wheel, will bring his great experience of competition, he who shone in multiple disciplines, car, tourism or endurance with several participations in 24 Hours of Le Mans.

“I am happy to take on this challenge and looking forward to discovering Pikes Peak, confides Bruce Jouanny. It's a legendary race and one that fits perfectly into the development of the Quarkus P3. We often talk about a life-size test; we couldn't dream of anything better than Pikes Peak. A course on a real road, but with particular constraints: altitude, bumps, hairpins and fast sections, precipices... It's a unique setting to challenge yourself, as a team, manufacturer and driver. I am sure we will learn a lot at all levels. »

Born to race, approved for the road

Technically, the Quarkus P3 stands out for its unique characteristics: a tubular carbon chassis, running gear and suspensions developed in-house, as well as a compressed 4-cylinder engine, coupled with hybridization. Under the hood, around 300hp, for a weight of 600kg. Race-worthy performance for a road-legal car.

In Colorado, the objective will therefore be to confront a specific universe which will benefit the road model. Development will be carried out accordingly. After several test sessions on the circuit, specific tests are planned at altitude in the Alps.

“To embark on the Pikes Peak challenge, while the first development prototype has just been presented, is clearly not reasonable. No manufacturer does this, admits Damien Alfano, founder of Quarkus. But this is our philosophy; believe in our dreams, set no limits and share this adventure with our customers and partners, all as passionate as we are. When Bruce mentioned his idea of ​​climbing this monument, I just couldn't say no. The heart has spoken. Now we're going there, and it's a great opportunity to boost the development of Quarkus. We must achieve in three months what was planned in nine… Let's go! »

Started at the end of November, the project is also measured by a tight schedule. To carry out its mission, Quarkus will count on the support of RD Limited, the structure of Romain Dumas, four-time winner and holder of the time record for the event. The French team is one of the most experienced since it has been racing there since 2012, with victories in the general classification and in the Time Attack 1 and Open categories. It will provide operational and technical support.

In addition to the use of organic fuel, the Quarkus P3 in its Pikes Peak configuration will be the subject of a special aerodynamic study, with a specific body kit. It will be officially presented on May 2 at Prestige Auto Beaune.

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