24 Hours of Le Mans 2024 – Manufacturer perspectives: Peugeot
The first free practice sessions of the 92nd edition will start this Wednesday: an opportunity to assess, before the serious things start, what the approximately fourteen manufacturers engaged in Hypercar and LMGT3 can hope for. Peugeot, on the other hand, finally wants to play at the top of the field, with its new 9X8.
The French public found it hard to believe last year: Peugeot had taken advantage of the rainy conditions and racing events to find themselves at the top of the 24 Hours of Le Mans. The dream faded around 2 a.m., when car N°94 hit the wall at the Daytona chicane.
This year, everything is different within the Sochaux troops: the old version 9X8 missed the podium in the last race, in Losail. Then came the 9X8 2024, with the long-awaited rear wing. But new concept means new BoP, and the Lion had to break it in.
At Le Mans, the Test Day revealed the 9X8s not seeming to be left behind at all. But it is obvious that, compared to the competition, the game looks tough.
And it would be even more inspired for Peugeot to score points at Le Mans, in order to make a leap in the championship. Only ten small points were scored in the first three races, with however some great races achieved by no. 93, and sometimes by no. 94.
Even if it won’t be easy in Sarthe, Jean-Marc Finot’s troops, the head of Stellantis Motorsport, have reason to hope.
On one hand, the weather forecast is unpredictable. Certainly, the Peugeot has changed its concept and must adapt to it. But the rain and the specific nature of Le Mans (a speed-oriented circuit) could be two elements helping the Lion.
Before the first free practice sessions, it is difficult to really know if Peugeot still has some performance in reserve. Not enough to challenge the leaders, but at least to be in the right group.
It must also be said that the 9X8 has a heavy legacy to bear: that of the 905 and the 908, winners at Le Mans in 1992, 1993, and 2009. A surprise to hope for?
