Peugeot has a meeting in unknown land in Brazil
The Peugeot team, with its two 9X8, will set its wheels on Brazilian soil for the first time. This raises many questions about performance. However, Peugeot could rely on its reliability, which was demonstrated at Le Mans.
Where will the Peugeots be at Interlagos? It’s the big mystery. Like most teams, the Lionesses will discover this winding track of Interlagos. The wing placed on the 9X8 version 2024 could provide a big advantage to the two trios.
According to information gathered in Le Mans, Peugeot could have an advantage on the straight line as the top speed of the 9X8 is one of the best in the Hypercar field. But the BoP could come into play and slow down the Lioness.
Our preparation is based exclusively on simulation. It is therefore inevitably more complex than a race we know, but everyone is in the same boat. We approach São Paulo as we approached Qatar or Imola, analyzes Olivier Jansonnie, Technical Director of Peugeot Sport.
Pilots’ experience
Peugeot can count on its reliability, which was exemplary at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. The 9X8 did not experience any mechanical issues. The French team has clearly made progress in this area. A positive sign for the rest of the competition.
Out of the six drivers from the Peugeot team, only Mikkel Jensen will discover the São Paulo circuit. Paul di Resta, Loïc Duval, Nico Müller, Stoffel Vandoorne, and Jean-Eric Vergne have already driven on this legendary track, either in endurance racing or in Formula 1.
After two very intense weeks at Le Mans, we recharged our batteries and I am ready for the next race. Interlagos is a beautiful circuit with a lot of rhythm, changes in elevation. It is a place full of history. The first sector is iconic with the Senna “S” which could suit our package well. Sector 2 is quite slow, which may not be our strong point. Nobody has tested at Interlagos, we are starting from a blank sheet. It’s the unknown for everyone and I love new challenges, says Nico Muller from #93.
