In Fuji, Peugeot wants to take a step forward after the race in Austin

What if Peugeot returned to the points zone? After coming close to the top 10 in Austin, the French team could finally return to the top half of the table. The Fuji circuit is a mix of fast and winding track. An aspect that could benefit the 9X8.

The sequence of the two races is fast, allowing us to get back to work directly. We know the Fuji track well, but not with the new version of the 9X8. We know that on certain parts of the circuit, we will have an easier time with the new version, but we must keep in mind that a part of the circuit remains similar to the Austin track. In any case, the team worked between the two races to the maximum to capitalize on the experience from Austin,” announces Jean-Marc Finot, Vice President of Stellantis Motorsport.

The French brand will be able to rely on the experience of its drivers in Japan to best approach this final 6-hour race of the year. Loïc Duval and Stoffel Vandoorne, who have spent several years in the Super GT championship, Formula Nippon, or Super Formula. Mikkel Jensen and Paul di Resta have driven in the Asian Le Mans Series. So, Fuji has been more than once on their way.

« We had a decent race in Austin with car #93, without any mistakes, but we lacked performance and it’s frustrating. Of course, there were some positive moments like qualifying or the start, but overall, we didn’t have enough race pace. I missed Fuji last year, so it will be a discovery of this particular but interesting track, with a very fast first sector and a slow and twisty third one. We will have to find a good balance. The goal will be to score points, says Nico Muller.

Last year, the two 9X8s had finished in seventh and eighth position. The #94 had completed the race one lap behind the winning Toyota. The sister car was another lap down. This year, we hope to once again score points despite fierce competition, says Olivier Jansonnie, technical director of Peugeot Sport.