Peugeot’s Le Mans Project
According to L'Equipe

Today's issue of the French sporting paper provides some interesting news regarding Peugeot's return to endurance racing – writes David Legangneux.

"We are on time," is the important comment from Jean-Pierre Nicolas, in L'Equipe. "All our choices are made, about chassis and engine, but we want to keep them confidential for as long as possible."

80 technicians are working on the outline of the car, in the charge of Bruno Farmin, who was already working for Peugeot before this project and who became Peugeot Sport's technical director on December 1.

Paolo Catone has been named head of design (he was responsible for the latest Courage prototypes), Claude Guillois is in charge of the engine, Jean-Marc Schmidt of the chassis, Guillaume Cattelani of the aerodynamics and Patrice Lacour looks after the workshop.

"We are designing the car internally," said Jean-Pierre Nicolas, "we are managing the overall project but we have deals with numerous contractors." The French paper suggests that Mecachrome is involved with the engine and either Dallara or Lola with the chassis.

The engine will be unveiled by Frédéric Saint-Geours, Peugeot's General Director, at Le Mans on Thursday June 15. The car itself will be unveiled at the Paris Motor Show (between September 30 and October 15), then Eric Hélary will carry out the shakedown at the beginning of December.

Peugeot Sport observers will be at Sebring next week, to keep an eye on the diesel opposition….

Will the challenge of the first diesel win at Le Mans be won by Audi, before the new Peugeot prototype becomes a reality?