Peugeot axes LMP1 sports-car program, won't race in 2012
01-18-2012, 01:12 PM
#1
Safety Car
Thread Starter
Peugeot axes LMP1 sports-car program, won't race in 2012
http://www.autoweek.com/article/2012...n=awdailydrive
By: Gary Watkins on 1/18/2012
Peugeot on Wednesday dropped a bomb on the racing world when it announced that it will shut down its 24 Hours of Le Mans program. The news comes on the deadline day for entries into the new FIA World Endurance Championship, which includes the French endurance classic at Le Mans.
The decision brings the curtain down on the French manufacturer's five-year sports-car program, which saw it run two versions of its 908 turbodiesel LMP1 coupe. Its successes included victory at Le Mans in 2009 and the manufacturers' title in both years of the Intercontinental Le Mans Cup, which becomes the WEC for this season.
According to a Peugeot spokesperson, the decision to quit was made at the French company's highest level.
"This decision has been taken against the backdrop of the challenging economic environment in Europe coupled with a particularly busy year for the brand in terms of new vehicle launches,” Peugeot said in a statement.
"In this context, Peugeot prefers to concentrate its 2012 resources on its commercial performance and, in particular, ensuring the successful launches of the 208, 3008 HYbrid4, 508 RXH, 508 HYbrid4 and 4008, which will take forward the brand's strategy of moving upmarket and extending its global presence."
Peugeot in 2012 had been expected to run a hybrid version of last year's second-generation 908.
The end of the Peugeot program means that Audi will be the only manufacturer contesting a full season of WEC events in LMP1. Toyota will contest only selected events and Le Mans with its new gasoline-electric LMP1 hybrid.
Peugeot on Wednesday dropped a bomb on the racing world when it announced that it will shut down its 24 Hours of Le Mans program. The news comes on the deadline day for entries into the new FIA World Endurance Championship, which includes the French endurance classic at Le Mans.
The decision brings the curtain down on the French manufacturer's five-year sports-car program, which saw it run two versions of its 908 turbodiesel LMP1 coupe. Its successes included victory at Le Mans in 2009 and the manufacturers' title in both years of the Intercontinental Le Mans Cup, which becomes the WEC for this season.
According to a Peugeot spokesperson, the decision to quit was made at the French company's highest level.
"This decision has been taken against the backdrop of the challenging economic environment in Europe coupled with a particularly busy year for the brand in terms of new vehicle launches,” Peugeot said in a statement.
"In this context, Peugeot prefers to concentrate its 2012 resources on its commercial performance and, in particular, ensuring the successful launches of the 208, 3008 HYbrid4, 508 RXH, 508 HYbrid4 and 4008, which will take forward the brand's strategy of moving upmarket and extending its global presence."
Peugeot in 2012 had been expected to run a hybrid version of last year's second-generation 908.
The end of the Peugeot program means that Audi will be the only manufacturer contesting a full season of WEC events in LMP1. Toyota will contest only selected events and Le Mans with its new gasoline-electric LMP1 hybrid.
01-18-2012, 01:21 PM
#2
Safety Car
One question this raises is whether Audi will stay in the game given no competition and the Euro economy being as it is. State-of-the-art Prototype racing ain't cheap and this could easily transform the cost-benefit analysis for the Audi board of directors.
On the other hand they could certainly cut back a ton on the R&D budget for this since they can now run old/current tech and still win going away.
Z//
On the other hand they could certainly cut back a ton on the R&D budget for this since they can now run old/current tech and still win going away.
Z//
01-20-2012, 11:04 AM
#5
Team Owner
Puegot and Audi dominated Sebringthe past few years...gonna be weird not seeing that battle this year
