What they think of the Peugeot 908

Olivier Quesnel announced the day after the 24 Hours of Le Mans 2010, the nine driver endurance  programme had been renewed. All have tested the new 908, and unanimously recognize the effectiveness of its chassis.

Franck Montagny: "It's a great car, I like it! We must adapt because the whole philosophy of the car has changed. We need to work on the suspension rather than the engine. It's a little frustrating, because there is less power, but it's the same for everyone. Endurance is the only sport where we can develop new technologies, and I feel very involved in this programme"

Simon Pagenaud: "This 908 is much more agile, much more lively than the last. This does not mean it is more difficult to drive. It goes faster cornering more accurately. With the wide tyres in front, you can brake later without risk of locking the wheels."

Sebastien Bourdais: "It's an evolution, not revolution. It was a concept that worked very well, and small weaknesses were identified and corrected. I think this car will still be very versatile and high performance at Le Mans. On the twisty circuits it could be even more effective than the 908 last year. It is in continuity with a car full of qualities, which will continue to make reliable."

Stéphane Sarrazin: "Everybody thinks it is almost identical to the old. Not true! When you put one beside the other, the fact becomes obvious. The new one is slimmer, more accomplished. You will see at Sebring since both generations are present."

Marc Gene: "At first I was surprised by the lack of power of the new V8 from the V12. The chassis is incomparable with the former, it compensates for the weakness of the engine. The car is much more effective in changing direction, it will be spectacular to see in the corners."

Pedro Lamy: "Peugeot kept stability in both the car and in its driver crews. This will be my fifth year with the team! I very proud to be re-signed this season because it is a recognition of the work achieved in recent years. We are very confident for the 2011 season!"

Nicolas Minassian: "Contrary to appearances, this car is very different from the old. It is more reactive and its behaviour resembles that of a Formula 1. The nose is very effective. Inside, the ergonomics of the controls has been completely revised in light of our remarks. Only the visibility problem related to the amount of the roof remains."

Anthony Davidson: "With lower power, the car is a little bit slower and it's disappointing for us drivers. However, the aerodynamics are a big step forward. With a smaller engine, weight distribution is much better and the chassis is more effective in cornering. I am eager for battle, because I am sure that Audi and Peugeot will be very close!"

Alexander Wurz: "I hope this car will get me a win at Le Mans again. I'm not worried about its effectiveness, I just hope it will be reliable. Besides the name, everything is new in this prototype. The technical team had a clean sheet. With 150 horsepower less, the aerodynamics are paramount. "

Julien Hergault

Photo: PARIS, PRESENTATION OF THE PEUGEOT 908, 3rd February, 2011. The nine drivers will be at the 24 Hours of Le Mans and will share the driving of two 908's in ILMC.