Peugeot Sport will race its 2023 spec 9X8 at the FIA World Endurance Championship’s season-opening 2024 race, the 1812km of Qatar, and will instead bring its 2024 car to the following race, the 6 Hours of Imola, in April.
Speaking to reporters in a media call, Peugeot Sport Technical Director Olivier Jansonnie said: “We’re preparing [for] Qatar with the ’23 spec car and hopefully trying to bring a new car in the Imola [race].
“That was the main focus – developing a new car, trying to get the last parts of the aero renovation together with the ACO and FIA, and hopefully be ready on time for Imola with the new car.
“… which means we have to finalise the homologation by the end of March in order to be ready on time and be homologated… [in] that matter, there’s no question we’re really doing everything we can to try to be ready for Imola as a target.”
Peugeot tested the 9X8 with the addition of a rear wing in December 2023, at Circuit Paul Ricard, having only said the test matched their expectations so far.
During the 2023 FIA WEC season, Peugeot struggled with their unique concept without a conventional rear wing, instead utilising smaller winglets mounted above the rear wheels.
The 6 Hours of Monza hosted their only 2023 podium finish with their #93 crew Jean-Eric Vergne, Mikkel Jensen and Paul di Resta.
Having not been able to run competitively as their rivals, especially other LMH outfits such as Toyota and Ferrari, the Stellantis manufacturer aims to retain the way the 9X8 produces downforce through aerodynamics underneath the car, to negate the effect of dirty air from cars in-front.
Imola serves as a temporary replacement for the WEC’s visit to Italian soil, as Monza faces major renovations and updates this year.
Another ACO-run championship, the European Le Mans Series, has made five appearances at Imola with a multi-class structure like the WEC, although fielding LMP2, LMP3 and the former LMGTE formulas.
Despite being cancelled for the 2023 ELMS calendar, they are set to return to Imola on July 7, as the WEC debuts at the fast and tight Imola circuit three months prior on 21 April.
Peugeot will field their 2023 specification at the Qatar season-opener, which is set to be an 1812 km race distance, or 10 hours – whichever comes first.
With it being a smooth track surface, Qatar’s race length will demand a reliable package from Peugeot in order for them to begin the season on a high note, competing in their third season amidst the largest ever WEC top class.
