News in this last week that Peugeot Sport has confirmed its commitment to the Le Mans Hypercar category, the incoming the top class of the FIA World Endurance Championship. The French manufacturer’s programme is set to commence in 2022.
One would have to speculate that a French manufacturer would be very interested in winning the 24 Hours of Le Mans in its 100th year. The event has been held annually wince 1923 and is considered one of the most prestigious automobile races currently held, in the world of motorsport.
“The choice of the LMH category was dictated by several criteria, one being that of a certain aerodynamic freedom. This makes it possible to incorporate, with the support of Peugeot design, the aesthetic detail of the brand,” said a statement from the French manufacturer, which has already started the development of a four-wheel drive hybrid hypercar.
“Welcome back to Peugeot to the FIA World Endurance Championship with the Le Mans Hypercar Project. It is excellent news for the sustainability of this discipline and the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Peugeot and I have a common history, it reminds me of good memories. I wish them the best for the future.” – Jean Todt, FIA President
Peugeot has a long-standing history of endurance racing involvement, having won the 24 Hours of Le Mans on three occasions, in 1992, 1993 and in 2008.
Meanwhile the French brand Alpine (Renault) will contest the 2021 LMP1 class using a ORECA chassis and a Gibson engine. With Rebellion withdrawing from WEC there is speculation that the new Alpine will be a rebadged Rebellion R-13.
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