Peugeot will campaign its Le Mans Hypercar 9X8 with the current technical package in 2026 and defer significant Evo joker upgrades until 2027, after Peugeot CEO Alain Favey set a target of achieving the programme’s first victory.
Peugeot completed only one 24-hour test at Portimao since Bahrain, using the session mainly to integrate newcomer Nick Cassidy (driver), and Malthe Jakobsen (Peugeot driver) said the team compensated with extensive simulator hours and workshop work at Satory.
Emmanuel Esnault (team principal) said the main focus has been understanding the 2026 tyre compounds and developing software and mechanical setup items that do not require homologation, noting software remains a key performance area outside Balance of Performance limits.
Theo Pourchaire (Peugeot driver) warned the 9X8 will perform unevenly across tracks, citing Imola kerb issues and a relative strength in wet conditions, and Peugeot has reshuffled its engineering staff with Mathieu Neuville as chief engineer.
This report is based on information originally published by Motorsport.
Read the full article at Motorsport.
More automotive news: Latest car news