Peugeot Pulls Out Of Le Mans Racing

[Joey]

Peugeot Pulls Out Of Le Mans Racing

It seems the Audi-vs-Peugeot rivalry at Le Mans is no more, as the French automaker announced this morning it will not compete in the 2012 Le Mans endurance series.

The withdrawal certainly isn’t due to a lack of success. After a 14-year absence from prototype endurance racing, Peugeot returned to Le Mans in 2007 with the 908 HDi FAP. After two years of giving Audi’s R10 TDIs a good run for their money, Peugeots took 1st and 2nd-place finishes in 2009. 908 HDI FAPs also helped Peugeot win the LMP1 manufacturer’s title in the 2010 and 2011 Intercontinental Le Mans Cup.

As is frequently the case when automakers pull out of racing, the decision is primarily economic. Peugeot’s global volumes in 2011 fell by 1.3 percent, despite the fact that markets outside of Europe were both up 48% and accounted for nearly half the 2.1 million cars sold. European sales dropped eight percent, while volumes in Greece, Italy, Portugal, and Spain, fell six percent.

“This decision has been taken against the backdrop of the challenging economic environment in Europe, coupled with a particularly busy years in terms of new vehicle launches,” according to an official corporate release. “Peugeot prefers to concentrate its resources on its commercial performance and ensuring successful launches which will take forward the brand’s strategy of moving upmarket and extending its global presence.”
Peugeot had launched a second-generation 908 for the 2011 season, and was preparing a hybrid version of the car for the 2012 series – but the program has apparently gone the way of the 905, and simply become history. As a result, this leaves Audi without a formidable and regular competitor in LMP1 class. Toyota is preparing an LMP1 car of its own for 2012, but will only compete in selected events.

Kind of shocking! Can't believe Audi won't have to face this rival anymore

[03b6avant]

who!? hahaa

[a4spoolin]

what i'd do to drive one of those cars

[Joey]

Audi is basically going to have free reign at the title now with Peugeot out of the running. Kind of disappointing from a competitive stand-point

[Jay]

Audi is basically going to have free reign at the title now with Peugeot out of the running. Kind of disappointing from a competitive stand-point

Could not agree more. Their competition was what really made these races, for me anyway.
Hope fully someone steps up their game but not sure who can do at this point. Audi has this so figured out that it will be super hard to come even close.

[Joey]

Could not agree more. Their competition was what really made these races, for me anyway.
Hope fully someone steps up their game but not sure who can do at this point. Audi has this so figured out that it will be super hard to come even close.

I have heard rumors that Toyota was developing a LMP1 car, but i guess we will just have to wait and see. You are right though, the battle and tension between Audi and Peugeot made these races so exciting. Has anyone ever watched "Truth in 24"? Case and point right there.

[vweater1369]

I have heard rumors that Toyota was developing a LMP1 car, but i guess we will just have to wait and see. You are right though, the battle and tension between Audi and Peugeot made these races so exciting. Has anyone ever watched "Truth in 24"? Case and point right there.

Truth in 24 is a great movie. I love how it is a complete behind the scenes take on the race. The amount of time, energy, and resources that need to be put into that race are mind-boggling. So is their engineering trailer.

After seeing the movie its not too shocking knowing that there aren't many heavy hitters willing to race in that category.