It’s still called the Peugeot 908 HDi FAP, which is rather confusing because there are plenty of differences compared to 2010’s version. Those changes are thanks to a revised set of regulations, designed to cut the continued dominance of diesel-powered cars in endurance racing.
Not that Peugeot has been persuaded to switch to a petrol engine, though.
The 908 is still fuelled by diesel, but its motor is no longer a 5.5 litre V12. In its place is a 3.7 litre V8, capable of producing 542 bhp (404 kW / 550 PS). An impressive figure, but that smaller capacity means the 2011 908 is around 147 bhp (110 kW / 150 PS) down on its predecessor.
Having won the 2010 ILMC series, Peugeot is naturally eager to defend its title this season. The expanded championship now includes the Le Mans 24 Hours, a round which will receive particular focus given that all three 908s failed to finish 2010’s disastrous event.
Interestingly, the driver roster for the June race has already been decided, and it’s exactly the same as last year:
#7 908: Alexander Wurz / Anthony Davidson / Marc Gené
#8 908: Franck Montagny / Nicolas Minassian / Stéphane Sarrazin
#9 908: Sébastien Bourdais / Pedro Lamy / Simon Pagenaud
Commenting on the decision Olivier Quesnel, the Director of Peugeot Sport, said: ‘At our debrief after the 2010 Le Mans 24 Hours at our base in Vélizy, I told all our drivers that I had every confidence in them for 2011. They are true professionals, every one of them. We have nine world class drivers who count among the discipline's very best. We have everything to gain from sticking to the same line-up.’
| Intercontinental Le Mans Cup 2011 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Round | Event | Country | Date |
| 1 | Sebring 12 Hours | USA | 19th March |
| 2 | Spa-Francorchamps 6 Hours | Belgium | 8th May |
| 3 | Le Mans 24 Hours | France | 11th - 12th June |
| 4 | Imola 6 Hours | Italy | 3rd July |
| 5 | Silverstone 6 Hours | UK | 11th September |
| 6 | Petit Le Mans (Road Atlanta) | USA | 1st October |
| 7 | (Circuit TBC) 6 Hours | China | 12th November |
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