“Battle of the Diesels” Looms as Peugeot Challenges Audi
The world’s top two Le Mans prototype teams will race head-to-head for only the second time ever here at Sebring.
Peugeot announced recently that it will compete for the first time in North America by entering the 56th Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring presented by Fresh from Florida. America’s premier sports car endurance race takes the green flag at 10 am Saturday, March 15.
Peugeot is challenging the domination of Audi, which has won eight consecutive Sebring 12-hour classics. Both teams race diesel-powered prototypes. Audi won in their only previous meeting at Le Mans in 2007.
“This is shaping up to be one of the most competitive Sebring races ever,” stated Sebring President and General Manager Tres Stephenson. “Porsche and Acura should also be in the hunt, making this a four-way battle for the overall victory.”
Pedro Lamy, Nic Minassian and Stephane Sarrazin will pilot the diesel-powered Peugeot 908 in the 12 Hours. It was Sarrazin who posted the fastest time in the three-day test here at Sebring last month, a blistering 1:42.801 (129.571 mph) that was more than two full seconds better than last year's record-setting qualifying mark turned in by Audi's Marco Werner.
"Based on record ticket sales so far, its obvious race fans know this is going to be a special year,” added Stephenson.
Peugeot is seeking to become the second manufacturer to win overall at Sebring using diesel power. Audi accomplished the feat first in 2006 with its R10 TDI and repeated in 2007.