Insight: After Rocky Debut, Peugeot Will Only Get Better

The result only tells part of the story from the Peugeot 9X8’s race debut, according to Daniel Lloyd…

The first race for the Peugeot 9X8 didn’t go smoothly, but that doesn’t mean it was a failure. One of the French manufacturer’s new hybrid-powered LMH cars finished the 6 Hours of Monza in 33rd position, while the other retired due to mechanical problems.

It would be hard for Peugeot to spin that result into positive reading; however, the former LMP1 giant did demonstrate some encouraging qualities that suggest its radical wingless design will be right in the mix during its first full FIA World Endurance Championship season next year.

Peugeot approached Monza humbly, knowing that its appearance would be monitored by all eyes. It wanted to show its hand and be fast, but also knew that its rivals had proven packages that had recently completed the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

Beating them wasn’t really part of the equation.