Peugeot 9x8

The technically ground-breaking Peugeot 9X8 LMH Hypercar broke onto the scene in 2022 with a debut at the high-speed Monza circuit, with the car instantly hitting the ground running. The French firm put three races under its belt – with four fourth place finishes the reward in its debut season. Peugeot has a strong relationship with Le Mans, with the French automotive manufacturer lifting the trophy on the top step in two previous generations. In 2023, two cars from the stable would be rolled out onto the pit lane with the cars’ striking presence, clean lines and lack of rear wing making them a constant pin-up and talking point. Apparently lacking ground effects and rear traction, the car struggled on the bumpy Sebring layout and undulating Portimão venue. By the time Le Mans arrived, the pressure was on the home-grown heroes but this is the circuit the car was built for. The changeable weather conditions saw Peugeot in the mix for the lead battle before eventually finishing sixth and ninth. Monza, the scene of the 9X8 debut 12 months ago, would provide a happy hunting ground as the #93 car was driven brilliantly to the final step on the rostrum to open Peugeot’s podium account in the Hypercar era.