A positive Test Day for the #10 Peugeot 908 HDi FAP

Team ORECA-Matmut capitalised on the return of the Test Day to rediscover the 24 Hours of Le Mans circuit. It was an ideal preparation for the twice around the clock classic to take place June 11 and 12. As Olivier Panis was competing in the GT Tour this weekend, it was Nicolas Lapierre and Loïc Duval who drove the No. 10 Peugeot 908 HDi FAP. The two men took turns with driving duties during the eight hours of testing, completing the planned agenda.

Although Nicolas, Loïc and the entire Team ORECA-Matmut knows Le Mans with the “Lion” already very well, this Test Day was sure to be enriching. With the introduction of a new rules package, the team was looking to gather as much information as possible before race week. This is exactly what the two drivers did. After getting back into the swing of things behind the wheel, Nicolas and Loïc tested several aerodynamic configurations during the morning session. Mission accomplished in the aero department by early afternoon before starting important work on the tyres.

“After a few laps, the track quickly improved and we found the car that we know,” explains Nicolas Lapierre. “Because of the new modifications due to rules changes, we had to find new marks, notably the braking points. Testing went without a problem. We advanced step by step during the day, especially with the tyres: we were able to determine the different stages of use in the tyres, which is good.”

The same sentiments for Loïc Duval, who was charged with testing the aero package: “We had a good base for the set-up and the first laps confirmed this. The Peugeot 908 HDi FAP is still excellent on this track! As for the aero, the new rules change things a bit, so we tested several solutions, with interesting results. We are continuing down the right road…”

“We didn’t preoccupy ourselves with the others,” said David Floury as he reviewed the day’s work. “We concentrated on our program without rushing. As always, Nicolas and Loïc were excellent. We completed all of the planned tasks, with a perfectly reliable and quick car. The gap to the new cars is what we’d imagined. We will therefore work on our strengths.”

Next rendez-vous will be May 7 for the 1000km of Spa-Francorchamps…