But it seems that the WEC’s new cost-cutting ‘hypercar’ formula, which sees cars balanced together and allowed to run with or without hybrid systems, has coaxed the French manufacturer back into competition.
The as-yet unnamed latest challenger from Peugeot is expected to run with a hybrid system, as part of PSA’s push for more electric and hybrid road car sales.
Peugeot Brand Director Jean-Philippe Imparato said “The Peugeot brand’s passion for motorsport has always played a core role in achieving the many victories we have scored in our history. The changes that the FIA WEC is introducing fit now with the transition we are undergoing ourselves with the electrification of our range and the launch of high-performance products, developed in close association with PSA Motorsport.”
Currently the new WEC rules are to be contested by Toyota and Aston Martin from its launch at the start of the 2020/21 season, with privateer entries from Glickenhaus and ByKolles hoping that the new BoP (balance of performance) rules mean they can now compete on an even footing.
Peugeot’s effort will join the series as it begins its third season under new rules, with more details to be announced at the start of 2020.
Peugeot image by Jochen Van Cauwenberge.