Audi loses to Peugeot for fastest lap @ Sebring

Despite the frustration of not being able to start from pole position after the results of the qualifying session were scrubbed, Nicolas Minassian started the race for Peugeot intent on being first into the opening corner.
Watched closely by the entire Team Peugeot Total squad, he achieved his goal and the car went on to pull out an assertive lead as Portugal’s Pedro Lamy and fellow Frenchman Stéphane Sarrazin took over at the wheel of the 908 HDi FAP. Its lead was practically 35 seconds after the first two hours of racing. However, 52 minutes later, a hydraulic leak forced Stéphane Sarrazin to make a lengthy pit stop. Despite losing nine laps, the Frenchman rejoined the race and soon came out on top of his ensuing duel with Allan McNish before having to make another stop, this time for 45 minutes, again because of a hydraulic problem.

The incident saw the 908 HDi FAP drop to 22nd place, 25 laps behind the leader, but the three drivers and the team’s engineers then worked closely together to put in a string of fastest race laps which culminated in Pedro Lamy bagging the best time of the day with a 1m 44.536s (an average of more than 207kph) after eight hours of racing. This impressive run was interrupted two hours before the chequared flag when the rear left wheel-bearing had to be changed, and then by another stop to repair a leak in the air intake system. Determlined not to give up despite these difficult conditions, the team continued to give its all and Pedro Lamy eventually crossed the line in 12th place.

Dr Wolfgang Ullrich (Audi Motorsport Head): “The race was very disappointing for us. We had many technical issues we now have to sort out. These problems did not allow us to run at the pace we wanted. Also the drivers and the team were not faultless today which caused some penalties. We’ve simply been not on the level we wanted to be here. We need and will work immediately on that.”

Although Audi finished with top positions it looks as if Peugeot is definately going to be on Audis heels at LeMans. Both team suffered setbacks but Peugeot only entered 1 car at Sebring for testing and to let Audi know we are coming for you.