FIA WEC – Team Peugeot TotalEnergies celebrates the end of its season with a podium at the 8 hours of Bahrain
93 JENSEN Mikkel (dnk), MULLER Nico (swi), VERGNE Jean-Eric (fra), Peugeot TotalEnergies, Peugeot 9x8 #93, Hypercar, action, during the 2024 8 Hours of Bahrain, 8th round of the 2024 FIA World Endurance Championship, from October 31 to November 2, 2024 on the Bahrain International Circuit in Sakhir, Bahrain - Photo Frédéric Le Floc'h / DPPI
What a race! Having started at the back of the start grid after its best time in qualifying was cancelled, the no. 93 PEUGEOT 9X8 produced a stunning comeback in the race to finish on the podium of the 8 Hours of Bahrain after post-race penalties were awarded to a rival team for failing to comply with tyre quotas. A magnificent result, unfortunately confirmed a few hours after the race, which nonetheless rewards the incredible resilience shown by Team Peugeot TotalEnergies this season.
The 2024 PEUGEOT 9X8 had dominated Free Practice sessions 1 and 3 thanks to the efforts of Paul di Resta (no. 94) and Jean-Eric Vergne (no. 93), but were unfortunately unable to turn their pace into fast times in Qualifying.
Starting in 15th and 18th positions respectively on the 8 Hours of Bahrain start grid, the no. 94 and no. 93 PEUGEOT gradually moved up the standings thanks to impressive double stints from Stoffel Vandoorne and Mikkel Jensen in the blazing heat of Sakhir, where track temperatures approached 45°C as the race got underway at 2pm local time.
The drivers were able to manage tyre degradation perfectly on the long runs on the hot and highly abrasive track, meaning they could take advantage of fresh tyres in the closing stages of the race. A strategy that paid off for the no. 93 PEUGEOT 9X8, which claimed third overall. Meanwhile, with less than two hours of the race to go, the no. 94 PEUGEOT 9X8 came to halt next to the track (high voltage issue).
“We still need to investigate what went wrong,” commented Olivier Jansonnie, Peugeot Sport Technical Director. “I’m disappointed for the no. 94 car. Both our cars had a good race. We opted for the same tyre strategy as in Fuji, i.e. keeping fresh tyres for the end of the race, and it paid off again. So, well done to the entire team.”
Team Peugeot TotalEnergies ends the 2024 season with some positive momentum having secured third place in Bahrain immediately after finishing fourth overall in Fuji. The 2025 FIA World Endurance Championship gets underway on 28 February 2025 at Qatar’s Losail International Circuit.
Jean-Marc Finot, Stellantis Motorsport Senior VP
“Although it was due to a decision by the stewards, finishing the season on the podium is a significant accomplishment in this particularly competitive championship. It’s unfortunate, however, that the timing didn’t allow Team Peugeot TotalEnergies to fully enjoy the joy of the podium ceremony. The season began under challenging conditions with a car that took time to find its rhythm, but the team never gave up, and we are pleased to end the season with a positive result that marks continuous progress. However, this podium should only be a step toward more consistent results in the top positions.”
Nico Müller (no. 93 PEUGEOT 9X8)
“It was a hard race but we managed to secure a superb result in the end. We started at the back of the grid because our qualifying times were cancelled, but we managed to produce a stunning comeback to finish on the podium! The various tyre strategies of our rivals were a bit difficult to analyse, but our approach worked really well. Finishing on the podium is absolutely incredible although it’s a bit sad that we weren’t able to celebrate the result on the podium with all the emotions that would have meant for the team. The guys worked so hard to get here and I’m so pleased with the result. I think every team member deserves this trophy.”
Mikkel Jensen (no. 93 PEUGEOT 9X8)
“My final stint was really difficult, because it was fairly tricky on track with the Safety Car and Virtual Safety Car periods, a bit like in Fuji. My tyres were really good on the first stint. The team had a great tyre strategy and we managed the tyres really well to keep fresh rubber for the closing stages of the race. We didn’t expect to finish on the podium this evening, so thanks to the entire team.”
Paul di Resta (no. 94 PEUGEOT 9X8)
“The tyre strategy was central to discussions this weekend. We had a very good race package, so it’s a shame to have had a technical issue towards the end of the race. It has been a tough year, but it’s ended on a high note. We’re already working on next year’s championship and we’ll come back stronger.”
