Peugeot to confirm plans next month

Following the withdrawal of arch-rivals Audi from the five-round European-based sportscar series, Peugeot's future participation remains up in the air, though sources close to the French team expect them to enter at least the races that take place before the Le Mans 24 Hours in June, given that there is no longer a test day prior to the event.

Peugeot's entry for the Sebring 12 Hours in mid-March has also yet to be confirmed, though the team are believed to be considering measuring the developments of their pace-setting 908 HDi FAP against Audi's new R15 TDI and the new Acura LMP1 prototype, with a two-car assault on the American classic.

Despite the current absence of either of last year's top two factory teams, the LMS organisers have confirmed 49 entries for the 2009 series, including two factory Aston Martins in LMP1.

They will be joined by two entries each from Oreca and Pescarolo, and two privately-run Audi R10s under the Kolles Racing banner.

The Speedy Racing squad are to step up to the top class with an Aston Martin-powered Lola B08/60 - similar to that run by Charouz Racing in 2008 - with Nicolas Prost on the driving squad. Also joining the class are Team LNT and Strakka Racing with a pair of Ginetta-Zyteks and Signature Plus with an Oreca-Judd.

Creation have yet to announce their participation in the series.

The LMP2 category boasts a strong entry of 16 cars, with no less than three Lola Coupes, though only one Porsche RS Spyder, that of Horag Racing, returns for 2009.

GT1 is again currently expected to feature four cars, though Luc Alphand Aventures has switched to the FIA GT Series and will be replaced by two Saleen S7-Rs for ARC Bratislava and Full Speed Racing.

GT2 has so far received a packed 17-car entry that includes champions Virgo Motorsport, JMB Racing and Farnbacher. Reigning champion driver Rob Bell has switched to new squad JMW for 2009, while James Watt Automotive has entered two Aston Martin Vantage V8s, while Drayson Engineering, which competed in the ALMS last year, has also switched to the European series with the British sports car.

LMS 2009 entry list:

                                 
LMP1                      Car                      
Aston Martin Racing       Aston Martin                
Aston Martin Racing       Aston Martin                
Team Oreca Matmut - Aim   Courage-Oreca LC70 - AIM    
Team Oreca Matmut - Aim   Courage-Oreca LC70 - AIM    
Signature Plus            Courage-Oreca LC70 - Judd   
Speedy Racing Team Sebah  Lola B08/60 Coupé - Aston   
Kolles                    Audi R10 TDI                
Kolles                    Audi R10 TDI                
Pescarolo Sport           Pescarolo - Judd            
Pescarolo Sport           Pescarolo - Judd            
Team Lnt                  Ginetta-Zytek               
Strakka Racing            Ginetta - Zytek             

GT1                       Car        
Ipb Spartak Racing        Lamborghini Murcielago R-GT
Arc Bratislava - Kaneko   Saleen S7-R
Full Speed Racing Team    Saleen S7-R
Noel Del Bello Racing     Ferrari 550 Maranello