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Gene: Win easier than expected

Peugeot driver Marc Gene said that the French manufacturer's Spa 1000km victory had come more easily than he had expected

Gene, Alex Wurz and Anthony Davidson gave the new 908 HDI its maiden victory by 42 seconds over the sister car of Franck Montagny/Stephane Sarrazin/Nicolas Minassian increase Peugeot's lead in the Intercontinental Le Mans Cup.

"We were not expecting it," the Spaniard said. "We knew Audi were fast, but we didn't know how fast they would be in the race.

"And then when the race came, we could challenge them and were actually quicker than them. This is very good for Le Mans.

Gene paid tribute to his Austrian co-driver Wurz, who started 13th on the grid, but passed the Audis of both Timo Bernhard and Andre Lotterer to take the lead after just 20 laps and set the car up for a clear run to victory.

"Alex was fantastic and he did the move of the race. After that, it was a bit easier for me and Anthony."

Peugeot Sport director Olivier Quesnel echoed Gene's sentiments, and said that it was hugely satisfying to prove the doubters wrong after his cars started 13th, 18th and 50th on the grid after being caught out by a stoppage in qualifying.

"After the first day everyone thought Peugeot was not as good as expected, but we showed them that the car was good. This is very good for us," Quesnel said.

"We started very far back, but [winning] it's done and we're very pleased. For Peugeot it's a good thing."

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