McNish relishing Peugeot opposition

The American Le Mans Series champion was part of the team that took a first and a third in the 24-hour race last year, where the diesel-powered R10 was the class of the field.

French manufacturer Peugeot is returning to Le Mans with diesel power as well this year, and McNish believes that Audi will face a much greater challenge than in 2006.

"Peugeot are coming to Le Mans to prove that they can do it too," McNish said on the central stage at the Autosport International show.

"People's eyes are open now to the fact that you don't need a petrol car to go fast, and Peugeot think that they can do it better."

McNish expects that Peugeot will be able to challenge Audi, but he also added that he prefers to have strong opposition.

"Motorsport is all about raising the bar," he said. "If you rest for 10 minutes then someone has beaten you, and that's why I enjoy it. That's why I'm here.

"We have had a very good first season with the R10. I don't quite expect 2007 to be quite as successful as last year because we have some strong opposition for Le Mans and the ALMS, but we want to maintain the same overall position in both."