Reliability a concern for Peugeot

The new diesel-fuelled prototype coupe was fastest in the official Le Mans Series pre-season test and covered 174 laps (equivalent to a 1000km LMS race) during the two days, but the team were still unhappy that engine and electrical problems interrupted their running.

"We covered a fair amount of the planned programme, essentially during the second day," said the team's technical director Bruno Famin.

"An engine problem detected late Sunday afternoon deprived us of a chance to do some endurance and night-time running.

"However, we were back on the pace on Monday morning, which enabled us to cover a further 91 laps without any major trouble, with the exception of a minor electrical problem.

"Even so, a great deal of work still needs to be done on the reliability front."

Sebastien Bourdais rejoined Peugeot for the test after missing some of the recent private sessions to focus on his Champ Car World Series preparations. He was pleased with the 908's speed, but echoed Famin's concerns about reliability.

"Despite a few reliability-related problems, the Peugeot 908 HDi FAP has evolved since the last time I drove it," Bourdais said.

"There is still a long way to go though if we want to finish an event like the Le Mans 24 Hours."

The 908's next appearance will be when it makes its racing debut in the LMS opener at Monza on 15th April.