Why COVID-19 didn't stop Peugeot's Le Mans commitment
When the global pandemic hit, Peugeot was given the perfect excuse to back out of its stated intention to return to Le Mans in 2022. That it hasn't done so is telling both of its unfinished business and the opportunities presented by the Hypercar rulebook
When Peugeot announced in November last year that it would return to the Le Mans 24 Hours in 2022, the world was a very different place than it is today. The coronavirus pandemic and the ensuing economic turmoil gave Peugeot the perfect excuse to back out but instead the French manufacturer has doubled down on its endurance commitment with a full-blown Le Mans Hypercar.
Back when Peugeot decided to pull the plug on its successful LMP1 programme at the end of 2011, its departure sent shockwaves through the endurance racing world. At the dawn of the new-for-2012 FIA World Endurance Championship, the series was left without one of its two major manufacturers in the top class, forcing Toyota to bring forward its prototype plans to take on Audi.
Sold out Spa F1 doubles down on 2022 success amid future talks
Sold out Spa F1 doubles down on 2022 success amid future talks Sold out Spa F1 doubles down on 2022 success amid future talks
Mercedes: Canada a "bigger challenge" than Barcelona for upgraded F1 car
Mercedes: Canada a "bigger challenge" than Barcelona for upgraded F1 car Mercedes: Canada a "bigger challenge" than Barcelona for upgraded F1 car
Did the Spanish GP's faster final sector help or hurt F1's racing?
Did the Spanish GP's faster final sector help or hurt F1's racing? Did the Spanish GP's faster final sector help or hurt F1's racing?
Wolff: Mercedes needed early F1 season shock to be bold with car change
Wolff: Mercedes needed early F1 season shock to be bold with car change Wolff: Mercedes needed early F1 season shock to be bold with car change
Hamilton: New Mercedes F1 deal could be signed "tomorrow"
Hamilton: New Mercedes F1 deal could be signed "tomorrow" Hamilton: New Mercedes F1 deal could be signed "tomorrow"
Sainz: Barcelona exposed Ferrari's F1 tyre weakness
Sainz: Barcelona exposed Ferrari's F1 tyre weakness Sainz: Barcelona exposed Ferrari's F1 tyre weakness
Russell "not aware" of Hamilton in Spanish GP F1 qualifying clash
Russell "not aware" of Hamilton in Spanish GP F1 qualifying clash Russell "not aware" of Hamilton in Spanish GP F1 qualifying clash
The art of compromise behind an "emotionally draining" F1 job
The art of compromise behind an "emotionally draining" F1 job The art of compromise behind an "emotionally draining" F1 job
Quartararo splits with long-time MotoGP manager Eric Mahe
Quartararo splits with long-time MotoGP manager Eric Mahe Quartararo splits with long-time MotoGP manager Eric Mahe
Espargaro left with 'destroyed heel' after bicycle crash while on mobile phone
Espargaro left with 'destroyed heel' after bicycle crash while on mobile phone Espargaro left with 'destroyed heel' after bicycle crash while on mobile phone
10 things we've learned from Le Mans so far
10 things we've learned from Le Mans so far 10 things we've learned from Le Mans so far
Rossi: Road to Le Mans class win great preparation for 24 Hours
Rossi: Road to Le Mans class win great preparation for 24 Hours Rossi: Road to Le Mans class win great preparation for 24 Hours
Can Peugeot turn its style into substance at Le Mans?
Can Peugeot turn its style into substance at Le Mans? Can Peugeot turn its style into substance at Le Mans?
How Ferrari’s threat is growing against Toyota approaching Le Mans
How Ferrari’s threat is growing against Toyota approaching Le Mans How Ferrari’s threat is growing against Toyota approaching Le Mans
Why Cadillac can make amends for its previous Le Mans failures
Why Cadillac can make amends for its previous Le Mans failures Why Cadillac can make amends for its previous Le Mans failures
The chasm Toyota’s rivals must bridge before Le Mans
The chasm Toyota’s rivals must bridge before Le Mans The chasm Toyota’s rivals must bridge before Le Mans
How Toyota rendered its Le Mans agony a distant memory
How Toyota rendered its Le Mans agony a distant memory How Toyota rendered its Le Mans agony a distant memory
Why the WEC should make space for modern garagistes in 2023
Why the WEC should make space for modern garagistes in 2023 Why the WEC should make space for modern garagistes in 2023
Autosport writers' most memorable moments of 2022
Autosport writers' most memorable moments of 2022 Autosport writers' most memorable moments of 2022
Is Qatar the price motorsport fans have to pay?
Is Qatar the price motorsport fans have to pay? Is Qatar the price motorsport fans have to pay?
Subscribe and access Autosport.com with your ad-blocker.
From Formula 1 to MotoGP we report straight from the paddock because we love our sport, just like you. In order to keep delivering our expert journalism, our website uses advertising. Still, we want to give you the opportunity to enjoy an ad-free and tracker-free website and to continue using your adblocker.