SHERIDAN, WYOMING – April 16, 2025 - A Year of Learning Paves the Road to Imola
Peugeot Sport is back on Italian soil for the 2025 6 Hours of Imola, the second round of the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC), with renewed determination and a car that’s come a long way since its debut last year. After a challenging but insightful 2024 season, Team Peugeot TotalEnergies returns to the Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari with valuable experience, stronger synergy, and clear ambitions.
“Our job now is to break into the leading group.”
Since the reengineered PEUGEOT 9X8 was introduced in April 2024, Team Peugeot TotalEnergies has steadily found its rhythm. With its distinct “Lion Pack” livery, the hypercar has scored points in six out of eight races, including a competitive showing at the season opener in Qatar.
“At the 1812 km of Qatar, we were on pace with some of our competitors and finished at the front of the second group,” said Jean-Marc Finot, Senior VP of Stellantis Motorsport. “Our job now is to break into the leading group. Strategically and operationally, the team has been managing races very well since the end of the 2024 season. If we keep going like this, we can fight for strong results.”
Returning to Familiar Ground
The 4.909 km Imola circuit, known for its tight corners and old-school layout, is a key milestone for Peugeot Sport. Unlike last year, the team now returns to a track with prior race data, offering a rare opportunity to directly measure progress.
“Last year, we didn’t know this new PEUGEOT 9X8 in racing conditions, nor the circuit itself which had just joined the FIA WEC calendar,” explained Olivier Jansonnie, Technical Director at Peugeot Sport. “In fact, we spent the 2024 season discovering the circuits with this car and tire package. At Imola, this will be the first time we return to a track under the same conditions as the previous year, so it will be a good benchmark for measuring our progress.”
Tested and Ready for the Challenge
The break between Qatar and Imola may have spanned 51 days, but Team Peugeot TotalEnergies made every moment count. From testing sessions at Losail and Imola to weather-challenged development in Barcelona and productive runs at Le Castellet and Spa-Francorchamps, the team focused on fine-tuning chassis setup and tire strategies.
Both drivers and engineers embraced the development push. Jean-Eric Vergne and Stoffel Vandoorne participated in Formula E races in Miami, while Malthe, Mikkel, and Paul stayed sharp with LMP2 prototypes at the 12 Hours of Sebring.
“The break between Qatar and Imola felt a bit long, but we kept busy with several test sessions and, in my case, the 12 Hours of Sebring,” shared Paul di Resta (PEUGEOT 9X8 #93). “The FIA WEC is now heading into Europe for three key races, starting with the 6 Hours of Imola. The track is narrow, and with so many cars on track, it makes the race very challenging and unpredictable. The weather is also something we have to factor in for tire choices.”
Drivers Embrace the Unique Imola Experience
Imola's reputation as a technical, high-pressure track will test even the most seasoned racers. With 36 cars, including 18 Hypercars, crowding the circuit, precise driving and smart race strategy will be essential.
“Imola is a narrow, undulating circuit. It’s a pretty unique environment, nestled in the middle of houses. It’s a super technical track, with quick sequences, straights, and blind corners… I really enjoy the feel and sensations of driving here,” said Loïc Duval (PEUGEOT 9X8 #94). “Overtaking at Imola is never easy—you have to be patient and wait for the right opportunity.”
All Eyes on Imola This Weekend
Free Practice and Qualifying sessions kick off on Friday, April 18, with the main race starting Sunday, April 20 at 1:00 p.m. local time. With unpredictable spring weather and a narrow track layout, fans can expect an exciting and dynamic contest.
Team Peugeot TotalEnergies is eager to turn preparation into performance. With lessons learned from 2024, enhanced car setup, and sharpened driver focus, the PEUGEOT 9X8 returns to Emilia-Romagna with real potential to challenge the front of the pack.
Follow the Journey
Stay up to date with all the latest from Peugeot Sport by visiting www.peugeot-sport.com and following their official social channels:
- Twitter: @peugeotsport
- Facebook: @peugeot.sport
- Instagram: @peugeotsportofficial
- YouTube: Peugeot Sport Official
Discover exclusive video coverage from the 2024 season on Peugeot Sport’s YouTube Channel.