Oreca Racing

The Team ORECA-Matmut’s weekend got off to the best possible start on the Paul Ricard HTTT circuit. In the hands of Nicolas Lapierre, the Peugeot 908 HDI FAP snatched pole from the Audi R15 Plus by just 243/1000s, so the French car will start the Le Castellet 8 Hours at the front of the field. 

The team is continuing to learn about the 908 HDI FAP in its first race with the Peugeot in view of the Le Mans 24 Hours. The two regulars, Nicolas and Olivier, can count on the back-up of Stéphane Sarrazin, one of the works Peugeot drivers, to help them in their apprenticeship. All three took full advantage of the free practice sessions to prepare for the event, the first round of the 2010 Le Mans Series. During these sessions Nicolas, Olivier and Stéphane improved the handling of the 908 HDI FAP by gradual steps. By concentrating on the race, they have achieved a balance which allows them to tackle the challenge in the right conditions: “Obviously, we couldn’t hope for a better position,’ says Lapierre, the pole sitter. “Since the start of the weekend the behavior of the Peugeot’s been very positive. We’ve done a lot of work on the race setup. The event will be longer than usual with eight hours instead of six. But it’ll still be a sprint with Audi and Aston Martin. The weather looks a bit unsettled and the overall level’s high so the race isn’t going to be all that easy. This being said, I think we’re ready.”

Hugues de Chaunac the ORECA Group President comments: “It’s the first race of the year with Peugeot and we’re on home turf. This pole is a great reward for all the preparation work carried out by the team and the three drivers. Stéphane Sarrazin has brought that little extra as we expected. We’ve done a good job for Peugeot in the first round of the match between the 908 HDi FAP and the Audi R15 Plus. We’re tackling the race in a humble state of mind but our aim’s to be in front. We know what place we’re aiming for – there’s only one we want!”
Olivier Quesnel, the Peugeot Sport Team Principal, who came to attend the first qualifying session of the Peugeot 908 HDI FAP in the Team ORECA-Matmut colours, has the same objective: “I’m both happy for, and proud of ORECA. This confirms that Peugeot has made the right choice and it bodes well for the Le Mans 24 Hours. It’s also proof that the fourth 908 HDi FAP will give Peugeot a fourth contender for victory. The aim for this year is Le Mans but winning the Le Castellet 8 Hours would be a great way to start!”