I've received countless e-mails over the last few weeks about Jacques Villeneuve's upcoming participation with Peugeot in the 24 Hours of Le Mans, on June 16 and 17, 2007.
I'm going to try my best here to answer some of the most frequently asked questions and to shed a bit of light on the new venture of our favorite driver.
First of all, I must admit that I'm personally very happy that Jacques will be taking part in the mythical race that is the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
As you already know, Jacques became the world champion of Formula One in 1997 after winning the 1995 Indy Championship. Wouldn't it be wonderful if he could add to his record a victory at Le Mans? Very few drivers have achieved this triple crown.
Before answering some of your questions, let's talk about the Peugeot Sport Racing Team and Jacques' car, the Peugeot 908 Hdi.
2007 marks the return of the French-based company to the highest rank of world auto racing, after a one-year absence following the 2005 WRC. Actually, Peugeot's Le Mans racing program was announced in June 2005; however, it really began to take shape only after the 2005 rally season.
Since then, Peugeot Sport completely reorganized itself. In June 2006, they introduced a prototype of the Hdi V12 engine, followed by a prototype of the 908 at the Paris Auto Show, in September 2006.
The marquee event of the 2007 season will obviously be the 24 Hours of Le Mans, a competition won by Peugeot in 1992 and 1993. According to the official Website of Peugeot Sport, 2007 will be a break-in year for everyone involved, while in 2008, they will be gunning for victory.
Marc D., from Charlesbourg, wants to know if the diesel-powered 908 has realistic chances of winning in its very first year.
Well, if team managers say that 2007 will be a break-in year, we shouldn't be too disappointed if Jacques doesn't climb on the podium at the next 24 Hours of Le Mans. A good result this year, however, means that we should expect Jacques and his crew to be back in 2008.
Gilles L., from Boisbriand, asks: can a diesel engine keep pace with gasoline engines?
Peugeot announced that the 5.5L V12 will produce 700 horsepower through a 6-speed longitudinal transmission with electropneumatic control.
In my opinion, the legendary durability of the diesel engine has been proven over and over. Think about the number of diesel-powered trucks on our roads and the millions of kilometers they cover. How often have you seen one breaking down on the side of the highway? In order to win a race, you have to finish it first!
I'm going to try my best here to answer some of the most frequently asked questions and to shed a bit of light on the new venture of our favorite driver.
First of all, I must admit that I'm personally very happy that Jacques will be taking part in the mythical race that is the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
As you already know, Jacques became the world champion of Formula One in 1997 after winning the 1995 Indy Championship. Wouldn't it be wonderful if he could add to his record a victory at Le Mans? Very few drivers have achieved this triple crown.
Before answering some of your questions, let's talk about the Peugeot Sport Racing Team and Jacques' car, the Peugeot 908 Hdi.
 |
| Photo: Peugeot Sport |
Since then, Peugeot Sport completely reorganized itself. In June 2006, they introduced a prototype of the Hdi V12 engine, followed by a prototype of the 908 at the Paris Auto Show, in September 2006.
The marquee event of the 2007 season will obviously be the 24 Hours of Le Mans, a competition won by Peugeot in 1992 and 1993. According to the official Website of Peugeot Sport, 2007 will be a break-in year for everyone involved, while in 2008, they will be gunning for victory.
 |
| Photo: Peugeot Sport |
Well, if team managers say that 2007 will be a break-in year, we shouldn't be too disappointed if Jacques doesn't climb on the podium at the next 24 Hours of Le Mans. A good result this year, however, means that we should expect Jacques and his crew to be back in 2008.
Gilles L., from Boisbriand, asks: can a diesel engine keep pace with gasoline engines?
 |
| Photo: Peugeot Sport |
In my opinion, the legendary durability of the diesel engine has been proven over and over. Think about the number of diesel-powered trucks on our roads and the millions of kilometers they cover. How often have you seen one breaking down on the side of the highway? In order to win a race, you have to finish it first!