24h Le Mans
With less than a month before the kickoff of the 2023 FIA World Endurance Championship at the 1000 Miles of Sebring (17 March), Ferrari AF Corse and Peugeot TotalEnergies executed final testing sessions in Europe.
Ferrari's AF Corse's 499P has completed two testing sessions at the Monza circuit, host of the fifth round of the FIA WEC in July.
All six drivers of the programme were present for the tests: Antonio Fuoco, Miguel Molina, Nicklas Nielsen, Alessandro Pier Guidi, James Calado and Antonio Giovinazzi. Miguel Molina: "Testing our Hypercar on a historic track such as Monza, less than a month from its debut, is a valuable opportunity to continue fine-tuning the car. We’re satisfied with the work done, even if each test highlights those details that still need to be understood and resolved ahead of the official competitions. The Italian track is a good benchmark both in terms of performance – considering the high speeds that can be reached – as well as the overall balance, given that it includes two turns that demand very hard braking."
The 499P had already taken part in a shakedown at the same circuit last October before heading to Sebring in the U.S.
The French constructor recently conducted an endurance test at the Aragón circuit in Spain. After reserve driver Stoffel Vandoorne took the wheel of the 9X8, he posted on his Twitter account: "Finally got my first taste of the @peugeotsport 9X8 this week! Felt good to be back on track and discover the Hypercar class."
During a debriefing in 2022, Peugeot TotalEnergies Technical Director Olivier Jansonnie explained: "In 2023, although the basic concept of the car will not change, we intend to make use of the jokers authorised by the regulations to introduce a number of evolutions. Our plan for the early months of the year is simply to focus on reliability, performance and long-distance testing. Sebring is a very specific circuit and you can’t necessarily apply what you learn there to your preparations for the 24 Hours of Le Mans. That said, the race’s duration and the characteristics of the track will likely place the emphasis on durability and reliability. Another aspect that will be useful as part of our build-up to Le Mans is the fact that we will see the LMH and LMDh classes go head-to-head for the very first time as more newcomers join the field. Here again, the experience gained in the three races we contested last year won’t go amiss. In parallel to our race programme, we also have a busy test schedule planned ahead of Le Mans."
TOYOTA GAZOO Racing also carried out tests at the Paul Ricard circuit. We know the Japanese constructor has made new modifications to its GR010 Hybrid to remain competitive this year against increased competition. At the same time, Porsche Penske Motorsport and other competitors in GTP (equivalent to the Hypercar class in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship) did so at Sebring.
