Peugeot boss Linda Jackson: "Motorsport is part of our DNA"

Peugeot competes with the 9X8 in the World Endurance Championship, where it can look back on a successful past. However, the last victory was some time ago. In 2009, the brand won the 24 Hours of Le Mans with the 908 HDI FAP. At that time, the winning car was still powered by a diesel engine - today, cars like the Peugeot 9X8 are powered by biofuels and hybrid technology. "Motorsport is part of our DNA," explains Peugeot boss Linda Jackson at Spa Francorchamps, the last race before the season highlight at Le Mans.

Although it was not enough for a top position in the six-hour race on the track in the Belgian Ardennes at the weekend, "we had a good strategy and there were no mistakes during the pit stops. That bodes well for Le Mans," said Olivier Jansonnie, Technical Director at Peugeot Sport, after the race. The Six Hours of Spa Francorchamps was the second race for the newly developed 9X8. After a mixed qualifying session, the two 9X8s finished ninth and 14th.

In addition to the sporting competition, marketing also plays an important role in the brand's racing commitment. "For us, motorsport is an important marketing tool to expand the Peugeot image worldwide. We are present in 147 markets. At the same time, motorsport is also a laboratory for us to further develop new technologies such as electrification or chassis," explains Linda Jackson. (aum)