Team Peugeot has lodged a protest with the ACO (Automobile Club de
l'Ouest) , the organizers of the 24 Hours of Le Mans, ahead of the start
if this evening's first practice session. The complaint concerns the
front wing of the team's archrival, Audi.
 |
|
#2 Audi Sport Team Joest Audi R15 TDI pushed out of scrutineering area. Photo by Eric Gilbert.
|
 |
The team specifically has an issue with the front wing design on the
new-for-2009 Audi R15. The two front wings have small appendages affixed
to their inner surfaces, and a flap that links the wings. Peugeot is
arguing that these elements constitute bodywork elements whose sole
function is to generate downforce, and since they are not specifically
permitted by article 3.6.2 of the current ACO technical regulations,
they are forbidden.
Peugeot, along with LM P1 rivals Aston Martin and ORECA, already
questioned the Audi front wing design after the season-opening 12 Hours
of Sebring race.
"It looks like it acts exactly like a flap on a wing, with the splitter
arrangement acting as the main plane," Aston Martin Racing team
principal George Howard-Chappell told Autosport magazine at the time.
Audi argues that the R15 design was already homologated prior to
Sebring, and the car has now passed scrutineering at both Sebring and
Le Mans: that's three detailed technical inspections of the design and
bodywork, including the final one this week, well after Peugeot raised
their concerns about the bodywork.
"Our protest dossier was already ready (at Sebring), but the Automobile
Club de l'Ouest made assurances that it would take the necessary steps
ahead of the Le Mans 24 Hours," said Olivier Quesnel, the head of
Peugeor Sport. "I insist on the fact that our approach is constructive
and not aggressive. It seeks to clarify what is an unclear situation
with a view to obtaining clear, precise regulations in order to prepare
for the future. "
With practice set to begin in three hours' time and qualifying in just
28 hours, it's not yet clear what action ACO will be able to take in
time, or whether the matter can be resolved in time.
"Now that this procedure is underway," said Quesnel, "all our energy is
now focused entirely on our priority objective for 2009, which is to try
to win the Le Mans 24 Hours. May the racing begin."
However, Peugeot clearly indicates that they will immediately appeal the
ACO decision should it not be in their favour, likely casting doubt on
Sunday's final race result until the appeal is heard.
"We intend to take this matter to its conclusion," Quesnel said. "Should
our protest not be upheld by the sporting stewards, we will lodge an
appeal with motor sport's supreme governing body, the FIA."
