[WEC] Peugeot Sport returning to WEC

[veeten]

Which is why Toyota and Ferrari went with the standardised tires instead of the asymmetrical ones. Far better control with the electric front/ICE rear 4-wheel systems that they implement, unlike what Peugeot was looking to do. Once the changes to the rules were adopted, Peugeot was pretty much stuck with what they had. It was just too costly to change over.

[J Jay]

Originally Posted by veeten

Which is why Toyota and Ferrari went with the standardised tires instead of the asymmetrical ones. Far better control with the electric front/ICE rear 4-wheel systems that they implement, unlike what Peugeot was looking to do. Once the changes to the rules were adopted, Peugeot was pretty much stuck with what they had. It was just too costly to change over.

Peugeot more or less gambled on the benefit of their aero platform outweighing the disadvantage in terms of tyre/chassis control. In a closed performance envelope, it's not unreasonable to try this, but even some basic track knowledge should have kiboshed the concept.

Now Peugeot have to contend with a more conventional aero setup on an unconventional tyre layout (even width front and rear). To give up some performance from the off implies that they do not see any way to make their current concept work.

[Gerard C]

Will the return of Nico Müller help? He's gonna share the #94 with Gustavo Menezes and Loïc Duval.

[Coach Ep]

Menezes has left Peugeot (and might be heading to Alpine). Vandoorne is taking his seat.

[Gerard C]

Yes, sorry, thanks!

[RL17]

Can’t blame a French car firm from trying out something that works at Le Mans

They have probably spent a lot more on the 9x8 than Sebring has on its surface since WW2?

[Sodemo]

So the rear wing is a sticking plaster?

Surely they would have to reorganise the aero anyway if they are adding a rear wing? So they would need to drop some drag and loose some DF from another part of the car?

I guess the argument is that they opted for the smaller rear tyres in order to gain as much from the underfloor aero and diffuser arrangement?

[skycafe]

Originally Posted by Sodemo

I guess the argument is that they opted for the smaller rear tyres in order to gain as much from the underfloor aero and diffuser arrangement?

In the early days in the gestation of this current formula (Hypercar), wasn't Toyota planning to go the square tire path, and made the switch back to smaller front/larger rear configuration ('normal')? Wasn't that because the deployment speed for the front power had been changed, thus changing the favorability of the square tire platform, and leaving Peugeot, who was already deep into their aero & mechanical platform alone in the wilderness?

My memory is super fuzzy about how we got here. But other posters have alluded to this early days situation, I believe.

[veeten]

Pretty much got it, sky. Peugeot were caught out by the change, which was even more evident when Ferrari introduced the 499P with similar drive deployment to Toyota.

Like being at a square dance and having no partner.

[skycafe]

Originally Posted by veeten

Pretty much got it, sky. Peugeot were caught out by the change, which was even more evident when Ferrari introduced the 499P with similar drive deployment to Toyota.

Like being at a square dance and having no partner.

...and Toyota's change was pre-homologation so they did not face a 'joker' use?

Now, apparently Peugeot is waiting for calculations on how many jokers they would use, and trying to figure out which of several directions that would be best. Having to use three jokers for a complete configuration change, as I believe I understand , means your new version better be really well conceived because you are at a big disadvantage against others who have a more full deck.

Traction out of low speed corners seems more a mechanical rather than aero issue, but building a one circuit car that is has to compromise everywhere else doesn't seem like the smartest tactic.

Build a very generic car, refine it, homologate that, and use your jokers wisely.

Bums me a bit as I liked the innovations in the Peugeot. Innovation is what sparked my interest in sportscars decades ago.

[deggis]

Originally Posted by skycafe

Now, apparently Peugeot is waiting for calculations on how many jokers they would use, and trying to figure out which of several directions that would be best. Having to use three jokers for a complete configuration change, as I believe I understand , means your new version better be really well conceived because you are at a big disadvantage against others who have a more full deck.

One new car homolation is allowed in LMH (regardless of jokers), so this speculation makes little sense. So it would be a new car with four jokers left, assuming that they used one joker last off-season.

[skycafe]

Originally Posted by deggis

One new car homolation is allowed in LMH (regardless of jokers), so this speculation makes little sense. So it would be a new car with four jokers left, assuming that they used one joker last off-season.

I thought a new car took three jokers (of an allowed five)? "I thought" might be operative issue...

[Gerard C]

Originally Posted by veeten

Like being at a square dance and having no partner.

They have partners. Trouble is they don't listen to the same song.

[Sodemo]

I guess they can't just switch tyres because that would mean a car re-design?

[tomcug]

Adding a rear wing also means re-design (of aero approach). Whatever they chose, it's significant work with no guarantee of success. Also means throwing away current two years of development of wingless car.

[veeten]

Looks like they will be changing from the 31cm tires to the 29cm front/34cm rear set up, this from an auto sport article just released.
Most of the redesigned aero will begin testing after Bahrain, and as Finot says... "We have made the decision to design the car again. We will come with a strong evolution for next year to enjoy the 29/34 tyres".

Good choice Jean-Marc, very good. This should get you back in the action...

[deggis]

Originally Posted by Sodemo

I guess they can't just switch tyres because that would mean a car re-design?

Using the new car homologation option means going through the homologation process as if they were doing it the first time, so there are no limitations inherited from the homologation #1.

[RL17]

Hard to see how the rear wing can sort problems at some tracks.

Didn’t look fit for porpoise at end of straight yesterday ?

[Akrapovic]

Originally Posted by RL17

Hard to see how the rear wing can sort problems at some tracks.

Didn’t look fit for porpoise at end of straight yesterday ?

Because it relies on underbody downforce more than above body, it's sensitive to bumps and has a narrow operating window. Moving aero to upper body should make the car easier to setup.

[Matador]

Originally Posted by RL17

Hard to see how the rear wing can sort problems at some tracks.

Didn’t look fit for porpoise at end of straight yesterday ?

Pun intended?

[Gerard C]

Originally Posted by deggis

Using the new car homologation option means going through the homologation process as if they were doing it the first time, so there are no limitations inherited from the homologation #1.

+ 1. I wont mention a new BOP because I feel they already got the maximum admissible tho.

[RL17]

Originally Posted by Matador

Pun intended?

Yes off course on porpoise

[Gerard C]

Originally Posted by RL17

Yes off course on porpoise

Unfair! Well, I mean funny…

[Gerard C]

If you like this kind of "communication" (taken from another thread, tks Simmi):Peugeot Sport technical director Olivier Jansonnie said the pair of 9X8s, which finished eighth and ninth, were “exactly as expected” after struggling since the start of the weekend. Ha yes? After so many years of development they say that they expect to finish eight and ninth…What a target!

[TF110]

It's expected because that's their limit. It's not like they can say we expected victory because they aren't competitive with Toyota. Even the lmdh's are faster with less wec experience.