Peugeot is unlikely to contest the new Le Mans Intercontinental Cup despite archrival Audi Sport's decision to do so, preferring instead to focus its time and resources on building a new LMP1 prototype for the 2011 regulations.
The new Cup will begin with the Le Mans Series finale, the 1000km at Silverstone in September, before going on to Petit Le Mans at Road Atlanta and finishing with an as yet unspecified round of the Asian Le Mans Series. But while Peugeot will not officially confirm its plans until February, Peugeot Sport boss Olivier Quesnel told AUTOSPORT that Peugeot was unlikely to have a factory presence in 2010 after the Le Mans 24 Hours.
"The board has given me a budget with two objectives: to do our best with the current car at Le Mans and to build a new car for 2011," said Quesnel. "The Intercontinental Cup is a good idea, but we can't do everything."
Quesnel also confirmed that Sebastien Loeb is to get two more tests in Peugeot's 908 HDi FAP before the French manufacturer decides whether to field the World Rally Champion in one of its cars in this year's Le Mans 24 Hours race. Loeb has already driven the car at Mugello and Aragorn and, while Peugeot is happy with his performance, the Frenchman still feels he needs more time in the car.
"We were happy with what he did," said Quesnel, "but Seb told me he did not feel he was up to speed."