montagny

Having again found himself in the fight for victory only to be denied by 'bits-and-bobs' going wrong, Nicolas Minassian reflects that Peugeot will need to up its game to defeat arch-rival Audi at Le Mans in 2012

Peugeot continues to hold the high ground as the 2009 Le Mans 24 Hours prepares to head into the night, but what was a commanding one-two for the home favourites fell apart just under six hours in, when the long-time leader ran into problems that have cost it three laps and five positions.

Peugeot leads the way after the opening three hours of the 2009 Le Mans 24 Hours with the diesel-powered 908 HDis occupying the top two positions, but it has been far from a trouble-free start for either the home heroes or arch-rivals and defending race-winners Audi.

The assets of the Super Aguri F1 team - which collapsed earlier this season due to chronic debts - are to be auctioned off at the end of the month.

Peugeot rebounded from its problems in the opening three hours of the race to hold the top two positions at the quarter distance point in the 76th running of the Le Mans 24 Hours.

Renault's trio of drivers, Fernando Alonso, Jarno Trulli and Franck Montagny have given the new R24 a massive vote of confidence following the official launch today in Italy, Alonso even going so far as to add that the old R23 is now 'forgotten'.