Pagenaud has joined Team Peugeot will drive at Spa

Simon Pagenaud

Having contested the ALMS with Acura since 2008, Poitiers-born Simon Pagenaud has joined Peugeot Sport's official line-up. His test program will begin in the coming weeks with a view to him replacing Sébastien Bourdais alongside Montagny and Sarrazin for the 1,000km of Spa-Francorchamps (May 8-10). The same weekend, Bourdais will be taking part in the fifth round of the Formula One World Championship at Barcelona in Spain.

The Belgian round of the Le Mans Series will permit Peugeot Sport to perform a final, full-scale dress rehearsal prior to the Le Mans 24 Hours. The team's three-car entry will feature a line-up of nine drivers which Simon Pagenaud will join in readiness for his role as Peugeot Sport's reserve driver for the French endurance classic in June.

"Simon is enjoying a great career in the United States," said Peugeot Sport Director Olivier Quesnel. "We would like to thank Acura for releasing him for Spa and for Le Mans which De Ferran Motorsports is not contesting. We expect him to be ready for all eventualities and to help us prepare for Le Mans following his participation in last year's race. To make the most of the experience he will have gained once he has driven the 908, we have decided to make Simon available to Pescarolo Sport with a view to driving their Peugeot in the Le Mans 24 Hours."

"This is a great opportunity for me," commented Simon Pagenaud. "In fact, it's probably one of the best chances I have ever had! Competing in the Le Mans 24 Hours is an especially exciting prospect for me in as much as it is a race I first attended as a kid when I was nine, in 1993, the year of Peugeot's triumph with the 905. I can't wait to get behind the wheel of the 908 HDi FAP before joining forces with Franck and Stéphane at Spa."