Written by:
Kevin Krefting
The 908 HDi FAP has experienced gearbox issues on its two races so far this season. (Peugeot photo)
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Jacques Villeneuve has completed his first laps aboard Peugeot's new diesel-powered Le Mans contender, and came away impressed.
The Canadian first drove the new 908 prototype on Thursday at the Paul Ricard circuit in France. He will share the entry with triple Champ Car champion Sebastien Bourdais and Ferrari Formula 1 tester Marc Gene in the 24 Hours of Le Mans in June.
"This is a true racing machine," he told Italy's Gazzetta dello Sport newspaper. "I didn't expect that from a diesel. It accelerates quickly, it runs in curves at high speed, and it brakes in an impressive way.
"I've discovered it's a real racing engine with lots of power at its disposal," he continued. "What struck me most is the absence of noise in the cockpit when you're standing still."
Villeneuve will carry on testing at the Le Castellet circuit until Monday.
