With just one last systems-check shakedown remaining for the three works Peugeot 908 HDi FAPs ahead of the annual endurance classic, the drivers were all treated to a series of fine-tuning adjustments this week during a three-day fitness training programme in Chamonix, in the French Alps.

The nine drivers of Peugeot Sport’s 2009 line-up joined Team Manager Serge Saulnier in Chamonix, France, this week for three days of relaxation and fitness training. “This is something we do every year, and the aim is above all to strengthen the bonds both between the drivers and within each three-man crews,” explains Serge Saulnier. “Endurance racing is about forging a real team by federating the best of what each individual member has to offer. The range of activities on the week’s programme not only gave them a chance to have a bit of fun, but also allowed them to get to know each other better in sometimes unexpected situations which called for close teamwork. I am very pleased with the way it went. They all enjoyed the experience, and they had plenty of opportunities to chat among themselves. With Le Mans week just two weeks away, it is essential to build on the this sort of team spirit.”

From Wednesday until Friday (May 27-29), Nicolas Minassian, Pedro Lamy, Christian Klien, David Brabham, Alexander Wurz, Marc Gené, Stéphane Sarrazin, Franck Montagny and Sébastien Bourdais were taken under the wing of fitness training specialist Patrick Chamagne and his staff for a programme of outdoor activities. With the drivers of each car working as a team, hostilities kicked off on the Wednesday with a programme of rafting, climbing and abseiling, followed by a game of soccer. Thursday’s menu got the adrenaline running with a visit to the Mer de Glace glacier and the Aiguille du Midi mountain, followed by a short bike ride. The week concluded on Friday with canyoning, hiking and tennis. “It’s really nice to be together. We talk about Le Mans, of course, but it isn’t an obsession,” reported Nicolas Minassian. “The programme is very interesting, and the scenery is something else! It’s great being together; its’ so important,” added David Brabham.

Le Mans success calls for slick pit work, too, so the fitness of the mechanics hasn’t been neglected either! For the past year, two fitness training sessions are organised weekly and wheel-change practices are staged three times a week in the workshop, while dieting tips are aimed at optimising the stamina and efficiency of the entire squad.

Next up for the Team Peugeot Total squad : Tuesday, June 9 (11.30am): Place des Jacobins, Le Mans.

Source : Peugeot Media