P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Di Resta: Peugeot had to overcome wingless 9X8’s weaknesses for 2024 WEC upgrade
Peugeot plans to introduce a major evolution of its 9X8 car for the upcoming season, including a new rear wing design to align with conventional hypercars. They are also considering switching to narrow front tires and wider rear tires, a configuration used by Toyota, Ferrari, and other competitors in the previous year. The decision to make these changes came after a challenging first full season in WEC in 2023, where the 9X8 struggled to keep up with its rivals in terms of pace. The team has identified areas where the car was lacking and made adjustments to address those weaknesses, ultimately giving the drivers more confidence in the car. Peugeot has not yet announced an exact debut date for the upgraded 9X8, and it remains uncertain if it will be ready in time for the season opener in Qatar. The true competitiveness of the car can only be assessed when it goes head-to-head against other Hypercar competitors in WEC races.
