Peugeot Sport support driver Malthe Jakobsen expressed his disappointment at not being chosen to drive one of the team’s 9X8 cars. However, he understood the team’s decision to prioritize the drivers who will compete at Le Mans with the new car. Jakobsen recognized the importance of maintaining a cohesive environment and preparing for the 24 Hours of Le Mans, which is the ultimate goal for everyone involved in the sport.
For the third round of the FIA World Endurance Championship in 2024, Peugeot is the only team with driver pairs for their Hypercar entries #93 and #94. This is because Stoffel Vandoorne and Jean-Eric Vergne have commitments as DS Penske drivers in the FIA World Formula E Championship. Despite their absence, Peugeot chose not to have Jakobsen participate in the race. Instead, he will continue to support the team from the sidelines.
Jakobsen still feels prepared and ready to drive if called upon. He believes that being given the opportunity to be a reserve driver shows that the team has confidence in his abilities. He appreciates the support and guidance from the team and his fellow drivers as he continues to learn and develop in the sport.
Regarding Jakobsen’s role in the Peugeot team, a spokesperson for the French manufacturer confirmed that he is now a “support driver” rather than a reserve driver. He has been involved in all four private endurance tests with the updated 9X8 Le Mans Hypercar, which features aerodynamic improvements and other modifications compared to the previous version.
Furthermore, there are no scheduling conflicts between Jakobsen’s commitments in the European Le Mans Series with COOL Racing and his role with Peugeot in the WEC. He has been confirmed on the COOL Racing entry list for the Le Mans event, which will take place on June 15 and 16.
