Nico Müller joins Peugeot Sport in Hypercar

On October 10, 2021, Nico Müller realized his dream of wearing the colours of a major manufacturer in the main class of endurance racing: the Hypercar. Unfortunately, the Audi program was stillborn and the 30-year-old Swiss driver found himself in the water.

But in search of a sixth driver to replace Kevin Magnussen - who deserted to return to F1 - Peugeot Sport jumped at the chance to sign up the two-time DTM runner-up. According to what Endurance-Info has revealed to you, Nico Müller will indeed be driving a 9X8 in the World Endurance Championship next year, and therefore at the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

“I am thrilled to be part of this adventure,” said the 30-year-old Swiss driver. “As a whole new chapter of its history is opening, to have joined a manufacturer with such an illustrious record at Le Mans and in endurance racing is a tremendous opportunity for me, especially given the sport’s new regulations and the close competition we can expect. Professionally, it’s an extremely exciting challenge and a dream for any driver. I started to take an interest in endurance racing and Le Mans in 2007, and I must say how impressed I am by Peugeot’s ability to produce very strong cars.”

“When I made my Le Mans debut in June, I went to have a look at the 9X8 showcar that was on display in the Fans Village. It was quite spectacular! I then got a chance to see it in action when it raced for the first time at Monza, in July. To my eyes, it’s the most striking Hypercar out there, and immediately recognisable as a Peugeot ! Above all, it has real potential, as shown by the progress already made at Fuji. I have every confidence in the team and its ability to make it a winner.”

And what does Olivier Jansonnie, the technical director of the French team, think? “Nico is a talented driver with an impressive record in several series, including the FIA WEC. He has driven an LMP2 prototype this year and demonstrated the sort of speed and constancy that Team Peugeot TotalEnergies looks for from its drivers. He has a good team approach and is fully committed to trying to win Le Mans and the world championship. James Rossiter is our test and reserve driver, as we announced in 2021. His experience and performance make him a key part of the 9X8’s development process, both on the racetrack and in the simulator.”

The 2015 Nüburgring 24 Hours winner will sat in the seat occupied in the #94 at Monza and Fuji by James Rossiter, who returns to his role as reserve ans simulator driver.