WEC - Nico Müller: "The Peugeot 9X8 is fascinating"

Why did you choose Peugeot to make your hypercar dream come true?

Once I made contact with Peugeot, I started to get to know the people a little better. I could feel how hungry and determined this team is to go to Le Mans and win this race. From then on, I was very interested and motivated to join them. When the opportunity arose, I didn't hesitate for long. I'm looking forward to starting this new chapter together. 

When did the discussions start?

My ambition for a long time has been to do Le Mans. Originally, I was supposed to do it with Audi, but that didn't happen. When the uncertainty about the LMDh Audi program started, I took another look at other options. I was always very open with Audi. They were willing to let me pursue my dream with others if i had an opportunity. When it started to become concrete, I found an agreement quickly with them and with Peugeot it was not too complicated either.

Have you already tested the Peugeot 9X8 and is there any possibility of seeing you at the start of the 8 Hours of Bahrain ?

No, I haven't tested the car yet. We are still in the planning phase. I hope to have the opportunity this year to test this spectacular car. Statically, but even more so on the track because I was able to see it at Monza, where it made its WEC debut. The sooner the better and I have the authorization to do it if there is an opportunity. For Bahrain I don't know. But it doesn't make sense to just go and race there if you're not ready. So it will depend on the circumstances. 

How much can your DTM experience help you?

A lot of drivers who have driven in a Class 1 car say that the hypercars are quite similar. So I expect that the experience I have gained over the years will help me to get into the rhythm more quickly with the 9X8. On the other hand, I like the challenge and having to adapt. But performance-wise, using what you've already learned helps speed up your learning process and I think my experience in Class 1 and LMP2 will help me.

Is this the biggest challenge of your career?

Next year is the centenary race of the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the biggest event on the planet. I live for this sport, so to have the chance to be there and to fight for the overall victory is obviously one of the biggest challenges I've ever faced. And I'm really looking forward to it.

How did you react when you discovered this car without a rear wing?

It is fascinating. I'm not neutral anymore, but honestly it's one of the most beautiful and recognizable cars of the Hypercar class. It's totally in the spirit of the Hypercar rulebook. It's not just a prototype, you can see that it's a Peugeot, that it has the brand's DNA. And it has this concept that makes it so special. I can't wait to drive it and not just admire it.

How do you judge the first two races of the 9X8?

I've been to two of Peugeot's garages in Monza and I could see how much curiosity there is about this project. Obviously, being in discussions, I followed it closely. Putting the whole team in race conditions at Monza was a good thing. Doing it as soon as possible is always a good chance. In Fuji, we could see that a major step forward had been taken. In terms of reliability and operationally, it's much better. And I think the car has the potential to perform and win. It gives me a lot of confidence that at the end of this year and especially at the beginning of next season, we will be in a good position to fight at the front.

Have you had the opportunity to talk about this with Sebastien Bourdais, your team-mate in WEC at Vector Sport? 

Of course I have. He has a great history with the brand, and I rate him really high as a driver. I have the honor of sharing the wheel with him this season in LMP2. We've built up a great relationship, so I've been asking him questions and seeking his advice.

So you will be racing in Formula E with Abt and in the WEC with Peugeot. Are you looking forward to this double program?

It will be intense, that's for sure. But if you are well prepared, it's easy. The FIA knows that many drivers do both championships, so we are confident that there won't be too many problems. I am confident that I can meet the wishes of both my partners.