Previous DTM driver Nico Müller will already make his WEC debut at the 8 Hours of Bahrain 2022 – James Rossiter will not drive the finale
The debut is official: two-time DTM vice-champion Nico Müller will already sit in the Peugeot 9X8 for the first time at the 8 Hours of Bahrain 2022. His teammates are his former Audi brand colleague Loic Duval and prototype specialist Gustavo Menezes.
The Swiss, who finished runner-up in the DTM in both 2019 and 2020, replaces James Rossiter in the process. The Briton, who was recently promoted to Maserati Formula E team principal, thus ends his career before the season finale.
Müller was brought into the French manufacturer’s fledgling Le Mans hypercar programme in September after testing in the Peugeot 9X8 at Monza. So far, Peugeot has made two race appearances in the World Endurance Championship (WEC).
Bahrain is the final preparatory race before Peugeot aims to hit the ground running in the WEC in 2023 – amid stiff competition from top dog Toyota and newcomers Porsche, Ferrari and Cadillac. In addition, there are commitments from Glickenhaus and – if the ACO lets them – Vanwall. More manufacturers will join in 2024.
Quickly settling in at the test
“I’m so excited to make my debut in the Peugeot 9X8 in Bahrain,” said the 30-year-old. “My first drive at the Monza test went well. I quickly felt comfortable and did several long runs on different types of tyres.”
“I can get into the swing of things quickly. In 2007, I entered the race in an LMP2 prototype in Shanghai with only ten laps of practice. In Bahrain, I will have the opportunity to get more familiar with the Peugeot 9X8. I will prepare on the simulator, they are an extremely precise and indispensable tool. “
Peugeot technical director Olivier Jansonnie added: “Nico impressed us at the test day. He was calm, focused and gave valuable feedback on the Peugeot 9X8. He has fitted in well with the team and now everything is ready for his debut in Bahrain.”
He also has warm words for James Rossiter: “I’m sure I speak on behalf of everyone in the team when I thank James for all the work he has done over the past year. He will remain our development and replacement driver in the simulator for a few more weeks. Dan is taking on a new challenge for which he is ideally suited. “
Career end of Rossiter sealed
Rossiter is moving to Stellantis Group sister company Maserati. The Italian brand will enter Formula E as a partner of the former Venturi team in 2023. Rossiter was originally nominated as a test and reserve driver at Peugeot.
When Kevin Magnussen unexpectedly left the project earlier this year to return to Formula 1, Rossiter was brought into the cockpit for the Monza and Fuji 6 Hours. He took fourth and fifth places together with Duval and Menezes.
Müller, in turn, has been a regular driver for the LMP2 team Vector Sport, for whom he contested the first four races of the season. He had to skip Fuji due to a scheduling clash with the DTM. Vector will now also rely on the services of Renger van der Zande in Bahrain, who already represented Müller in Japan.
