Experienced works Peugeot driver Stephane Sarrazin will join Team ORECA-Matmut for the 8 hour race at Le Castellet next weekend.

Sarrazin brings plenty of experience to the team having driven the 908 HDI FAP since 2007.

Sarrazin joins Olivier Panis and Nicolas Lapierre on the Paul Ricard HTTT circuit while Loïc Duval, the third driver in the Le Mans 24 Hours race, will take part in private testing.

Duval will also contest the Spa-Francorchamps 1000kms in May.

Sarrazin  has scored three consecutive pole positions in the Le Mans 24 Hours at the wheel of the Peugeot, and has finished second on two occasions at Le Sarthe.

“This decision was taken after a discussion with Olivier Quesnel,” explains Hugues de Chaunac of Team ORECA-Matmut.

“At Le Castellet, the level has been upped several notches with the presence of an Audi, which is going to be ultra- competitive. Stephane’s arrival in this context is an obvious advantage for the whole team. Thanks to him, the engineering squad will get to grips with the new car even quicker. Stéphane’s know how will be particularly useful in racing conditions. It’ll also be a big help to our drivers, as he‘s covered thousands of kilometres in the 908 HDi FAP. We’re going to be able to get to grips with the car from the start of the season and optimise its performance in a shorter period of time.”

Sarrazin is no stranger to the team. In 2001 and 2002, he drove the Team ORECA Dallara-ORECA in several endurance races. “I’m delighted to be back with the team that I know so well,” said the Peugeot works driver. “I’m used to working with David Floury, who was my engineer in 2003 and I already got to know Olivier Panis in F1. I know that Nicolas Lapierre is very quick and a nice guy into the bargain, so I think we’re going to make a great trio. It’s a fantastic opportunity for me to prepare for my season. Of course, our aim is to win, and that would be a great result in the face of the challenge from the new Audi, but my first priority is to put myself at the disposal of the team and its drivers. I’m going to try and bring my knowledge of the car and to share a few insights with them that could help the team at Le Castellet, and for the rest of the season.”

The Le Castellet 8 hour race is the first round of the 2010 Le Mans series and once again brings Peugeot and Audi together again in the battle for international sportscar supremacy.

Live audio coverage of the race can be heard at RADIO LE MANS and of course In Pit Lane will feature full results and news in our show on C31 on Tuesday April 13 at 9.30 P.M.

With Team ORECA-Matmut media.