Vandoorne Named New Peugeot Reserve Driver

Photo: DS Penske

Stoffel Vandoorne has been confirmed as Peugeot’s FIA World Endurance Championship reserve driver for the 2023 season.

The reigning ABB FIA Formula E World Champion effectively takes the place of James Rossiter, who has become the team principal of fellow Stellantis brand Maserati MSG Racing in the all-electric open-wheel series.

Vandoorne, who finished second in the WEC LMP2 championship with JOTA, was initially due to drive the Peugeot 9X8 at the Bahrain Rookie Test but was ruled out due to appendicitis.

It’s unclear if the ex-Formula 1 ace, who drives in Formula E for DS Penske, has since been behind the wheel of the Hypercar class entry in private testing.

“I feel that the program I have is really the perfect schedule between endurance racing, Formula E and Formula 1,” he said.

“It’s great to be a part of the development of the Peugeot 9X8 Hypercar.

“The 9X8’s unique concept has everybody talking about Peugeot again. We can build a very strong future together.”

Peugeot’s full-time driver lineup remains unchanged last year’s season finale in Bahrain, which saw Nico Mueller make his race debut alongside Loic Duval and Gustavo Menezes in the No. 94 car, along with Paul Di Resta, Mikkel Jensen and Jean-Eric Vergne in the No. 93 entry.

John Dagys

John Dagys is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of Sportscar365. Dagys spent eight years as a motorsports correspondent for FOXSports.com and SPEED Channel and has contributed to numerous other motorsports publications worldwide. Contact John