Weeks after the 2020 F1 season ended, Alpine officially introduced its renamed racing team to Formula 1. However, the French team took an unexpected step by sacking their longtime team boss, Cyril Abiteboul.
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It has been well over 3 months since the news broke. And in the midst of the silence about the Frenchman’s future, there is finally a rumor that could well break out into reality.
According to AS, Abiteboul is ready to return to the world of racing after a brief hiatus since Renault left. Apparently, the 43-year-old has received an offer from the WEC (World Endurance Championship) sports car racing series.
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According to reports, Peugeot, which will return to the endurance championship all in 2022, has shown interest in the former F1 team boss.
Peugeot eyed Abiteboul amid the Frenchman’s availability after Renault was laid off
Peugeot is currently a tough competitor to its French automaker Renault, and its rivalry has been going on for decades.
Therefore, someone who has spent most of their time with the French rival company would be a huge asset to Peugeot and its future in racing.
BARCELONA, SPAIN – Renault Sport F1 General Manager Cyril Abiteboul speaks at a press conference during practice for the Spanish F1 Grand Prix at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Andy Hone / Pool via Getty Images)
It is interesting that the French team is already taking a big step back into racing. In addition to taking a trip to the endurance championship next season, you will also be taking part in the LMH Le Mans Hyper Car program.
Ultimately, during the course of the talks, Abiteboul could possibly sit down with former F1 colleague Kevin Magnussen, who is one of the seven drivers taking part in the upcoming races at Le Mans.
Why Peugeot could be a viable option for Cyril Abiteboul
The Peugeot project could definitely be an interesting journey for Cyril Abiteboul. One might ask why? Well, many may not know this, but Stellantis, a recently formed multinational automotive organization, has managed to bring several automakers under their group.
The lion is back! @ Peugeot is back!
We can’t wait to see you on the right track at @FIAWEC! #NeoPerformance #PioneeringPerformanceAgain #WEC # LeMans24 pic.twitter.com/WXGsMJwpcK
– WEC (@FIAWEC) September 18, 2020
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These include Peugeot and the F1 racing team Alfa Romeo. Hence, the Frenchman could emerge as a potential backup plan for the Italian racing team if things deviate a little from the desired goals.
But that’s just far-fetched speculation, of course, and it entirely depends on whether Abiteboul brings his pen to the newspaper to begin his contract with the returning Peugeot racing team.
Will the ex-Renault boss lead his rival Peugeot in the endurance championship in the future?
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