Two Peugeot 908 HDi FAPs approach the hard left turn at Indianapolis Corner. Photo credit: Rick Dole

This is the first in a 24 Hours of Le Mans preview series. Check back to michelinracingusa.com for more features and posts in the coming days.

The “French lions” return to Le Mans as defending champions of the 24 Hours, having won the race for the first time in three tries with the turbo diesel 908 HDi FAP last year. It’s the fourth and final year for Peugeot’s first generation diesel closed-top prototype at Le Mans.

Alexander Wurz, Marc Gene and David Brabham took the No. 9 Peugeot to victory last year. For 2010, the one change is Anthony Davidson replacing Brabham, who will be racing for his regular team in ALMS, Highcroft Racing, at Le Mans.

The lead Peugeot 908 HDi FAP for this year's Le Mans. From left to right, Anthony Davidson, Marc Gene, and Alexander Wurz. Photo credit: Rick Dole

Wurz, Gene and Davidson started the year off with a win in the ALMS season opener at the 12 Hours of Sebring. Now, the three anchor the lead Peugeot, car No. 1, at Le Mans.

Two other factory Peugeots will also be looking to triumph. The local fans will be backing the all-French lineup of Stephane Sarrazin, Franck Montagny and Nicolas Minassian in the No. 2 Peugeot. Sarrazin has scored three consecutive pole positions at Le Mans but has yet to win the grand event.

Finally, in the No. 3 Peugeot, are three drivers ALMS fans will have seen at Sebring. Sebastien Bourdais and Pedro Lamy are joined by Simon Pagenaud, Brabham’s Highcroft Racing teammate. Pagenaud enters Le Mans in a factory Peugeot for the first time after driving for a customer Peugeot last year. He has won his last three sports car starts, two in ALMS (Long Beach, Monterey), and a tune-up for Le Mans with Peugeot at Spa-Francorchamps, Belgium.