Whilst concentrating on preparations for next year's BTCC campaign, Peter was happy to accept an invitation to share a car in the Silverstone 2CV Endurance race last weekend.
The car owner, Intier's Paul Taylor, and Peter each drove the car during the two qualifying sessions. Conditions were damp and slippery, and the number 52 car qualified 11th out of a 29 car entry (the average time taken between the two drivers), Peter's run unfortunately being curtailed by a gearbox failure.
"The car is phenomenal!" was Peter's comment after returning to the pits. "I have never been so sideways so often and for so long in a front wheel drive car! I've never experienced anything like that!"
The race conditions were again damp, with Peter taking the first stint before handing over to Paul after half an hour. The sight of 29 2CVs buzzing into Copse was an interesting one, with cars diving into any available gap in an effort to get ahead.
"You really have to shut out much of what you know from normal racing, to be quick in a 2CV", he said. "In the damp, the lines are so different and it's all about keeping the momentum going. Once you get off the throttle, you lose so much ground!"
Peter was able to stay out of trouble, climbing to eighth place before a wayward rival slewed into his rear wing, the resulting slide meaning a trip across the gravel. With no harm done other than a broken front spoiler, Peter got back on the pace and closed back up to the cars ahead before handing over to Paul. "I think the loss of the spoiler was actually an aerodynamic advantage!" he grinned, after completing a lightning driver changeover.
Paul then went on to reclaim a great eighth place at the flag , after a frustrating time lapping backmarkers. "We're going to have to do something about our engine," he said. "You know something's wrong when the guys you just lapped re-overtake you on the following straight!"
With only a handful of cars retiring, the team was pleased with the result considering Paul had not driven the car for a while and Peter had not driven the car ever!
"To be honest, I'd do it again in an instant," Peter said "but I've told Paul my plans are focussed on BTCC and of course that takes priority. We'll have to see how the timetables pan out next year."
Check this site to stay in touch with Peter's plans for 2003.
