Peugeot Hits Back At Prost Criticism.

Engine supplier Peugeot has responded to attacks from team boss Alain Prost by claiming that problems on both sides of the equation led to poor winter testing performances.


"Suspension, body shell, gearbox, hydraulics and electronics - the team has been overwhelmed with difficulties," pointed out Jean-Pierre Boudy, "Although Jean Alesi and Nick Heidfeld finally managed to put in some mileage during the last two test sessions, and I am fairly confident about the reliability of our engine, it is not as good as if we had been able to do 5000km on the track.


"At Peugeot, we have been faced with two major problems. Firstly, worries about blow by - ie. the sealing problem that leads to a gas leak between the combustion chamber and the lower crankcase - where we had to modify the block casting. Then, we had problems linked to the manufacturing quality of the block in question, the fragility of which held us up in terms of tuning and ensuring reliability. This quality problem of the cylinder blocks was solved about two weeks ago, however, and we now have faultless blocks.


"Owing to the delay in our programme, though, the A20 which will be fitted to the AP03 in Melbourne will not be exactly as we had planned. It will not be equipped with the variable induction trumpets which helped expand its operating range to top speed - this is anticipated for the San Marino GP. Then, halfway through the season, we will put into operation an evolution four based on the pursuit of power - first in qualifying and then in races - but we have only just started working on this A20.


Despite the promises of further developments to what is a brand new engine, the relationship between team and engine supplier looks certain to end at the last race of the season, following continuing unrest between both parties.