Vandoorne To Stand In For Injured Müller At Fuji

Stoffel Vandoorne is set to stand in for Nico Müller at the FIA WEC 6 Hours of Fuji next month in the #94 Peugeot 9X8.

The race in Japan will be Vandoorne’s first in the FIA WEC since the end of his 2021 campaign with JOTA Sport in LMP2 and his first in the top class since the 2018/19 season when he made two starts with SMP Racing in a BR1 AER LMP1.

The reason for Müller’s absence is due to a collarbone injury which has forced him to put his season on hold while he recovers.

“During summer break, I sustained an injury on my left collarbone,” said Müller in a statement on social media. “It’s been perfectly treated by specialists and I am already fully in the phase of rehabilitation.

“In consultation with the doctors & my Team Peugeot Total Energies – in order to allow optimal healing – I decided to refrain from participating in the next WEC round in Fuji.

“Even though I am very disappointed by having to sit out the one race, I am fully committed to be back stronger than ever!

“Thanks to the doctors, my family, my teams, my partners & you guys for your support!”

Vandoorne meanwhile, steps up to a race seat at Peugeot from his current role as its FIA WEC reserve driver. He will compete alongside full-season drivers Gustavo Menezes and Loic Duval.

The Belgian, a previous Formula E title winner, has tested the 9X8 prior to the weekend in Fuji as part of his role with the team.

He was also due to take part in the 2022 post-season FIA WEC Rookie Test in Bahrain, but was unable to make the trip after falling ill with Appendicitis and was forced to wait until February this year to get seat time in the French Hypercar.

Olivier Jansonnie, Peugeot Sport’s technical director says he has complete faith in Vandoorne’s ability to step in on short notice. 

“Unfortunately, Nico won’t be able to race for this round and we wish him a speedy recovery. Stoffel Vandoorne has all our trust, and we know that he will be able to step in quickly and give his maximum,” he said.

“We are entering the last part of the season and our aim will be to be 100% reliable for the last two races and fight at the front with both our Peugeot 9X8. We will get ready as best as we can for these two races, trying to be consistent in our performance and race results.”

Vandoorne is not the only driver who has been called up on short notice to compete at Fuji.

Ben Hanley will race in the #23 United LMP2 seat in place of Tom Blomqvist. This switch has been formally confirmed with an updated entry list for the event.

The Briton is set to compete in the final two IndyCar races of the 2023 season at Portland Laguna Seca ahead of his recently announced full-season drive in the US single-seater championship with Meyer Shank Racing in 2024.

In addition, Andrea Caldarelli has also been named in the #63 PREMA ORECA with Doriane Pin and Danill Kvyat. It will be a second start in a row for the Italian 2024 Lamborghini Hypercar driver, after competing in the 6 Hours of Monza last month.

The 2023 FIA WEC Six Hours of Fuji is set to take place on September 10th.

Cockpit image courtesy of Peugeot