+ Click to Enlarge AND THIS WAS JUST THE START... The Peugeot 908 Hdi-FAP N°8 (front) driven by Frank Montagny was in front at the start of the 2009 Les Mans 24 Hours on Saturday afternoon. Behind were the the Audi R15 TDI N°1 of Tom Kristensen, the Peugeot 908 Hdi-FAP N°7 of Pedro Lamy, Alexander Wurz in a Peugeot 908 Hdi-FAP N°9 and Pescarolo Sport Peugeot 908 Hdi-FAP N°17 driven by Stephane Bouillon. Image: AFP

June 13, 2009

Peugeot held top spot after the first set of pit stops on Saturday at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, where it is hoping to end Audi's winning streak.

Britain's Allan McNish in the Audi No.1 put pressure on the pole-sitting Peugeot No.8 in the rolling start, but Franck Montagny of France held off the charge at the first curve to keep the lead.

Montagny had a lead of 1min47.192 over McNish after 18 laps.

McNish was also passed by Pedro Lamy's Peugeot No.7 which overtook him on the first lap to take second place, clocking the fastest lap of 3min25.028 on the 14km circuit.

However, the Portuguese slipped to 51st after Jean-Christophe Boullion's Pescarolo No.17 bumped into the Peugeot in the pits, damaging its left rear tire.

Peugeot may be the faster car but Audi drivers are hoping that they have more endurance over the 24-hour race, which is won by the team that completes the most laps using up to three alternating drivers.

Audi is chasing a sixth straight victory at the world's most famous endurance race.

There were 55 cars on the grid for the 77th edition of the 24 Hours of Le Mans. The flag will drop on the race at 1pm GMT (2pm CAT) on Sunday afternoon. - Sapa-AP