This afternoon, in a surprise reveal at the Paul Ricard circuit, we've been treated to our very first livery reveal for 2023 - along with a lot of details from Westwood and Peugeot about the upcoming season! The very first point of discussion was the driver lineup, as we saw the team's three drivers for 2023 walk onto the stage next to the covered 2023 car. In this Westwood confirmed the rumours that had been flying around the paddock, and formally announced that Belgian driver Thierry Xylander would be joining the team in 2023. With Kinnumen remaining in the 69 car, the youngster would be driving the number 70; while Jochem van Snelheid was retained in a testing and reserve role, in the newly numbered 29 car after 98 was made unavailable. Team principal Harry Westwood had this much to say: "Obviously last year when we re-signed Tumo it was very public that he would likely be with us for some time. Regarding Thierry, he's a driver who has been on the radar for a couple of seasons now, time and again putting on excellent displays. We're super keen to see what he can do! Out of respect for Highwind we won't be showing him off in any Peugeot overalls, nor will he be driving in the demonstration later; but we do have a mockup of his car to show off. Regarding the departure of Jules, it's been a hard decision, and it has definitely taken a lot of consideration. But I've said it before and I'll say it again - I can promise he has a seat for 2023. I just can't elaborate any further on that. To Jules we say farewell, and best of luck!" The subject of the Peugeot partnership came up, and the team have elected for yet another name change heading into 2023. Commentators and press can relax a bit more this year, with the title being shortened to "Team Peugeot TotalEnergies Westwood" or "Peugeot Westwood" for short. Before long it was time to unveil the 2023 challenger, and we heard from both Westwood and Polnareff before the covers were lifted. HW: "It's been a pleasure working with Peugeot already, and from our end I can definitely say it's exciting to think about where this partnership may lead us. We're confident we've got the right stuff to make some serious moves in the paddock, especially with the sport undergoing quite a transitional period right now. We've been hard at work on next year's car to get it ready early and get ourselves well ahead of the game - which will also mean the guys in the factory can enjoy a bit of a refreshing extended winter break this year. I've not heard a single complaint about that! But anyway, I could rant all day about how excited I am. I'll pass you now to Peugeot Sport Virtual Motorsport Director, Jean-Pierre Polnareff! JPP: "Merci merci, hello everyone. It's no secret that we intend to improve on where the team is currently - and we've been hard at work behind the scenes to make this happen. Powered by the PSE9X23 which has been newly developed for next year, a roaring V10 in true Peugeot fashion, we are confident that this car has what it takes to make an impact. This is not strictly an entire redesign from the ground up in any department, we've learned a lot from 2022 and used a lot of what we've learned to create this machine. But it is definitely an altogether entirely different beast - as Tumo will show you later on. For now though, we present to you the 9V8-01!" HW: "There we have it! We all agreed that a new partnership suited a new design of the team livery. While yes we have gone to Peugeot colours, it was important to both parties that this be separated from other projects with some individual flare, and we couldn't be prouder to be showing this off to you today. For now everybody please enjoy some food and drink, and get a good look at the 9V8-01! And be sure to join us in an hour when Tumo will be performing a shakedown run. Thank you all for your time!"
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