But the weather plays another key role in the contest and can often be the difference between success and failure, as the 2008 edition proved.
Peugeot was leading the race until rain fell in the second half of the race allowing Audi, which was quicker in the wet, to overtake. But Peugeot was quicker again when conditions dried, until rain returned with two hours to go causing the French manufacturer’s leading car to spin while running on slicks and end all hopes of victory.
