Runner-up in the marathon race last year, Gene will join forces in his diesel-powered Peugeot with fellow former Grand Prix drivers, David Brabham and Alexander Wurz.

Speaking in France earlier this week, Gene, a former University of Buckingham student, said: "This is probably my best chance to win at Le Mans.

"Peugeot have three factory cars entered for the race and all contain great driver line-ups. I drive the number 9 car and we all have good experience of this race. That will be a real bonus."

"Peugeot came so close to winning last year. During the last hour of the race I thought we might win.

"It's my aim to finish one place higher this weekend and stand on the top step of the podium."

The diesel-fuelled Peugeot and Audi teams will be chased by a mass of petrol-powered prototypes, notably three Lola Aston Martins, representing Aston Martin Racing.

Brackley's Anthony Davidson, the former Super Aguri Grand Prix driver, will share the 008 Aston with Jos Verstappen and Darren Turner.
The Astons will be racing for victory 50 years after the marque last triumphed at La Sarthe.

Davidson commented: "This is a very big race for Aston Martin Racing.
"It's great to be involved with a project like this and I am sure the thousands of British fans at the track will wave their Union Jack flags for twenty-four hours."

Poundon's Creation Autosportif are also represented in the P1 category with their Creation-Judd CA07.

The car is to be driven by Jamie Campbell-Walter, Vaina Ickx, daughter of multiple race winner Jacky and Frenchman Romain Iannetta.
The race starts at 3pm on Saturday afternoon.