Peugeot were on course for their first victory in 16 years in the Le Mans 24 Hours after 18 hours of racing.

The French manufacturer, who last won in 1993, had cars in first and second place at 0700 GMT with Australian David Brabham having completed 288 laps and holding a lead of one minute 35.480 seconds over Frenchman Stephane Sarrazin.

Eight times champion Tom Kristensen of Denmark, driving the Audi number one, was one lap off the pace at the Circuit de la Sarthe.

Peugeot lost a private-run car overnight when Benoit Treluyer spectacularly crashed out. His car was destroyed and the French driver was taken to the medical centre but his team said he was fine.

"Reassuring news from the medical centre on Benoit," read a statement on the team's website (www.pescarolo.com). "He is resting. He is unhurt, he just needs to stay a couple of hours under observation."

Audi, who have won eight of the last nine editions of the endurance classic, suffered a setback when their number two car was pulled out yesterday evening after German driver Lucas Ruhr crashed by the Porsche curve.

Underdogs Aston Martin, who are celebrating the 50th anniversary of their first Le Mans 24 Hours victory, were fourth with Czech Jan Charouz at the wheel six laps off the pace.

The race ends at 1300 on Sunday but the winner may have to wait until July to be officially crowned after Peugeot said they would appeal a decision on Audi by the organisers.

An International Automobile Federation (FIA) panel have a month to decide if Audi's cars conform to the regulations.