WEC Spa: Audi presents long-tail R18

Audi Press Release

•          First fielding of three Audi R18 e-tron quattro cars
•          Premiere of a new aerodynamic variant
•          Last race preparation for the Le Mans 24 Hours

Ingolstadt, April 25, 2013 – Audi is pursuing ambitious aims at round 2 of the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) on May 4 at Spa. The version of the Audi R18 e-tron quattro that was victorious at the season opener is to extend Championship leader Audi’s points advantage. At the same time, a new long-tail variant of the hybrid sports car will be tested in Belgium. Audi Sport Team Joest thus wants to optimally prepare for the Le Mans 24 Hours, the pinnacle of the season for the sports prototypes held on June 22 and 23. 

Comparison in racing conditions: Two versions of the Audi R18 e-tron quattro that, also visually, can be clearly distinguished from each other will be running at Spa. The winners of the opening round, Loïc Duval/Tom Kristensen/Allan McNish (F/DK/GB), and the current World Endurance Champions Marcel Fässler/André Lotterer/Benoît Tréluyer (CH/D/F), will be starting with the aerodynamic variant that was victorious at Silverstone. It generates optimal downforce for track types such as the 7.004-kilometer circuit at Spa.

The third Audi R18 e-tron quattro, driven by Marc Gené/Lucas di Grassi/Oliver Jarvis (E/BR/GB), on the other hand uses an aero package that has been optimized for the high-speed Le Mans track and can be recognized by its lengthened rear section. The comparison, however, is not focused on absolute lap times. Instead, the team will analyze the time differences to be expected between both models on individual track sectors. In addition, practical aspects of using the second body version will be reviewed and data generated for the fielding in the race at Le Mans.

The focal point of the spectators’ interest will yet again be the thrilling battle between World Champion Audi and challenger Toyota. In the seven meetings that have taken place since last June, the score is at 4-3 for the sports cars from Ingolstadt and Neckarsulm in the competition with Japan. The Spa 6 Hours will be held on Saturday of the first weekend in May. The TV channel Eurosport will cover selected stages of the race whereas the full racing distance can be watched on audi-liveracing.com on the internet.

Topics of the weekend

- Will Duval/Kristensen/McNish be able to extend their lead of the standings?
- How well will the World Champions Fässler/Lotterer/Tréluyer fare?
- How will the battle with Toyota develop?
- Which manufacturer will travel to Le Mans with a points advantage?

Quotes by the officials

Dr. Wolfgang Ullrich, Head of Audi Motorsport: “As always, Audi will be using the race at Spa as a ‘dress rehearsal’ for the Le Mans 24 Hours in June. Spa is a race track with a character that’s completely different from Silverstone. We thoroughly reviewed the first race of the season and accomplished our tasks in order to be well prepared for the second round of the WEC. Fielding the Le Mans aero variant on the third vehicle that hasn’t been optimized for the lap times at Spa is an important element of the preparation for the 24-hour race.”

Ralf Jüttner, Technical Director Audi Sport Team Joest: “The comparison with our competitor will start from scratch again at Spa. We can expect our opponent Toyota to compete with the latest technological update. For the first time this year, we’ll be running with three cars. That means more work for our team. Spa’s a great track and a race that definitely belongs on the WEC calendar. The new Audi R18 e-tron quattro was immediately reliable and fast.”

Facts and quotes by the Audi drivers

Marcel Fässler (36/CH), Audi R18 e-tron quattro #1 (Audi Sport Team Joest)
- Drove the fastest race lap at Spa a year ago
- Had to admit defeat at Silverstone by only 3.4 seconds
“Spa’s one of my favorite tracks. In the LMP sports car, the circuit is a fantastic challenge. Eau Rouge, Blanchimont and the fast downhill double left-hand turn are particularly nice. Plus I like the ambience in Belgium extremely well.”

André Lotterer (31/D), Audi R18 e-tron quattro #1 (Audi Sport Team Joest)
- Regards Spa as his ‘home’ track
- Is the runner-up in the standings after the 2013 season opener
“I grew up in Belgium and went to the track as a child. That’s why Spa is always special for me. It’s a fast track that should be suiting our car well. My two team-mates really enjoy driving there too. I’m hoping for us to be able to reverse the order of the top two results of the Silverstone weekend.”

Benoît Tréluyer (36/F), Audi R18 e-tron quattro #1 (Audi Sport Team Joest)
- Winner of the 2013 Sebring 12 Hours
- The World Champion was the runner-up in Belgium last year
“For my team-mate André Lotterer, Spa is a ‘home’ track in a way. We’ll be running for the first time now in this year’s R18 e-tron quattro and the new tires on this track. Of course we’d like to be on the podium again right after Silverstone – ideally on the top though.”

Loïc Duval (30/F), Audi R18 e-tron quattro #2 (Audi Sport Team Joest)
- Won the Spa 6 Hours in the Audi R18 ultra last year
- Leads the standings with his team-mate after the success at Silverstone
“I achieved my first victory with Audi at Spa last year. In May, the weather in the Ardennes is often unstable. Together with Allan and Tom I’d like to repeat the success at Silverstone and extend our World Championship lead.”

Tom Kristensen (45/DK), Audi R18 e-tron quattro #2 (Audi Sport Team Joest)
- The Dane achieved his first victory of the season at Silverstone
- Ten years ago, he won at Spa in the Audi R8
“Spa for us drivers, the cars and the teams is a huge challenge. It’s a typical track from a different era with many vertical differences and corresponding compressions, with blind turns and frequently changing weather. The mechanics and all the other team members did an outstanding job at Silverstone. The pit stops and strategy were good. Spa’s our last preparation in racing conditions before the biggest competition of the year at Le Mans.”

Allan McNish (43/GB), Audi R18 e-tron quattro #2 (Audi Sport Team Joest)
- Achieved the fastest time in qualifying at Spa last year
- At the WEC opener in England, celebrated his first victory in an R18 e-tron quattro
“I always enjoy driving again at Spa. The track follows the topography in an ideal way. That’s a hallmark of many good circuits. Some of the world’s nicest corners are found at Spa, such as Eau Rouge or Pouhon. The races there are always thrilling, partially due to the weather but also because there are always surprises. The track is rough on the drivers, the car and the tires. In addition, we’re expecting the competition at Spa to be tough due to Toyota. We drivers and our engineers have found a very good rhythm of working together.”

Marc Gené (39/E), Audi R18 e-tron quattro #3 (Audi Sport Team Joest)
- Won the race at Spa on making his Audi debut a year ago
- Has celebrated three sports car victories at Spa since 2008
“I’m looking forward to one of my favorite tracks that I’ve won at three times before. For us, it’s the big preparation for Le Mans. The weather’s often unpredictable. For Oliver Jarvis, Lucas di Grassi and me, it’s the only opportunity to adjust to each other in racing conditions. Until now, I’ve only driven the Audi R18 e-tron quattro in tests. I’d like to repeat last year’s victory.”

Lucas di Grassi (28/BR), Audi R18 e-tron quattro #3 (Audi Sport Team Joest)
- Is starting his third sports car race with Audi
- Was the runner-up in the Sebring 12 Hours in March
“I’m experiencing my first WEC race in 2013 at Spa. I’ve got fond memories of this legendary circuit from GP2 and Formula 1. There’s no nicer track if you’re running in a fast car. I’ll be starting with two different team-mates than I did at Sebring. We’ll be able to gear up now for the biggest task of the year in racing conditions.”

Oliver Jarvis (29/GB), Audi R18 e-tron quattro #3 (Audi Sport Team Joest)
- Celebrated a class victory with Audi at Daytona in January
- Won the Sebring 12 Hours in March
“My sports car career in Audi’s factory team began a year ago at Spa. We immediately took a podium. It’s a great feeling to return now. After a good race at Sebring I’m traveling to Spa even better prepared than I was twelve months ago. For the first time, I’m running with my two new team-mates. And we’re developing the car with special aerodynamics for Le Mans. That’ll be our personal warm-up for the 24-hour race.”

The Audi drivers at Spa

Loïc Duval (F): * June 12, 1982 in Chartres (F); residence: Tokyo (J); single (partner Gaëlle), one son (Hugo); height: 1.78 m; weight: 70 kg; Audi driver since 2012; Le Mans victories: 0; WEC races: 4; WEC victories: 1; WEC pole positions: 0; fastest WEC laps: 1; best result WEC Spa: 1

Marcel Fässler (CH): * May 27, 1976 in Einsiedeln (CH); residence: Gross (CH); married to Isabel, four daughters (Shana, Elin, Yael and Delia); height: 1.78 m; weight: 78 kg; Audi driver since 2008; Le Mans victories: 2; WEC races: 9; WEC victories: 3; WEC pole positions: 0; fastest WEC laps: 1; best result WEC Spa: 2

Marc Gené (E): * March 03, 1974 in Sabadell (E); residence: Barcelona (E); single, one son (Patrick) and one daughter (Sienna); height: 1.73 m; weight: 69 kg; Audi driver since 2012; Le Mans victories: 1; WEC races: 2; WEC victories: 1; WEC pole positions: 0; fastest WEC laps: 0; best result WEC Spa: 1

Lucas di Grassi (BR): * August 11, 1984 in São Paulo (BR); residence: Monaco (MC); single; height: 1.79 m; weight: 75 kg; Audi driver since 2012; Le Mans victories: 0; WEC races: 1; WEC victories: 0; WEC pole positions: 0; fastest WEC laps: 1; best result WEC Spa: –

Oliver Jarvis (GB): * January 09, 1984 in Burwell (GB); residence: Burwell (GB); single; height: 1.80 m; weight: 70 kg; Audi driver since 2008; Le Mans victories: 0; WEC races: 2; WEC victories: 0; WEC pole positions: 0; fastest WEC laps: 0; best result WEC Spa: 3

Tom Kristensen (DK): * July 07, 1967 in Hobro (DK); residence: Hobro (DK); single (partner: Hanne), two sons (Oliver and Oswald), one daughter (Carla Marlou); height: 1.74 m; weight: 72 kg; Audi driver since 2000, Le Mans victories: 8; WEC races: 9; WEC victories: 2; WEC pole positions: 0; fastest WEC laps: 1; best result WEC Spa: 4

André Lotterer (D): * November 19, 1981 in Duisburg (D); residence: Tokyo (J);
single; height: 1.84 m; weight: 74 kg; Audi driver since 2010; Le Mans victories: 2; WEC races: 9; WEC victories: 3; WEC pole positions: 2; fastest WEC laps: 1; best result WEC Spa: 2

Allan McNish (GB): * December 29, 1969 in Dumfries (GB); residence: Monaco (MC); married to Kelly, one son (Finlay), one daughter (Charlotte Amelie); height: 1.65 m; weight: 60 kg; Audi driver in 2000, since 2004; Le Mans victories: 2; WEC races: 9; WEC victories: 2; WEC pole positions: 2; fastest WEC laps: 1; best result WEC Spa: 4

Benoît Tréluyer (F): * December 07, 1976 in Alençon (F); residence: Gordes (F); married to Melanie, one son (Jules); height: 1.78 m; weight: 68 kg; Audi driver since 2010; Le Mans victories: 2; WEC races: 9; WEC victories: 3; WEC pole positions: 1; fastest WEC laps: 0; best result WEC Spa: 2


All Spa winners (since 2003)

2003 Seiji Ara/Tom Kristensen (Audi)
2004 Jamie Davies/Johnny Herbert (Audi)
2005 Casper Elgaard/John Nielsen/Hayanari Shimoda (Zytek)
2006 Jean-Christophe Boullion/Emmanuel Collard (Pescarolo)
2007 Pedro Lamy/Stéphane Sarrazin (Peugeot)
2008 Marc Gené/Nicolas Minassian/Jacques Villeneuve (Peugeot)
2009 Christian Klien/Nicolas Minassian/Simon Pagenaud (Peugeot)
2010 Sébastien Bourdais/Pedro Lamy/Simon Pagenaud (Peugeot)
2011 Anthony Davidson/Marc Gené/Alexander Wurz (Peugeot)
2012 Romain Dumas/Loïc Duval/Marc Gené (Audi)

Track info

Track length: 7.004 km
Race duration: 6 hours
Qualifying record on this track: Sébastien Bourdais, Peugeot, 1m 57.884s = 213.892 km/h (May 08, 2010)
Race record on this track: Franck Montagny, Peugeot, 1m 59.797s = 210.476 km/h (May 09, 2010)
Pole position 2012: Allan McNish, Audi R18 e-tron quattro, 2m 01.579s = 207.391 km/h (May 04, 2012)
Fastest lap 2012: Marcel Fässler, Audi R18 e-tron quattro, 2m 01.851s = 206.928 km/h (May 05, 2012)

Marc Gené about the track at Spa

“I love Spa with its unique turns and vertical differences. There’s no other place where you can feel the centrifugal forces within your body as much as you can in Eau Rouge. Spa is the second-longest track after Le Mans and the weather is always changeable in the Ardennes. Eau Rouge remains the greatest single challenge. In Formula 1, due to the smaller engines and lower weight, you run flat-out there but in the heavier sports car Eau Rouge is even more extreme. Good overtaking opportunities exist in La Source, in front of Les Combes, in the double left-hand turn, on the Fagnes passage and in the chicane before the start and finish. The tarmac provides outstanding grip which is why slicks even work well when the track is slightly damp. In 2012, I celebrated my third sports car victory on this track with my team-mates.”

Schedule

Friday, May 3
09:00–11:00 Free practice 1
14:30–16:30 Free practice 2
19:30–20:00 Qualifying LMP1 and LMP2

Saturday, May 4
09:00–09:20 Warm-up
14:30–20:30 6-hour race

Photo credit: Audi Sport Media

Four Audi R18 e-tron quattro cars at test day for the Le Mans 24 Hours

Audi Press Release

•          Audi to test tire technology for 2014
•          Early preparation for new regulations
•          Marco Bonanomi planned as test driver

Ingolstadt, April 19, 2013 – On June 9, 2013, Audi will be fielding four Audi R18 e-tron quattro cars on the test day for the Le Mans 24 Hours. In addition to the cars number 1, 2 and 3 running under the nomination for the race, a fourth hybrid sports car designated as car number 4 will be testing for eight hours at La Sarthe. It is to gather valuable findings for the future, as Audi is preparing for a new tire generation together with partner Michelin. 

As of the 2014 season, a fundamentally new set of regulations will apply to sports prototypes. The new elements include a clearly reduced tire size. The smaller dimension corresponds to the current tire dimension for LMP2 sports cars (14 instead of 16 inches overall width, 28 instead of 28.5 inches outer diameter). Other technical aspects of the future race cars significantly differ from this year’s models as well. For the first time, the amount of energy available when the car runs in a race will become a crucial factor of the race car concept.

The aim is to successfully manage this change, which marks the most radical one in the LMP1 class to date, while ensuring maximum safety under permanent loads. Therefore, Audi is making a race car equipped with measuring technology available exclusively for tire testing on the test day. Aside from the racing event, this day provides the only opportunity during the year to use the circuit at Le Mans, as the tradition-steeped track primarily consists of public roads. The engineers are already in the process of simulating the aerodynamic effects and the axle loads to be expected with LMP1 race cars in 2014. Thus, the fourth R18 e-tron quattro will be running in a corresponding configuration in realistic conditions at the beginning of June.

“Our objective is to generate a database for handling the future tires that is as versatile and reliable as possible,” emphasizes Head of Audi Motorsport Dr. Wolfgang Ullrich. “The tires are an absolutely safety-relevant topic. The impending technological change is fundamental. Therefore, we are providing all the data being gathered to our long-standing partner Michelin as well. Ultimately, all Michelin partner teams will benefit from this. We thank the ACO and the FIA and WEC officials who paved the way for us to nominate a fourth car. This marks a commitment to high safety in racing.”

The fourth Audi R18 e-tron quattro will be nominated under Audi Sport Team Joest’s entry and supported by a separate test team from Audi Sport. Reserve driver Marco Bonanomi (I) is the driver of this car and will be fully concentrating on the tire tests on June 9.

Photo credit: Audi Sport Media

Audi Sport WEC drivers interacting with Audi UK fans

By Tarek Ramchani

The 2013 FIA World Endurance Championship held its season opener, the 6 Hours of Silverstone, last weekend. Audi dominated the event with a fantastic 1-2 victory. During the British WEC weekend, Audi UK gave their fans the opportunity to interact with Audi Sport factory drivers and ask them questions. A few days later Audi UK shared the best selected questions and  shared the drivers answers in a very attractive visual style. Here are the four chosen questions with answers from Loic Duval, Allan McNish, Tom Kristensen, Benoit Treluyer and Oliver Jarvis.

Photo credit: Audi UK official Facebook

Video: Audi vs Toyota at Silverstone

By Tarek Ramchani

Audi Sport Team Joest had a perfect start in the FIA World Endurance Championship season opener at Silverstone, a fantastic 1-2 victory over their rivals from Toyota Racing. The "Old Warriors", Allan McNish and Tom Kristensen joined by Loic Duval, won the race with their #2 Audi R18 e-tron quattro. They finished ahead of their teammates André Lotterer, Benoît Tréluyer and Marcel Fässler, in the sister #1 Audi. Six hours of fierce battles against the Japanese team and later an in house affair between the two Audi cars.

Here is a nice highlights video from our friends at Le Mans Live by Michelin.

Photo credit: Audi Media

WEC one-two victory for Audi at Silverstone

Audi Press Release

•          First success for new Audi R18 e-tron quattro
•          Allan McNish celebrates “home” victory with Loïc Duval and Tom Kristensen
•          Second sports car triumph for Audi in the 2013 season 

Ingolstadt/Silverstone, April 14, 2013 – Audi began the 2013 FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) in World Champion’s style. The two Audi R18 e-tron quattro cars dominated the Silverstone 6 Hours and deservingly clinched a one-two victory. For Audi, following the one-two result in the non-championship Sebring 12 Hours in March, this marked the second sports car success this year. 

For the first time, Audi won the famous RAC Tourist Trophy. The tradition-steeped trophy that has been awarded since 1905, was the main prize for the 2013 WEC opening event. The Scotsman Allan McNish (GB) was pleased to win this important motorsport trophy at his “home” round. Together with Tom Kristensen (DK) he was on the grid for the first time with his new team-mate Loïc Duval (F). The trio is now leading the WEC drivers’ standings with a seven-point advantage. In the fifth hour of the race, after 151 laps, they took the lead. Despite an excursion while lapping another car and an additional tire change McNish went on to recover the lead and crossed the finish line with a 3.4-second advantage.

From the start, a thrilling battle had ensued with challenger Toyota. Allan McNish in the number 2 Audi grabbed the lead for the first time on the sixth lap. The sister car – number 1 – driven by Marcel Fässler/André Lotterer/Benoît Tréluyer (CH/D/F) completed Audi’s one-two lead at an early stage. On lap 77, the Swiss fought his way forward to the very front. A defect on the left front driveshaft after four hours of racing though meant that the hybrid system of car number 1 was no longer able to deliver its power to the front wheels. With that, the current World Champions had to admit defeat.

In the technologically challenging battle of the best hybrid sports cars Audi – like last year – achieved victory in front of Toyota at Silverstone. The two R18 e-tron quattro cars had been set up for particularly high aerodynamic downforce. The smaller air restrictor prescribed by the regulations this year was to reduce the output of Audi’s LMP sports cars. The engineers from Audi Sport worked on compensating for this disadvantage, which also included a power-oriented engine development. Furthermore, the 58-liter fuel tank capacity of the diesel hybrid sports car being around 20 percent smaller than that of the gasoline engine sports car of competitor Toyota resulted in shorter refueling intervals for Audi. Despite an additional refueling stop Audi managed to win with a one-lap advantage in front of the best Toyota finishing in third place.

In just three weeks from now, the next competition is on the agenda. At Spa-Francorchamps, on May 4, Audi is fielding three R18 e-tron quattro cars in the race for the first time this year in preparation for the Le Mans 24 Hours.

Quotes after the race

Dr. Wolfgang Ullrich (Head of Audi Motorsport): “It’s very nice to be able to finish the first WEC race in 2013 with a one-two victory. From the beginning to the end, we showed a consistently good performance. Both cars were running on different strategies and it was thrilling through to the end. Although car number 1 was ultimately handicapped the lap times were very strong. A duel of the kind fought between Allan McNish and Benoît Tréluyer is unrivaled in motorsport. That proves that our drivers are free to battle on track. But they also know that they’re driving for the Audi brand and they impressively showed that.”

Ralf Jüttner (Technical Director Audi Sport Team Joest): “A great day for Audi, for our team and for the spectators. Our pit stop intervals were shorter than Toyota’s but we compensated for that with a faster race pace. The drivers did everything right and the pit stops were superb. Allan McNish set an exclamation mark in the end and went on to win a race that was almost believed to be lost. The other driver pairing accepted the result in true sporting spirit. That was a nice start into the season.”

Loïc Duval (Audi R18 e-tron quattro #2): “A fantastic weekend. Allan McNish was incredibly strong at Silverstone. He was very quick and even recovered the time loss after spinning shortly before the end. I’m delighted about immediately clinching a victory on my first start in the Audi R18 e-tron quattro at Silverstone.”

Tom Kristensen (Audi R18 e-tron quattro #2): “A nice race in which we clearly showed how we increased our pace in the winter. Toyota’s performance deserves respect as well. We’ve seen a thrilling battle in which Allan McNish recovered despite a spin. And Loïc Duval experienced a very nice debut in our driver squad.”

Allan McNish (Audi R18 e-tron quattro #2): “We knew it would be a difficult race. The competition with Toyota was tough, plus there was a thrilling duel between both Audi cars. In the end, it became a battle between Benoît Tréluyer and me. After I spun, I went for maximum attack on new tires. I managed to move to the front only on the penultimate lap. I’m happy about having scored the maximum number of points at the WEC opener for the second consecutive time.”

Marcel Fässler (Audi R18 e-tron quattro #1): “An extremely thrilling race. Allan McNish was running on new tires toward the end while our tires had already run for many kilometers. Congratulations to the drivers of car number 2. It was a great race for both cars and a nice one-two victory for Audi in the battle with Toyota.”

André Lotterer (Audi R18 e-tron quattro #1): “It was an open battle up to the end. For us, the race lasted two minutes too long... But it was a great result for Audi. For the Championship, the starting base is perfect even though we’d have liked to have been one step higher. We can be pleased nonetheless.”

Benoît Tréluyer (Audi R18 e-tron quattro #1): “It’s been a good race even though we were lacking a bit of fortune toward the end. But the new Audi R18 e-tron quattro is a car that feels great. A good omen for the future.”

Race results

1 Duval/Kristensen/McNish (Audi R18 e-tron quattro) 197 laps
2 Fässler/Lotterer/Tréluyer (Audi R18 e-tron quattro) + 3.462s
3 Buemi/Davidson/Sarrazin (Toyota) – 1 lap
4 Lapierre/Wurz (Toyota) – 1 lap
5 Heidfeld/Jani/Prost (Lola-Toyota) – 4 laps
6 Beche/Belicchi/Cheng (Lola-Toyota) – 7 laps
7 Graves/Pizzonia/Walker (Oreca-Nissan) – 13 laps
8 Brundle/Heinemeier-Hansson/Pla (Morgan-Nissan) – 14 laps
9 Dyson/Kimber-Smith/Marsal (Zytek-Nissan) – 17 laps
10 Kaffer/Perez Companc/Minassian (Oreca-Nissan) – 18 laps

Photo credit: Audi Sport Media

Follow the Silverstone 6 Hours LIVE

By Johan Laubscher 

The FIA World Endurance Championship gets underway this weekend with the Six Hours of Silverstone. Two Audi R18 e-tron quattro cars have been entered by Audi Sport Team Joest. They will be up against two Toyota TS030 Hybrid race cars. It should be another great race and we have included a list of links below with which you will be able to follow the race live. 

Live Video Stream
FIA WEC Live Video Stream
Audi Live Racing Video Stream

Live Audio
Radio Le Mans Link

Live Timing

Live Timing Video Link

Spotters Guide 
Spotters Guide Link
Andy Blackmore Spotter Guides website

Websites

FIA WEC website

Facebook

Official Audi Sport on Facebook
FIA WEC on Facebook
Audi Motorsport Blog on Facebook

Twitter

Official Audi Sport on twitter
FIA WEC on twitter
Audi Motorsport Blog on twitter
l'endurance on twitter
John Dagys on twitter
Jake Yorath on twitter
Jarryd Bermingham on twitter

Audi Team

Official Audi Sport on Facebook
Joest Racing on Facebook

Audi Drivers
Andre Lotterer on twitter
Marcel Fässler on Facebook
Allan McNish on Facebook
Allan McNish on twitter
Tom Kristensen on Facebook
Loic Duval on twitter

Photo credit: Audi Sport Media

Audi in WEC opener at Silverstone on second and third rows of the grid

Audi Press Release

•          Difficult qualifying conditions in changeable weather
•          Tom Kristensen/Loïc Duval third in best Audi R18 e-tron quattro
•          Benoît Tréluyer thrown back due to software error

Ingolstadt/Silverstone, April 13, 2013 – At the opening round of the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) at Silverstone, Audi experienced a turbulent qualifying session in which changeable weather made a precise tire choice impossible. In the end, the session resulted in grid positions three and five for Audi.

Premiere in the WEC: For the first time, two drivers were nominated for qualifying, with each of them having to complete two timed laps. With only 20 minutes duration and a rain shower setting in, Audi did not manage perfect timing.
Both Audi R18 e-tron quattro cars started the qualifying session on untreaded intermediate tires, but returned to the pits due to a shower. When they went out again to chase for times on rain tires, the rain stopped and the track quickly dried off.

Loïc Duval on treaded tires achieved the fourth-best time twice. He turned over his number 2 Audi to Tom Kristensen, who went out on intermediate tires. The average time, which determines the grid position, achieved by the duo resulted in grid position three with a 3.2-second gap.

The sister car’s situation was less fortunate. Benoît Tréluyer in car number 1 complained about a malfunction of the traction control system that cost him a significant amount of time compared to car number 2. His team-mate André Lotterer achieved the third-fastest time on his first outing and ultimately set the best time of his group. On average, these performances resulted in grid position five. Despite the adverse conditions Audi is looking toward the race with optimism, as the balance of both Audi R18 e-tron quattro cars gives rise to expecting a thrilling competition over the six-hour distance.

The race at Silverstone starts on Sunday at 12:00 local time. The racing action can be watched on the internet by live streaming on www.audi-liveracing.com and on www.fiawec.com. Eurosport will broadcast parts of the race live on television as well. In Germany, Eurosport 2 will air coverage from 13.00 to 13.30 and from 15.00 to 15.30. Eurosport 1 will show the final phase of the race from 18.00 to 19.00.

Quotes after qualifying

Dr. Wolfgang Ullrich (Head of Audi Motorsport): “We knew that the qualifying format wouldn’t be easy. In addition, rain set in today on the first lap. We started on intermediate tires with both cars in order to take advantage of the just partially damp track. The rain was very heavy at two locations of the track and after receiving feedback from the drivers we switched to rain tires. But then the rain abruptly stopped and our drivers had to finish their two laps on their treaded tires. Our competitor Toyota opted for untreaded tires. In the qualifying session of our second drivers we were no longer able to recover the big time difference. Tom Kristensen and André Lotterer achieved good lap times nonetheless. Our grid positions aren’t ideal but at a 6-hour race the starting positions aren’t the most important thing.”

Ralf Jüttner (Technical Director Audi Sport Team Joest): “New rules for the first time plus changeable weather. That was a bit difficult. We did the right thing by starting on intermediates but both drivers on their warm-up lap said that it was too wet. These were borderline conditions and we didn’t make optimum use of them. Today, a lot of luck was involved. In retrospect, we were a bit too conservative in our tire choice.”

Loïc Duval (Audi R18 e-tron quattro #2): “In addition to the new qualifying mode, there were other incalculable factors. I was driving in relatively heavy traffic plus rain set in. After we changed to rain tires the track dried off surprisingly fast. With only 20 minutes of time for two drivers we didn’t have a chance to make another tire choice. Tom Kristensen then had better chances on untreaded tires and made good use of them.”

Tom Kristensen (Audi R18 e-tron quattro #2): “A very intensive qualifying session! Only 20 minutes for two timed laps of two drivers, respectively. On intermediate tires I encountered a relatively dry track. My car was very good when I caught a Toyota on my second lap and lost time. I even drove another lap but the tires had already gone past their best point. I’m looking forward to a nice, tough competition in the race.”

Allan McNish (Audi R18 e-tron quattro #2): “For two days there’s unsteady weather all the way into qualifying and it’s very cold. It wasn’t easy to warm up the tires; that’s why we weren’t able to make optimum use of them right from the beginning. The balance of our car though is very good. I’m expecting a tough rival on Sunday and believe we haven’t seen the full potential yet – neither with Toyota nor with us.”

Marcel Fässler (Audi R18 e-tron quattro #1): “The conditions were relatively difficult for my team-mates after heavy rain had set in. In addition, Benoît Tréluyer wasn’t able to exploit our car’s full potential. André Lotterer then managed two good laps.”

André Lotterer (Audi R18 e-tron quattro #1): “I was driving on untreaded intermediate tires on a relatively dry track. The times were good and we were able to reduce our gap. Benoît Tréluyer had a problem with the setting of the traction control. That’s why he had no chance of achieving good times. But we’re in for a long race and we know how fast our car is.”

Benoît Tréluyer (Audi R18 e-tron quattro #1): “Unfortunately, there was a small software problem with the traction control so that I wasn’t able to perfectly accelerate. We’re going to analyze the error in detail. In addition, there was the challenging tire choice. It’s nice that André Lotterer caught up again with excellent times.”

Qualifying results

1 Lapierre/Wurz (Toyota) 1m 48.021s
2 Buemi/Davidson/Sarrazin (Toyota) 1m 49.995s
3 Duval/Kristensen/McNish (Audi R18 e-tron quattro) 1m 51.283s
4 Heidfeld/Jani/Prost (Lola-Toyota) 1m 52.124s
5 Fässler/Lotterer/Tréluyer (Audi R18 e-tron quattro) 1m 53.488s
6 Beche/Belicchi/Cheng (Lola-Toyota) 1m 53.835s
7 Graves/Pizzonia/Walker (Oreca-Nissan) 1m 55.148s
8 Brundle/Heinemeier-Hansson/Pla (Morgan-Nissan) 1m 57.629s
9 Conway/Martin/Rusinov (Oreca-Nissan) 1m 57.697s
10 Baguette/Gonzalez/Plowman (Morgan-Nissan) 1m 58.729s

Photo credit: Audi Sport Media

McNish Aims For Perfect Start To World Endurance Championship Title Assault

Allan McNish Press Release

Allan McNish begins his quest for the 2013 FIA World Endurance Championship title in the season-opening six hour race at Silverstone on Sunday (14 April).

The Scotsman and Tom Kristensen (DK) are joined by Loïc Duval (F) in a hybrid-diesel Audi R18 e-tron quattro for all eight races spanning four continents including the Le Mans 24 Hours in June.

Dumfries-born McNish bids for his fourth and Audi’s fifth victory in the corresponding Silverstone race which sees the coveted Royal Automobile Club Tourist Trophy awarded to the race winners for the first time.

McNish commented: “This year’s race will have a different feel due to it [unusually] being the first round of the championship, the fact that it’s in April and the RAC Tourist Trophy is up for grabs.

“The weather is likely to play a key role. It’s going to be changeable with rain almost a certainty which would suit our R18 e-tron quattro. It will definitely be colder than what we’ve experienced at Silverstone in either late August or September making tyre choice more difficult.

“I’m looking forward to immediately getting stuck in to this year’s WEC and very excited to begin with a race on ‘home turf’ – I’ll be aiming to make it a perfect start.

“The outright race winners’ collect the RAC Tourist Trophy which has been an integral part of British motor racing for over 100 years. It would make me very proud to lift the trophy.

“It’s the first time it has been presented for a sports-prototype race at Silverstone while a Dane has never won it so Tom [Kristensen] will be determined as will of course our new co-driver Loïc Duval.”

2011 & ’12 Le Mans 24 Hour race winners and current FIA World Endurance Champions, Marcel Fässler (CH), André Lotterer (D) and Benoît Tréluyer (F), “pilot” the second Audi Sport Team Joest R18 e-tron quattro.

Photo credit: Audi Media

Audi launches title defense in the WEC‏

Audi Press Release

•          2013 FIA World Endurance Championship starts at Silverstone
•          WEC season opens in UK, Europe’s second-most important market
•          Thrilling hybrid duel expected with Toyota

Ingolstadt, April 5, 2013 – Last year, Audi won the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) at Silverstone. April 14 will mark the beginning of the “title defense” objective with the further developed Audi R18 e-tron quattro hybrid sports car at the 6-hour race on the tradition-steeped English race track. 

It will be the first race of the 2013 WEC season but the second sports car event for Audi Sport Team Joest this year. In March, the brand with the four rings celebrated a one-two victory at the Sebring 12 Hours in Florida, a race that was not part of the WEC. At the WEC season opener in England, the two Audi R18 e-tron quattro cars will be meeting with two hybrid sports cars from challenger Toyota. At the wheel of the two Audi sports prototypes will be the current World Endurance Champions, Marcel Fässler/André Lotterer/Benoît Tréluyer (CH/D/F), plus Loïc Duval/Tom Kristensen/Allan McNish (F/DK/GB).

Last year, the fans saw a battle of the two manufacturers on the 5.891-kilometer circuit at Silverstone that was thrilling all the way to the end. After the lead had changed 14 times in the course of the six hours of racing, Audi with an advantage of 55.675 seconds achieved the fourth of five season victories.

This year, the UK crowd can look forward to various new elements in the World Endurance Championship. The Audi R18 e-tron quattro version that has been improved in many details will be racing in Europe for the first time. This “evolution of a revolution” features optimized aerodynamics, a hybrid system that has been subjected to further development plus ultra-lightweight design which has been optimized yet again. A new driver assistance system has two forward-pointing cameras on the roof that improve the driver’s view from the cockpit.

While these developments mark a forward step, the regulations limit the sheer performance potential of the race car in a sensitive area. Due to a smaller air restrictor the 3.7-liter V6 TDI engine now delivers only 360 kW (490 hp) – around 15 kW (20 hp) less than last year.

The sporting regulations feature several changes as well. For the first time, qualifying will no longer be contested by just one driver per car. Now, two drivers have to complete at least two timed laps. The average of these four fastest laps determines the grid position. In the manufacturers’ classification, all eight race results will be counted in the 2013 season. There will no longer be any void results like last year, so reliability will be even more important than before.

The spectators and motorsport fans in the United Kingdom are not only regarded as a particularly knowledgeable and brand-loyal audience. Their love of automobiles is reflected in growing enthusiasm for Audi as well. The company has nearly doubled its annual sales in the UK within the space of ten years. In fiscal year 2012 alone, growth amounted to 7.2 percent. With 123,640 delivered automobiles, the United Kingdom is the second-largest European market for Audi after Germany.

Topics of the weekend

-Will Audi be able to repeat last year’s Silverstone victory?
-What impact will the new qualifying format have?
-Will the race cars with their reduced power ratings achieve similar lap times as last year?
-Which of the two Audi driver pairings will make the best start into the season?

Quotes by the officials

Dr. Wolfgang Ullrich, Head of Audi Motorsport: “The title defense for Audi begins in the country that is the European cradle of motorsport – the United Kingdom. A year ago, Audi’s hybrid technology prevailed in a thrilling race at Silverstone where we celebrated the early title win in the manufacturers’ classification of the FIA World Endurance Championship as well. After our victory in the Sebring 12 Hours in March, we’re now excited about our first duel this year with our competitor Toyota.”

Ralf Jüttner (Technical Director Audi Sport Team Joest): “Although the WEC season only opens in England in the middle of April we started our preparations for the season with Audi a long time ago. We participated in a number of track tests this year and successfully contested the Sebring 12 Hours. From now on, every single point will count. The World Championship will be even more challenging this year as we’re expecting to meet with a tough opponent right from the beginning. We’re looking forward to this competition.”

Facts and quotes by the Audi drivers

Marcel Fässler (36/CH), Audi R18 e-tron quattro #1 (Audi Sport Team Joest)
-At Silverstone, celebrated his first victory in a 6-hour race last year
-Won the Sebring 12 Hours in March
“The track at Silverstone is nice, fast and suits me really well. My two team-mates and I want to repeat last year’s victory for Audi. The crowd in England is very special. For the large number of fans in the UK, Silverstone has the tradition of being the home of motorsport.”

André Lotterer (31/D), Audi R18 e-tron quattro #1 (Audi Sport Team Joest)
-Wants to defend the World Champion’s title with his team-mates
-WEC season opener marks first racing commitment in the 2013 season
“After my team-mates won the 12-hour race at Sebring, I’m looking forward to my first race this year at Silverstone. I hope that Benoît Tréluyer and Marcel Fässler will be bringing the momentum from America to the WEC season opener. We want to win this race again. We’re hoping for good weather in April. But even if it should rain, this won’t be a problem – because our car’s got quattro drive.”

Benoît Tréluyer (36/F), Audi R18 e-tron quattro #1 (Audi Sport Team Joest)
-Is starting his fourth season with Audi
-Celebrated victory at Sebring in the 12-hour race
“Silverstone will be an initial assessment of where Audi stands in the battle with Toyota. The circuit is fast but not as fast as the track at Le Mans. I really enjoyed the race last year. Of course, we want to win again.”

Loïc Duval (30/F), Audi R18 e-tron quattro #2 (Audi Sport Team Joest)
-Is contesting his first full WEC season
-Clinched a victory and a second place in the WEC last year
“For me, everything is new. My season will begin at Silverstone and I’m happy about starting into the WEC alongside Tom Kristensen and Allan McNish for the first time. I don’t know the current Silverstone track configuration while I’m driving the R18 e-tron quattro in a race for the first time as well. With so many things being new I’ve set myself one aim: to get through the weekend without any mistakes in order to achieve a good result.”

Tom Kristensen (45/DK), Audi R18 e-tron quattro #2 (Audi Sport Team Joest)
-The eight-time Le Mans winner is the WEC runner-up of the 2012 season
-At Sebring, he took second place in March
“Silverstone is a nice venue for starting the World Championship. I’m expecting even more fans this year than last year. I’m eager to see how strong the other teams will be this season. There are a lot of ‘courage’ corners at Silverstone, plus very narrow hairpin turns. This mix will no doubt be suiting our new car well.”

Allan McNish (43/GB), Audi R18 e-tron quattro #2 (Audi Sport Team Joest)
-The Scotsman experiences his “home” round at Silverstone
-He started from the first row there last year
“We’re all looking forward to the World Championship. For me, it starts with a ‘home’ round. The weather at Silverstone will play a role and we’re expecting it to be much colder in April than it was at the last race in summer. If it rains we might have a small advantage thanks to e-tron quattro. But even in the fast turns like in the section from Copse to Stowe our car was very good last year. We’ve been paying attention to improving our acceleration out of slow turns as well. The 2013-specification R18 e-tron quattro is a competitive car.”

The Audi drivers at Silverstone

Loïc Duval (F): * June 12, 1982 in Chartres (F); residence: Tokyo (J); single (partner Gaëlle), one son (Hugo); height: 1.78 m; weight: 70 kg; Audi driver since 2012; Le Mans victories: 0; WEC races: 3; WEC victories: 1; WEC pole positions: 0; fastest WEC laps: 1; best result WEC Silverstone: –

Marcel Fässler (CH): * May 27, 1976 in Einsiedeln (CH); residence: Gross (CH); married to Isabel, four daughters (Shana, Elin, Yael and Delia); height: 1.78 m; weight: 78 kg; Audi driver since 2008; Le Mans victories: 2; WEC races: 8; WEC victories: 3; WEC pole positions: 0; fastest WEC laps: 1; best result WEC Silverstone: 1

Tom Kristensen (DK): * July 07, 1967 in Hobro (DK); residence: Monaco (MC); single (partner: Hanne), two sons (Oliver and Oswald) and one daughter (Carla Marlou); height: 1.74 m; weight: 72 kg; Audi driver since 2000, Le Mans victories: 8; WEC races: 8; WEC victories: 1; WEC pole positions: 0; fastest WEC laps: 1; best result WEC Silverstone: 3

André Lotterer (D): * November 19, 1981 in Duisburg (D); residence: Tokyo (J);
single; height: 1.84 m; weight: 74 kg; Audi driver since 2010; Le Mans victories: 2; WEC races: 8; WEC victories: 3; WEC pole positions: 2; fastest WEC laps: 1; best result WEC Silverstone: 1

Allan McNish (GB): * December 29, 1969 in Dumfries (GB); residence: Monaco (MC); married to Kelly, one son (Finlay), one daughter (Charlotte Amelie); height: 1.65 m; weight: 60 kg; Audi driver in 2000, since 2004; Le Mans victories: 2; WEC races: 8; WEC victories: 1; WEC pole positions: 2; fastest WEC laps: 0; best result WEC Silverstone: 3

Benoît Tréluyer (F): * December 07, 1976 in Alençon (F); residence: Gordes (F); married to Melanie, one son (Jules); height: 1.78 m; weight: 68 kg; Audi driver since 2010; Le Mans victories: 2; WEC races: 8; WEC victories: 3; WEC pole positions: 1; fastest WEC laps: 0; best result WEC Silverstone: 1

All Silverstone winners (since 2004)

2004 Pierre Kaffer/Allan McNish (Audi)
2005 Allan McNish/Stéphane Ortelli (Audi)
2007 Marc Gené/Nicolas Minassian (Peugeot)
2008 Dindo Capello/Allan McNish (Audi)
2009 Olivier Panis/Nicolas Lapierre (Oreca)
2010 Anthony Davidson/Nicolas Minassian (Peugeot)
2011 Simon Pagenaud/Sébastien Bourdais (Peugeot)
2012 Marcel Fässler/André Lotterer/Benoît Tréluyer (Audi)

Track info

Track length: 5.891 km
Race duration: 6 hours
Qualifying record on this track: Allan McNish, Audi R15 TDI, 1m 43.475s = 204.954 km/h (September 11, 2010)
Race record on this track: Nicolas Lapierre, Toyota, 1m 44.059s = 203.804 km/h (August 26, 2012)
Pole position 2012: Benoît Tréluyer, Audi R18 e-tron quattro, 1m 43.663s = 204.582 km/h (August 25, 2012)
Fastest lap 2012: Nicolas Lapierre, Toyota, 1m 44.059s = 203.804 km/h (August 26, 2012)

Allan McNish comments on the Silverstone track

“In April, the weather in the UK is changeable and the tire choice difficult. The track was modified two years ago. Turn 1 is a very fast corner that we drive in fourth gear. Then the slowest passage follows. Afterwards, we immediately start accelerating again to have a chance for overtaking towards Luffield. We brake far into this corner. Then we move on towards Copse, Becketts and Stowe – the fast corners. We practically throw the car into these turns. There are a few bumps approaching Stowe. In Club corner and on the way back to the start and finish, it’s not easy to put the power on the ground. At Silverstone, we’ve got a maximum of three places for overtaking – when braking into Club, Luffield and Stowe.”

Schedule (local times; CEST –1 hour)

Friday, April 12
12:25–13:55 Free practice 1
16:25–17:55 Free practice 2

Saturday, April 13
09:00–10:00 Free practice 3
12:40–13:00 Qualifying LMP1 and LMP2

Sunday, April 14
12:00–18:00 6-hour race

Photo credit: Audi Sport Media

Gallery: Best of 12 Hours of Sebring by lendurance.co.uk

By Tarek Ramchani

Audi won the 12 Hours of Sebring overall for the eleventh time. A fantastic 1-2 victory for Audi Sport Team Joest with the Audi R18 e-tron quattro. The #1 Audi of Benoit Treluyer, Oliver Jarvis and Marcel Fassler ahead of the sister #2 machine of Allan McNish, Tom Kristensen and Lucas di Grassi. This was the last time ever for Audi Sport at Florida's classic with an LMP1 car. The new formed United SportsCar Racing which will replace the ALMS and the Rolex Series won't use anymore the top LMP1 class.

Our friends from the lendurance.co.uk have a great coverage on site for what was Audi's goodbye to the American Le Mans Series. Here a selection of great photos by Nick Busato one of the talented photographers at the British based sportscar website.

Photo credit and more information:
lendurance.co.uk official website
lendurance.co.uk on Facebook
Nick Busato official website

Another historic success for Audi

Audi Press Release 

•          First triumph of a hybrid race car at Sebring
•          One-two victory of the Audi R18 e-tron quattro on U.S. debut
•          Fässler/Jarvis/Tréluyer win endurance classic

Ingolstadt/Sebring, March 17, 2013 – Another historic racing success for Audi: The Audi R18 e-tron quattro’s victory marked the first ever of a hybrid race car at the Sebring (Florida) 12 Hours in the history of the U.S. endurance classic. 

On the – provisionally – last running of the LMP1 sports cars that feature sophisticated technology at Sebring, Audi Sport Team Joest achieved a commanding one-two victory. Right from the start, the two Audi R18 e-tron quattro cars set the pace, during the entire race an Audi was at the front of the field made up of 42 prototypes and GT sports cars. The third-placed Lola-Toyota was trailing the winner by five laps at the finish.

For twelve hours, the two Audi R18 e-tron quattro cars fought a fierce duel for victory and repeatedly overtook each other in close battle. In total, the lead between the two R18 cars changed 20 times. A damaged under-floor of car number “1” that was ultimately victorious caused some headaches for Audi Sport Team Joest. The necessary repairs could be performed without any major time loss during caution periods though.

In the thrilling duel between the team’s two cars the current Le Mans winners and World Endurance Champions Marcel Fässler (CH) and Benoît Tréluyer (F) plus Sebring newcomer Oliver Jarvis (GB) prevailed by a narrow margin. All three celebrated their first Sebring triumph. For Jarvis, after the GT success with the Audi R8 GRAND-AM at the Daytona 24 Hours, this marked the second victory at a classic U.S. endurance race.

With a gap of only 7.679s, Lucas di Grassi (BR), Tom Kristensen (DK) and Allan McNish (GB) completed the Audi one-two result. A 60-second time penalty due to a collision with a slower sports prototype had been imposed against the 2013-specification Audi R18 e-tron quattro shortly before the end of the third hour.

In 14 races at Sebring with Le Mans prototypes, this marked Audi’s eleventh overall victory. Eight times the brand with the four rings celebrated one-two results. The premium manufacturer’s tally reflects 24 podium places. Ten times an Audi started from the pole position – more often than any other manufacturer in the history of the race that has been held since 1952. The Audi R8, the R10 TDI and the R15 TDI each celebrated victorious debuts at Sebring. With the first victory of a diesel sports car in 2006 and now the first triumph of a hybrid race car Audi achieved two historic victories. Audi took the first podium and the first win at a sports car race at Sebring as well. In addition, Audi regularly used the track in Florida to prepare for the Le Mans 24 Hours.

This time, Audi Sport Team Joest will again stay at Sebring after the race for tests with the Audi R18 e-tron quattro that has been subjected to further development. It still remains to be seen whether or not there will be a future for Audi at the U.S. endurance classic. After the American Le Mans Series (ALMS) and the GRAND-AM Series merged to form the new “United SportsCar Racing” series no LMP1 sports cars will be permitted to run anymore as of 2014.

U.S. fans will be able to see the Audi R18 e-tron quattro soon again in the United States nonetheless. On September 22, the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) will visit the Circuit of the Americas in Austin (Texas).

Quotes after the race

Dr. Wolfgang Ullrich (Head of Audi Motorsport): “That was a perfect finale! I’m very happy about this one-two victory in a race in which both of our cars battled against each other all the way to the finish and delivered a fantastic show to the many fans. The entire squad worked hard, so winning after a long twelve hours is the sweetest reward. After victories with TFSI and TDI technology, Audi on clinching the win today with a hybrid car has continued the success story at this race.”

Ralf Jüttner (Technical Director Audi Sport Team Joest): “This is an outstanding result for what has at least provisionally been our last run here at Sebring. I’m happy about this one-two victory at which either of our two teams would have deserved first place. In the beginning, both cars were running on different strategies. At some point in time they were nearly in parallel and at the finish not even ten seconds apart. We’ve been enjoying the atmosphere here at Sebring with brilliant weather and unique fans. This victory is a nice reward for the whole squad some of whom worked through the whole night before the race and then delivered perfect pit stops for twelve hours straight.”

Marcel Fässler (Audi R18 e-tron quattro #1): “Celebrating Audi’s last race here at Sebring with a victory is simply fantastic. It was an incredibly close race in which both cars would have deserved to win. In the end, we were the slightly more fortunate ones. The pole position yesterday, victory today, great team-mates – things couldn’t be any better today.”

Oliver Jarvis (Audi R18 e-tron quattro #1): “What a start into the 2013 season! This isn’t a dream; it’s a lot more than that. Winning with Audi at Daytona already was an incredible experience. But now an overall victory on my first run at Sebring on top of that is more than I’d ever dared to hope for. A huge thank you to Audi and to Marcel (Fässler) and Ben (Tréluyer) – they’ve been the best team-mates I could imagine.”

Benoît Tréluyer (Audi R18 e-tron quattro #1): “We won the last race of the LMP1 sports cars at Sebring – we’re very proud of this. I think that the fans witnessed a thrilling race in which we had to give one hundred percent to beat our sister car. For us the American dream has come true today. Thank you to Marcel (Fässler) and Oliver (Jarvis) fora great week here at Sebring. Normally, André (Lotterer) is part of our team as well – I’m sure that he’d have been on top of the podium here too.”

Lucas di Grassi (Audi R18 e-tron quattro #2): “This was my first 12-hour race, my first race in the dark and my first run at Sebring – the podium position is a brilliant conclusion of the weekend. It was a very close race with a few incidents and a controversial penalty. More would have been possible for us but as far as I’m concerned the joy about the second place with Audi outweighs anything else.”

Tom Kristensen (Audi R18 e-tron quattro #2): “It was a memorable, tough and fast race. We had the chance ourselves to win today – but we didn’t make it. So, ‘well done’ to the guys from the ‘sister car’ and all other winners here at Sebring. Aside from our second place I’m taking a lot of memories home with me from all the years and the fastest race lap on today’s farewell. It’s for a man who has given me the passion for motorsport.”

Allan McNish (Audi R18 e-tron quattro #2): “What a fantastic race! We arrived here with Audi in order to say goodbye to our fans at Sebring with a thrilling performance – and I believe we managed to do that. It was a fierce battle from the first to the last lap. I’d like to congratulate the team of our ‘sister car.’ On a very personal note, I’m absolutely pleased with the race. Some of my stints were the best I can remember in the past few years.”

Results

1 Fässler/Jarvis/Tréluyer (Audi R18 e-tron quattro) 364 laps in 12h 00m11.638s
2 di Grassi/Kristensen/McNish (Audi R18 e-tron quattro) + 7.679s
3 Prost/Heidfeld/Jani (Lola-Toyota) - 5 laps
4 Graf/Luhr/Dumas (HPD-Honda) - 6 laps
5 Beche/Cheng/Belicchi (Lola-Toyota) - 10 laps
6 Tucker/Franchitti/Briscoe (HPD-Honda) - 18 laps
7 Tucker/Hunter-Reay/Pagenaud (HPD-Honda) - 19 laps
8 Kimber-Smith/Zugel/Lux (Zytek) - 22 laps
9 Cheng/Guasch/Ostella (ORECA) - 28 laps
10 Marcelli/Cumming/Johansson (ORECA) - 28 laps

Photo credit: Audi Sport Media

Audi wins the final LMP1 Sebring 12 Hours

By Johan Laubscher

Audi Sport Team Joest has won the 2013 Sebring 12 Hours. A 1-2 finish after a very long race. Victory went to the #1 driving crew of Marcel Fässler, Benoît Tréluyer and Oliver Jarvis in the 2012 Audi R18 e-tron quattro. The #2 squad of Lucas di Grassi, Tom Kristensen and Allan McNish finished second in the 2013 Audi R18 e-tron quattro.

The 2013 Sebring 12 Hours marked the end of an era. The American Le Mans Series was born at Sebring in 1999 and every year since the Le Mans category cars have competed in North America. 2014 heralds a new era as the ALMS and Grand-Am are merging to form the new United SportsCar Racing series. The new series will combine the existing categories, but LMP1 will be omitted. Thus 2013 was a very special Sebring 12 Hours as it would be the last appearance of the LMP1 category in this classic endurance race. This added significance to the race meant that Audi dearly wanted to win their LMP1 swansong at Sebring.

Race week itself got underway with testing sessions from Monday until Wednesday. Audi Sport Team Joest completed the test sessions steadily, working on race setup. The official practice sessions began on Thursday and the Audis established themselves at the top of the time sheets. Their pace continued into qualifying with Audi taking a 1-2. A mere 0,009 seconds separated the two cars with Marcel Fässler taking the pole ahead of Allan McNish.

A sunny day greeted Sebring on raceday. The 61st Sebring 12 Hours got the green flag at 10h45 local time and the two Audis headed into the distance. The #1 maintained the lead during the first hour. The second hour saw the lead change under braking as #2 passed #1 at the old hairpin. The race began settling into a rhythm with both Audis seesawing between themselves, each loosing and gaining time due to various incidents. A few brief off track moments combined with a 60 second stop-and-go highlighted the opening sequence of the race.

Various safety car sessions ensured that the two Audis remained on the lead lap and in close proximity to eachother. The battle between the two Audis carried on into the afternoon as both cars circulated closely and even traded paint on occasion. The strategies of the two cars eventually became separated, as both crews were determined to go for the win. 

The inter Audi fight continued unabated through the afternoon and into the night, with both cars racing each other on the lead lap. The intensity of the racing suggested that there were no team orders. A loose floorboard had developed on the #1 car, causing sparks on the ground, but it did not effect the performance and the battle with their teammates continued. They traded places during the pit stop sequences, and as the final hour approached the pattern had settled with #1 leading #2, by approximately ten seconds. 

As the race entered the final hour the cars were in sight of each other, and it was a straight fight between Benoît Tréluyer in #1 and Tom Kristensen in #2. The racing became intense in traffic as both cars had near misses. It was certainly a race, as both drivers were going for that special final ALMS Sebring victory. 

The battle continued into the final minutes of the race. Ultimately the final pit stop allowed Benoît Tréluyer to gain a cushion and he held off Tom Kristensen, leading home an Audi 1-2 finish. This was Audi's eleventh overall victory at Sebring, and a perfect swansong for Audi's LMP1 Sebring legacy. 

Photo credit: Audi Sport Media