Ingolstadt - March 12, 2007
American Le Mans Series season opener at Sebring (USA)
The 2007 Audi R10 TDI, which was unveiled to the world’s public on
Monday evening in Munich, contests its first race on Saturday (17 March)
at Sebring (USA). The 12-hour race in "Sunshine State” Florida is the
opening race and one of the highlights of the American Le Mans Series,
and also dress rehearsal for the Le Mans 24 Hours for Audi Sport’s team.
It is not only the new design that distinguishes the further developed Audi
R10 TDI from its successful predecessor that started its winning streak
exactly one year ago and remains unbeaten since then. To ensure that it
remains the car to beat in 2007, innumerable details were optimised on
the LM P1 Prototype.
Audi drivers facing difficult task
The Audi R10 TDI will certainly not have things all its own way its second
year of competition. The 150 kilogram lighter LM P2 cars are allowed to
race in the American Le Mans Series with more engine power than at Le
Mans. At the same time, diesel powered cars must manage with a
nine-litre smaller fuel tank in the future – as stipulated by the Automobile
Club de l‘Ouest (ACO) regulations.
Reducing the fuel-cell volume from 90 to 81 litres – realised by mounting
a partition in the tank – was not the only modification made to the latest
R10 TDI model by Audi Sport over the winter. The complex electronic
system associated with the V12 TDI engine was optimised together with
partner Bosch. The majority of the other modification targeted an
improvement in efficiency, consumption, durability and drivability. The
maximum power is unchanged at around 650 hp, but the power curve
was noticeably improved.
The R10 TDI carbon-fibre monocoque is identical to last year’s design.
Minor aerodynamic modifications, which are only visible to the trained
eye, were made to the exterior surfaces.
The friction and weight levels of the entire powertrain were reduced. The
two diesel particle filters are also now smaller and lighter. Tyre partner
Michelin supplied new compounds and constructions to improve the
balance between front and rear axles. The R10 TDI suspension and
dampers were also refined.
The further developed R10 TDI completed the first tests in November
2006. Audi Sport tested at Sebring in February where the "new one” made
a good impression.
Experienced drivers at the wheel of the two Audi R10 TDI cars
Taking turns at the wheel of the two cars at Sebring and Le Mans are the
six drivers who were also instrumental in the development of the
performance diesel: Frank Biela (Germany), Dindo Capello (Italy), Tom
Kristensen (Denmark), Allan McNish (Scotland), Emanuele Pirro (Italy)
and Marco Werner (Germany).
The defending Champions Capello/McNish (R10 TDI number 1) and
Pirro/Werner (R10 TDI number 2) are planned to be the drivers for the
entire American Le Mans Series. Le Mans record winner Tom Kristensen
and Frank Biela bolster the driving squads at Sebring and Le Mans. Audi
has entered a third R10 TDI for Le Mans. However the entry is subject to
sufficient finance being found.
The pair of new Audi R10 TDI cars, which start at Sebring, were flown to
the USA on Wednesday (7 March). Practice at Sebring starts on Monday
(12 March). The race starts on Saturday (17 March) 10 a.m. local time (4
p.m. in Germany). Audi remains unbeaten in the American endurance
classic since the year 2000.
Quotes before the race at Sebring
Dr Wolfgang Ullrich (Head of Audi Motorsport): "Sebring is traditionally a
very important race for Audi. On the one side it is a dress rehearsal for Le
Mans, and on the other the opening race of the American Le Mans Series,
for which additional points are awarded because of the 12-hour distance.
We are well prepared, but are also well aware just how tough the race will
be due to the new regulations. Our R10 TDI must start with a smaller fuel
tank for the first time, and the LM P2 will be on a par from the performance
aspect. After seven Sebring wins in a row our target is nevertheless to
fight for another victory.”
Dindo Capello (Audi R10 TDI #1): "Sebring is the only opportunity we have
before Le Mans to race with the technology, the driver pairings and the
team as it will be at Le Mans. I’ve always had a real soft spot for Sebring
and have already won there twice. Sebring is one of the world’s toughest
race tracks because of the bumps. When you find a good set-up for the
track you don’t really have to worry about the rest of the year.”
Tom Kristensen (Audi R10 TDI #1): "I’m looking forward to the first race of
2007. It’s become a small tradition for Audi and I that the season begins
at this fantastic circuit. Sebring is a big event and a real challenge for man
and machine. Apart from the bumps there are five different types of
tarmac. We come from the European winter into the sun, and the race
runs into the night. Sebring is stressful for the drivers and cars. It is the
best test ground for the latest generation Audi R10 TDI.”
Allan McNish (Audi R10 TDI #1): "It great to see that the season is about
to start. It was a long winter break even though we tested. So, it’s high
time that we got started with the real business. Sebring is a great start:
The race is 12-hours long and difficult for driver and car. Tom, Dindo and I
return to Florida as last year’s winners. However, Honda and Porsche will
be very strong. Sebring is the first chance for everybody to relative
performance of the new cars. It should be interesting.”
Frank Biela (Audi R10 TDI #2): "I only race twice this year: Sebring and Le
Mans. So, Sebring is even more important than usual. The race is
extremely prestigious and it would be fantastic to win there again. It’s also
the only opportunity we have as a team to see whether everything
functions perfectly. I’m looking forward to the challenge.”
Emanuele Pirro (Audi R10 TDI #2): "The winter was long, so the
anticipation of the first race of the season is even greater. Sebring is one
of the most important races of the year, and we have two jobs to do: We
have to test for Le Mans, but also want to win the race. We already tested
at Sebring in February. The new car worked well there and the whole
team is in top form.”
Marco Werner (Audi R10 TDI #2): "It goes without saying that I’m
absolutely delighted to have a full season of racing to look forward to and
can’t wait for Sebring. I can finally get down to the business of racing
again. I hope that I find my rhythm quickly, since testing and racing are
two different things.”
The schedule at Sebring
Sunday, 11 March
09:00 – 18:00 Technical scrutineering
Monday, 12 March
10:15 – 12:15 Test Session
15:30 – 17:30 Test Session
Tuesday, 13 March
13:30 – 15:00 Test Session
Wednesday, 14 March
10:20 – 11:15 Free Practice
14:15 – 15:10 Free Practice
Thursday, 15 March
10:15 – 11:10 Free Practice
15:50 – 16:15 Qualifying (Prototypes)
19:45 – 21:15 Night Practice
Friday, 16 March
09:55 – 10:50 Free Practice
Saturday, 17 March
07:30 – 07:50 Warm-up
10:00 – 22:00 Race
Facts about the 12 Hours of Sebring
Circuit length
5.950 kilometres (3.700 miles)
Every Sebring winner since 1999
1999 Kristensen/Lehto/Müller (BMW)
2000 Biela/Kristensen/Pirro (Audi R8)
2001 Alboreto/Aiello/Capello (Audi R8)
2002 Capello/Herbert/Pescatori (Audi R8)
2003 Biela/Peter/Werner (Audi R8)
2004 Biela/Kaffer/McNish (Audi R8)
2005 Kristensen/Lehto/Werner (Audi R8)
2006 Capello/Kristensen/McNish (Audi R10 TDI)
Track record (Qualifying)
Allan McNish (Audi R10 TDI), 1m 45.828s (2006)
Track record (Race)
Allan McNish (Audi R10 TDI), 1m 48.373s (2006)
Distance record
Alboreto/Aiello/Capello (Audi R8), 370 laps (2001)
|