Audi can finally resort

Audi, for many observers, arrived as a favorite in Atlanta, able to benefit from its experience across the Atlantic. But, since the release of the R15 TDi, the latter has only competed in one race in the United States, the 12 Hours of Sebring. The drivers were then only able to compete in the 24 Hours of Le Mans, arriving in Georgia for their third race of the year. “ It?s great to be back here in the United States, confides Marco Werner. We haven't done much driving since Le Mans so we're really happy to come back here to race. It's a good way to learn for the next season, about the car that will compete in the 24 Hours of Le Mans. »

The German driver recognizes that Audi has a lot of work to do, the R15 having only competed in two races so far. And from a personal point of view, Werner says he is relieved to be able to get back behind the wheel in competition. “ We need to find the right settings. We learn more about this car lap by lap, session by session. But that?s not the only reason why we?re happy to race here. Staying at home and not running around looking at others is really very hard. So we're really happy to be here, to come race, learn about the car? »

For many teams (Peugeot , Oreca?), these 1000 Miles of Petit Le Mans will serve as a benchmark to improve their cars for the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Audi is no exception and Dindo Capello confirms that the firm's two American races at the rings this year are focused on the Le Mans race. But, in Braselton, the work base already exists, unlike Sebring. “ Racing in the United States before Le Mans and after Le Mans are really two different approaches. Before Le Mans, during the 12 Hours of Sebring, it was the first time we had the chance to test the potential of the car before the big French race. »

It is therefore with the desire to erase the errors of the 24 Hours of Le Mans that the Audi drivers want to experience these 1000 Miles of Petit Le Mans, in order to prepare the R15 TDi to win the Sarthe event in 2010.