6H: Why did Audi fail at Imola?

Audi has failed to keep up with the pace of Peugeot at the 6 Hours of Imola. In the rhythm during the first hour, the R18s were gradually dropped by the 908s returning to the highest steps of the podium. The German manufacturer watched helplessly as the Revengeful Lionesses doubled.

Dr. Wolfgand Ullrich, disappointed by this lack of performance, cites several reasons to explain this disappointing result. “We are not happy with the result of Imola”, insists the director of Audi Motorsport. “We have inconsistent performances. We were on pace at the start of the race, but we lost ground towards the middle of the race, a delay which we were not able to regain at the end. It was the first time we drove with this configuration in this heat. We must return to success at Silverstone. »

Timo Bernhard, driver of the #18 R1 third in the event, confirms that the high temperatures disrupted the Audi race. “Temperatures rose during the race”, recalls the German. “In addition, the gravel and gum pellets clogged the brake cooling system, which kept heating up, forcing us to clean them at each stop. We attacked throughout the race. It's a shame, but we will come back to fight again. »

Find the report from our special correspondents at the 6 Hours of Imola in the next issue of AUTOhebdo, on sale from Wednesday.