Audi announces its drivers

Never change a winning team. This is essentially what Audi's decision-makers must have said to themselves when choosing their trio of drivers for the 24 Hours of Le Mans (June 14-15). Thus, the No. 15 Audi R1 TDI will be driven by the victorious crew in 2008, namely Dindo Capello, Tom Kristensen and Allan McNish. It is also this trio of drivers who won at the start of the year at Sebring for the 12 Hours.

The second R15 TDI will be entrusted to Germans Lucas Luhr, Mike Rockenfeller and Marco Werner who also drove together on the Florida circuit. Finally, the third “proto” will be in the hands of the French Romain Dumas and Alexandre Prémat accompanied by Timo Bernhard.

« The 12 Hours of Sebring was a great rehearsal for us said Dr. Wolfgang Ullrich, Head of Audi Motorsport. “ This is why we have not changed anything compared to the crews lined up at Sebring. The composition of the third car follows naturally from this choice. I am convinced that we have excellent drivers on board our three R15 TDIs He concluded.

Since their victory at Sebring, the Audis have also adapted their aerodynamic package for the fast Le Mans circuit. The Ingolstadt team also had to review its copy after the decision of the ACO, the race organizers, to increase the minimum weight of diesels by 30 kg to balance performance with the gasoline prototypes. New tests will take place to evaluate developments on the R15 TDI.