The Audi R18s struggled in Shanghai

At the end of the 6 Hours of Shanghai, Audi missed the podium for the first time since the inaugural race of the 2016 season. WEC in Silverstone (Great Britain). This result is at its worst as the Rings brand announced on Wednesday October 26 thatit stopped its LMP1 program at the end of the season.

The R18s had a difficult race in China. No. 8 of Duval-Di Grassi-Jarvis a échoué en cinquième position à trois tours des Porsche and Toyota. Alors qu’elle évoluait aux avant-postes en début d’épreuve, sa course a été perturbée par un problème de ravitaillement avec un débit moins important que prévu.

The second Audi, the No. 7 of Tréluyer-Lotterer-Fässler, was even less successful since it finished in 6th place after losing 25 minutes in the pits. The LMP1-H saw its pneumatic cylinder damaged following contact between Benoît Tréluyer and Oliver Jarvis.

“These setbacks are truly disappointing, recognized Dr. Wolfgang Ullrich, future ex-director of Audi Motorsport. What was gratifying was seeing the commitment of the entire team and drivers. They never gave up for Audi during the six hours. Despite everything, we were able to score 18 points and defend our second place in the Championship. We can still become vice-champions during the final (in Bahrain on Saturday November 19). »

Audi now only has a 15-point lead over Toyota while Porsche celebrated its second consecutive Manufacturers' title in Shanghai.

Discover the analysis of the 6 Hours of Shanghai carried out by our special correspondents in issue 2088 of AUTOhebdo, available from Monday evening in digital version on all platforms, and from Wednesday on newsstands.