Sebring: Last stand for the Audi R15

While waiting for the R18 to debut in competition, a more advanced R15 was sent to Florida. Although it has barely changed in appearance, the car has been modified to meet the new regulations.

“Sebring is a circuit on which we have debuted almost all of our new prototypes and always won the victory” explains Dr. Wolfgang Ullrich. “For the R18 project, it would have been a monumental logistical challenge to race at Sebring at such an early stage. We are going to say goodbye to the R15 TDI. We modified it, but we know that we do not have the same basis as our competitors with their new LMP1. That said, we want to score as many points as possible for ILMC. »

In view of the duel with Peugeot , in ILMC, starting with an old model can be disabling. However, the unpredictable nature of the American race allows Dr. Ullrich to seriously consider a final victory, even against the new Peugeot 908s. “At the 12 Hours of Sebring, there are many factors other than the car that influence the race to the checkered flag. That's why anything is possible, even with an old car. »

The victorious crew of the last 24 hours of Le Mans, Timo Bernhard, Romain Dumas and Mike Rockenfeller will be entered at the wheel of the No. 1, while the No. 2 will be entrusted to Dindo Capello, Allan McNish and Tom Kristensen.