WEC – The real fight will begin for Audi

The 2013 season of WEC will offer a real duel at the top between Audi and Toyota. If the Japanese manufacturer could not fight last year with a single LMP1 hybrid prototype against the two R18 e-tron quattros by starting its season at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the fight for the title will this time be fair with two cars entered by the two manufacturers for the entire season. The regulations are changing this year with a narrowed air intake flange where the 6l TDI V3.7 will lose 20hp compared to last year when the German diesel developed 510hp. In addition, two drivers will have to complete the qualifications. Finally, the eight events will count for the Manufacturers' Championship.

Audi will not make the mistake of underestimating its rival after Toyota won half of the 2012 season events contested by the Japanese manufacturer. With two TS030s lined up this year, the brand with the rings will have a lot to do to preserve its coronation. If Marcel Fässler, André Lotterer and Benoît Tréluyer will remain at the wheel of the No. 18 R1, Loïc duval will play his first full season alongside veterans Tom Kristensen and Allan McNish. The 6 Hours of Silverstone had already offered a high-level fight with 14 changes of leader before the victorious crew at the 24 Hours of Le Mans won by less than a minute ahead of the TS030 of Wurz-Stone-Nakajima.

“Audi’s title defense will begin in the cradle of European motorsport in Great Britain”, comments Audi sporting director Dr. Wolfgang Ullrich. “A year ago, Audi's hybrid technology established itself at the end of an exciting race at Silverstone where we also celebrated our coronation in the Manufacturers' standings. Following our victory at the 12 Hours of Sebring, we are excited to resume our duel with Toyota. » The technical director of Team Joest Ralf Jüttner did not want to neglect any detail before starting the battle with the Japanese brand. “Even though the WEC season doesn't start until mid-April in Great Britain, we started our preparations a while ago. We participated in numerous track tests this year and had a successful performance at the 12 Hours of Sebring. From now on, every point will count. The World Championship will be even more demanding this year as we expect to encounter strong opposition from the start of the season. »