WEC – Reinke: Audi eager to face Nissan

Toyota, Porsche and now Nissan… Audi is going to have a hard time this season in WEC and 24 Hours of Le Mans (June 13 and 14) which is enjoying growing success. The manufacturer with the rings was held in check last year by the TS040 Hybrid but the R18 e-tron quattro from Tréluyer-Lotterer-Fässler still offered the German brand new success in Sarthe.

The arrival of Nissan is nevertheless welcomed with satisfaction by Audi which will fight within a strong field. “This marks a new development in the WEC and we are happy about it”, said Chris Reinke, LMP1 project director. “Audi has been one of the pioneers of new technologies in motorsport over the past three decades. We are therefore delighted to face a concept like that of Nissan (with the GT-R LM Nismo with front engine and front wheel drive). The fight for podiums will become even more intense. The three manufacturers entered were all already fighting for victory. Audi will be aiming for its 14th success at Le Mans and we also intend to bring the title back to Ingolstadt and (Germany). »

Chris Reinke is particularly confident about the potential of the new Audis which will be lined up in 2015. “We follow our program to the letter. The construction of the car is complete and testing began at the start of the year. Endurance testing will mark the next step. The first elements have already been installed. Testing days have been limited this season for all teams. Our drivers have prepared intensively on the simulator and on the test tracks. We particularly trained René Rast in his new task and he has already completed his first kilometers behind the wheel. »