Audi aims for its 12th victory at Le Mans in 2013

It’s not just any other year for Audi at Le Mans attempting to do what they do best, and have successfully been doing for a very long time now. On the 90th anniversary of the world’s most important endurance race, the challenge is particularly great for the brand with the four rings, following the most recent changes in race regulations.

Going into the grueling competition for the 15th time this year, the team’s current LMP1 World Endurance Champions Marcel Fassler/André Lotterer/Benoit Treluyer (CH/D/F) will enter the race in the number ‘1’ Audi R18 e-tron quattro. 

The goal is clear; following two consecutive victories in 2011 and 2012, the trio is now intent on scoring that special hat-trick at La Sarthe in 2013. Audi has achieved this result in the past when Frank Biela/Emanuele Pirro/Tom Kristensen (D/I/DK) remained unbeaten three times at Le Mans between 2000 and 2002.

Le Mans record winner Tom Kristensen (eight wins) expects to be in contention for a top result with his current team-mates Loïc Duval (F) and Allan McNish (GB). The experienced driver line-up of the Audi R18 e-tron quattro designated as car number ‘3’ is also aiming for a great result this year.

On the technical front, Head of Audi Motorsport Dr. Wolfgang Ullrich, Chris Reinke, Head of LMP and team have rigorously prepared for the toughest race of the season. The Audi R18 e-tron quattro has been thoroughly revised with respect to the engine, the hybrid system, its ultra-lightweight design and in other key areas that further improve aerodynamics and handling.

The high-performance LED headlights featuring matrix-beam technology are a first at Le Mans this year, while the digital rear-view mirror will keep the R18 etron drivers well informed of incoming vehicles.

Fans in India can catch this year’s race on the internet at www.audi-motorsport.com – where onboard footage and telemetry data of the three Audi R18 e-tron quattro cars would be accessible through the course of the race weekend. A live ticker is also available on the Audi Sport app and Twitter, Facebook.