Audi Motorsport / 24h du Le Mans 2008

[David Morton]

Audi Motorsport have again asked RaceMet Radar Systems to provide weather information for the 2008 Le Mans - the ninth year in a row with Audi at Le Mans and the the twelfth consecutive year for Racemet at Le Mans .
Another announcement about the 11 race D.T.M. series (Deutche Touring Machine) and RaceMet will be made shortly.

epper:

 

[Paul Thompson 'Hooligan']

Congratulations David -

Looks like another busy year ahead.
.
.
.
.
or is it 'no peace for the wicked'.....

 

[David Morton]

Correct on both accounts Paul. DTM will be announced next week and LMS the week after with the 24hr Nurburgring for an Aston team and Spa FIA GT with THE Maserati team. Quite exciting - 19 race calendar with a bit of luck.
epper:

 

[Marcus]

David,

phantastic news, my congratulations.

Just out of interest: What would be the situation if two teams racing against each other in the same race request your splendid services?

Best,

Marcus

 

[David Morton]

Marcus,
Who ever pays first (or most) wins the race.........
Dave

 

[Pete McCluskey.]

Marcus,
Who ever pays first (or most) wins the race.........
Dave

Careful David, that sounds a lot like something Bernie would say.oke:

 

[David Morton]

Thats right Pete, - I suppose it's a variation of, and a bit like being a whore.
Purchase Orders become a bit like the holy grail.

 

[David Morton]

Communication Motorsport
Jürgen Pippig
Telephone: +49 (0)841 89 34200
E-mail: [email protected] Eva-Maria Veith
Telephone: +49 (0)841 89 33922
E-mail: [email protected]

03 March 2008​

Audi R10 TDI sets best time at Le Castellet

• Audi Sport Team Joest dominates test day of Le Mans Series
• Day’s best time for Allan McNish
• Both Audi R10 TDI cars at the front of the field

Ingolstadt/Le Castellet – Audi Sport Team Joest clearly set the pace at the official tests of the Le Mans Series (LMS) at Le Castellet (Southern France). At the end of the first test day both Audi R10 TDI cars had a commanding lead in the sportscar field. The fastest time was set by Allan McNish. The Scot was the only driver on Sunday to break the sound barrier of 1.40 minutes.

For Audi Sport Team Joest, the test at Le Castellet served as the roll-out for the racing cars fielded in the Le Mans Series that starts with the 1,000-kilometre race at Barcelona (Spain) on 6 April. The two newly prepared Audi R10 TDI cars reeled off a total of 162 laps (almost 1,000 kilometres) without any major problems. "The morning started off a bit slowly but in the afternoon and evening the drivers were very satisfied with the cars," said Ralf Jüttner, Technical Director of Audi Sport Team. "It was good to have the opportunity to extensively test the cars before the first race at Barcelona."

All four LMS drivers, Dindo Capello, Allan McNish, Alexandre Prémat and Mike Rockenfeller, participated in the test. With 1m 39.705s, McNish on soft tyres clearly set the day’s best time. Prémat in the "sister car" set the quickest time on a slightly harder tyre compound with 1m 40.777s. The Frenchman was at the wheel of an R10 TDI for the first time after more than six months and drove some additional laps at night in darkness.

All four Audi drivers completed different programmes and were obviously impressed with the 2008-spec Audi R10 TDI. For the 2008 season, the diesel-powered sportscar was subjected to further development in certain details including optimised aerodynamics, lower weight and a revised engine.

On Monday, Audi Sport Team Joest will not be testing any more at Le Castellet as the material for the 12-hour race at Sebring (USA) has to be delivered to the Frankfurt airport on Tuesday. At the American Le Mans Series season opener on 15 March two other newly prepared Audi R10 TDI cars will be used.

Quotes of the Audi drivers after the tests at Le Castellet

Allan McNish (Audi R10 TDI #1): "Generally speaking, I’m delighted that competing in the LMS gives me the chance to contest a racing series in Europe again. The test today went well. We were able to work out a basic set-up with the new car. I was also quite happy with the new Michelin tyres."

Dindo Capello (Audi R10 TDI #1): "This was a good test day which helped us to gain a better understanding of this year’s car. We managed to complete our test schedule without any major problems. I’m happy, as well, to be racing in Europe again."

Alexandre Prémat (Audi R10 TDI #2): "I’d almost forgotten how much fun the Audi R10 TDI is. The speed of the car is incredible. It was great being able to drive the R10 TDI again because the last time I drove it was at Le Mans. Now I’m really looking forward to the season opener at Barcelona."

Mike Rockenfeller (Audi R10 TDI #2): "The 2008 Audi R10 TDI has a very good balance, I felt comfortable straight away. You can feel the changes made compared with last year. We tried out a few things today and are well prepared for the season. Our goal is to win the championship for Audi."

The quickest times on Sunday

1 Audi R10 TDI #1 1m 39.705s
2 Audi R10 TDI #2 1m 40.777s
3 Courage-Oreca-Judd #5 1m 42.631s
4 Creation-AIM #14 1m 43.285s
5 Pescarolo-Judd #16 1m 43.473s
6 Lola-Aston Martin #10 1m 43.598s


Photographs and information can be obtained at www.audi-motorsport.info

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[Keith]

Not a bad result for the new Lola/Aston for the first run....

 

[David Morton]

Very strong Driver line up:

Le Mans : Peugeot Sport confirm Le Mans line-up
Written by Peugeot Media Friday, 15 February 2008

2008 Peugeot programme - A year of many challenges : -

The 2007 season turned out to be one of the most rewarding ever for Peugeot Sport which launched four different new cars on the world motor sport scene, from the factory programme with the 908 HDi FAP to its package of promotional formulae with the 207 LW THP, 207 Super 2000 and Spider THP. The lessons learned by the team while finding its marks last year will be implemented in 2008 and all its energy will be devoted to building on that experience to achieve its objectives.

This time last year, under the leadership of Michel Barge, Peugeot Sport organised a dynamic presentation of the new 908 HDi FAP to announce its modest objectives for the season ahead. Following the car's initial gestation, which was rapid to say the least, Team Peugeot Total enjoyed a memorable season which brought its fair share of surprises, satisfactions and passion, not to mention the unrelenting toil which enabled it to secure results well beyond its expectations and targets.

Indeed, never in Peugeot's history had a competition car won out of the box, yet the 908 HDi FAP claimed victory in its debut race at Monza before going on to clinch the 2007 Le Mans Series. Team Peugeot Total won all six rounds, started from pole position each time and posted every fastest race lap, not to mention its unhoped-for performance at Le Mans where it started from pole position before taking second place at the end of the 24-hour race.

Since the curtain came down on Team Peugeot Total's 2007 campaign at Interlagos where it sewed up the Le Mans Series, the team hasn't eased up in the slightest. With the full backing of the brand and the President of the Group, the programme has effectively been stepped up in a bid to make further progress and achieve its goals, not the least of which is Le Mans.

The 2008 908 HDi FAP programme

The objective for 2008 was clearly spelled out when the programme was initially announced in June 2006, namely victory at Le Mans. Since then, all the team's energy and effort has been focused on that supreme challenge. Every one of its outings, whether a test session, a simulation run or a race, has sought not only to validate new parts and evolutions to take the 908 HDi FAP forward in terms of both performance and reliability, but also give the ten drivers who make up the 2008 squad to familiarise themselves with the car.

The priority: Le Mans

The 2007 Le Mans 24 Hours – which saw Team Peugeot Total qualify on pole-position and claim second place after having both its cars running up to two hours from the flag – permitted the team to gather a considerable amount of data and information concerning both the technical and human aspects of its operation, as well as the overall management of its entry in the celebrated French race. Since last June, extremely busy Le Mans Series and test programmes have enabled it to continue to work on the car and its reliability with a view to being able to tackle races at the same pace seen in practice.

This ambitious programme will see Team Peugeot Total contest March's 12 Hours of Sebring after visiting the American venue for the three-day winter test on January 28-30. Pedro Lamy, Nicolas Minassian and Stéphane Sarrazin were all in attendance and the latter profited from the trip to establish a new lap record for the track. The exacting 12-hour race itself is seen as a chance to take the development of the 908 HDi FAP further still.

Famin
​

Bruno FAMIN, Technical Director: "Our work has focused on saving weight and extracting superior, reliable performance from the engine with a view to enabling us to race at the same pace as we lap in practice, not to mention the optimisation of every one of the car's components. Given the little time we had last year, this was something we weren't able to do with the 2007-spec car. In addition to ongoing work on the aerodynamics, our programme has benefited the suspension, steering, differential and gearshift control. However, because of the weight inherent in the diesel engine, we have yet to get down to the minimum 900kg weight threshold specified in the new regulations."

All Peugeot Sport's efforts and resources have been channelled towards its priority objective and three 908 HDi FAPs will be entered for the 2008 Le Mans 24 Hours:
- two by Team Peugeot Total (N°s 7 and 8), - and one by Peugeot Sport Total (N°9).

The exact crew of each car will be announced in May once the team has had a chance to evaluate the style and approach of each driver, as well as the natural affinities between them.

The ten drivers who form Peugeot Sport's 2008 line-up are:
- Anthony BELTOISE (36, France), test and reserve driver
- Marc GENE (33, Spain)
- Christian KLIEN (25, Austria)
- Pedro LAMY (35, Portugal)
- Nicolas MINASSIAN (34, France)
- Franck MONTAGNY (30, France)
- Stéphane SARRAZIN (32, France)
- Jacques VILLENEUVE (35, Canada)
- Alexander WURZ (34, Austria)
- Ricardo ZONTA (31, Brazil)

Barge

Saulnier
​

Michel BARGE, Peugeot Sport Director: "Like last year, we wanted our 2008 line-up to be strong, very human, sporting and bonded. During the recruitment process, which was led by Serge Saulnier, we paid attention to all these factors, as well as the respective records and experience of the drivers in cars which are in fact very close to the 908 HDi FAP in the way they need to be set up and driven. Between them, our ten drivers have 393 Formula 1 Grand Prix starts under their belts, as well as 32 previous participations in the Le Mans 24 Hours!"

The Le Mans Series: Peugeot looking to defend its title

As was the case in 2007, two 908 HDi FAPs will defend the chances of Peugeot and its partners in five European races, namely Barcelona, Monza, Spa, the Nürburgring and Silverstone.

Given the excellent season enjoyed by the two crews and Peugeot Sport last year, the team has chosen to build on the same synergies in 2008.

Michel BARGE: "We will be out to defend our title, without losing sight of the fact that our priority is the Le Mans 24 Hours. We will face some fierce, experienced competition. That's what we wanted and that's what we've got! This promises to be especially valuable because we will have four races – Sebring, Barcelona, Monza and Spa – before the big one at Le Mans. The calendar is extremely busy and calls for complex logistics because we have also programmed numerous test sessions and simulation runs. With regard to the 2008 calendar's last race at Shanghai, which was announced last week by the ACO, we believe it's a pity it won't count towards the championship and we reserve the right not to take part." This busy calendar means that Team Peugeot Total will not be able to attend the official tests at Paul Ricard on March 2-3.

Livery changes

Although the carbon theme has been carried over, the livery of the 908 HDi FAP has evolved. Style Peugeot has produced a design which symbolises the flow of air and fuel, with lines extending from the headlights and past the air intakes to the engine cover which features 'HDi FAP' branding. The N°7 908 HDi FAP will be predominantly red, the N°8 car predominantly blue and the N°9 car predominantly grey.

The 2008 motor sport promotion programme

In addition to its busy programme with the 908, Peugeot Sport faces an equally active season with its motor sport promotional package which, in 2007, saw the introduction of three new models based on the 207: the Super 2000, the Spider and the Light Weight.

207 Super 2000

From its maiden season, the 207 Super 2000 emerged as a benchmark in its category, winning several rally titles, including the Portuguese and Polish national championships, as well as both the Manufacturers' and Drivers' crowns in the IRC. Michel BARGE: "In addition to the 22 cars delivered in 2007, a further 30 cars have been sold to importers, subsidiaries and privateers. They will be contesting their national championships or flying Peugeot's colours in the IRC in keeping with the spirit of this series which sees itself as complementary to and not a rival to the WRC." Programmes with the 207 Super 2000 are already being planned by Peugeot Belgium, Peugeot Spain, Peugeot Hungary, Peugeot Italy, Peugeot Poland, Peugeot Portugal and Peugeot Sweden.

Peugeot 206 Cup (rallying)

The Peugeot 206 Cup will once again be run in France, although this will be the final year of the series. The 2008 calendar features six rounds (three on gravel, three on asphalt) before the series switches to a new 207-based car in 2009. 2008 calendar: Terre d’Auxerre (April 26-27), Limousin (June 7-8), Terre de Langres (July 26-27), Mont Blanc (September 6-7), Terre des Cardabelles (October 11-12), Var (November 29-30).

THP Spider Cup

For 2008, Peugeot Sport has introduced a number of technical changes on the Spider THP, not the least of which is a power gain for the 1.6l THP engine from 175bhp to 220bhp. Work has also gone into generating more downforce, delivering additional driving pleasure, dialling in potential for driver-related added value and the possibility to work on the set-up. The calendar features eight rounds: three in the Le Mans Series, four in France (WTCC, GT FIA, RPS and Super Série FFSA meetings), plus one at Spa within the framework of the Rencontres Peugeot Sport programme. As in 2007, the champion will win a test day in the 908 HDi FAP.

Rencontres Peugeot Sport

These meetings have enjoyed immense success for more than 30 years and the formula remains as fresh and challenging as ever. The 2007 season saw the introduction of the 207 LW THP (a lightweight version of the 207 RC) which made its debut in the sprint races. In 2008, it will contest the three-hour relay races. The sale of 70 additional cars is expected on top of the 50 sold last year.

Beltoise
​

Anthony BELTOISE
Born Neuilly (France), 21 July 1971
Lives in Neuilly (France)
Single
1993 Winner « Volant Elf at Magny-Cours »
1994 French Formula Renault championship (2 podiums, 3 pole positions)
1995 French Formula 3 championship
1996 2nd, French Formula 3 championship
1997 International Formula 3000 championship
1998 ISRS with the Philippe Gache’s Riley&Scott
ALMS : Road Atlanta
1999 Pole position and winer of 24 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps
Monaco, pole position and winner (Renault Sport Clio Trophy)
2000 9th, 24 Heures du Mans. Rookie (Viper Team Oreca)
3rd, 24 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps (Team Peugeot Belgium)
2nd, 24 Hours of Nürburgring (Viper Team Zakspeed)
3rd GT1, 12 Hours of Sebring
2001 3rd, Renault Sport Clio Trophy
24 Heures du Mans (Courage-Judd, Team SMG) : Abandon
2002 French Supertourisme championship (Ford Mondeo) : 1 win
2003 French GT championship (Lamborghini Diablo)
2004 French GT championship (Viper) : 2 wins, 3 pole positions, 2 best laps
2nd, Franch Porsche Carrera Cup (5 wins)
2005 Winner Porsche Carrera Cup (8 pole positions, 6 wins)
2 wins in French GT championship (Viper)
2006 Winner Porsche Carrera Cup (11 pole positions, 11 wins)
Participations in LMS championship (Corvette C5R and Porsche 996 RSR)
1 win in French GT championship (Viper)
2007 French Porsche Carrera Cup (1 win)
2008 Test and reserve Peugeot Sport driver – French Porsche Carrera Cup
and 3 rounds in Le Mans Series (Ferrari 430 GT2 – Farnbacher)
2 participations in 24 Heures du Mans

Gene
​

Marc GENE
Born in Sabadell, 29 March 1974
Lives in Barcelone
Married – 2 chlidren
Beginnings in Kartin
1988 National karting Spanish champion.
1989 10th European karting championship.
1990 Spanish senior kart champion.
1992 5th Formula Ford Spanish championship : 1 win et 2 pole positions.
1993 2nd, World Cup and Festival Formula Ford.
1994 British Formula 3 championship : rookie of the year.
1995 10th, British Formula 3 championship, 2 podiums.
1996 Golden Cup FISA Superformula champion.
1997 Formula 3000 championship.
1998 Open Fortuna by Nissan champion, 6 wins.
1999 Formula 1 World championship with Minardi : 17th. (6th in Nürburgring)
2000 Formula 1 World championship with Telefonica Minardi Fondmetal Team.
2001 Test driver BMW-Williams.
2002 Test driver BMW-Williams.
2003 Test driver BMW-Williams (Drove Monza GP : 5 th)
2004 Test driver BMW-Williams. Drove French GP (10 th) and British GP (12th).
2005-2008 Test driver Ferrari
2007 3rd, Le Mans Series (Peugeot 908 HDi FAP – 3 wins)
24 Heures du Mans (Gené-Minassian-Villeneuve) : abandon
2008 24 Heures du Mans and Le Mans Series with Peugeot
36 Formula 1 GP
1 participation in 24 Heures du Mans

Klien
​

Christian KLIEN
Born Hohenems (Autria), 7 February 1983
Lives in Autria
Single
Débuts en karting
1996 Winner, Swiss Minikart championship
1997 5th in Swiss kart championship
1998 2nd in 24 hours kart races in Dorbirn and Saalfelden
1999 4th in German Formula BMW Junior championship (4 wins)
2000 10th in German Formula BMW championship
2001 3rd in German Formula BMW championship (5 wins)
2002 Formula Renault German Champion (5 wins)
2003 2nd in the F3 Euro Series (4 wins)
Winner of the Marlboro Masters in Zandvoort
2004 Jaguar F1 driver . 16th in World F1 Championship with 3 points
2005 Red Bull F1 driver. 15th in World F1 Championship with 9 points
(5th in China, best F1 result)
2006 Red Bull F1driver. 18th in World F1 Championship with 2 points
2007 Honda F1 test driver
2008 24 Heures du Mans with Peugeot – Test driver BMW-Sauber F1
46 Formula 1 GP
Never drive in 24 Heures du Mans

Lamy
​

Pedro LAMY
Born Aldeia, 20 March 1972
Lives in Portugal
Married – 2 children
Motorcylicling : several mini-motocross titles between 1978 and 1985
Karting between 1985 à 1988 (Portugal champion in 1988)
1989 Formule Ford Portugal champion, 3 wins.
1990 Winner Opel Lotus Nations Cup
1991 Winner Opel Lotus Euroseries championship, 4 wins.
Winner Opel Lotus Nations Cup
1992 German Formula 3 champion, 11 wins.
Winner Marlboro Masters de Zandvoort
2nd Macao Formula 3 GP
1993 2nd, Formula 3000, 1 win and 1 pole.
1993 - 1996 Formula 1 World championship (94 : Lotus – 95/96 : Minardi, 1 point)
(accident at Silverstone, breaks both legs in private tests)
1997 GT FIA championship. 5th 24 Heures du Mans (Porsche GT1).
1998 Winner FIA GT2 championship (Viper Oreca).
2nd GT2 aux 24 Heures du Mans.
1999 24 Heures du Mans (Mercedes).
2000 DTM championship : 12th.
2001 4th 24 Heures du Mans (Chrysler Oreca). 11th DTM championship.
Winner 24 hours of Nurburgring.
2002 5th 24 Heures du Mans (Oreca).
Winner 24 hours oh Nurburgring. 7th V8 star championship.
2003 Winner V8 Star championship.
2004 Winner GT1 in LMS championship (Ferrari 550-Larbre compétition).
2nd, 24 hours du Nurburgring.
2005 3 wins in FIA GT (Ferrari) and 1 win in Tourist Trophy (Aston Martin)
2006 1er LMS GT1 (Aston Martin Racing Larbre Compétition)
2007 LMS Champion (Team Peugeot Total : Lamy-Sarrazin)
2nd, 24 Heures du Mans (Team Peugeot Total : Bourdais-Lamy-Sarrazin)
2008 24 Heures du Mans and Le Mans Series with Peugeot
32 Formula 1 GP
8 participations in 24 Heures du Mans

Minassian
​

Nicolas MINASSIAN
Born Marseille (France) 28 February 1973
Lives in Angleterre
Married – 1 child
Beginnings in karting.
1990 3rd French and European karting 100cc.
1992 Junior Champion French Renault Clio Cup.
1993 2nd, French Formula Renault.
1994 6th, French Formula 3 championship.
24 Heures du Mans : abandon.
1995 2nd, French Formula 3 (3 wins, 7 podiums, 4 pole positions).
1996 4th, British Formula 3 championship with Promatecme.
1997 2nd, British Formula 3 championship (7 wins, 9 podiums, 6 pole positions).
Test Formula1 with Williams Renault.
1998 12th, Formula 3000 championship with McLaren Junior Team.
1999 5th, Formula 3000 championship with Team Kid Jensen, 1 win, 2 podiums.
Test F1 with BAR-Honda.
2000 2nd, Formula 3000 championship with D2 Super Nova team, 3 wins, 5 podiums.
24 Heures du Mans : abandon.
2001 CART championship with Target Chip Ganassi Racing.
Participation in 500 Miles D’Indianapolis.
2002 Winner European ASCAR championship with Team Ray Mallock.
24 Heures du Mans with Team Oreca.
2003 24 Heures du Mans with Pescarolo Sport : 9th.
V8 Australian Supercars
2004 LMES et ALMS championships (Creati on Autosportif) 3 pole positions, 2 podiums.
24 Heures du Mans with Pescarolo Sport : abandon.
2005 LMES championship (Creation Autos portif) 2 pole positions, 3 podiums.
24 Heures du Mans (Création Autosportif)
2006 LMS et ALMS championships (Creation Au tosportif) 2 pole positions, 2 podiums.
24 Heures du Mans with Pescarolo Sport : 5th.
2007 3rd, Le Mans Series (Peugeot 908 HDi FAP – 3 wins)
24 Heures du Mans (Gené-Minassian-Villeneuve) : Abandon
2008 24 Heures du Mans and Le Mans Series with Peugeot
8 participations in 24 Heures du Mans

Montagny
​

Franck MONTAGNY
Born in Feurs, 5 january 1978
Lives in Spain
Single
1992-1993 Winner National 1 karting French championship
1994 Winner French Formula Campus
1995 4th, French Formula Renault championship (1 win)
1996 6th, French Formula Renault championship (2 wins)
Breaks both l egs in Bugatti race at the begin of the championship
1997 4th, French Formula 3 championship (4 wins)
1998 2nd, French Formula 3 championship (8 wins)
Participation in 24 Heures du Mans
1999 Formula 3000 championship
2000 9th, Formula 3000 championship
Participation in 24 Heures du Mans
2001 Winner Open International Nissan Telefonica
Participation in 24 Heures du Mans
2002 2nd, World Series by Nissan (3 wins)
Test in Formule 1 : Minardi and Renault F1 Team
6th, 24 Heures du Mans (Oreca)
2003 Winner World Series by Nissan (wins : 9)
2003-2005 3rd driver Renault F1 Team
2004 4th, 24 Heures du Mans (Oreca)
2005 7 races in Formula 1 World championship (Super Aguri F1 Team)
2006 2nd, 24 Heures du Mans with Eric Helary and Sébastien Loeb (Pescarolo)
2007 3rd driver Panasonic Toyota Racing
2008 24 Heures du Mans with Peugeot Sport
7 Formula 1 GP
6 participations in 24 Heures du Mans

Sarrazin
​

Stéphane SARRAZIN
Born Alès (France) 2 November 1975
Lives in France
In couple – 1 child
1988 à 92 Beginnings in karting, French Junior and National 1 champion in 1991.
1993 5th French Formula Renault championship, 2 podiums.
1994 French Formula Renault champion : 5 wins, 3 poles, 11 podiums on 12 races.
1995 8th French Formula 3 championship, 1 pole position.
1996 9th French Formula 3 championship.
1997 2nd, French Formula 3 championship : 3 wins, 2 pole positions.
1998 Test driver Prost Grand Prix.
1999 3rd driver Prost Grand Prix . Brazil GP with Minardi.
4th Formula 3000 championship : 1 win et 3 podiums.
2000 3rd driver Prost Grand Prix.
Formula 3000 championship with McLaren Junior Team.
Rallye of Var (French) : 1st Group N.
2001 3rd driver Prost Grand Prix. Formula 3000 championship : 3rd à Monaco.
24 Heures du Mans : abandon (Chrysler Oreca).
Winner rallye of Var (Subaru WRC).
2002 Test driver Toyota Racing Team F1.
24 Heures du Mans : 6th (Team Oreca).
2003 World Series by Nissan : 2 wins, 8 podiums.
Sportcar championship with Pescarolo Sport : 1 win, 2 podiums.
24 Heures du Mans : 8th.
2004 French Rally champion (Subaru), 3 wins et 5 podiums.
6th Tour de Corse and 4th Catalonia.
2005 18e World Rally championship (Subaru WRC) : 4th Tour de Corse,
8th Deutschland.
2006 World Rally championship (Subaru WRC)
5th Monte Carlo, 8th Tour de Corse and Catalonia
Aston Martin Racing driver : ALMS championship
24 Heures du Mans : 5th in GT1.
2007 Get pole position 24 Heures du Mans
Le Mans Series champion (Team Peugeot Total : Lamy-Sarrazin)
2nd 24 Heures du Mans (Team Peugeot Total : Bourdais-Lamy-Sarrazin)
2008 24 Heures du Mans and Le Mans Series with Peugeot
1 Formula 1 GP
6 Participations 24 Heures du Mans
15 WRC races

Villeneuve
​

Jacques VILLENEUVE
Born St Jean sur Richelieu (Canada), 9 April 1972
Lives in Canada
Married – 2 children
1989 Beginnings in Italian Coupe Alfa.
1990 Italian Formula 3 championship.
1991 Italian Formula 3 championship
1992 Japanese Formula 3 championship
1993 Formula Atlantic championship : 5 wins.
1994 CART championship with Players Green : 1 win - rookie of the year.
1995 CART champion with Players Green
Winner of Indianapolis 500 Miles.
1996 2nd, World Formula 1 championship (Williams Renault) - 4 wins.
1997 World Formula 1 champion with Williams-Renault.
1998 5th, Formula 1 World championship with Williams-Mécachrome.
1999 World Formula 1 championship with BAR-Supertec.
2000 7th, World Formula 1 championship with BAR-Honda.
2001 7th, World Formula 1 championship with BAR-Honda.
2002 12th, World Formula 1 championship with BAR-Honda.
2003 16th, World Formula 1 championship with BAR-Honda.
2004 Sabbatical year. Races in last 3 GP with Renault.
2005 14th, World Formula 1 championship with Sauber-Petronas.
2006 15th, World Formule 1 championship, leaves after German GP.
2007 1st participation in 24 Heures du Mans (Team Peugeot Total : Gené-Minassian-Villeneuve) : Abandon
2008 24 Heures du Mans with Peugeot – Nascar championship
165 Formula 1 GP (11 wins et 13 pole positions)
1 participation in 24 Heures du Mans

Wurz
​

Alexander WURZ
Born Waidhofen (Autria), 15 February 1974
Lives in Monaco
Married – 3 children
1986 World champion BMX
2nd European BMX championship
1989 2nd, Autrian karting championship
1991 2nd, Formula Ford European and Austrian championship
1992 Formula Ford European, Austrian and German winner
1993 2nd, Austrian Formula 3 championship
1994 2nd German Formula 3 championship
1996 Winner 24 Heures du Mans (TWR Porsche Joest)
Y ounger winner of this race
ITC championship
1997 Formula 1 debut (Benetton-Renault) : 1 podium
GT FIA : 1 win
1998 7th, Formula 1 World championship (Benetton-Play Life)
1999 13th, Formule 1 World championship (Benetton Supertec)
2000 15th, Formula 1 World championship (Benetton Supertec)
2001 -2006 3rd driver Mc Laren Mercedes (1 podium - San Marin 2005)
2007 11th, Formula 1 World championship (BMW – Williams) – 1 podium
2008 24 Heures du Mans with Peugeot and 3erd driver Honda F1
69 Formula 1 GP (3 podiums)
1 participation 24 Heures du Mans (1 win)

Zonta
​

Ricardo ZONTA
Born Curitiba (Brazil), 23 March 1976
Lives au Brazil
Single
Beginnings in karting
1993 6th Braz ilian Formula Chevrolet championship
1995 Formula 3 Brazilian and South American champion
1996 4th Formula 3000 championship (Draco Racing)
1997 International Formula 3000 champion (3 wins)
Test in Formula 1 with Jordan-Peugeot
1998 FIA GT champion (Mercedes)
1999-2000 World Formula 1 championship with Bar
2001 Test driver Jordan – Drove 2 GP
2002 Nissan World Series champion (9 wins)
2003 -2006 Test driver Toyota F1
2007 Test driver Renault F1
Nextel Stock Car Brazilian championship
Grand Am Series
2008 24 Heures du Mans with Peugeot - Grand Am Series
37 Formula 1 GP
Never drive 24 Heures du Mans

 

[David Morton]

Communication Motorsport
Jürgen Pippig
Telephone: +49 (0)841 89 34200
E-mail: [email protected] Eva-Maria Veith
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04 March 2008​

Sebring as test bench for Audi TDI Technology

• Two Audi R10 TDI cars at 12-hour race in Florida (USA)
• Audi R8 TDI Le Mans on display in Sebring paddock
• Audi to join US race track’s “Hall of Fame”

Ingolstadt/Sebring – AUDI AG once again demonstrated its courage to innovate and pioneering spirit with the vision to build a diesel-powered sportscar capable of winning the 24 Hours of Le Mans. In the meantime the revolutionary Audi R10 TDI has won twice at Le Mans, and remains unbeaten in its class after 21 races.

In the forthcoming week, Audi Sport returns with the near 650-hp diesel sportscar to the scene where the success story started two years ago: At the 12-hour race at Sebring (US state of Florida), two Audi R10 TDI prototypes line up on the grid driven by Dindo Capello/Tom Kristensen/Allan McNish and Lucas Luhr/Mike Rockenfeller/Marco Werner. On 18 March 2006, the R10 TDI won at Sebring on its race debut. It was the first victory for a diesel engine in an important sportscar race.

The R10 TDI fits perfectly to the Audi motorsport philosophy. The know-how collected with the V12 TDI power plant on the race track flows directly into the development of TDI engines for road cars. Latest example is the 500-hp Audi R8 TDI Le Mans. The fans can also marvel the first high-performance sportscar fitted with a twelve-cylinder diesel in the Sebring paddock.

It has always been important for Audi to learn in motorsport for production. For this reason Audi Sport is affiliated with the Technical Development (TE). "Audi Sport and the TE have become even more closely integrated in the last year," stresses Head of Audi Motorsport Dr Wolfgang Ullrich. "We work very closely together in every area. There is an intensive exchange in both directions."

TDI fits perfectly to a sportscar

Audi proves the performance capability of TDI Technology on the race track with the R10 TDI and also demonstrates that the characteristics of a TDI engine also fit perfectly to a sportscar. The Audi TT Coupé 2.0 TDI quattro and the Audi TT Roadster 2.0 TDI quattro, which both celebrated their world premieres at the Geneva Motor Show, are the first production sportscars which are equipped with a diesel engine as power source – the genes can be traced back to motorsport.

This year, Audi simultaneously starts a TDI offensive in the USA. The Le Mans Prototype is the trail blazer for this. Audi sees great potential, specifically in the USA, for its state-of-the-art TDI engines that consume up to 35 per cent less fuel than the average gasoline engine commonly used in the USA and which could therefore make a significant contribution to sinking CO2 emissions.

The efficiency of TDI Technology also reveals itself on the race track: In 2006, the victorious R10 TDI in Le Mans used approximately 20 per cent less fuel than the Audi R8 during its first win in the year 2000. As a result diesel sportscars must now compete with ten per cent smaller fuel tanks.

Motorsport accelerates technical development of Diesel fuels

The development of Diesel fuels is also accelerated by motorsport. Shell GTL Diesel is used in the R10 TDI. GTL (Gas-to-Liquids) is extracted from natural gas. The synthetic Diesel fuel reduces the consumption and burns extremely cleanly. GTL is the preliminary stage before BTL (Biomass-to-Liquids) for which bio-waste is used as the basic component and CO2 emissions are again reduced massively. The R10 TDI engine is already designed for the use BTL Diesel fuels.

With Peugeot a second automobile manufacturer competes for the first time at Sebring with a diesel sportscar, and which is a year younger than the Audi R10 TDI. Audi relies on the reliability of its TDI Technology in this head-to-head duel. Furthermore, numerous details of the R10 TDI were optimised for the 2008 season, including refined aerodynamics, weight reduction and a reworked engine.

A brace of Audi R10 TDI cars, freshly built to the latest technical standard, start at Sebring and will also be used on 14/15 June in the 24 Hours of Le Mans. As it is usually the case for Audi Sport, Sebring is simultaneously a test race for Le Mans. Audi Sport plans an additional 12-hour test with one of the two cars after the race at Sebring.

Audi to be inducted into Sebring’s "Hall of Fame"

Before the race is started on Saturday, 15 March at 10:05 a.m. local time, a special appointment is on the agenda for Head of Audi Motorsport Dr Wolfgang Ullrich and Johan de Nysschen, Vice President of Audi of America: One day before the race, Audi will be inducted into Serbing’s "Hall of Fame". Previously only two other automobile manufacturers had been inducted. The US race track thus acknowledges that Audi is unbeaten in the 12-hour race at Sebring for eight consecutive years.

"Being admitted to the Hall of Fame in Sebring is a great honor for Audi," says Head of Audi Motorsport Dr Wolfgang Ullrich. "We’ll do everything possible to win again this year. However, we are well aware just how strong the competition is, and in saying this I don’t just mean Peugeot, but also the LM P2 cars from Acura/Honda and Porsche, which still have a significant weight advantage in American and can compete with larger fuel tanks. As result they can save several pit stops. Apart from that Sebring is always a very hard and hot race and a real test for man and machine."

The Sebring schedule

Monday, 10 March
09:10 – 10:40 hrs Test session (GT1 / GT2)
10:50 – 12:20 hrs Test session (LM P1 / LM P2)
14:30 – 16:00 hrs Test session (GT1 / GT2)
16:10 – 17:40 hrs Test session (LM P1 / LM P2)

Tuesday, 11 March
13:00 – 13:30 hrs Test session (GT1 / GT2)
13:30 – 14:30 hrs Test session (all classes)
14:30 – 15:00 hrs Test session (LM P1 / LM P2)

Wednesday, 12 March
10:00 – 10:55 hrs Free practice (all classes)
14:15 – 15:10 hrs Free practice (all classes)

Thursday, 13 March
10:15 – 11:10 hrs Free practice (all classes)
15:05 – 15:30 hrs Qualifying (GT1 / GT2)
15:35 – 16:00 hrs Qualifying (LM P1 / LM P2)
19:15 – 21:00 hrs Night practice (all classes)

Friday, 14 March
09:55 – 10:55 hrs Free practice (all classes)

Saturday, 15 March
07:30 – 07:50 hrs Warm-up (all classes)
10:05 – 22:05 hrs Race (all classes)


Every winner of the 12-hour race at Sebring since 2000

2000 Biela/Kristensen/Pirro (Audi R8)
2001 Alboreto/Aiello/Capello (Audi R8)
2002 Capello/Herbert/Pescatori (Audi R8)
2003 Biela/Peter/Werner (Audi R8)
2004 Biela/Kaffer/McNish (Audi R8)
2005 Kristensen/Lehto/Werner (Audi R8)
2006 Capello/Kristensen/McNish (Audi R10 TDI)
2007 Biela/Pirro/Werner (Audi R10 TDI)

The Audi driver line-ups for Sebring 2008

#1 Dindo Capello/Tom Kristensen/Allan McNish
#2 Lucas Luhr/Mike Rockenfeller/Marco Werner


Photographs and information can be obtained at www.audi-motorsport.info

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[Price Walton]

Dave,

Which layout was in use for this test?

 

[David Morton]

The full 6.1 km circuit.

 

[Price Walton]

The full run to Signes always did leave a sense of anticipation. Good stuff.


For the life of me I can't understand why Bernie doesn't put in some new grandstands and host the French GP in his own backyard.... but that's for another thread.

 

[David Morton]

DTM : World premiere of the new Audi A4 DTM Written by Audi Motorsport Wednesday, 05 March 2008

World premiere of the new Audi A4 DTM : -

Evolution of a championship winning car
Presentation at the Motor Show in Geneva
First race on 13 April at Hockenheim

To make a championship winning car even better – the Audi Sport engineers and technicians faced this delicate task when the job of developing the DTM race version of the new Audi A4 arose. From the visual aspect they certainly succeeded: The new A4 DTM, which was publicly unveiled for the first time at the Motor Show in Geneva, spontaneously appears even more dynamic than the successful predecessor model with which Mattias Ekström won the DTM title last year.

The fourth-generation Audi A4 DTM, which bears the project name "R14" internally at Audi Sport, is also futuristic from the technical aspect. With the help of state-of-the-art CFD calculations (Computational Fluid Dynamics) particular attention was paid to the air flow running around and through the car. "In doing so we completed what we had already started last year with the R13," explains Head of Audi Motorsport Dr Wolfgang Ullrich. "We are convinced that we have achieved the most logical optimisation of the aerodynamics allowed within the framework of the regulations."

During the twelve month development period, which started in March 2007, a predominantly new DTM car differing in many details to its predecessor was created in Ingolstadt and Neckarsulm. "Ground breaking technical innovations on a par with quattro, FSI or TDI are not possible owing to the restrictive nature of the regulations," says Dr Martin Mühlmeier, Head of Audi Sport Technology. "In the DTM it’s more a question of the logical interpretation and implementation of the technology allowed."

In the process it was possible to reduce the car’s centre of gravity height and to further reduce the dry weight, which in turn gives the race engineers more flexibility to set the car up to suit specific race tracks and the weight distribution.

The technicians even found development potential in the four-litre near 460 hp V8 engine used in the Audi A4 DTM. The internal friction was further reduced which in turn benefited the power produced and torque curve.

The basic principle of the vehicle, which is stipulated by the regulations, remains the same: The A4 DTM is a thoroughbred race car with the silhouette of the new Audi A4. The chassis has a hybrid concept. It consists of almost 31 metres of steel tube of the type also used in the aerospace industry. The driver sits in a carbon fibre safety cell that actually resembles a Formula 1 monocoque. This combination guarantees the highest torsional stiffness and safety.

The bodywork is made from carbon-fibre composite and is – in spite of all the aerodynamic gadgets – immediately identifiable at first glance as an Audi A4. The distinctive brand styling-elements like the Single Frame grille and the white LED daytime low-beam lights ensure that the face of the A4 DTM has the same unique look like the road going model.

The most important components of the new DTM were tested immediately after the end of the 2007 DTM season. The first R14 prototype completed its roll-out shortly before Christmas at Le Castellet (France). Before its race debut on 13 April at the Hockenheimring, the new Audi A4 DTM will have spooled off several thousand test kilometres – including endurance tests.

"The new road going A4 has already won many international awards in a very short period of time," says Dr Wolfgang Ullrich. "We aim to do these awards justice with the new DTM. We are convinced that the new Audi A4 is an excellent base for a successful DTM car."

Defending champion Mattias Ekström, who unveiled his new company car in Geneva together with his boss, prefers not to make any predictions at the moment: "If the new A4 DTM is as quick as it looks then I’ll be satisfied," says the Swede diplomatically.

The new Audi A4 DTM meets its future opponents for the first time at the official DTM test between 10 and 12 March in Mugello (Italy).

Photograph courtesy of Audi Motorsport

 

[David Morton]

I forgot to mention - I've got the 11 race series for the DTM so if anyone is going to one of the races (Paolo- Mugello?) let me know in advance. The first race in Hockenheim on 13th April.

 

[Iain]

Hi David,

My Godson .... Oliver Jarvis.... has just been signed for one of the Audi DTM teams, any help you might be able to send his way would be greatley appreciated. He drives the AI GB team on a sort of share arrangement, a very quiet and unassuming character who tende to let his results speak for themselfs.

Iain

 

[David Morton]

Iain,
I'll look him up in Hockenheim. I report directly to A/motorsport and my info is relayed to each of the 4 teams simulataneously - so no one could accuse me or A/motorsport of having a favourite team.
Unfortunately.
I see he's on the Audi Phoenix list. Nurburgring is their home track.

 

[Iain]

What does the Audi Phoenix team mean ?

Oliver had a test drive with Uncle Ron a few weeks back, the only instruction he got was "dont scratch the paintwork !"

Iain

 

[David Morton]

Hi Iain,
Four teams make up the Audi DTM effort and Audi Motorsport is the umbrella operation. The teams are Phoenix where Oliver Jarvis drives, Abt, Rosberg and Futurecom. They each run the Audi A4 though it's nothing like a road car and only the roof section is manufactured on the A4 assembly line - the rest is all carbon and the engine is the 4L V8. The driver sits in a position that can only be described as very low in the rear left passenger seat - well nearly - just a few inches forward of it but very low nevertheless. And the speed - just incredible.
There is a fixture at Brands Hatch in August. Let me know if you are going.
The first race is Hockenheim next weekend 13th April and they are expecting some 200,000 over the weekend.Thats twice as many as went to the last F1 race there.
DTM.com is the website.