The 2007 Audi R10 TDI, which was unveiled to the world’s public on Monday evening in Munich, contests its first race on Saturday (17 March) at Sebring (USA). The 12-hour race in "Sunshine State” Florida is the opening race and one of the highlights of the American Le Mans Series, and also dress rehearsal for the Le Mans 24 Hours for Audi Sport’s team.
It is not only the new design that distinguishes the further developed Audi R10 TDI from its successful predecessor that started its winning streak exactly one year ago and remains unbeaten since then. To ensure that it remains the car to beat in 2007, innumerable details were optimised on the LM P1 Prototype.
The Audi R10 TDI will certainly not have things all its own way its second year of competition. The 150 kilogram lighter LM P2 cars are allowed to race in the American Le Mans Series with more engine power than at Le Mans. At the same time, diesel powered cars must manage with a nine-litre smaller fuel tank in the future – as stipulated by the Automobile Club de l‘Ouest (ACO) regulations.
Reducing the fuel-cell volume from 90 to 81 litres – realised by mounting a partition in the tank – was not the only modification made to the latest R10 TDI model by Audi Sport over the winter. The complex electronic system associated with the V12 TDI engine was optimised together with partner Bosch. The majority of the other modification targeted an improvement in efficiency, consumption, durability and drivability. The maximum power is unchanged at around 650 hp, but the power curve was noticeably improved.
The R10 TDI carbon-fibre monocoque is identical to last year’s design. Minor aerodynamic modifications, which are only visible to the trained eye, were made to the exterior surfaces.
The friction and weight levels of the entire powertrain were reduced. The two diesel particle filters are also now smaller and lighter. Tyre partner Michelin supplied new compounds and constructions to improve the balance between front and rear axles. The R10 TDI suspension and dampers were also refined.
The further developed R10 TDI completed the first tests in November 2006. Audi Sport tested at Sebring in February where the "new one” made a good impression.
Experienced drivers at the wheel of the two Audi R10 TDI cars
Taking turns at the wheel of the two cars at Sebring and Le Mans are the six drivers who were also instrumental in the development of the performance diesel: Frank Biela (Germany), Dindo Capello (Italy), Tom Kristensen (Denmark), Allan McNish (Scotland), Emanuele Pirro (Italy) and Marco Werner (Germany).
The defending Champions Capello/McNish (R10 TDI number 1) and Pirro/Werner (R10 TDI number 2) are planned to be the drivers for the entire American Le Mans Series. Le Mans record winner Tom Kristensen and Frank Biela bolster the driving squads at Sebring and Le Mans. Audi has entered a third R10 TDI for Le Mans. However the entry is subject to sufficient finance being found.
The pair of new Audi R10 TDI cars, which start at Sebring, were flown to the USA on Wednesday (7 March). Practice at Sebring starts on Monday (12 March). The race starts on Saturday (17 March) 10 a.m. local time (4 p.m. in Germany). Audi remains unbeaten in the American endurance classic since the year 2000.
Facts about the 12 Hours of Sebring
Circuit length
5.950 kilometres (3.700 miles)
Every Sebring winner since 1999
1999 Kristensen/Lehto/Müller (BMW)
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)
Track record (Qualifying)
Allan McNish (Audi R10 TDI), 1m 45.828s (2006)
Track record (Race)
Allan McNish (Audi R10 TDI), 1m 48.373s (2006)
Distance record
Alboreto/Aiello/Capello (Audi R8), 370 laps (2001)