The LM P1 prototype was developed for the circuit at Le Mans, which is one of the world’s fastest tracks featuring long straights and quick corners. The average speed per lap at Le Mans is more than 230 kph, while the medium speed in St. Petersburg is expected to be less than 160 kph.
The roughly 150 kilogram lighter Acura/Honda and Porsche LM P2 sports cars which, due to a change of rules, are allowed to compete in the American Le Mans Series with more engine power than at Le Mans, were already nearly equal to the Audi R10 TDI in the Sebring season opener on account of the regulations. On the slower street courses, such as St. Petersburg, their benefit from the 150 kilogram weight advantage in the LM P2 class will even be greater, as it affects acceleration, cornering speeds, braking distances and fuel consumption considerably.
Still worse for Audi, the Audi R10 TDI – as a diesel sports car – has to compete with a fuel tank that has been reduced by ten percent: instead of 90 litres, the fuel tank contains no more than 81 litres in 2007. At Sebring, this restriction already resulted in the Audi drivers having to refuel up to five laps earlier than the LM P2 cars – despite the low consumption figures of the diesel engine. In St. Petersburg, the situation will be similar.
Despite these serious handicaps AUDI AG decided to continue its commitment in the American Le Mans Series to give as many American spectators as possible the opportunity to witness the revolutionary Audi R10 TDI on the race track. After all, the "whispering revolution”, as fans are calling the R10 TDI because of its quiet diesel engine, heralds a major diesel campaign by Audi in the United States.
The city race in St. Petersburg on Florida’s Gulf coast will be staged in conjunction with the North American IndyCar Series. For the teams of the American Le Mans Series, it will be a two-day event. Before qualifying on Friday afternoon, the teams will have only two 60-minute free practice sessions. The race will start late in the afternoon on Saturday, at 5:05 p.m. local time (11:05 p.m. in Germany), and continue into the hours of dusk.
For Audi Sport, St. Petersburg is by no means unknown territory: In 1988 St. Petersburg provided the venue for the finale of the TransAm Series, in which Audi triumphed with the 200 quattro. That race in St. Petersburg was won by two-time World Rally Champion Walter Röhrl. It was Audi’s last appearance in the TransAm Series before – in 1989 – Audi changed to the IMSA GTO Series due to a change in the regulations.
Source: Audi