Bavarian Sport Award for Walter Röhrl.

Bavarian Sport Award for Walter Röhrl

􀀁 Former Audi factory driver receives award

􀀁 Autograph session with DTM stars at Munich airport

􀀁 Two podium finishes for the Audi R8 LMS in France

Ingolstadt, July 11, 2011 – Former Rally World Champion Walter Röhrl was

distinguished for his life’s work in Munich on Sunday evening. Munich is also the

venue for a DTM show event this coming weekend.

Great honor: To mark the 10th anniversary of the Bavarian Sport Prize the two-time

Rally World Champion Walter Röhrl was honored for his life’s work on Sunday

evening in Munich. The 64-year old was Audi factory driver between 1984 and 1992.

He won the Rally Monte Carlo with the Audi quattro and raced up the famous Pikes

Peak in the USA in record time. The exceptional driver was also victorious for Audi on

the race track.

Meeting point airport: The “final countdown” has started for the eagerly awaited

DTM premiere at the Munich Olympic Stadium (16/17 July). Audi fans can get in the

mood for the DTM show event on Thursday. Between 12:00 and 14:00 the two Red

Bull drivers Mattias Ekström and Miguel Molina sign autographs at the Munich

Airport Center between Terminals 1 and 2.

Backwards across the line: Stéphane Ortelli and David Hallyday finished second in

both French GT Championship races at Magny-Cours. In race one Ortelli in an Audi

R8 LMS fielded by Audi France attacked the later victor all the way to the flag and

crossed the finish line backwards after a last attack in the final corner. In race two

Ortelli/Hallyday led up to the mandatory pit stop.

Lead defended: Mike Guasch and Matt Bell defended their lead in the British GT

Championship standings. During the fourth race weekend held at Spa-

Francorchamps, Belgium the duo in the Audi R8 LMS entered by United Autosports

finished sixth and fifth. In the overall standings Guasch/Bell lead their closest rivals

by two points.

Still in title race: Mark Eddy is still a hot favorite to win the title following the

Australian GT Championship’s fourth race weekend at Townsville. He finished the

two races in fourth and sixth positions in the Penfold Audi Sport team Audi R8 LMS

and still holds second in the overall classification as a result.

Fight back: In front on an impressive number of spectators at the Nürburgring the

two youngsters Christopher Mies and Luca Ludwig impressed with their fight back

during the ADAC GT Masters staged at the Truck Grand Prix. After retiring on

Saturday they fought from tenth on the grid to third in the ABT Sportsline team’s

Audi R8 LMS on Sunday, before losing the near certain podium finish following an

opponent’s robust maneuver on the last lap.

Test race: With an Audi R8 LMS each the Audi Sport teams Phoenix and WRT

participated in an official test day last Wednesday for the 24-hour race at Spa-

Francorchamps (30/31 July). Christopher Haase, Andrea Piccini and Mike

Rockenfeller recorded the fourth fastest time among the 27 participants in the

process.

Appearance at the House of Lords: Allan McNish and Siegfried Krause, Head of

Procurement and Partnerships at Audi Sport, are among the 300 guests on

Wednesday evening at the summer reception held by the Motor Industry

Association (MIA) at the House of Lords in London. Audi was invited due to its many

years of success with sports prototypes. The illustrious guests representing the

British Government and automotive industry can also admire an Audi R18 TDI.

Far from home: Le Mans record winner Tom Kristensen is in New Zealand from 11

to 19 July. The Audi factory driver who celebrated his 44th birthday last week is

guest at a press launch for the new Audi A6.

A word from ... Mike Rockenfeller

From your point of view how did the test for the 24-hour race at Spa go?

Very good. I drove in the morning and concentrated on set-up work. I hadn’t driven

at Spa-Francorchamps with the Audi R8 LMS since last year, but had already raced

there this year with the R18 TDI. So, I’m already very familiar with the track. We set

the best time in the morning. In the afternoon my team mates Andrea Piccini and

Christopher Haase took over and completed long-runs. All in all both parts went

very well.

The GT3 class is the top class at Spa for the first time. Is this right way?

This is difficult to assess. However, for me as driver of a GT3 car this is obviously a

great thing. It’ll be about overall victory for us. Even though there are plenty of cars

capable of winning I think we have a good chance. Like every other 24-hour race it’ll

be down to getting through without problems. In this respect I think that we are

well positioned with Audi Sport Team Phoenix.

Can you compare the 24-hour races at the Nürburgring and Spa with one another?

Yes and no. To start both races run for the same amount of time and the goal is the

same: to get through the traffic as quickly as possible without technical problems

and without making mistakes. In this respect things shift quite a lot due to the

different pit stop regulations. Refueling and changing tires simultaneously is not

allowed. So, for this reason the possibility of running double stints gains

importance so as to be able to save a possible tire change. Therefore, in Spa it’ll be

more about tactics than at the Nordschleife and about tire management as a result.

What defines the legend of Spa-Francorchamps for you?

To begin with Spa is one of my favorite race tracks. It was a lot of fun to drive it with

the Audi R18 TDI during the ILMS race we used as preparation for the 24 Hours of

Le Mans. A 24-hour race here is, however, not just something special here, even

though it’s incomparable with an absolute highlight like Le Mans. There as many as

20 cars capable of winning on the grid. This indicated the significance of this event.

Coming up next week

14/07 Mattias Ekström, 33rd birthday

16-17/07 Munich (D), Show Event DTM

16-17/07 Imola (I), Italian GT Championship, round 4

16-17/07 Paul Ricard (F), FIA GT3 European Championship, round 4

16-17/07 Zolder (B), Dutch Supercar Challenge, round 6

16-17/07 Estoril (P), Spanish GT Championship, round 4

Audi Motorsport.

24 Hour Le Mans: Allan McNish is confident.

Allan McNish is confident.

Photo : Jean Philippe BOYER - ACO/Nikon

After many minor niggles affected all 3 Audi's at Spa, Allan McNish is confident that they are on the pace with Peugeot.

Allan McNishcommented:"At the test day and at Spa it appeared that the Peugeots may be a little bit more economical with their fuel but we have done further develoment and are confident this is not the case, the fuel load for the diesels has come down significantly from 2010 - from 81 litres to 65 litres - and we are still learning from this, also we believe top speed between us and the Peugeots is much the same here. The team is very motivated to score another victory for Audi"

lemans.org

Photo : Jean Philippe BOYER - ACO/Nikon

Climatic wind tunnel helps Audi at Le Mans

Climatic wind tunnel helps Audi at Le Mans

• Only three weeks before the 24 Hours of Le Mans
• New Audi R18 TDI tested extensively in climatic wind tunnel
• Valuable findings for cockpit, windscreen and windscreen wiper

Ingolstadt, May 19, 2011 – Premiere for Audi Sport: the Audi R18 TDI, with
which Audi Sport Team Joest contests the 24 Hours of Le Mans on June 11/12, is
the first Audi race car to be developed with the aid of the new climatic wind
tunnel.
Since the beginning of 2008 the climatic wind tunnel completes the Audi Wind
Tunnel Center in Ingolstadt. It creates temperatures between minus 25 and plus 55
degrees Celsius and allows engineers to generate freezing cold and blisteringly hot
wind speeds of up to 300 kilometers per hour. The simulation of sunlight and rain
are also possible.
Especially for the Audi R18 TDI, the opportunity to use the climatic wind tunnel
operated by their production colleagues was extremely valuable for the Audi Sport
technicians. The new LMP1 is Audi’s first closed Le Mans sports car since the R8C in
1999. “The climatic wind tunnel is an example of the extensive cooperation with
Technical Development (TE),” explains Dr. Martin Mühlmeier, Head of Technology at
Audi Sport. “The TE develops constantly and as part of TE Audi Sport is allowed to
use these resources. Conversely, our colleagues from production development
benefit from our findings from motorsport.”
Work on the R18 TDI in the climatic wind tunnel focused on three areas: optimized
airflow through the cockpit, the windscreen and testing the windscreen wiper. “In
this case we can rely on the findings from the climatic wind tunnel – it’s a great
benefit to have such an extremely high quality tool available,” says Christopher
Reinke, Technical Project Leader for the R18 TDI. “The results of everything which
we have tested in the climatic wind tunnel up to now have been confirmed during
testing on the race track.”


In the climatic wind tunnel ventilation of the closed cockpit was optimized to such
an extent that the R18 TDI will manage without air-conditioning at Le Mans. As this
costs both weight and power the engineers were happy to exclude the use of such a
system. The deposit of rain water or solid materials such as sand, rubber pick-up and
stones was also simulated. “We made many valuable discoveries in this area on the
full scale car in the climatic wind tunnel and modified several things and especially
in the airflow area,” says Dr. Martin Mühlmeier. “The reflective film on the roof was
also validated with findings from the climatic wind tunnel. These are all important
details to guarantee a good climate around the driver in the cockpit.”
The silver film helps to prevent the cockpit heating up too much due to the solar
radiation. The Automobile Club de l’Ouest (ACO) regulations stipulate that the
cockpit temperature must not exceed 32 degrees Celsius when driving if the
maximum ambient temperature is 25 degrees. If it is warmer the cockpit
temperature may climb by a maximum of seven degrees. The R18 TDI complies with
these strict requirements thanks to extensive work in the climatic wind tunnel.
The new Le Mans sports car’s single-arm windscreen wiper was also developed in the
Audi Wind Tunnel Center. “This subject is not as trivial as it would perhaps appear,”
says Dr. Martin Mühlmeier. “We do indeed have experience from the DTM. However,
the windscreen wiper is hardly ever used here. Also, a DTM car reaches 250 km/h and
not 330. The demands on the windscreen wiper are considerably higher at Le Mans.”
Fogging and soiling of the complexly formed windscreen which, in contrast to a
production car, is curved in not just one direction but two, is manufactured from
plastic and was also tested in the climatic wind tunnel. The screen is heated to
prevent fogging. For possible soiling a three-stage plan was developed which,
subject to the level of soiling, allows for simple wiping, wiping with detergent or the
removal of one of several layers of rip-off films.
Windscreen soiling is one of the concept specific disadvantages which a closed Le
Mans sports car brings. However, as a result of work in the Audi climatic wind tunnel
the disadvantages were minimized as much as possible.
Audi Communications Sport/acreditated media press.

24 Hour Le Mans: Audi to the power of 25.

The German carmaker has been the king of the 24 Hours of Le Mans since the early 2000s with twenty-five successes achieved in La Sarthe divided between its different cars and the three driver crews who will drive the new R18 on the 11th and 12th June.

First there was the R8, a pioneer and winner in 2000-2001-2002-2004-2005. The R10 TDI succeeded it with three victories in 2006-2007-2008, and became the first to win the 24 hours with a diesel engine. In 2010 Audi won again with the R15 TDI Plus having covered 5410 km, Timo Bernhard, Romain Dumas and Mike Rockenfeller beat the distance record, held since 1971 by the Porsche 917 of Gijs van Lennep and Helmut Marko. That makes nine wins.

For he trio of drivers who won in 2010 in the R15+ #1, it was their first victory at the 24 Hours, but in the number #3 there were three drivers with an impressive record; eight wins for Tom Kristensen, three for Dindo Capello and two for Allan McNish. Never in the history of Le Mans has a trio of drivers with such a record driven the same car. That brings us to our total of 25 victories.

Marcel Fässler, Andre Lotterer and Benoit Treluyer in the R18 #2 have never won in La Sarthe, but they showed a good burst of speed at 1000 km of Spa-Francorchamps. The three Audi driver teams will each have good reasons for wanting to win this year in La Sarthe. The saga of the German Le Mans is far from over: a great sporting rivalry and new records undoubtedly lie ahead for the greater glory of the legendary 24 Hours ...

Jean-Philippe Doret

Photo : Dominique BREUGNOT - ACO/Nikon

ACO/ lemans.org/acreditated media press.

Photo: SPA-Francorchamps (Belgium), 1000 KM OF SPA-FRANCORCHAMPS, May 7, 2011. Third behind the Peugeot 908, the "old masters" Capello / Kristensen / McNish (44 years average age). We have probably not heard the last word from them at Le Mans

Audi R8 LMS celebrates 75th victory

Audi R8 LMS celebrates 75th victory

• Dream weekend for Audi in customer sport with the R8 LMS
• Three DTM drivers participate in charity run
• World Ski Championship entrants visit Zandvoort

Ingolstadt, May 15, 2011 – Audi’s customers had plenty of reasons to celebrate
this weekend as victories were scored in Germany, France, the United Kingdom
and Sweden. After just 25 months the “young” GT3 sports car can look back on a
set of remarkable interim statistics.
A dream weekend for the R8 LMS: Two years and one month after its debut on April
4, 2009 the Audi R8 LMS has achieved a special mark of success. On Saturday the
customer sports car from Audi clinched its 75th victory. Team ABT Sportsline with
Christopher Mies and Luca Ludwig popped the champagne bottles at the
Sachsenring. Christer Jöns/Jens Klingmann complemented the team’s one-two
result. On Sunday the Audi R8 LMS even managed a one-two-three-four result:
Andreas Simonsen/Christopher Haase won in front of their Phoenix team-mates
René Rast/Stefan Landmann and the Abt line-up of Luca Ludwig/Christopher Mies
and Christer Jöns/Jens Klingmann.
Audi’s dream weekend was complemented by further successes. In the United
Kingdom the United Autosports team clinched its first triumph. Michael Guasch and
Matt Bell won the third round of the British GT Championship in the R8 LMS at
Snetterton. In France Stéphane Ortelli/David Hallyday from the Audi France team
prevailed in the first of the two races at Dijon. A one-two result was achieved at the
debut in Sweden. The Alfab team with Daniel Roos and Erik Behrens won the season
opener at Anderstorp in front of Jan Brunstedt from the Brunstedt Motorsport
team. Consequently, the Audi R8 LMS’s successful track record now reflects 79
victories.

“Factory” drivers in the TT RS: Miguel Molina and Martin Tomczyk will contest the
Nürburgring 24 Hours on June 25/26 in the Audi TT RS. Audi Sport makes the two
DTM racers available to quattro GmbH which develops the TT RS for customers.
Fast on their feet: At the “Audi 24 Hours” Rahel Frey, Edoardo Mortara and Martin
Tomczyk will have the chance to prove that they are not just quick at the wheel of
their cars. Next weekend they will join 2 000 Audi employees at a marathon run
across the plant in Ingolstadt. The proceeds from each completed lap of the run will
go to the “Sternstunden” (“Great Moments”) charity project.
Remembrance of earthquake victims: Miguel Molina was wearing a black ribbon on
the left-hand sleeve of his overall on the DTM weekend at Zandvoort. The Spaniard
wore the ribbon in remembrance of his fellow countrymen who became victims of
the earthquake in south-east Spain on Wednesday.
Quick reward: Audi Sport Team Abt Sportsline completed the quickest pit stop at
the DTM race at Hockenheim. Timo Scheider’s second stop took exactly 20.043
seconds – measured between his pit lane entry and exit. The mechanics received a
special reward for this feat on Friday at Zandvoort. The exclusive tire partner,
Hankook, donated three cases of beer. The Abt squad can already look forward to
the next bonus because at Zandvoort the Audi team even managed to perform the
three quickest pit stops.
Start in Spain: Audi “factory” driver Marcel Fässler will also contest the second
round of the Blancpain series. At Navarra the Swiss driver will race for the WRT
Belgian Audi Club team in the Audi R8 LMS. His colleagues in the cockpit will be Greg
Franchi and Andrea Piccini. DTM driver Filipe Albuquerque with Bert Longin and
Stéphane Ortelli will compete in the “sister car”.
Skiers at the DTM: Among the guests at the driver presentation at Zandvoort were
two local Ski World Championship entrants. Maarten Meiners and Joery van Rooij
each took the wheel of an Audi A5 Cabriolet on the way through the grid formation.
A thousand miles and four rings: The “Audi Tradition” participated in the Mille Miglia
with five DKW cars from Thursday to Saturday. Among the entrants of the 1000-
mile race were Audi “factory” driver Dindo Capello in the DKW Monza and the
former Audi rally racer Harald Demuth im DKW F91.
Back on the calendar: On Sunday the revamped Red Bull Ring at Spielberg will be
reopened with a large celebration. After an eight-year break the DTM will return to
the Austrian circuit on June 5. Before the round, Miguel Molina and Martin Tomczyk
will promote the third race of the season at a PR event in Graz on May 28.
Three full weeks: Allan McNish is busy beating the big PR drum before Le Mans. An
extract from his calendar: personal sponsors dinner on May 15; visit by Palmersports
with meetings on motorsport and traffic safety on May 16; lunch with French
motorsport editors on May 17; photo session with the Audi RS 3 on May 18; speech
and lunch with a personal sponsor followed by attendance of a carting event of a
sponsor whose winners will be invited to Le Mans on May 20; invitation of the BRDC
in Monaco on May 26; various PR events in the UK on May 31 and June 1; meeting
with Sport Scotland on June 2; travel to Le Mans on June 6.
A brief interview with ... Edoardo Mortara
You finished as the best rookie at Zandvoort – did you expect that?
Honestly speaking, I wouldn’t have thought that I’d be scoring three points right in
my second DTM race. Okay, things were going really well for me here in the Formula
3 Euro Series and position seven on the grid was no doubt a good starting base. But
everyone knows how competitive the series is. That’s why points are great.
How do you assess the weekend?
The result strengthened our self-confidence. And I believe that we haven’t achieved
the maximum yet. In qualifying we were deprived of another trial. I was in fourth
place in Q3 and already had new tires fitted when I had to take the car to the weighin.
So there was no more time for another trial. At the beginning of the race I made
a small mistake in the duel with Timo Scheider. I left the racing line and lost time.
Today a place in the top four would have been possible.
Will you be able to continue this success in Austria?
I don’t know what will be awaiting me there. But our performance at Zandvoort was
really good. Now it’s important to not just celebrate our points finish but to
continue to work hard.

Coming up next week
May 21 Ingolstadt (D), Audi 24 Hours
May 22 Navarra (E), Blancpain Endurance Series, round 2
May 22 Winton (AUS), Australian GT Championship, round 2
May 22 Alastaro (FIN), NEZ GT Championship, round 1

Audi Communications Sport/Acreditated and autorized media press.

DTM: Quotes after the race at Zandvoort

Quotes after the race at Zandvoort

Ingolstadt/Zandvoort, May 15, 2011 – The first DTM victory for Mike
Rockenfeller, Martin Tomczyk in the 2008-specification A4 DTM on the podium as
well, and a total of five Audi racers in the points. Reactions after the DTM race at
Zandvoort that went extremely well for Audi.

Dr. Wolfgang Ullrich (Head of Audi Motorsport): “Our cars today were simply
exactly as fast again as they’d been before qualifying. We put that on track with a
very aggressive strategy. Mike (Rockenfeller) drove a perfect race. Martin (Tomczyk)
showed his potential. He was quick, aggressive and delivered a fair battle in every
respect nonetheless. In addition, we brought Mattias (Ekström) into the points from
grid position 16. ‘Edo’ Mortara scored points as early as at his second DTM race.
Timo (Scheider) wasn’t quite as happy with his car and his fifth place tends to reflect
his efforts to ‘contain the damage.’ But on the whole it was a fantastic showing by
Audi.”
Mike Rockenfeller (E-POSTBRIEF Audi A4 DTM #9), position 1
“The race was simply perfect. After the warm-up I didn’t even expect this. But my
engineer and my mechanics turned exactly the right screws for the race. The car was
exactly the way I wanted it to be – simply fantastic. The foundation was laid by
passing a Mercedes right at the start. Plus the early first stop: It gave me enough
room to Bruno (Spengler). Afterward, I was able to control the race. I almost feel
like a big load has been taken off my chest. It took a long time before I was finally
able to sit in an A-car. After a good qualifying session but a poor race at Hockenheim
this was exactly the right answer. The ten points are important. And then we’ll try
and be even stronger from the outset in Austria.”
Martin Tomczyk (Schaeffler Audi A4 DTM #14), position 3
“After yesterday’s qualifying the direction was forward. We saw at the long runs
that my car is very quick, so the main thing was to have a good strategy. And we did.
Unfortunately, I lost some time at the first pit stop because the situation with Oliver
(Jarvis) was very tight and I had to wait before I was able to drive off. Fortunately, I
managed to make up the time on track and drive very fast and consistent lap times.
The timing of the second pit stop was perfect. Afterward I was quick enough to close
the gap to Jamie (Green) and to overtake him. I also moved up to Bruno (Spengler).
Unfortunately, the race was over a bit too soon ... but with position three for me and
with ‘Rocky’s’ win it could hardly have gone better!”
Timo Scheider (AUTO TEST Audi A4 DTM #4), position 5
”At first we were quick for six to seven laps after each stop. But then we had the
same problem again as in the warm-up: The rear suspension dropped a bit, which
clearly impaired the car’s balance. I haven’t had to fight so hard to finish a race in a
long time. Below the line we’ve scored a few points. They’re important for the
championship. But: That’s obviously not satisfactory.”
Edoardo Mortara (Playboy Audi A4 DTM #19), position 6
“It was a tough race because I’m still lacking experience to some extent. I had a
good start but Schumacher came very close to me in turn one. I was very cautious on
the first lap, trying to avoid touching other cars and damaging my own car. After an
early first pit stop I was able to keep the pace on old tires in the second stint as well.
The team had a great strategy and made a fast pit stop. We’re happy with this
fantastic result.”
Mattias Ekström (Red Bull Audi A4 DTM #8), position 8
“An interesting race. Our car was faster today than it was yesterday. The grid
position wasn’t good. But scoring one point is definitely better than leaving emptyhanded.
I certainly had to work pretty hard for this though.”
Oliver Jarvis (Audi Sport performance cars A4 DTM #5), position 10
“We managed to stay clear of all trouble and drove our own race. Unfortunately, I
didn’t have a good start and it was difficult for me to make up positions. In the race
we were quick – and that was clearly an improvement over qualifying.”
Miguel Molina (Red Bull Audi A4 DTM #22), place 14
“I had a good start but lost a few positions on lap one. My rhythm was good and so
was the car’s balance. But the others were just as quick and we didn’t find an
opportunity to overtake. My hopes are pinned on the next race.”
Rahel Frey (Glamour Audi A4 DTM #15), position 17
“I paid dearly in the race; it was my first time at Zandvoort. Once I got off the line
and unfortunately hit even more sand when I started braking and then slid into the
wall. That way I destroyed my own race early on. I tried to finish the race but the car
was very hard to drive. Because I damaged my splitter, my A4 behaved very
nervously. As I said – I paid dearly.”
Filipe Albuquerque (TV Movie Audi A4 DTM #18), retirement
“My start was okay. But in the first turn I made a braking mistake. Both wheels
locked, I left the track and drove through the gravel trap otherwise I’d have hit
Miguel (Molina). After that it was okay. But the engine temperature went up due to
the defective radiator and I had to stop to keep from damaging the engine.”
Hans-Jürgen Abt (Team Director Audi Sport Team Abt Sportsline): “’Well done’ to
the whole team. It was very important for us to clinch a success today. We learned
from the problems in qualifying and had a superb strategy. The whole team was
right on the mark. The three quickest pit stops in the race speak for themselves. You
need such a motivation boost once in a while. This strengthens us for the future and
makes us hopeful.”
Ernst Moser (Team Director Audi Sport Team Phoenix): “That was a race exactly to
our liking. Congratulations to Martin (Tomczyk), the team and to Audi. We managed
to move forward quite a bit with our strategy. We opted for a long middle stint. In
the end we were the quickest on the track on new tires. Martin had the chance for
fantastic attacks and overtook a Mercedes. As expected, Rahel (Frey) is learning
from race to race. She had an excursion and lost a lot of time. When she was
running alone she set good lap times. She improves on every lap she drives and is
gathering experience. We’re building on that.”
Arno Zensen (Team Director Audi Sport Team Rosberg): ”That was surely a
fantastic race and a great advertisement for the DTM! I’m incredibly happy for
Edoardo Mortara, who finished in the points. The team did an outstanding job. The
stops went well, the strategy was superb. My thanks go to everyone. I’m happy! The
only drop of bitterness was Filipe (Albuquerque) flying off the track right in turn
one. He damaged the radiator in the incident and was forced to retire. We’ve seen
that we’re in contention. We need to continue this way.”

Audi Communicaton Sport/Acreditated and autorized media press.

Audi R18 TDI: Advantage through LED technology

Audi R18 TDI: Advantage through LED
technology

• Five weeks before the 24 Hours of Le Mans
• Full LED headlights for the new LMP1 sportscar
• Audi with clear advantage in LED technology

Ingolstadt, May 5, 2011 – Always be at least one step ahead of the opposition –
this is Audi’s motto. This is exactly how the Four Rings brand presented the Audi
R18 TDI – the first Le Mans sports car featuring headlights comprising entirely of
light emitting diodes. As a result, the Audi drivers have a significant advantage at
night during the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
Audi is regarded as a pioneer in the development of LED technology and leads the
competition by a large margin in this field. The twelve-cylinder Audi A8 was the first
car in the world to go into production with LED daytime driving lights. The Audi R8 is
credited with having the first full LED headlights worldwide. Slowly but surely an
increasing number of Audi models are offered with full LEDs as an option, as is the
new Audi A6.
Audi also forces the new headlight technology in motorsport. The Audi R10 TDI was
the first race car with LED daytime driving lights in 2006. The Audi R15 TDI, which
broke the 39 year old distance record at the 24 Hours of Le Mans last year, was
equipped with a combination of Xenon headlights and LEDs.
Audi goes a step further with the innovative Audi R18 TDI: the new LMP1 is the first
Le Mans sports car with full LED headlights. Combined with sophisticated reflectorlens
modules, eight high-power light emitting diodes per side provide unique
illumination of the race track at night.
“When you’ve driven once with full LED headlights you don’t want to have anything
else,” raves Le Mans record winner Tom Kristensen. “The light is stronger and
vibrates less than a normal headlight – this is a clear advantage and particularly at
Le Mans, a track that has many dark braking points in the night.”


However, not only the greater illumination is an advantage of LED technology. Light
emitting diodes are maintenance free and extremely reliable. “The vulnerability to
failures is extremely low,” explains Dr. Martin Mühlmeier, Head of Technology at
Audi Sport. “To date, we haven’t had a single LED failure.”
Thanks to intensive development of the technology, full LED headlights now also
represent a weight saving compared to common headlights – particularly as Audi
Sport managed to eliminate the electrical cooling of the light emitting diodes still
required in street cars and also found last year in the R15 TDI.
The LEDs in the R18 TDI are cooled by the airflow and still supply enough light even
if the cooling airflow is completely cut by dimming themselves automatically. “Our
colleagues in production car development are very interested to see how we
implement this,” says Christopher Reinke, Technical Project Leader for the Audi R18
TDI. “However, we have the advantage in motorsport that the car spends less time
at a standstill. On the highway, the lights mustn’t go out even if the car is in a traffic
jam.”
Audi Sport worked closely with the AUDI AG “Light and Sight” section during
development of the full LED headlights. The light tunnel in the Technical
Development (TE) is available for tests. The Audi R18 TDI is credited with a record: It
has the brightest diodes currently in use. These LEDs are currently not registered for
road use.
To a limited extent LED technology also requires a completely new approach. The
R18 TDI prototype’s main beam, which is comprised of five LEDs per side, is not
brighter than the normal low beam. Three extra LEDs create the effect of a high
beam by illuminating the track additionally through an individual position of the
various reflectors.
Audi is the first automobile manufacturer to also use the diverse possibilities of
light emitting diodes as design element. In the R18 TDI the daytime driving light in
the left headlight forms a number “1” which is mirrored on the right side. With this,
Audi aims to express its position as number one in LED technology. It goes without
saying that the knowledge Audi Sport gains at Le Mans with the latest generation
full LED headlights flows automatically into production car development – so that
the advantage through LED technology remains.

Audi Communications Motorsport

Quotes after the race at Hockenheim

Quotes after the race at Hockenheim

Ingolstadt/Hockenheim, May 1, 2011 – Mattias Ekström clinched a podium result
for Audi at the season opener by finishing as the runner-up. Timo Scheider and
Martin Tomczyk showed strong performances as well. Quotes from the Audi
drivers after the race at Hockenheim.

Dr. Wolfgang Ullrich (Head of Audi Motorsport): “At the race today we’ve seen a
similar picture as we did yesterday in qualifying. Bruno Spengler was just a little bit
faster. Behind him the whole field was very close together. Mattias (Ekström) and
Timo (Scheider) squeezed the maximum out of their potential. Martin (Tomczyk)
was very quick in his year-old car too. Naturally, the safety car mixed up the situation
quite a bit – but that’s part of racing. All in all, it was an interesting opening round
which promises an exciting season.”

Mattias Ekström (Red Bull Audi A4 DTM #8), 2nd place
“Obviously, winning feels better than anything else. Today we achieved second place
– that’s nearly perfect, but not completely. We had a car to be in contention for
victory – particularly after my good start. But Bruno (Spengler) simply overtook me
flat-out on the outside of turn one alongside the track. I was running flat-out too
but he had more momentum that way and was able to pass me again. I didn’t think
that this was okay. It was the crucial moment of the race because we were almost
equally quick. Toward the end the situation became really exciting once more. A few
turns before the finish something broke on my rear suspension. But this time I was
luckier than in the years before – maybe that’s a good omen for the 2011 season.”

Timo Scheider (AUTO TEST Audi A4 DTM #4), 4th place
“P4 is a result I can live with today. Right at the start I had body contact at the rear
when I was pushed against the car in front of me. As a result, the front of my car
was damaged. At the rear I lost a few flics. That was not helpful for balance. That’s
why I’m pretty happy to have finished in fourth place.”

Martin Tomczyk (Schaeffler Audi A4 DTM #14), 5th place
“We were competitive this weekend from the outset. The driver, the car and the
team – all three of these have always got to fit together. This was definitely the case
here. It was also huge fun to be driving a DTM race again, particularly the overtaking
maneuvers I had. The duel with Maro (Engel) was tough but friendly. I feel that
that’s the way a fight between two rivals in the DTM should be. The duel with Ralf
(Schumacher) was fair too. It was a good start that we can be happy with.”

Oliver Jarvis (Audi Sport performance cars A4 DTM #5), 9th place
“This wasn’t the start I’d been hoping for. We wanted to score points and fight for a
podium position but we finished in ninth place. It was an improvement over our
qualifying performance. But now we’ve got to work hard and make fewer mistakes in
the next race. Hankook have done a good job, but I’ve got to gain a better
understanding of the tires. I’m hoping that we can be stronger at Zandvoort.”

Mike Rockenfeller (E-POSTBRIEF Audi A4 DTM #9), 11th place
“The weekend had started out well. Practice was okay. Position five in qualifying
wasn’t perfect but it was a good starting base. Unfortunately, that doesn’t do you
any good if you go home empty-handed. That’s why my race was disappointing from
start to finish. Nothing seemed to really fit. The main problem: I was much too
slow, which bothers me the most. At the first pit stop something went wrong. The
car wasn’t lowered properly. I also hit the safety car period at an unfortunate point
in time. I had to stop at the red light. A weekend to forget.”

Edoardo Mortara (Playboy Audi A4 DTM #19), 14th place
“My first race in the DTM was marked by many difficulties. But I’m glad to have
finished it. We had communications problems and I wasn’t able to listen to the
team radio. The safety car was on the track when I had to pit, that was a bit
unfortunate. We’ve got to be satisfied. The race was okay. We know that kinds of
problems we had. Without these difficulties we can drive a better race.”

Rahel Frey (Glamour Audi A4 DTM #15), 15th place
“My assessment after the first race is very positive. The teamwork is fantastic, the
guys support me. The race had ups and downs but basically I pulled through and
achieved my goal. I’m happy.”

Miguel Molina (Red Bull Audi A4 DTM #22), 16th place
“The race wasn’t so bad. I started from position eight and fought for seventh place.
After the re-start following the safety car period I was hit and spun so that my race
was over. Now we need to fight for the next race. Fortunately, the next round is
coming up in just two weeks from now.”

Filipe Albuquerque (TV Movie Audi A4 DTM #18), 17th place
“I had a very good start and was able to make up some positions. But then I lost
some places in the commotion. It was very tight, door to door, someone brushed
me. After the safety car period Vietoris touched me, which cost me a lot of time. At
least I did finish the race. It was a very tough race. We collected kilometers. That
was a positive thing here. But we need a lot more speed.”

Hans-Jürgen Abt (Team Director Audi Sport Team Abt Sportsline): “This wasn’t bad
for a season opener. It was a tough race. We tried to get everything right. The pit
crew did a superb job. The strategy was perfect too. But Mercedes didn’t make a
single mistake either. Congratulations to Bruno Spengler, he drove a great race.
We’re pleased to see that we’re racing at the same pace and are in contention for
victory. That was not quite the case last year. Therefore, we’re in for an exciting
season.”

Ernst Moser (Team Director Audi Sport Team Phoenix): “An optimal start into the
season. Martin (Tomczyk) was one of the protagonists of this race. He had some
first-class duels. His car was running well. All of our pit stops were very good. At
Martin’s second stop we were even a bit too fast and didn’t get the fuel can off the
car in time. That’s why Martin went out with the fuel can and dropped from fourth
to fifth place. A big ‘well done’ to Martin and the team. I’m also pleased with
Rahel’s (Frey) performance at her first DTM race. She finished in 15th place and
made no mistakes. Naturally, she still needs to become a bit faster. We’re working
on that.”

Arno Zensen (Team Director Audi Sport Team Rosberg): “I was quite happy that we
started among the top ten with one car. Edoardo Mortara’s start was pretty decent.
He came out of the first lap on position nine and did a pretty good job of defending
his place. He was fighting a fair duel with Gary Paffett for a long time. I was pretty
pleased. But then we encountered a communications problem. We didn’t know at
which point in time the radio was still working. When we were trying to call Edoardo
in during the safety car period he couldn’t hear us. He kept on driving, that meant
his race was over. Filipe Albuquerque didn’t have a bad start either but was forced
into the grass. When his tires were dirty he was overtaken and running in the
penultimate position. Then he ran a red light after a pit stop. Although that’s
unfortunate and shouldn’t happen it has happened to others before. Now we’ve got
to close the book on it and continue the performance we showed during the tests.”
Info and Fotos: Audi Motorsport/ for acreditated and autorized press media.

First racing commitment of the Audi R18 TDI

First racing commitment of the Audi R18 TDI

• Le Mans “dress rehearsal” at the 1000-kilometer race at Spa (Belgium)
• Record field comprising 60 sports prototypes and GT cars
• Audi Sport Team Joest competes with three cars

Ingolstadt, April 29, 2011 – Now the action will begin in earnest. After thousands
of test kilometers including the recent test day at Le Mans, the new Audi R18 TDI
is ready for its first race. At the 1000-kilometer race at Spa-Francorchamps
(Belgium) on May 7, Audi Sport Team Joest will perform its “dress rehearsal” for
the Le Mans 24 Hours.
The racing debut of a new race car is always a very special event and Audi Sport has
good experiences in this regard. Since 2000 every new sports prototype of the brand
with the four rings has won its first race. In 2000, 2006 and 2009 Sebring in Florida
(USA) was the venue of the respective debut victories of the R8, R10 TDI and R15
TDI models. The updated R15 TDI, internally designated as “R15 plus,” won its
maiden race as well, at Le Castellet (France).
Now Spa-Francorchamps is the track to see the debut of the latest LMP1 sports car
made by Audi which turns the company’s ultra-lightweight technology into a visual
experience and which is equipped with a new type of ultra-compact V6 TDI engine.
The circuit in the Belgian Ardennes region is seen as particularly demanding and
therefore well suited as the “dress rehearsal” for the season’s pinnacle at Le Mans
on June 11/12. Audi Sport Team Joest learned a lot at Spa-Francorchamps last year
as a month later, Audi celebrated a one-two-three result with the R15 TDI and broke
the 39-year distance record.
The squad led by Head of Audi Motorsport Dr. Wolfgang Ullrich would again like to
decide the “dress rehearsal” in its favor, given that the 1000-kilometer race at Spa-
Francorchamps is also the second round of the newly incepted Intercontinental Le
Mans Cup (ILMC).

At Spa-Francorchamps speed and reliability will not be the only crucial factors as a
massive 60-car entry comprising of sports prototypes and GT vehicles have entered
the race. Consequently, the 7.004-kilometer track will be extremely packed.
Practice in the Ardennes will start as early as on Thursday. Qualifying is scheduled
for Friday afternoon. The 1000-kilometer race will start at 14:05 on Saturday and
last a maximum of six hours.

Topics of the weekend
• Will the Audi R18 TDI be able to win right away on its debut?
• How will Audi fare in the first comparison with the competition?
• How fuel-efficient will the new V6 TDI engine of the Audi R18 TDI be?
• Will Audi manage the first victory in the Intercontinental Le Mans Cup?
• What role will the often changeable weather in the Ardennes play?
• How many spectators will turn out for the Audi R18 TDI’s race debut?
Quotes by the officials
Dr. Wolfgang Ullrich (Head of Audi Motorsport): “We want to mainly use the race
at Spa-Francorchamps again to prepare for Le Mans. It’s important for the teams to
develop a feeling of working together in a racing situation before going to Le Mans.
We’ve already started to work on this at our 30-hour endurance run at Le Castellet
and the test day at Le Mans. But Spa also gives us a first assessment of where we
stand compared with the competition. For us the 1000-kilometer race is a very
important preparatory race for the 2011 Le Mans 24 Hours.”
Ralf Jüttner (Technical Director Audi Sport Team Joest): “The 1000-kilometer race
at Spa is an ILMC round, which makes it very significant for us since we’re contesting
the whole ILMC season. Spa is the second round after Sebring. We’re running behind
in the championship and want to score as many points as possible. Our aim, very
clearly, is to try and equalize Peugeot’s advantage or to take the lead ourselves.
Naturally, for us Spa is also a ‘dress rehearsal’ for the Le Mans 24 Hours, so it serves
a dual purpose.”

Facts and quotes by the Audi drivers
Timo Bernhard (30/D), Audi R18 TDI #1 (Audi Sport Team Joest)
• Clinched position two on the grid in last year’s qualifying at Spa
“I’m looking forward to the first race with the new Audi R18 TDI. I’ve got
particularly fond memories of Spa from last year. We had good qualifying there in
2010 because I put the car on the front row of the grid. Although in the end we only
finished fifth, the race helped us a lot to prepare for Le Mans. Achieving a great
result this year would be a nice motivation for the whole team. In the end this race
is intended to be our ‘dress rehearsal’ for Le Mans.”
Romain Dumas (33/F), Audi R18 TDI #1
• Won at Le Mans in 2010 together with Timo Bernhard and Mike Rockenfeller
“It’ll be an important race for us for two reasons. We’ve got a lot of learning to do
again. It’s important to be ready for Spa because obviously we want to win. But the
race is also a major practice for Le Mans. Last year we learned a lot. Together with
Timo (Bernhard) and Mike (Rockenfeller) I gained a great deal of self-confidence.
We did a good job of working together and preparing at Spa – with respect to quick
driver changes, for example. I’m hoping that we’ll have the same situation again
this year.”
Mike Rockenfeller (27/D), Audi R18 TDI #1
• Will race at the DTM season opener at Hockenheim one week before Spa
• Finished Spa in 2008 as the runner-up in the Audi R10 TDI
“I’m really looking forward to driving the Audi R18 TDI for the first time in racing
conditions. We’re all very excited to see where we stand. We put a lot of work into
the car during the winter. It’s great to see it on the track for the first time now. I’m
happy that after Sebring, where we ran with the R15 TDI, we can now race the new
car.”
Marcel Fässler (34/CH), Audi R18 TDI #2
• Was the 2006 runner-up at Spa in a Courage
• Also knows the track from numerous runs in 24-hour races
“I’m looking forward to this first race in the Audi R18 TDI at Spa with eager
anticipation. This track is a challenge, it’s like it was built for sports cars. It has
really great sections with very fast turns such as Eau Rouge and Blanchimont.
Generally speaking, Spa suits me very well. I’ve frequently won there and am always
happy when I get the chance to drive there again.”
André Lotterer (30/D), Audi R18 TDI #2
• Had an accident on the formation lap last year at Spa
“After so many tests and preparations with the new car you’re particularly eager to
drive it at the first race. Spa’s a great track and not far from the place where I grew
up. Last year I spun on the formation lap in difficult conditions. Unfortunately, the
wall there was very close and that meant I destroyed our race. I’ve learned a lesson
from that incident and am sure something like that won’t happen to me again. But
we still managed to prepare well for Le Mans. A good preparation for Le Mans is
again our goal this year.”
Benoît Tréluyer (34/F), Audi R18 TDI #2
• Contested a race in Japan between the test day at Le Mans and the round at Spa
“For the first time we will drive a closed car in a race. That’s a very special thing. It’s
always fun to begin the season with a new car. That’s why we’re just dying for the
first race. New regulations have come into effect. We’re eager to see the
performance of the vehicle compared with the competition. Naturally, nobody will
have finished their preparations 100 percent, but Spa gives us a small but vital pretaste
of Le Mans.”
Dindo Capello (46/I), Audi R15 TDI #3
• Clinched second place at Spa in 2004 together with Seiji Ara
• Contests the Italian GT Championship this year as well
“On any debut of a brand new car like the Audi R18 TDI it’s difficult to make a
prediction. We’ve been working hard on making this car fast and reliable. Everyone
is optimistic about managing a good result right in the first race. The whole team
knows that Spa is a very beautiful as well as a difficult and demanding track. What’s
more, there will be about 60 cars in the field, which makes the race even more
demanding. For Spa you need a combination of performance and agility. We’re there
to win but we mustn’t lose sight of the fact that our main job is to improve the car
for Le Mans and to prepare for the 24-hour race. Spa’s our only chance to drive the
R18 TDI at a race before the big run in June.”
Tom Kristensen (43/DK), Audi R18 TDI #3
• Won the 1000-kilometer race at Spa in 2003 in the Audi R8
“We’re all looking forward to the ILMC race at Spa. It’s the debut of our Audi R18
TDI, our new baby, on a fantastic race track. Personally, Spa is my favorite track, but
I think all drivers like it. This year there will be 60 cars in the field, so there will be a
lot of traffic on the track. That means You’ve got a car about every 100 meters. It’ll
be a very demanding situation for all the drivers. But we’re looking forward to what
will hopefully be a good ‘dress rehearsal’ for our run at the Le Mans 24 Hours a
month later.”
Allan McNish (41/GB), Audi R18 TDI #3
• Clinched Audi’s only ILMC pole position to date at Silverstone in 2010
“I’m always particularly keen on going to Spa. With a new car like the R18 TDI the
race will be very interesting for us and the fans. It marks the first occasion that all
our main rivals will be on track at the same time, so everyone looks forward to
qualifying with particularly eager anticipation – at least I do. The track is arguably
one of the top three for any driver. The weather at Spa though is usually
unpredictable. Last year it was raining on the grid while the track was bone dry on
the other side. We’ve tested the Audi R18 TDI a lot this year. We understand the
potential of the new car and know that we’ve got to get into a racing situation now
to see how the car performs in different conditions. Tom (Kristensen), Dindo
(Capello) and I are looking forward to being part of the whole action again. We
know from last year that Spa is a replica of Le Mans. We’ll be represented there with
all three race teams. That adds further spice to this race.”
The Audi drivers at Spa-Francorchamps
Timo Bernhard (D): *Feb 24, 1981 in Homburg (D); residence: Dittweiler (D);
married to Katharina; height 1.73 m; weight: 61 kg; Audi driver since 2009; Le Mans
victories: 1; ILMC races: 4; ILMC victories: 0; pole positions: 0; fastest laps: 0; best
result at 1000 km Spa: 5
Dindo Capello (I): *Jun 17, 1964 in Asti (I); residence: Canelli (I); married to
Elisabetta, one son (Giacomo); height: 1.72 m; weight: 66 kg; Audi driver since
1994; Le Mans victories: 3; ILMC races: 4; ILMC victories: 0; pole positions: 0;
fastest laps: 0; best result at 1000 km Spa: 2
Romain Dumas (F): *Dec 14, 1977 in Alès (F); residence: Basel (CH); single; height:
1.74 m; weight: 60 kg; Audi driver since 2009; Le Mans victories: 1; ILMC races: 4;
ILMC victories: 0; pole positions: 0; fastest laps: 0; best result at 1000 km Spa: 5
Marcel Fässler (CH): *May 27,1976 in Einsiedeln (CH); residence: Gross (CH);
married to Isabel, four daughters (Shana, Elin, Yael, Delia); height 1.78 m; weight
78 kg; Audi driver since 2008; Le Mans victories: 0; ILMC races: 1; pole positions: 0;
fastest laps: 0; best result at 1000 km Spa:
Tom Kristensen (DK): *Jul 07, 1967 in Hobro (DK); residence: Monaco (MC); single
(partner Hanne), two sons (Oliver and Oswald) and one daughter (Carla Marlou);
height: 1.74 m; weight: 72 kg; Audi driver since 2000; ILMC races: 4; ILMC victories:
0; pole positions: 0; fastest laps: 0; best result at 1000 km Spa: 1
André Lotterer (D): *Nov 19, 1981 in Duisburg (D); residence: Tokyo (J);
single; height 1.84 m; weight 74 kg; Audi driver since 2010; Le Mans victories: 0;
ILMC races: 1; ILMC victories: 0; pole positions: 0; fastest laps: 0; best result at
1000 km Spa: 12
Allan McNish (GB): *Dec 29, 1969 in Dumfries (GB); residence: Monaco (MC);
married to Kelly, one son (Finlay), one daughter (Charlotte); height: 1.65 m; weight:
58 kg; Audi driver since 2000; Le Mans victories: 2; ILMC races: 4; ILMC victories: 0;
pole positions: 1; fastest laps: 0; best result at 1000 km Spa: 3
Mike Rockenfeller (D): *Oct 31,1983 in Neuwied (D); residence: Altnau (CH); single;
height 1.75 m; weight 67 kg; Audi driver since 2007; Le Mans victories: 1; ILMC
races: 2; ILMC victories: 0; pole positions: 0; fastest laps: 0; best result at 1000 km
Spa: 2
Benoît Tréluyer (F): *Dec 7, 1976 in Alençon (F); residence: Gordes (F); married to
Melanie, 1 son (Jules); height 1.78 m; weight 68 kg; Audi driver since 2010; Le Mans
victories: 0; ILMC races: 1; ILMC victories: 0; pole positions: 0; fastest laps: 0; best
result at 1000 km Spa: 12
All winners of the 1000-kilometer race at Spa-Francorchamps (since 2003)
2003 Ara/Kristensen (Audi)
2004 Herbert/Davies (Audi)
2005 Nielsen/Elgaard/Shimoda (Zytek)
2006 Collard/Boullion (Pescarolo
2007 Lamy/Sarrazin (Peugeot)
2008 Gené/Minassian/Villeneuve (Peugeot)
2009 Minassian/Pagenaud/Klien (Peugeot)
2010 Lamy/Bourdais/Pagenaud (Peugeot)

Track info
Track length: 7.004 km
Race distance: 1000 kilometers
Qualifying record set on this track: Sébastien Bourdais (Peugeot), May 08,10, 1m
57.884s (213.892 km/h)
Race record set on this track: Franck Montagny (Peugeot), May 09,10, 1m 59.797s
(210.476 km/h)
Pole position 2010: Sébastien Bourdais (Peugeot), May 08,10, 1m 57.884s
(213.892 km/h)
Fastest lap 2010: Franck Montagny (Peugeot), May 09,10, 1m 59.797s (210.476
km/h)
André Lotterer about Spa-Francorchamps: “For me Spa is like a home track because
I grew up just an hour away from there. It’s one of the most beautiful race tracks in
the world. Overtaking is possible right in the first turn, La Source. The famous Eau
Rouge is next. Will we able to take it flat-out in the R18 TDI? In the R15 TDI we still
had to ‘lift’ slightly. The section in front of Les Combes is another good place for
overtaking. The turn drops toward the outside and you’re always a little too fast
there. The Pouhon double left-hander opens up a long way. You’ve got to take a lot
of speed with you. Then the Fagnes high-speed chicane literally flies toward the
driver. It should be possible to drive the Blanchimont passage flat-out if you put
yourself in a good position. The end of the circuit is marked by the slowest corner,
the new chicane in front of the start and finish.”
ILMC LMP1 manufacturers standings after 1 of 7 rounds:
1 Peugeot 27 points; 2 Audi, 17.
ILMC LMP1 team standings after 1 of 7 rounds:
1 Team ORECA Matmut, 15 points; 2 Peugeot Sport Total, 12; 3 Audi Sport Team
Joest, 9; 4 Rebellion Racing, 6.
Schedule (local times; CET)
Thursday, May 5
12:20–13:20 Free practice
16:55–17:55 Free practice
Friday, May 6
11:50–12:50 Free practice
15:50–16:10 Qualifying (GTE vehicles)
16:20–16:40 Qualifying (prototypes)
Saturday, May 7
09:55–10:15 Warm-up
14:05–20:05 Race (1000 kilometers, maximum of 6 hours)

Info and Fotos: Audi Motorsport Communications/ for acreditated and autorized press media.

Miss World visits Audi at the DTM

Miss World visits Audi at the DTM

• Rosanna Davison travels to Hockenheim
• New Audi Q3 to be marveled at alongside the race track
• Grand appearance by the smallest Audi

Ingolstadt, April 28, 2011 – A high-caliber visit is expected at the 2011 DTM
season opener: Rosanna Davison, the daughter of rock legend Chris de Burgh, will
enchant Audi’s guests. In addition, there will be other activities putting the
spotlight on the brand with the four rings at Hockenheim. And the fans staying at
home can look forward to extensive TV coverage.
An international star from Ireland has announced her attendance at the DTM season
opener. Audi will welcome model Rosanna Davison at the Hockenheim race track.
There is no question that the 27-year-old Irishwoman will draw everyone’s eyes to
her. The daughter of rock legend Chris de Burgh was voted Miss World in 2003.
In addition to seeing the human star, visitors can look forward to a number of
automotive stars, with the new Audi Q3 being the focal point of interest. Right after
having made its world debut in Shanghai last Tuesday, the compact-size premium
SUV is now being showcased at Hockenheim. Other cars to make the hearts of fans
beat faster will be the all-new seventh-generation A6 and the 250-kW (340 hp) Audi
RS 3 Sportback.
On Sunday a big parade will thrill the audience at Hockenheim. Just before the DTM
race starts 23 Audi A1 cars will complete a lap around the race track. The German
Sales Organization will hand over the popular compact models to dealerships at the
Audi Drive Away.
AUDI AG’s top management demonstrates keen interest in the DTM season opener.
The four members of the Board of Management, Rupert Stadler (Chairman),
Thomas Sigi (HR and Social Matters), Michael Dick (Technical Development) and
Axel Strotbek (Finance and Organization) as well as Norbert Rank (Works Council
Chairman at the Neckarsulm location) will watch the DTM opener on location.


In the 2011 season the DTM as the most popular touring car series again draws the
viewers’ attention through extensive TV coverage. The new Audi factory driver Rahel
Frey is expected as a studio guest on SWR starting at 21:45 (local time).

Audi Communications Motorsport/for Acreditated and autorized media press.

Unique TDI engine for the Audi R18 TDI

Unique TDI engine for the Audi R18 TDI

• Only six weeks to go before the 24 Hours of Le Mans
• Compact V6 TDI power unit with single turbocharger
• Exhaust manifold and VTG sit between cylinder banks

Ingolstadt, April 28, 2011 – The new Audi R18 TDI with which Audi targets its
tenth victory in the famous 24 Hours of Le Mans on June 11/12 is ready today
with “tomorrow’s” technology. During development of the new LMP1 sports car
the integration and future electrification of the powertrain and various possible
concepts for energy recuperation have been taken into account.
“We are very conscious of such systems,” explains Head of Audi Motorsport Dr.
Wolfgang Ullrich. “In our opinion, just as soon as this technology proves to be the
most efficient we will use it at Le Mans.”
Although diesel engines have been repeatedly restricted by the regulations since
their victorious introduction in 2006, Audi relies on TDI power once again for its new
LMP1. “Audi invented the TDI engine and is convinced that this technology remains
one of the most efficient and modern forms to power a car – especially at Le Mans
where engines with high specific power, low fuel consumption and low emissions are
a necessity.”
New regulations devised by the Automobile Club de L’Ouest (ACO) and introduced
this year dictate significantly smaller engines. Audi has chosen a particularly
compact 3.7 liter V6 TDI engine, which is about 25 per cent lighter than the V10 TDI
power plant previously fitted to the older R15 TDI, and which leaves all options open
for the technicians with regard to electrification and energy recuperation. “This
would not be the case with a V8, for example, which is also permitted by the
regulations,” explains Ulrich Baretzky, Head of Engine Development at Audi Sport.
However, Audi does not only surprise with its extremely compact engine. The
concept is also innovative for an LMP1 sports car. To lower the center of gravity as
much as possible and to improve airflow through the car, the exhaust manifold
were migrated from the left and right hand sides of the engine to sit between the
two cylinder banks. “Hot side inside” is the name given to this concept by specialists,
which was implemented in similar form in Formula 1 in the 1980s. But the V6 TDI
engine powering the Audi R18 TDI, which has a cylinder angle of 120 degrees and
thus an extremely low center of gravity, is technically generations further along the
line and is also a technology-demonstrator for future production engines.
In contrast to previous Audi Le Mans sports cars, which all had twin turbochargers,
the R18 TDI is quite logically now only fitted with a single turbocharger that also
sits above the engine and draws its air directly through the air scoop mounted on
the roof. “In this way we are able to convert the dynamic pressure generated at high
speeds with minimal losses into power,” explains Dr. Martin Mühlmeier, Head of
Technology at Audi Sport.
The mono-turbo concept developed in cooperation with Garrett was only made
possible by the variable turbine geometry (VTG) already used victoriously in the R15
TDI. “Otherwise the response characteristics of such a large turbocharger would just
be too bad,” explains Baretzky.
The concept was continued logically through a single pipe exhaust that exits at the
rear of the R18 TDI below the new fin which is stipulated by the regulations. “This
also stands for Audi ultra lightweight technology,” says Baretzky, “since we save
components and weight – for example for a second diesel particle filter.”
Audi Sport has worked since July 2009 on the innovative engine concept for which
numerous new routes had to be explored. To control the enormous ignition
pressures and loads now only distributed between six cylinders, a unique method of
cooling the cylinder heads was developed for the aluminum power unit, a concept
that could also be interesting in the future for production.
Owing to the compact engine and uncluttered flanks, the airflow from the coolers
can now exit practically unobstructed through the rear end. “We could increase the
aerodynamic efficiency of the car as a result,” says Martin Mühlmeier, Head of
Technology at Audi Sport. This aspect is even more important than ever before at Le
Mans due to the reduction in engine power – for the Audi R18 TDI more than 397 kW
(540 hp).
Another unique aspect of the new Le Mans sports car is its unusual sound. The Audi
R18 TDI is probably the quietest race car Audi Sport has ever built. “Noise is unused
energy,” stresses Dr. Wolfgang Ullrich who is delighted by the whispering murmur
of the R18 TDI. “The sound is unique,” raves Le Mans record winner Tom Kristensen.
“It’s hard to describe. You have to hear it yourself. I think it’s fantastic.”

Audi Communications Motorsport/for Acreditated and Autorized Media Press.

Audi race experience again on the attack

Audi race experience again on the attack

 Audi race experience offers race action alongside Le Mans winner Marco
Werner
 Manfred Jantke is new team manager for on-track events
 Australians Warren Luff and Greg Lowndes contest fourth round of VLN
endurance championship around Nürburgring-Nordschleife

Ingolstadt, April 27, 2011 – The Audi race experience enters its second season.
Enthusiastic amateur race drivers with relevant experience have the possibility
once again to contest a VLN endurance championship race at the Nürburgring with
a professional Audi team. On each occasion one or two drivers share an Audi R8
LMS cockpit with a professional driver such as three-time Le Mans winner Marco
Werner or pros like Frank Schmickler and Florian Gruber.
The new team manager, who assumes control at the events with immediate effect,
is Manfred Jantke. He has a great past in motorsport. His professional career started
at the specialist magazine ‘auto motor und sport,’ which he left as deputy chief
editor in 1972, in order to join Porsche AG as PR Boss and Race Director. He stayed
with the company for 20 years and, among other successes, can lay claim to seven
Le Mans victories. He returns once again to racing for the Audi race experience.
Jantke will support the team with his experience at four rounds of the VLN
endurance championship and at the 24-hour race around the Nürburgring.
The Audi race experience team receives a visit from ‘down under’ for round 4 of the
VLN on May 27 and 28. The Australians Warren Luff and Greg Lowndes come to
Germany to personally experience the fascination of the Nürburgring-Nordschleife.
The two race pros previously raced the R8 LMS in the Bathurst 12 Hours (AUS) where
they finished second overall. As a driver pairing, they compete for the first time in
Germany.

The Audi race experience calendar
May 13/14, 2011 VLN (6 hours)
May 27/28, 2011 VLN (4 hours)
June 24–26, 2011 Nürburgring 24 Hours
Aug 26/27, 2011 VLN (6 hours)
Oct 14/15, 2011 VLN (4 hours)


Audi Communications Motorsport/For acreditated and autorized media press.

Successful dress rehearsal for Audi R18 TDI at Le Mans

Successful dress rehearsal for Audi R18 TDI
at Le Mans

 Equal balance between three R18 TDI cars on test day
 Audi Sport Team Joest has completed comprehensive program
 Considerable spectator turnout on Easter Sunday

Ingolstadt/Le Mans, April 24, 2011 – The Audi R18 TDI had a successful first
public appearance at Le Mans. 24,987 enthusiastic fans witnessed how Audi Sport
Team Joest prepared for the 24 Hour race (on June 11/12) on Easter Sunday with
all three cars and drivers. The innovative sports car with its ultra lightweight
technology set the two fastest times at the end of the test day which is back now.
Whilst it’s traditionally not about lap times on test day, much more significant
findings matter for Audi after eight hours. The innovative diesel-powered sportscar
was prepared very well for the demanding Le Mans track, all scheduled programs
have been completed and the ten drivers adapted perfectly to the demanding
circuit. Apart from the nine race drivers, test and reserve driver Marco Bonanomi was
also behind the wheel and drove at Le Mans for the first time.
Despite Audi focussing on set-up work, Tom Kristensen set the fastest time of the
day in car number 3. The eight-time Le Mans winner lapped the Sarthe circuit in 3m
27.687s. Last year’s winner Mike Rockenfeller only needed 0.128 more seconds in
car number 1 for the 13.629 kilometers. Neither a rain shower in the morning nor a
spin of the number 2 Audi R18 TDI hampered the progress. The work with tire
partner Michelin was especially positive. Tom Kristensen, Allan McNish and Dindo
Capello generated valuable data. Apart from setting up the car, all drivers had a
common goal: for the first time since 1999, Audi contests the Le Mans race with a
closed car. For the drivers it was also important to get to know the vision from the
cockpit, to drive in realistic traffic and to practice driver changes in the pits.
On Easter Sunday, not only the upcoming Le Mans 24 Hour race was in the minds of
Audi Sport Team Joest’s team members. Each of the three Audi R18 TDI cars carried
two stickers on the rear wing that were styled according to Michele Alboreto’s
helmet. They were in memory of the former Audi works driver who died on April 25
ten years ago.

Quotes after the test day
Dr. Wolfgang Ullrich (Head of Audi Motorsport): “We have prepared a
comprehensive test program for all three cars. The weather conditions allowed us to
complete all our schedules. We have achieved very good results. I think that we can
put that to very good use in the Le Mans race. It was important to do a lot of
kilometers here with the all-new car before the race weekend in June comes up.”
Dindo Capello (Audi R18 TDI #3): “We have worked very well for eight hours
without a single problem. We have completed every aspect of our plan. We have
learned many small things which will help us again in the next test. This was really
very, very positive. I’m also eagerly awaiting the analysis of all data. Of course, there
is always one aspect or another that can still be improved.”
Tom Kristensen (Audi R18 TDI #3): “It was perfect for the whole team to complete
the test day with the new car. For me it was the first time since 2003 that I’ve sat in
a Coupé. The efficiency and the work of Audi have really impressed me. You can
really feel the aerodynamics and the car is very comfortable. Already now we have
gathered valuable information. As a driver, I very much appreciate the six-speed
gearbox. It fits well to the engine with its down-sized cubic capacity.”
Allan McNish (Audi R18 TDI #3): “There is no other circuit where you’ve got such
long straights and consecutive long straights on the same lap. But there are also the
high-speed sections through the Porsche curves and the Esses. It was very important
here for us with the new R18 TDI to try to understand how the car would react on
this type of track. We have found a good base set-up. Admittedly the circuit will
change between now and June. But we have found a good base and a good
confidence level. The chassis has been pretty consistent, the tires have been very
good. We are on target but until we get to the race in June we are not going to see
what everybody has got.”
Timo Bernhard (Audi R18 TDI #1): “It is very nice that there has been a test day
again at Le Mans. This gave us a lot of possibilities to set the car up for this unique
track. You can’t just simulate Le Mans somewhere else. You’ve got to drive on the
track. To split the workload during the test between the three cars makes sense. The
team result is important. We didn’t focus on lap times. It was important to gather
kilometers and findings. We have tried different set-ups to see how the car reacts.
That has worked pretty well. I can’t wait to drive here again.”
Romain Dumas (Audi R18 TDI #1): “That was a very constructive day. We’ve
worked quite a lot. With three cars, we had to learn a lot. We have worked through a
well-defined program. We’ve improved the set-up continuously throughout the day.
Thus, the car was really easy to drive. Our performance was also very positive. This
was what we had in mind. Plus we’ve got to know our new mechanics even better.
We’ve also practiced driver changes today. I think that come qualifying day at Le
Mans, we will be much better sorted-out than last year.”
Mike Rockenfeller (Audi R18 TDI #1): “It is great to come back to Le Mans after
last year’s success. It’s nice that a pre-test is back and that we have the chance to
test the Audi R18 TDI. For a driver, it’s also about getting used to the track again. It
is fantastic to have this feeling of the speed through the fast corners. For us it was a
good day. We’ve generated much data. This will be analysed to improve further.
Then we should be well-prepared for the race.”
Marcel Fässler (Audi R18 TDI #2): “I’m very happy with the whole car. It felt super.
I felt save and well in this car. In fast corners, the car was sensational, too. In
Mulsanne, I once spun under braking and slid into the gravel trap. I didn’t want to
make a mistake thereafter and approached the limit slowly again. When you look at
the whole day, I’m very happy with our performance and with the things that we’ve
tested.”
André Lotterer (Audi R18 TDI #2): “Since December, we’ve tested a lot with the
R18 TDI. Now it had to show its mettle for the first time in the Le Mans pre-test. We
wera all eagerly anticipating this day. For me, the car is very pleasant to drive. It is
comfortable which is a big advantage at Le Mans. You can easily adapt and drive very
soon very fast without having to care. Now we need to clock up even more
kilometers up to the race.”
Benoît Tréluyer (Audi R18 TDI #2): “For the first time, we’ve driven the Audi R18
TDI at Le Mans. The car felt very pleasant: It’s easy to drive and you quickly gain
confidence. Hence you’re quick out of the box even when conditions are tricky.
Especially in fast corners, this is important. Bearing in mind those were our first
kilometers with the R18 TDI at Le Mans, it is a very good basis.”
Marco Bonanomi (Audi R18 TDI): “I’m very happy after this day which was unique
for me. A great thank you to Audi and the team for this chance. It was a nice feeling
to drive at Le Mans as a rookie. I’ve done ten laps. The car felt very well. We now
have reference data for the race. Now there are more test kilometers coming up. It
is nice that I was allowed to help the team in preparation for this important race.”
Ralf Jüttner (Technical Director Audi Sport Team Joest): “We’ve had a pretty good
test day. Plus we were lucky regarding the weather – there was only a little bit of
rain. We were able to tick all the boxes of our working plan. And we have very good
results. During its first outing at Le Mans, the R18 TDI behaved exactly as we had
expected and hoped. A big part of our program was to work with the tires. As there
is no other chance to drive at Le Mans, this was very important. This is always
exciting before it kicks off. We have an excellent co-operation with Michelin. The
tires work brilliantly. We were also able to complete the tasks of setting up the car
and looking after the aerodynamics. There is a list of things which still need to be
done but we can head back now with a pretty good feeling.

Results
1 Capello/Kristensen/McNish/Bonanomi (Audi R18 TDI) 3m 27.687s
2 Bernhard/Dumas/Rockenfeller (Audi R18 TDI) 3m 27.815s
3 Sarrazin/Davidson/Montagny (Peugeot) 3m 27.876s
4 Fässler/Lotterer/Tréluyer/Bonanomi (Audi R18 TDI) 3m 27.878s
5 Wurz/Bourdais/Vernay/Davidson (Peugeot) 3m 28.304s
6 Lapierre/Duval/Panis (Peugeot) 3m31.141s
7 Minassian/Gené/Lamy/Pagenaud/Vernay (Peugeot) 3m 32.549s
8 Collard/Tinseau/Jousse (Pescarolo-Judd) 3m 36.583s
9 Jani/Prost/Bleekemolen (Lola-Toyota) 3m 37.809s
10 Belicchi/Boullion/Smith (Lola-Toyota) 3m 38.716s

Info: Audi Communications Motorsport/ for Autorized and acreditated media press.