World premiere on Red Square: Audi A5 DTM in Moscow ·         Audi in the heart of the Russian capital before DTM debut ·         Mattias Ekström and Edoardo Mortara thrill fans ·         Deliveries in 2012 up by 44.1 percent: Russia an important market for the Four Rings Ingolstadt/Moscow, February 7, 2013 - On August 4, the DTM will be entering new territory to contest a race in Russia for the first time in its near 30-year history. Audi is the only brand to have visited Moscow half a year before the DTM round: Mattias Ekström and Edoardo Mortara today presented themselves together with an Audi A5 DTM to a large number of fans and journalists. The agreements have been signed, the date has been confirmed, the level of excitement before the event is rising. While the motorsport scene is feverishly looking forward to the DTM debut in Russia, Audi sent three of its stars to Red Square months before the first race: Mattias Ekström, Edoardo Mortara plus an Audi A5 DTM. Press conference at the Garage Center for Contemporary Culture, ceremonial unveiling of the 460-hp race car, photo shoot on Red Square, great enthusiasm and countless requests for autographs by the Russian fans - the first visit of the DTM stars in the heart of Moscow caused a major sensation. "Complementing the calendar by a race in Moscow marks a decisive step for the DTM. It’s a great opportunity to present ourselves in an important market with an affinity for motorsport," said Head of Audi Motorsport Dr. Wolfgang Ullrich. The numbers underscore the significance of the country for Audi: More than 33,500 automobiles delivered to Russian customers in 2012 correspond to an increase by 44.1 percent compared to the year before. Of Audi’s top ten sales markets, Russia was the one to record the fastest growth last year. "The huge enthusiasm we were met with in Moscow is fantastic," said Mattias Ekström, who had never been to Russia before. "I always enjoy getting to know new countries and people. Right after the first day here in Moscow I’m convinced that it has been a very good decision to hold a race here. I can hardly wait to return in August." Two-time race winner in the 2012 season, Edoardo Mortara, has high expectations as well: "I don’t know the Moscow Raceway yet but the layout looks interesting and promises a lot of action. I think the spectators can expect quite a bit on track and of course off track as well. I’m very excited about the DTM’s first visit to Russia." Elena Smirnova, Head of Audi Russia, shares the excitement of the two Audi stars. "Motorsport is the best forge of the brand’s technologies," she said. "Now, when this kind of sport is on the rise in Russia, when professional race tracks are being built in different regions of the country, Audi is ready to show the new edges of its character. The fans of Audi here are looking forward to the beginning of the DTM series’ new season. They will be able to cheer for our drivers, personally attending the stage at Moscow Raceway for the first time. Russia is one of the top ten markets for Audi, so today, a few months before the championship gets to our country, we are pleased to introduce the Audi A5 DTM to our fans." Audi Sport.

SRO UNVEIL NEW CORPORATE BRANDING

SRO UNVEIL NEW CORPORATE BRANDING

SRO Motorsports Group (SRO) is today proud to announce a new logo as part of the ongoing evolution of the company's brand. 2013 sees a perfect time for SRO Motorsports Group to evaluate and progress the visual presentation. Careful consideration throughout the Group has resulted in a vibrant and dynamic new look in brand identity. This will mirror the company's sporting and competitive philosophy over the next phase in its history.

The new SRO icon provides an energetic look to its corporate communications and is intended to showcase a specific style that represents all the professional series that it manages, organises and promotes.

The new style SRO Motorsports Group logo has been devised in-house and stays true to the dynamics and spirit of the company, as all staff members were involved in creating the new style branding.

Speaking about the unveiling of the new logo, SRO Motorsports Group CEO and Founder, Stephane Ratel, commented: "Our new visual brand styling is an important refresh for the company as we enter an exciting phase in the company's history. The various series that we manage, promote and market have their own identities. However, for SRO Motorsports Group we have a dedicated focus and collective goal to maximise the sporting objectives of excellence and professionalism that the Group has been identified with for so long. This new logo reflects these and will be our identification going forward."

About SRO Motorsports Group

SRO was founded in 1995 by Stephane Ratel. The company is involved in the promotion, support, and organisation of many national and international Motor sport series around the world. Today, SRO has offices in London, Paris, Brussels and Sao Paulo and organises eight major championships and series, including the iconic 24 Hours of Spa, a round of the Blancpain Endurance Series.

SRO.

Mission title defence: Audi nominates driver line-ups for World Endurance Championship ·         World Championship winning trio will race for Audi for the fourth consecutive year ·         Two other teams with young and established drivers ·         Three Audi R18 e-tron quattro cars at Le Mans and at Spa Ingolstadt/Paris, February 1, 2013 - Audi has established powerful driver pairings for its commitment in the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC). The respective entries were confirmed today by the Selection Committee of the ACO and the FIA. Three Audi R18 e-tron quattro cars will be competing at the Spa 6 Hours and the Le Mans 24 Hours in 2013. At each of the six other WEC rounds, Audi will be fielding two hybrid sports cars. Drivers Marcel Fässler (CH), André Lotterer (D) and Benoît Tréluyer (F) are jointly tackling the title defense. The trio has been racing together for Audi since 2010 and celebrated the WEC drivers’ title and victory at the Le Mans 24 Hours last year, their biggest successes so far. Eight-time Le Mans winner Tom Kristensen (DK) and Allan McNish (GB), who has won at La Sarthe twice, are forming a team with Loïc Duval in 2013 for the first time. The Frenchman made his debut with Audi in 2012 and won the Spa 6 Hours. The two driver teams will be competing at all eight WEC rounds. At the Spa 6 Hours and the Le Mans 24 Hours, Audi is relying on an additional driver line-up. The Brazilian Lucas di Grassi, who debuted with Audi in the WEC at his home round at São Paulo last year and immediately qualified on the front row, will be driving a third R18 e-tron quattro. He is sharing the cockpit this season with the Spaniard Marc Gené, last year’s winner of the Spa 6 Hours. Oliver Jarvis is the third driver in this combination. In the Audi R8 GRAND-AM, the Briton won the GT class at the Daytona 24 Hours a week ago. "With these three combinations we’ve put together an international team that we expect a lot of," says Head of Audi Motorsport Dr. Wolfgang Ullrich. "Our younger drivers will have the chance to establish themselves alongside the experienced Audi drivers who have really been pleasing us with their top results in all these years. With that, we’re in a very good position in terms of drivers for the Le Mans 24 Hours as well as for the other WEC races." 2013 FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) driver combinations Spa 6 Hours and Le Mans 24 Hours Marcel Fässler/André Lotterer/Benoît Tréluyer (CH/D/F) Loïc Duval/Tom Kristensen/Allan McNish (F/DK/GB) Marc Gené/Lucas di Grassi/Oliver Jarvis (E/BR/GB) All other 2013 FIA World Endurance Championship races (WEC) Marcel Fässler/André Lotterer/Benoît Tréluyer (CH/D/F) Loïc Duval/Tom Kristensen/Allan McNish (F/DK/GB)

Audi R18 e-tron quattro, Le Mans 2012 The 2012 FIA World Endurance Champions Audi Sport.

Le Mans 24 Hours / World Endurance Championship Organiser confirms Porsche entry for Le Mans

Le Mans 24 Hours / World Endurance Championship

Organiser confirms Porsche entry for Le Mans

Stuttgart. Porsche AG fields two new 911 RSR based on the 991 model generation at this year’s Le Mans 24 Hours and in the World Endurance Championship. Entry for the newly developed vehicles sporting the starting numbers 91 and 92 was confirmed for the GTE class by the organisers ACO and FIA today in Paris. The factory squad “Porsche AG Team Manthey” will run both 911 RSR race cars.

Contesting the event in the #92 Porsche 911 RSR are Porsche works drivers Marc Lieb (Germany) and Richard Lietz (Austria). The pair has already shared a cockpit in last year’s WEC. At the first two rounds of the season in Silverstone (14 April) and Spa (4 May) as well as at the Le Mans 24 hour race (22 June) they will receive reinforcement from their works driver colleague Romain Dumas (France). Works drivers also pilot the number 91 sister car: Joerg Bergmeister (Germany) teams up with Patrick Pilet (France). In Silverstone, Spa and Le Mans the duo are joined by Timo Bernhard (Germany).

Additionally, the customer teams IMSA Performance Matmut and Felbermayr Proton have received a starting place in the WEC and at Le Mans, fielding the predecessor model Porsche 911 GT3 RSR in the GTE-Am category. At the wheel of the IMSA Matmut 911, Raymond Narac (France) shares driving duties with Jean-Karl Vernay (France) who contests the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup with backing from Porsche AG this year. Vernay is the reigning champion of the Porsche Carrera Cup France.

The customer team Dempsey Racing-Proton is also delighted with its acceptance to contest the Le Mans 24 Hours. Hollywood star Patrick Dempsey, who is known especially for his role as “McDreamy” in the hit television series Grey’s Anatomy, already contested the Le Mans race in 2009 and now climbs back into the cockpit.

“We are very much looking forward to returning to Le Mans with a works team from Porsche for the first time since 1998,” says Porsche Head of Motorsport, Hartmut Kristen. “The new 911 RSR performed well in earlier tests and is already proving extremely reliable on the track. Between them, our six pilots have scored eight class wins in Le Mans and have a great deal of experience with different 911 race cars. And our customer teams in the GTE-Am class are also well prepared for the 2013 season.”

Communication Porsche AG
Motorsport Press
Oliver Hilger

Audi sports cars selected as Le Mans icons ·         ACO selects the ten most legendary Le Mans race cars of all time ·         Audi R10 TDI and R18 e-tron quattro are winners of their eras ·         Hybrid race car from Audi Sport wins Environmental Award as well Ingolstadt/Paris, February 1, 2013 - The Audi R10 TDI and the Audi R18 e-tron quattro have gone down in Le Mans history. Now they have been selected to join the illustrious circle of the ten most iconic Le Mans sports cars of all time by a panel of expert judges and the fans. On the occasion of the 90th anniversary of the Le Mans 24 Hours on June 22/23, 2013, the Automobile Club de l’Ouest (ACO) had run a poll to select the Le Mans icons. More than 20,000 fans cast their votes online. The final decision was made by a twelve-member panel of expert judges including FIA President Jean Todt and ACO President Pierre Fillon in Paris on Friday. They selected the ten race cars that most decisively shaped Le Mans history in their respective decades. Two of the ten Le Mans icons come from Ingolstadt. The Audi R10 TDI, in 2006 the first Le Mans winning car with a diesel engine, was voted the most legendary Le Mans sports car of the past decade. The Audi R18 e-tron quattro, in 2012 the first Le Mans winning car with hybrid drive, is the most important present-day Le Mans sports car. "These two accolades fill us with great pride," said Wolfgang Dürheimer, Member of the Board of Management for Technical Development of AUDI AG when the results were announced in Paris. "Audi uses the Le Mans 24 Hours to demonstrate its technical expertise and to test new technologies on the race track. The R10 TDI and the R18 e-tron quattro are two particularly good examples of ‘Vorsprung durch Technik.’" Three days earlier, also in Paris, Head of Audi Motorsport Dr. Wolfgang Ullrich had accepted another award. An expert judging panel of the Festival Automobile International recognized the Le Mans winning Audi R18 e-tron quattro with the "Grand Prix de l’Environnement." Through the intelligent combination of a compact V6 TDI engine and a hybrid system Audi Sport managed to reduce fuel consumption by ten percent compared to the year before. In the 2013 season, Audi is competing with the updated hybrid sports car in the FIA World Endurance Championship and at the Le Mans 24 Hours.

Audi R18 e-tron quattro (2012) Audi R18 e-tron quattro (2012) Audi R18 e-tron quattro (Le Mans winner 2012) Audi R10 TDI (2006) Audi R10 TDI (Le Mans winner 2006) Dr. Wolfgang Ullrich, Grand Prix Spécial de l’Environnement Dr. Wolfgang Ullrich, Grand Prix Spécial de l’Environnement AUDI SPORT.

Lotus LMP2 in FIA World Endurance Championship and the 24 Hours of Le Mans

Lotus LMP2 in FIA World Endurance Championship and the 24 Hours of Le Mans

Lotus will race with two cars in the 2013 FIA World Endurance Championship, which includes the legendary 24 Hours of Le Mans. The FIA and the Automobile Club de l’Ouest have announced the competitors for the FIA World Endurance Championship and the 24 Hours of Le Mans at today’s press conference in Paris. Lotus got two entries for the FIA WEC and the 24 Hours of Le Mans to run with the new Lotus T128 in LMP2 class. In its inaugural season in 2012, the FIA WEC has gained a lot of attention all over the world. The 2013 calendar comprises eight races on four continents on legendary circuits like Fuji, Silverstone and Spa-Francorchamps. But the sports cars will also run on new tracks like the Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas. Without a doubt, the ultimate highlight for all drivers and teams will be the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Only 55 cars are allowed to take part in the legendary endurance classic at the Sarthe and every single grid spot is highly coveted. As a consequence, Lotus is very happy that the ACO complied with the team’s desire to participate with two Lotus T128. It was also announced today that Briton James Rossiter and Italian Vitantonio Liuzzi will stay with the team and drive alongside American Kevin Weeda. The crew already impressed with good results in the previous season and with the Pole Position in class at the 6 Hours of Shanghai. German Thomas Holzer will lead the lineup of the sister car.

Click onto the images(s) for a larger version.

Julia Spacek

24H. Le Mans: Thirty- Two Full Season Entries for 2013

Press Release LE MANS – 01 February 2013

Thirty- Two Full Season Entries for 2013 / Trente deux engagés sur la saison 2013

Today in Paris the Automobile Club de l’Ouest (ACO) and the Federation Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) unveiled thirty two full season entries, from 21 teams, which are representing 11 different countries, for the 2013 FIA World Endurance Championship.  The grid will include six LMP1, twelve LMP2, six LMGTE Pro and eight LMGTE Am entries and will be joined at some events, like at Silverstone and Spa-Francorchamps, by some race-by-race entries. The LMP1 entry includes two Audi R18 e-tron quattros and two Toyota Racing Toyota TS030 hybrids setting up a head-to-head battle for the world title in 2013 before Porsche arrives in 2013.  LMP1 will also see two privateer entries and the prototype grid is further bolstered by an impressive 12 car entry in LMP2.  As well as Audi and Toyota, the prototype grid will also feature other manufacturers such as Nissan, Morgan, Lotus, Oreca, HPD-Honda, Zytek and Lola. The grid for the GTE classes will feature 14 cars with a total of five Ferrari 458s, four Porsche 911 RSRs, four Aston Martin Vantage V8s and a single Chevrolet Corvette C6-ZR1 from reigning GTE Am team champions Larbre Competition. The battle for the LMGTE Pro title will be a three-way fight between three manufacturers who have a long and illustrious history in endurance racing, including many victories at Le Mans over the last 90 years. Pierre Fillon, President of the ACO, said: “We are extremely pleased to announce a grid of 32 full season entries for the 2013 season.  2012 was a great first year for the championship and we hoped to secure between 28 and 30 cars on the list for 2013. To receive 32 full season entries underlines the importance of the WEC and a great indication that we have created a world championship that teams and manufacturers want to take part in.”   M Fillon continued: “With two entries for each manufacturer, we also have the prospect of a straight fight between Audi and Toyota in LMP1 and after the battles last year, the stage is now set for even more drama in 2013.  We have two further privateer entries in LMP1, with privateer champions Rebellion and all-British team Strakka Racing continuing to support the category as we head into 2014, with the technical changes that will occur in LMP1 next season. “LMP2 continues to be a huge success and some familiar names are being joined by new teams.  The LMP2 grid alone represents eight different countries and the category is a great showcase for the FIA WEC.  In the LMGTE Pro class we have another great battle in prospect with Porsche, Ferrari and Aston Martin, three great names associated with Le Mans and endurance racing, going head to head for the World Cup for both manufacturers and drivers.  The same can be said for the LMGTE Am class with category team champions Larbre Competition fielding the only Corvette in the class against the might of Ferrari, Porsche and Aston Martin.” Gerard Neveu, CEO of the FIA WEC, said: “The FIA WEC will once again visit eight countries on four continents and the eight round calendar has been devised to reduce the logistical costs associated with a world championship. The races follow a logical progression around the globe and the events are spread out enough to allow the cars and equipment to be transported by ship or road instead of air where possible.  This also has the added advantage of reducing the carbon footprint of the WEC significantly.  Of course we will be celebrating the 90th anniversary of the first 24 Hours race at Le Mans in 1923, making 2013 a very special year. We hope you will all come and join us and be part of the FIA World Endurance Championship success.” For more information on the FIA World Endurance Championship visit www.fiawec.com

Jeff Carter Media Delegate