Audi raised eyebrows and surprised millions in 2006 when it took the checkered flag in a diesel powered LMP1 sports car.
Just as it had done before, Audi is once again challenging the notion of what makes a successful race car and will be fielding two hybrid drive LMP1 cars at the 80th running of the 24 Hours of Le Mans this June. Audi will field a total of four cars, two standard R18 TDI cars and the two hybrid assisted R18 TDIs. Audi will be competing with the start numbers 1 and 2 (hybrid assist) as well as 3 and 4. Most likely how they hope to finish as well.
The four main drivers have been named as André Lotterer, Allan McNish, Timo Bernhard and Oliver Jarvis, with the other drivers to be named at a later date.
Audi will not be the only hybrid runner in the class however. Toyota recently announced the TS030 Hybrid LMP1, and Peugot was working on a hybrid version of its 908 prototype before it killed the race program.
If you can’t wait til June to see the new car on the track Audi has scheduled the first competitive outing at the 6-hour race at Spa-Francorchamps on May 5.
