Not only will Audi Sport Team Joest be running three hybrid R18 e-tron quattros at the 6 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps WEC next weekend, but one of them will be a new long-tail variant which has not been raced before.
Winners of the opening round of the 2013 FIA WEC at Silverstone, Loïc Duval/Tom Kristensen/Allan McNish (F/DK/GB), and the current World Endurance Champions Marcel Fässler/André Lotterer/Benoît Tréluyer (CH/D/F), will be starting with the aerodynamic variant that was victorious in Britain. It generates optimal downforce for tracks such as the 7.004 km Spa-Francorchamps circuit.
However, with the 24 Hours of Le Mans just around the corner (June 22/23), Audi Sport wanted to test the long-tail variant and help the team prepare for the world's biggest endurance event, round three of the WEC.
The No.3 Audi R18 e-tron quattro will be driven by Marc Gené/Lucas di Grassi/Oliver Jarvis (E/BR/GB), and it uses an aero package that has been optimised for the high-speed Le Mans track. It can easily be distinguished by its lengthened rear section and the team's aim for this variant is not soley focussed on lap times but an analysis of the differences between both models in individual track sectors. In addition, the practical aspects of using the second body version will be reviewed and assessed with regard to fielding it at Le Mans.
Dr. Wolfgang Ullrich, Head of Audi Motorsport: “As always, Audi will be using the race at Spa as a ‘dress rehearsal’ for the Le Mans 24 Hours in June. Spa is a race track with a character that’s completely different from Silverstone. We thoroughly reviewed the first race of the season and accomplished our tasks in order to be well prepared for the second round of the WEC. Fielding the Le Mans aero variant on the third vehicle that hasn’t been optimized for the lap times at Spa is an important element of the preparation for the 24-hour race.”
Ralf Jüttner, Technical Director Audi Sport Team Joest: “The comparison with our competitors will start from scratch again at Spa. We can expect our opponent Toyota to compete with the latest technological update. For the first time this year, we’ll be running with three cars. That means more work for our team. Spa’s a great track and a race that definitely belongs on the WEC calendar. The new Audi R18 e-tron quattro was immediately reliable and fast.”
Fiona Miller (quotes and information gathered from Audi Sport press release)
Photo: AUDI'S R18 E-TRON QUATTRO LONG-TAIL WHICH WILL RACE AT THE 6 HOURS OF SPA-FRANCORCHAMPS WEC
