Audi: Still On Top


© Amanda Stachowski

It's no surprise that Audi finds itself on top in the preliminary tests at Le Mans - they've been there so frequently lately, it's beginning to seem routine. And with four Audi R8s entered in this year's 24-hour endurance classic, it would be of great surprise if they don't sweep the podium, or at least two-thirds of it.

Some of the challenges facing the teams this year include a series of rule changes. Audi technicians have gracefully made the switch from LMP900 specifications to the new LMP1 specs. One key change has been the call for a smaller rear wing, but with a little extra wind-tunnel work, Audi drivers are convinced their machines will be just as competitive as ever.

Another thing on Audi's side this June will be their strong driver line-ups. Drivers include Allan McNish, Pierra Kaffer and Frank Biela piloting the Audi Sport UK operated by Team Veloqx. Johnny Herbert, Jamie Davies and Guy Smith are scheduled to drive the second Audi Sport UK entry - a strictly British driving crew. JJ Lehto, Marco Werner and Emanuele Pirro will take the wheel of the Champion Audi and Tom Kristensen, Seiji Ara and Rinaldo Capello will be driving for Audi Sport Japan.


Audi Drivers: Le Mans History in the Making

Seiji Ara Debuted in the Skip Barber Eastern series when he was 21 years old. Eight years later, Seiji Ara had managed an impressive three starts at Le Mans. He was born on May 5, 1974.

Frank Biela Got his start at 18 years of age Karting. Since then, Frank Biela has managed five starts in the 24-hour endurance race in Le Mans. He was born on the 2nd of August, 1964.

Rinaldo Capello Born on the 17th of June, 1964, it took Rinaldo Capello 12 years to find his way behind a Karting wheel. Since then, he's gathered a great deal of experience during his six appearances in the Le Mans 24-Hour.

Jamie Davies Was 14 when he first began racing in a Karting series. Since then, he has made three appearances in the famous June race. He was born on the 16th of February, 1974.

Johnny Herbert First entered the racing scene at the age of 21 in a Formula Ford 1600. Since then, has moved up the ranks with great success. Born June 25, 1964, Johnny Herbert has made six Le Mans starts.

Pierra Kaffer Debuted in 1990, with 11 Karting victories. Born on November 7, 1976, Pierra Kaffer is scheduled to make his first appearance in the 24-Hours of Le Mans this June.

Go To Page: 1 2


The copyright of the article Audi: Still On Top in Sports Car Racing is owned by . Permission to republish Audi: Still On Top in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

Post this Article to facebook Add this Article to del.icio.us! Digg this Article furl this Article Add this Article to Reddit Add this Article to Technorati Add this Article to Newsvine Add this Article to Windows Live Add this Article to Yahoo Add this Article to StumbleUpon Add this Article to BlinkLists Add this Article to Spurl Add this Article to Google Add this Article to Ask Add this Article to Squidoo