R18 TDi makes successful first 2011 public appearance

The Audi R18 TDI made "a successful first public appearance at Le Mans" on Easter Sunday – in front of 24,987 enthusiastic fans. Audi Sport Team Joest's preparations for the Le Mans 24 Hour race (on June 11/12) included all three R18 TDi cars and all 10 drivers testing, for some hours. And the innovative sports car – with its ultra lightweight technology – set the two fastest times at the end of the test day, with Tom Kristensen setting the fastest time of the day in car No.3 (pictured). The eight-time Le Mans winner lapped the Sarthe circuit in 3m 27.687s. Dr. Wolfgang Ullrich (Head of Audi Motorsport) said: "We have prepared a comprehensive test programme 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 kilometres here with the all-new car before the race weekend in June comes up." Look out Le Mans. Team R18 are coming!