Audi wants further Le Mans triumph

Audi victories at Le Mans are nothing unusual. Audi technology is unbeaten at the famous 24 Hours of Le Mans since the year 2000. On 5 October Audi wants to celebrate yet another victory in the West France city – this time in the DTM.

Le Mans hosts a DTM race for the second time since 2006. Two years ago Bernd Scheider won the DTM title early there. On the first October weekend Audi driver Timo Scheider has the chance to win the prestigious title.

The 29-year old German is the man of the year in the DTM to date. He celebrated two victories with his GW:plus/Top Service Audi A4 DTM, and stood seven time on the podium. He started six times from the front row, on four occasions from pole position.

Scheider has a seven-point lead over the Scot Paul di Resta (Mercedes) going into the last two races. Jamie Green (Mercedes) und Scheider’s team mate Mattias Ekström (Audi) also still have mathematical chances of taking the title.

The Audi Sport Team Abt Sportsline drivers could have a small advantage at Le Mans: Because of the results of the previous races the 2008-spec Audi A4 DTM cars can start with ten kilograms less weight than the current Mercedes.

The cars aerodynamic configuration only plays a minor role around the 4.180 kilometre long "Circuit Bugatti". Decisive are the mechanical grip, traction from the tight corners and maximum braking performance.

The Audi team can unfortunately not benefit from the experience gained in the 24 Hours of Le Mans: The DTM only uses the start-finish area of the 13.629-kilometre long "Circuit des 24 Heures", on which the Audi R10 TDI diesel sportscar celebrated its third consecutive victory last June.

The goal is nevertheless clear: After Tom Kristensen’s third position in 2006, Audi wants to write its name for the first time in the DTM winners list and take another – maybe even decisive step – in the direction of successfully defending the title.

ARD broadcasts qualifying and the race live on "Das Erste". Saturday’s free practice is shown on dtm.tv. Audi.tv also reports from Le Mans.