Peugeot and Audi: the final challenge of 2011

Although the title race in 2011 was settled in the previous round of Petit Le Mans, Peugeot and Audi have very good reasons to continue their duel to 6 Hours of Zhuhai.

Topping the ILMC standings since the inception of the series at Silverstone in 2010, only 24 Hours of Le Mans 2011 has eluded Peugeot so far. But at Zhuhai, the stakes are high and winning is just as critical. The need to shine on the track is essential in China, the largest automobile market in the world. This  also applies to manufacturers involved in LM GTE Pro, like Ferrari or BMW.

Since the first appearance of the Audi R18 TDI at 6 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps, competition at the head of the field has been close and the difference between winning and losing against Peugeot has hinged upon race incidents and technical issues. It will probably be the same in Zhuhai, where the Peugeot 'lions' will attempt to celebrate gaining the series title with a victory in the last race of ILMC 2011. This promises a great last race of the Intercontinental Le Mans Cup, pending the birth of the World Endurance Championship in 2012!

Two Audi R18 TDI will race, on driven by Timo Bernhard / Marcel Fässler (#1) and the other by Tom Kristensen / Allan McNish (#2). Two Peugeot 908 will be pitted against them, one driven by Sebastien Bourdais / Anthony Davidson (#7) and the other by Franck Montagny / Stephane Sarrazin (#8). 6 Hours of Zhuhai will be held on Sunday 13th November.

Click here for more information on the final race of the ILMC 2011.

Jean-Philippe Doret

Photo : BRASELTON (GEORGIA, USA), ROAD ATLANTA, PETIT LE MANS, RACE, 1st OCT 2011. The duel between Audi and Peugeot will probably be just as tight at Zhuhai as at Road Atlanta.