Once again, Audi are the favourites for a twelfth victory in the 24 Hours of Le Mans. And since their arrival in Sarthe in 1999, they have relied on a loyal set of drivers. Aside from the technical qualities of the car, this principle has a significant importance in their outstanding achievement..

The Italian Emanuele Pirro was the first driver to have signed a contract with Audi. After fifteen years of loyal service at the wheel, he is now a brand ambassador. For his compatriot Dindo Capello, the story lasted nineteen years (with the opening of three Audi dealerships), and eighteen for German Frank Biela. The latter won the 24 Hours of Le Mans five times with Pirro, while Capello has won two of his three victories in La Sarthe with Audi. In 2005, Audi driver Tom Kristensen became the new record holder for victories at Le Mans (eight). Not forgetting Marco Werner, three time winner with Frank Biela and Emanuele Pirro. Today, Marcel Fässler, André Lotterer and Benoît Tréluyer tread in their footsteps, having won the last two 24 hours, and are also World Endurance Championship title holders.

Of the ten former winners participating in the 90th anniversary race on the 22nd and 23rd of June, six will be at the wheel of an Audi R18 e-tron quattro: André Lotterer, Marcel Fassler, Benoit Treluyer (two wins each ), Tom Kristensen (eight wins), Allan McNish (two wins) and Marc Gené (one win). Audi has won eleven of the last thirteen editions, but the face of 24 hours has changed during this long period of almost uninterrupted success. “It’s not strictly about sitting in a car for a longer period of time and driving consistent lap times any more” said Dr. Wolfgang Ullrich, Audi Motorsport boss. “Today, we need drivers who manage to complete a real 24-hour sprint in the team without making any mistakes.” In this new situation, the trio Fässler, Lotterer-Tréluyer made their mark by winning the 24 Hours in 2011 and 2012," “Here, a squad has formed that has absolute trust in each other. And every member is on a great performance level.” continued Dr Ullrich, who is also pleased to have French driver Loic Duval with Tom Kristensen and Allan McNish after retirement Dindo Capello. The third crew lined up this year's Le Mans 24 Hours is entirely new but promising: Spaniard Marc Gene is a former winner, Lucas di Grassi took pole position for the 6 Hours of Sao Paulo in his first appearance with Audi last year, and Oliver Jarvis won this year's 12 Hours of Sebring. Will one of these three crews be there on the top step of the podium? We will know at the chequered flag on the 23rd of June at 15:00.

Jean-Philippe Doret / ACO
(Quotes from Audi Motorsport press information )

Photo: CIRCUIT OF 24 HOURS (Le Mans, Sarthe), 24 HOURS OF LE MANS PODIUM, 17th of June 2012. The fidelity of Audi drivers is an important asset, that has led to an impressive rate of success. The three Audi crews finished the first three places in the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2012.