24h Le Mans
For audi, the 12 hours of sebring will have a special value. besides the usual preparation for the 24 hours of le mans, it will be the final appearance of lm p1 prototypes in florida.
In thirteen appearances in the 12 Hours of Sebring, Audi has won ten victories and 22 podiums. Michele Alboreto, Dindo Capello and Stefan Johansson were on the podium at the first participation of Audi (1999), Tom Kristensen holds the record for wins (six), while Marco Werner and the trio of Tom Kristensen, Dindo Capello and Allan McNish respectively hold the lap record and distance record. In 2013, the Audi R18 e-tron quattro was the first hybrid prototype to win the 24 Hours of Le Mans, and it will race for the first time at Sebring on the 16th of March. To celebrate its history in America, Audi will also showcase its prototypes at Sebring: The R8 that won the ALMS title in 2002, as well as R10 TDI, R15 TDI and an R18 TDI, respectively victorious in Florida in 2007, 2009 and 2012.
Dr. Wolfgang Ullrich (Head of Audi Motorsport): “Whoever survives this 12-hour race without problems is usually well equipped for every other challenge. The race will once again be the perfect dress rehearsal for the forthcoming WEC season and the 24-hour race at Le Mans.”
Ralf Jüttner (Technical Director Audi Sport Team Joest): “The race this year means some additional technical effort for us as we send two cars of different generations to the grid. It’s good, however, that we can test the further developed Audi R18 e-tron quattro in race conditions here. It’s always proved particularly beneficial in terms of preparing for the 24-hour race at Le Mans.”
Marcel Fässler (Audi R18 e-tron quattro #1): “I’ve raced at Sebring twice before, but haven’t been able to win so far. I want to change that this time around, especially as it’s probably the last chance we’ll get for a long time to fight for overall victory here with Audi.”
Oliver Jarvis (Audi R18 e-tron quattro #1): “I was really happy when I got the call from Audi saying that I could race at Sebring. I’m particularly proud of being in a car with the two-time Le Mans winners Marcel Fässler and Benoît Tréluyer. I’m certain that I can learn a lot from them and hope that we will be successful together.”
Benoît Tréluyer (Audi R18 e-tron quattro #1): “Sebring is a special race – for several reasons: firstly, the many extremely enthusiastic fans make the atmosphere something very special. Secondly, it is difficult to find a perfect set-up for the car because the track is very bumpy and the surface changes constantly between concrete and different types of tarmac. The race is a big challenge for everybody. I’m looking forward to mastering it.”
Lucas di Grassi (Audi R18 e-tron quattro #2): “I’ve never been to Sebring, but I’ve heard from my team-mates that it is a fabulous race and the track is extremely demanding. This is why I’m excited, but also happy about having the same team-mates for my second outing as an Audi factory driver as I did for my debut in 2012 at Interlagos. Tom and Allan helped me a lot at that time and they’ll also support me this time with many valuable tips.”
Tom Kristensen (Audi R18 e-tron quattro #2): “Nothing has changed at Sebring since the days of Juan Manuel Fangio and Stirling Moss. So, the challenge is the same as every year: to get through the traffic well, to hustle the car safely and quickly around the very bumpy track – and to win. The whole thing is obviously even more special as this could possibly be the final race in an Audi prototype at Sebring.”
Allan McNish (Audi R18 e-tron quattro #2): “It was really great news when I heard that Audi would also race at Sebring in 2013. After all, this race is an important part of Audi’s sports car history. That there is also a hint of goodbye hanging over the event gives the whole thing a special touch. Even more fans than usual will certainly come to the track to personally experience the end of an era. Just like the entire Audi team, I will also do my utmost to bid Sebring farewell with a win. This would make me very proud.”
