Second in the 24 Hours of Le Mans 2010, Benoît Tréluyer will continue his collaboration with Audi next year. A driver who, to date, remains the only driver to have sat behind the wheel of both the Audi R15 and Peugeot 908 replies to our questions.

What was your first impression in the Audi R18? Benoit Treluyer: “I find it a fascinating and very aggressive looking design. I am anxious to drive it. I followed the various stages of design through mock-ups that we were regularly shown. All drivers were consulted during the various phases of the study. The dashboard shows the functions that we had on the R15 Plus, including the changes we requested.”

This year, you emphasized how comfortable the Audi R15 is compared to the 908 that you had driven in 2009. The lack of visibility caused by the roof of the French prototype bothered you. What will happen in your new ride?

"I sat in the R18, and I found that we would have the same problem. We will work to make our driving position optimal, but the amount of windscreen is the same. However, this obstruction is only troublesome in tight turns, of which there are few at Le Mans."

Allan McNish and Timo Bernhard have driven the first car. What are their first impressions?
"Allan was delighted. The first tests went very smoothly, but the performance is not yet on the agenda. I do not know the exact numbers, but I think a lot of miles have been covered."

When are your first tests planned?
"Just after the Christmas holidays."

Do you know your program for 2011?
"Not yet, it will depend in part on my future in Japan. I hope to continue in GT 500, provided that Nissan guarantees their ambitions in that discipline. We've made great progress with Michelin this year, and I and reaping the fruits of that labour. With Audi, I would do the 24 Hours of Le Mans, and there is still a place remaining in the Intercontinental Le Mans Cup."

Speaking of Nissan, they are developing an engine for the LM P2 category. You know what block?
"Yes, this is the 4.5-litre V8 that we used in Super GT until 2009. It is a proven engine for a long time, and therefore already very reliable. This is an excellent basis for an endurance engine."

On December 5th, you participated in the Nismo Festival at Fuji circuit. On this occasion, you took the wheel of a Nissan R390 GT1, that was 3rd in the 24 Hours of Le Mans 1998.
“Yes, but it is more powerful than my current GT 500! I really enjoyed driving it, even if the settings were not appropriate.”

Julien Hergault

Photo: LE MANS, 24 HOURS OF LE MANS, June 7, 2010. Between his probable involvement with Nissan in Japan and his program with the Audi R18, Benedict Tréluyer will not be bored in 2011!