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Re-live the 24 Hours of Le Mans 1999 in the video above (English commentary), which has some interesting parallels with the 80th edition which was held just a month ago, with the presence of Audi and Toyota to thirteen years apart.

1999 - For the second consecutive year, the Toyota GT-One (cars number 1, 2 and 3) were the favorites for victory. Audi were in La Sarthe for the first time, and with two different chassis options; the open R8R (7 and 8) and two closed R8C (9 and 10). The Japanese automaker was finally defeated by the BMW V12 LMR of Martini-Dalmas-Winkelhock (No.15) following a puncture for Tsuchiya-Suzuki Katayama (No.3). Audi finished third with Biela-Pirro-Theys in the No. 8 and fourth with Alboreto-Aiello-Capello in the No.7, both were the R8R configuration. After this result, Audi opted for the open prototype. The R8 scored its first victory the following year, while Toyota left endurance for Formula 1.

2012 - A year after its tenth win at Le Mans, which was also the first with a closed prototype, Audi continued this year, but with two different engines: the two R18 ultra (No. 3 and 4, with turbo diesel engine), and the two R18 e-tron quattro (1 and 2) hybrids, powered turbo diesel and two electric motors on the front wheels. After thirteen years of absence, Toyota made a return to La Sarthe with two TS030 prototypes, also choosing the option of hybrid drive, but to the rear wheels. The R18 e-tron quattro of Fässler-Tréluyer Lotterer (No. 1) finished first and Capello-Kristensen-McNish (No.2) second, ahead of the R18 ultra of Rockenfeller-Bonanomi-Jarvis (No.4). Both Toyotas eventually retired, but led the race shortly before 8:00 p.m. on Saturday night.

On 15 and 16 June 2013  will be a new duel between Audi and Toyota, in the prestigious 90th anniversary of Le Mans 24 Hours.

For more videos go to www.lemans-tv.com.

Jean-Philippe Doret