Photo : Audi Communications Motorsport - Ferdi Kräling Motorsport-Bild GmbH

On Friday night at Ingolstadt, Audi Motorsport presented its new R18 intended to contest the 24 Hours of Le Mans 2011 and the Intercontinental Le Mans Cup, with the exception of the 12 Hours of Sebring where the R15+ will still be used. Here are selected coments from members of the German team during the ceremony.

Ralf Juettner (Technical Director of the Joest team): "In the last 24 Hours of Le Mans, we seemed calm on the outside but we were in turmoil inside: we knew our car was slower than that of our adversaries . So, to have a chance, we had to be totally focused on our goal that our cars are totally reliable, use at 100% capacity and do not leave room for our opponents to harass them constantly. Finally, we must say that the distance record which accompanied the victory showed that we were not so slow as all that! Still, we do everything to avoid repeating the experience. "

Mickey Dick, Audi board member responsible for the department AG technology (which includes Audi Motorsport): "In 2010, Le Mans was anything but easy for us. We knew our car would be slower and it was really not easy to accept that situation. So our goal was simple: reliability. In the end it paid off. But in 2011, we will not only be reliable but also very fast. We will significantly increase the level. There is a direct link between the high technology in our cars and speed in competition. That's what we want to show at Le Mans and ILMC, which is also a very important competition for us. If the R18 is as fast as it is beautiful, we will not be disappointed! "

Romain Dumas, winner of the 24 Hours of Le Mans 2010: "This car is really impressive visually and technologically. We are not yet used to the shark fin that really changes the appearance of cars. (...) Unlike Allan (McNish) and Timo (Bernhardt) I have not had the chance to drive in testing . My turn will come early January. (...) At first glance, the three crews seen at Le Mans in 2010 should be reconvened the same in 2011. And I'm still happy to ride with my two teammates with whom I shared the victory! I do not know yet about the rest of my season with Audi in endurance racing. The programme has been completed. It seems there will be a core crew with Allan (McNish) and Tom (Kristensen) for ILMC in one car and that we would drive a second. "