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AUDI AG has announced it will contest the American Le Mans Series (ALMS) with
the new R10 diesel sportscar during the second half of the season, meaning Audi
will return to the world’s most popular sportscars series at a factory level.
The Audi R10, which is powered by a V12 TDI engine with almost 650 hp,
celebrates its eagerly-awaited race debut on 18 March at Sebring (USA). The
12-hour race in Florida will act as a test race for the Le Mans 24-Hour Race and
is also the opening race of the 2006 American Le Mans Series, in which Audi
Sport, Team Joest and Champion Racing will work closely.
Following the premiere at Sebring the Audi R10 prototypes will be flown back
to Europe to be prepared for the season’s highlight at Le Mans on June 17th and
18th – then back Audi Sport North America to contest the remaining six ALMS
races, starting with the Utah Grand Prix on 15th July.
Audi Sport North America will use the Audi R8 for the three ALMS races
between Sebring and Salt Lake City.
"From the very beginning it was our intention to enter the R10 in every
racing series based on Le Mans. The ALMS program with the R10 is an excellent
opportunity to demonstrate the capabilities of the Audi TDI engines in America,”
said Head of Audi Motorsport Dr Wolfgang Ullrich.
"Audi of America is looking forward to our seventh season of participation in
the American Le Mans Series. The R8 success was very instrumental in building
awareness for Audi technology and performance and we hope the R10 will achieve
the same success. With Audi Sport, Joest and Champion we have the ideal partners
for a successful season,” added Johan de Nysschen, executive vice-president of
Audi of America.
2006 American Le Mans Series schedule
18/03 Sebring (USA)
R10
12/05 Houston (USA) R8
21/05 Mid-Ohio (USA) R8
01/07 Lime Rock
(USA) R8
15/07 Salt Lake City (USA) R10
22/07 Portland (USA) R10
20/08
Road America (USA) R10
03/09 Mosport (CAN) R10
30/09 Petit Le Mans, Road
Atlanta (USA) R10
21/10 Laguna Seca (USA) R10
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