Audi finding new ways to skin a cat!
It wasn't exactly in the script this year, but Audi managed to defy the odds and record a thirteenth win at Le Mans in the face of cumbersome rule changes and more competitive opposition.
Starting on the back-foot after reigning champion Loic Duval crashed the #1 R18 e-tron quattro heavily during practice, the car was rebuilt (with Marc Gene subbing for the injured Duval) and assisted in breaking any opposition from Toyota and Porsche - both #7 and #20 retiring after sharing the lead during crucial points in the race.
However Audi pulled upon its vasr array of talent to take a superb 1-2 finish ahead of the remaining #8 Toyota Hybrid.
Head of Audi Motorsport, Dr. Wlfgang Ullrich described the win as potentially Audi's greatest at La Sarthe.
“This was no doubt one of the most thrilling and action-packed races at Le Mans" said Dr. Ullrich. "For us, it was also one of the most difficult ones and that’s why, in my personal ranking of emotions, it takes one of the top spots. The whole week was a period of many highs and lows for us. And during the 24 hours every car was running in front at least once. In the first two thirds of the race, it was our rivals and in the final third we worked our way towards the front. This can only be achieved with a very special team performance. "
Winning co-driver of the #2 Audi, André Lotterer, was equally praiseworthy of his team's efforts.
“This was a fantastic day for us following some very stressful weeks for the whole Audi squad" explained Lotterer. "The race started well and the spectators saw a great battle between all three manufacturers. When an Audi retired, we chased Toyota as a duo. After our rivals had a problem, the way seemed to be clear. Then we had a problem. But our mechanics never lost their motivation and very quickly changed the turbocharger. They know Le Mans and what needs to be done.”