With two new R18 e-tron quattro cars and six successful drivers, Audi Sport Team Joest will be battling for the first victory in the new season. Starting April 12, the chase begins for the World Championship title that Audi won in 2012 and 2013.
The combination of a V6 TDI engine with e-tron quattro hybrid drive is more powerful and more efficient than ever before. The two-fold amount of energy – four megajoules – is available in the electric drive system while the diesel engine delivers an output of more than 410 kW (558 PS). Combined with clearly improved aerodynamics and new developments in the chassis, the Audi R18 e-tron quattro runs faster than before but uses even less fuel.
The newly designed hybrid sports car has been subjected to some 10,000 test kilometres.
Plenty of diversity is awaiting the drivers at Silverstone. The circuit on the former airfield used to be famous for its high speeds. Now, numerous narrow sections complement the track configuration, resulting in an unusual combination that forces the engineers to make compromises in setting up the cars.
A comparison: The R18 e-tron quattro runs through turn four called ‘The Loop’ in first gear at a little less than 80kph whereas it achieves more than 270kph in the ‘Maggots’ section in seventh gear. The drivers have to shift up into a higher gear 18 times and downshift again 18 times per lap – which amounts to 36 gear changes around the 5.891-kilometre track.
In the season opener, Audi will be racing in an important growth market. With around 158,800 deliveries, the company recorded an 11.8 percent increase in sales in Britain compared with the previous year.
Within Europe, Britain is Audi’s second-largest market following the German domestic market.
In total, Audi’s LMP race cars have clinched five victories at Silverstone, two in the FIA WEC and three in other sports car racing series between 2004 and 2008. In addition to the WEC victory – accounting for 24 points in the Championship – the race this year will be about winning the Tourist Trophy as well. The tradition-steeped British motorsport trophy has been awarded since 1905.
