Audi presents the new R18 in urban traffic at Le Mans

“The new regulations that are centered on the efficiency of the sports prototypes mark the beginning of a new era for the Le Mans 24 Hours and endurance racing this year,” says Head of Audi Motorsport Dr. Wolfgang Ullrich. “That’s why we came up with a special plan for the presentation of the new Audi R18 e-tron quattro featuring its final graphics plus information on the technology. We’re pleased that the Automobile Club de l’Ouest (ACO) and the city of Le Mans have supported our idea from the outset and are making this drive in public traffic possible.”

Pierre Fillon, President of the ACO: “We think it’s great that Audi selected Le Mans as the venue for the presentation of the new R18 e-tron quattro – not only for the media but also for the spectators who will be the first to see the new Le Mans sports car on the Place des Jacobins and on its drive to the race track. At the same time, Audi is bringing back memories of an all-but forgotten tradition of our race from the days when the drivers would travel to Le Mans in their own race cars.”

“The new efficiency regulations deliberately allow the constructors to use a large number of options,” says Chris Reinke, Head of LMP at Audi Sport. “We’re convinced that, based on the simulations and track testing, we’ve made the right decisions to be successful again at Le Mans in 2014.”

Journalists and fans worldwide will be able to watch Tom Kristensen’s drive through Le Mans and the press conference at the Welcome Center of the race track live on the internet. The broadcast on audimedia.tv will start at 13.15.

From the ‘2014 Le Mans Warm-up’ Audi Sport Team Joest will travel directly to the ‘Prologue’ of the FIA World Endurance Championship at Le Castellet (F).