FIA WEC: Audi continues to keep WEC title decision in manufacturers’ classification open in Bahrain

Audi Press Release

• Manufacturers’ title fight goes down to the wire for the first time
• Fässler/Lotterer/Tréluyer is best Audi team with fourth place
• Strong team performance from preparation all the way into the race

Ingolstadt/Bahrain, November 15, 2014 – In what has been its most work-intensive 6-hour race in the three-year history of the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC), the Audi squad managed to continue to keep the title decision open. As a result, the manufacturers’ classification, for the first time ever, will only be decided in the finale after Audi had been “crowned” early as the World Champions in each of the past two years.

The postponement of the title decision is the sweetest reward for Audi Sport Team Joest’s arguably most work-intensive week ever since the WEC was launched in 2012. Between Tuesday and Friday, the squad prepared three race cars from scratch in Bahrain due to damage to the monocoques that had been discovered after the previous race and the first day of practice in Bahrain.

Car number 1 of Lucas di Grassi/Loïc Duval/Tom Kristensen (BR/F/DK) delivered an impeccable performance in special conditions. Due to the need to have its race car prepared again from scratch the trio missed out on one practice session and qualifying on Friday. The new Audi R18 e-tron quattro did its first laps on Saturday in the race. The hybrid sports cars handled the six hours in the heat of Bahrain – with track temperatures of 34 degrees centigrade at the beginning of the race – without the slightest technical irregularity and finished in fifth place. Start driver Lucas di Grassi on fresh tires in the early stage even set the fastest race lap once.

After Marcel Fässler (CH) in the sister car number 2 had switched from the tires he had used in qualifying to a fresh set of slicks at the first pit stop, he drove the fastest race lap in this stage of the race. Still, the Swiss, together with his team-mate André Lotterer (D) and Benoît Tréluyer (F) ultimately had to admit defeat in the battle for a podium position. Following the strength-sapping penultimate event of the season, Audi is now concentrating on the finale. The São Paulo 6 Hours in Brazil is on the agenda in only two weeks time.

Quotes after the race

Dr. Wolfgang Ullrich (Head of Audi Motorsport): “Sincere congratulations to Sébastien Buemi and Anthony Davidson on the early win of the title in the drivers’ championship. At the same time, our entire squad that worked extremely hard for five days deserves a special compliment. Both race cars were running excellently. A big ‘thank you’ for this. Unfortunately, we didn’t achieve the podium today. Our drivers were running really well but the small fuel tank capacity dictated by the regulations, despite the efficient diesel engine, forced us to make an additional pit stop five laps before the end of the race or to save an extreme amount of fuel across several stints. A race can’t be won like this.”

Chris Reinke (Leiter LMP): “Our congratulations, today, first go to our competitors who managed to secure the drivers’ title. At the same time, a huge ‘well done’ goes to our squad that had to prepare new cars three times this weekend. The cars ran without any technical problems whatsoever. That’s the feat we can be proud of this weekend. In addition, we achieved our aim of keeping the manufacturer’s championship open even though it’ll be difficult to turn the tables at São Paulo. But we’re not giving up.”

Ralf Jüttner (Team Director Audi Sport Team Joest): “I’m very proud that our squad prepared a car from scratch that ran in a six-hour race without any problem although we didn’t even have a functional test. This can’t be judged highly enough because the design of the hybrid sports cars is very complex. We now prepared three Audi R18 e-tron quattro cars within a few days and all of them were running impeccably. We knew that we wouldn’t have a real chance here in the race – not even via the tire strategy. Congratulations to Toyota with car number 7 on the drivers’ title. We kept the manufacturers’ championship open. I hope that in Brazil we’ll be experiencing a slightly less turbulent race weekend than we did here.”

Marcel Fässler (Audi R18 e-tron quattro #2): “I managed to drive off really well at the start and immediately advanced to third place but, unfortunately, didn’t keep the position for very long. We thought it would be a lot hotter today. That’s why the tires didn’t work properly and I lost a relatively large amount of time. We then pitted early, I received the same tires as Lucas di Grassi and, as a result, was able to keep the pace again. Generally, it was a very difficult race but we showed that we don’t give up and have got a fantastic squad. We’re still making the quickest pit stops and there’s no reason to hang our heads. We’ll continue to battle and are hoping to move forwards again soon.”

André Lotterer (Audi R18 e-tron quattro #2): “It wasn’t a bad race for us. In the beginning, things weren’t running smoothly for us because Marcel Fässler’s tires weren’t ideal for this race situation. Afterwards, things were going well. We extracted the maximum from the car. The team did a superb job. Our pit stops were good although the guys had had a rough week. Unfortunately, there wasn’t a place on the podium to reward them but we’re not giving up.”

Benoît Tréluyer (Audi R18 e-tron quattro #2): “The whole squad was first-rate despite having worked so much beforehand. It was a very tough race. The tire choice in the beginning wasn’t perfect but it was worth a try. Marcel Fässler initially battled and André Lotterer was very strong too. The pit stops were flawless and very quick. We tried to extract the best out of the car. Towards the end, we had a problem with the rubber on the track which our tires picked up. As a result, the car wasn’t as good to drive anymore as it had been before on new tires.”

Lucas di Grassi (Audi R18 e-tron quattro #1): “This was a difficult race as well as one that I’m very proud of. Our mechanics did a brilliant job and, despite getting very little sleep, prepared our car from scratch twice. We didn’t have a roll-out but in the race our car was in perfect condition. So I’m very proud that we managed to take a few points home for our squad.”

Loïc Duval (Audi R18 e-tron quattro #1): “This was a pretty tough race. I’m proud of our squad. They’re the heroes of the weekend. We were struggling today but we’re emerging from such situations even stronger. It’s good that we were able to postpone the title decision once more.”

Tom Kristensen (Audi R18 e-tron quattro #1): “This has been an eventful weekend. The entire team of Audi Sport worked very hard. I only drove seven laps in Bahrain before driving my stint in the race – that wasn’t easy. Traction was an issue here. But I think we fought a good battle and made no mistakes. It was great driving under floodlights here in Bahrain. And of course I congratulate Toyota and Anthony Davidson and Sébastien Buemi on their title win. They were simply outstanding this year.”

Race results

1 Conway/Sarrazin/Wurz (Toyota) 195 laps in 6h 00m 18.056s
2 Dumas/Jani/Lieb (Porsche) + 50.460s
3 Bernhard/Hartley/Webber (Porsche) + 57.268s
4 Fässler/Lotterer/Tréluyer (Audi R18 e-tron quattro) – 1 lap
5 Di Grassi/Duval/Kristensen (Audi R18 e-tron quattro) – 2 laps
6 Belicchi/Kraihamer/Leimer (Rebellion-Toyota) – 7 laps
7 Beche/Heidfeld/Prost (Rebellion-Toyota) – 13 laps
8 Bradley/Howson/Imperatori (Oreca-Nissan) – 14 laps
9 Ladygin/Ladygin/Shaitar (Oreca-Nissan) – 17 laps
10 Cheng/Ihara/Patterson (Morgan-Judd) – 17 laps

Photo credit: Audi Communications - Motorsport

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FIA WEC: Fifth place for Audi in qualifying in Bahrain

Audi Press Release

• Marcel Fässler/André Lotterer/Benoît Tréluyer on third row
• Lucas di Grassi/Loïc Duval/Tom Kristensen to start from position 13
• Audi Sport Team Joest is preparing new R18 e-tron quattro

Ingolstadt/Bahrain, November 14, 2014 – Audi is dealing with a race before the race in round seven of the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) in Bahrain. While Marcel Fässler/André Lotterer/Benoît Tréluyer in car number 2 achieved fifth place in qualifying, Audi Sport Team Joest was simultaneously preparing car number one again from scratch. Following the first day of practice on the Bahrain International Circuit, Audi Sport Team Joest had discovered monocoque damage on the race car of Lucas di Grassi/Loïc Duval/Tom Kristensen late on Thursday night. As a result, the trio was unable to participate in either the third free practice or in qualifying but will be admitted to start the race. 

The reason for having to prepare the car from scratch again was damage similar to the one that was noted on both race cars after the race at Shanghai, which required both monocoques to be changed. As a result, Audi took two actions: the squad again replaced the monocoque of car number one in order to ensure the full functionality of the safety cell. In addition, the technical crew modified the underfloors of both race cars to avoid a recurrence of damage. As soon as car number one has passed Technical Scrutineering it is allowed to race. Lucas di Grassi will have to start the Bahrain 6 Hours as the last LMP1 participant in the field – which equates to grid position 13.

“A huge ‘thank you’ to our squad,” Loïc Duval, Lucas di Grassi and Tom Kristensen unanimously said. “It’s incredible what the whole team has achieved during these days. The guys prepared our car from scratch again twice. Of course we’re going to leave no stone unturned to reward the hardworking crew with a great race.”

The Le Mans winners Fässler/Lotterer/Tréluyer achieved the fifth-best time in the dark on Friday night. The team concentrated its preparations on the race because that is when tire management will be crucial. The 6-hour race in Bahrain starts on Saturday at 15.00, local time. That is when the air temperature is expected to be 27 degrees centigrade. However, when the sun sets at around 17.00 the air and the tarmac will notably cool down. The R18 e-tron quattro has to be optimally set up for these changeable conditions.

In Germany, viewers can watch the final stage of the WEC race in Bahrain live on Saturday, November 15 , from 17.00 to 19.00 on the TV channel Eurosport. Audi is also providing reports of all practice sessions, qualifying and the race on Facebook (AudiSport), Twitter (@Audi__Sport), a news ticker on www.audi-motorsport.info and the Audi Sport App.

Quotes after Qualifying

Dr. Wolfgang Ullrich (Head of Audi Motorsport): “As expected, car number one wasn’t ready in time for qualifying. But the team did a superb job and has made great progress, so I’m very optimistic for the race. The sister car had no problems in qualifying, but the time gap to the fastest car is large. In the race, we’re going to give everything to achieve a better result than what might be expected after qualifying.”

Chris Reinke (Head of LMP): “This weekend, we’re facing the challenge of being ready in time and well prepared for the race. Car number two had no problems in qualifying today and took a position on the third row of the grid. We’re still working on the sister car. We’re going to leave no stone unturned to finish it in good condition and to subsequently drive a good race.”

Ralf Jüttner (Team Director Audi Sport Team Joest): “From our simulations, we know that Bahrain is the most difficult track for us with respect to our vehicle rating. We tried to find a good set-up for the race. After being prepared from scratch again, car number two was running impeccably. Now we’re concentrating on finishing car number one. The guys have built four new cars in recent weeks and all of them were running perfectly. That’s what we’re again wishing for tomorrow.”

Marcel Fässler (Audi R18 e-tron quattro #2): “The place we achieved is more or less the one we’d expected. Especially in qualifying, it’s difficult to be faster. But I do believe we might have a chance of being in contention for the race. In qualifying, we achieved a good lap, even though it may not have been the fastest one. But I remain optimistic, although it won’t be an easy race.”

André Lotterer (Audi R18 e-tron quattro #2): “This was a qualifying session in which everything actually went smoothly. However, we weren’t fast enough because we know that it’s hard for our car to be in contention on tracks like these. That was also the case in the past two events but in the race things went better. That’s why I’m hoping for us to be able to extract the maximum out of the car tomorrow and to take a good result home.”

Benoît Tréluyer (Audi R18 e-tron quattro #2): “It was clear that we wouldn’t be able to battle for the pole position today. In qualifying, we tried out various things with the set-up. Our car is now set up for the long run and I hope that’ll help us. Strictly in terms of performance we’re not where we’d like to be at the moment. But in the race we’re going to battle for the podium – we’re going to give our best.”

Qualifying results

1 Dumas/Jani/Lieb (Porsche) 1m 43,145s
2 Buemi/Davidson (Toyota) 1m 43.410s
3 Bernhard/Hartley/Webber (Porsche) 1m 44.191s
4 Conway/Sarrazin/Wurz (Toyota) 1m 44.260s
5 Fässler/Lotterer/Tréluyer (Audi R18 e-tron quattro) 1m 45.599s
6 Beche/Heidfeld/Prost (Rebellion-Toyota) 1m 47.047s
7 Belicchi/Kraihamer/Leimer (Rebellion-Toyota) 1m 47.705s
8 Canal/Pla/Rusinov (Ligier-Nissan) 1m 50.236s
9 Mediani/Minassian/Zlobin (Oreca-Nissan) 1m 50.939s
10 Ladygin/Ladygin/Shaitar (Oreca-Nissan) 1m 51.019s

Photo credit: Audi Communications - Motorsport

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FIA WEC: Porsche again leads final practice ahead of Toyota and Audi in Bahrain

By Johan Laubscher

The third and final Free practice session for the 6 Hours of Bahrain was held this morning.

Porsche concluded the sixty minute session with both of its cars within the top three. The #14 Porsche 919 Hybrid set the fastest time and Porsche #20 was third. The #7 Toyota TS 040 Hybrid split the two Porsches. The #2 Audi squad of Marcel Fässler, André Lotterer and Benoît Tréluyer set the fourth fastest time, ahead of the #8 Toyota in fifth. The #1 Audi R18 e-tron quattro of Tom Kristensen, Lucas di Grassi and Loïc Duval did not take part in FP3.

Free practice three results can be seen HERE.

The qualifying session will be taking place later today, scheduled for 17:35 local time.

Photo credit: Audi Communications - Motorsport

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FIA WEC: Porsche tops FP2 ahead of Toyota and Audi in Bahrain

By Johan Laubscher

The first Free practice session saw Toyota topping the times with less than a second covering the top six. The second session took place during the dark of Thursday evening.

Porsche set the fastest time with the #14 919 Hybrid, followed by the #8 Toyota TS 040 Hybrid and the #20 Porsche. Audi Sport Team Joest again occupied positions four and five, in the same order as the first free practice session. The top six was rounded out with the #7 Toyota in sixth.

The #1 Audi R18 e-tron quattro of Tom Kristensen, Lucas di Grassi and Loïc Duval set the fourth fastest time, ahead of the #2 Audi squad of Marcel Fässler, André Lotterer and Benoît Tréluyer in fifth.

Free practice two results can be seen HERE.

The third free practice session and qualifying will be taking place tomorrow.

Photo credit: Audi Communications - Motorsport

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FIA WEC: Toyota leads Porsche and Audi after FP1 in Bahrain

By Johan Laubscher

The FIA World Endurance Championship is in Bahrain for round seven of the 2014 season. Audi, Porsche and Toyota have again entered their two-car factory teams for the 6 Hours of Bahrain.

The weekend’s proceedings got underway with the first free practice session at 15h15 local time on Thursday. The top six was covered by less than a second by the end of the ninety minute session. It was another strong showing by Toyota, topping the time sheets with a 1-2. The #8 Toyota TS 040 Hybrid set the fastest time, followed by Toyota #7.

The #20 Porsche 919 Hybrid set the third fastest time, leading the two Audis and the #14 Porsche in sixth.

Audi Sport Team Joest occupied positions four and five. The #1 Audi R18 e-tron quattro of Tom Kristensen, Lucas di Grassi and Loïc Duval set the fourth fastest time, ahead of the #2 Audi squad of Marcel Fässler, André Lotterer and Benoît Tréluyer in fifth.

Free practice one results can be seen HERE.

The second free practice session is scheduled for this evening at 19h30 local time.

Photo credit: Audi Communications - Motorsport

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FIA WEC: Loïc Duval searching for a place in the sun in Bahrain

Loïc Duval Press Release

Loïc Duval and his Audi Sport crew-mates Tom Kristensen and Lucas di Grassi head to Bahrain this weekend seeking a return to the podium after the reigning world champions were unable to fight at the front during the 6 Hours of Shanghai (October 31– November 2).

Representing round six of this year’s FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC), the Chinese event found Duval in good spirits, though he was unable to shake off a sense of frustration. As an Audi Sport factory driver, reigning world champion and Le Mans 24 Hours winner, he could not feel content with his fifth place finish.

“Tom, Lucas and I, as well as our engineers and mechanics, all delivered a flawless race,” Duval explained afterwards. “I enjoyed my time aboard the #1 R18 e-tron quattro. Early on, André [Lotterer in the sister #2 car] and I were very close on-track. Then I gained the upper hand during my second stint and caught the #14 Porsche. We had an intense scrap which lasted for much of the race, but it was always clear that we were not fighting for the win. I never climb into the car looking to settle for an honourable mention; at Audi, we can’t be happy with fifth.”

Shanghai International Circuit features slow corners and long straights, which does not represent the ideal layout for the Audi R18 e-tron quattro. Thanks to its formidable aerodynamics, the Ingolstadt marque’s prototype is at its best in fast, sweeping corners.

“The performance was better in China than at Fuji, but we still struggled to unlock our pace both over one lap and a whole stint,” Duval added. “We suffered from a hybrid-system power deficit compared to our rivals. They also have a bigger fuel tank which allowed them to save a pit-stop thanks to the lengthy Safety Car period at the start of the race.”

But it takes far more to faze Duval and the Audi Sport team. This weekend the Frenchman and his crew-mates will be at Bahrain International Circuit where they will be targeting a podium – and perhaps even a return to winning ways.

“The temperatures will be higher in Bahrain and the track features medium and high-speed corners, so it will suit our car better,” explained a positive Duval. “We know it will be tough, but we’ll fight until the end to make sure both line-ups finish as high as possible in the standings. And so long as the Manufacturers’ title remains theoretically possible we’ll give our all to help Audi seal the crown. We are approaching this weekend’s race with renewed motivation and hoping to spring a surprise.”

After his experience in Shanghai, Duval is determined not to leave Bahrain empty-handed.

Photo credit: Audi Media

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FIA WEC: Audi ready for challenges in Bahrain

Audi Press Release

•     Three FIA WEC endurance races within the space of four weeks
•     Extreme demands on the Bahrain circuit

Ingolstadt, November 10, 2014 – The FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) is turning onto the finish straight. Only 13 days after the race in China, round seven of the season follows in Bahrain on Saturday, November 15, and two weeks later, the finale is on the calendar. After taking victory on the Persian Gulf in 2012 and second place last year, Audi is again setting its sights on a podium position.

The conditions in the penultimate Championship round are unique. The FIA WEC does not run in the desert at any other event. The sand on the high-grip tarmac often changes the grip conditions from one turn to the other. In addition, major temperature differences are expected, as the race starts in the afternoon heat at 15.00 and ends at 21.00, long after sunset. This confronts the engineers with the challenging task of setting up the Audi R18 e-tron quattro for these contrasting conditions and developing the optimum tire strategy. But the air temperatures, as well as driving into the dark, put a major strain on the drivers too, which demands maximum concentration.

The track configuration of the Bahrain International Circuit poses a challenge as well. At the end of several long straights, the race drivers have to brake particularly hard, as the straights are typically followed by very tight turns. The few high-speed cornering sections on the other hand require good aerodynamic downforce.

In 2012 and 2013, Audi won the drivers’ and manufacturers’ classifications in the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) early. However, in contrast to recent years, the brand with the four rings, since the race at Fuji four weeks ago, has not been the hunted but the hunter. In second place of the manufacturers’ standings, Audi is trailing Toyota by 29 points and 88 points in total are yet to be awarded in the two remaining races. In the drivers’ standings, Audi’s Le Mans winners, Marcel Fässler/André Lotterer/Benoît Tréluyer, are trailing the Toyota drivers Anthony Davidson and Sébastien Buemi by 42 points. In this classification, 52 points are still up for grabs before the end of the season. Audi will leave no stone unturned to keep the title decision open until the finale.

In Germany, fans can watch the final stages of the WEC race in Bahrain live on Saturday, November 15, from 17.00 to 19.00 on the TV channel Eurosport. Audi will be providing reports about all practice and qualifying sessions and the race on Facebook (AudiSport), Twitter (@Audi__Sport), and a news ticker at www.audi-motorsport.info and on the Audi Sport App.

Topics of the weekend

• Will Audi be able to again finish on the podium in Bahrain as in the past two years?
• Will Audi manage to keep the title decision open up to the finale?
• What team will do the most efficient job of handling the tires in the heat of Bahrain?

Quotes by the officials

Dr. Wolfgang Ullrich (Head of Audi Motorsport): “The battle for the title in the FIA World Endurance Championship is entering the final stage. Our aim is to postpone the decision once more. In Bahrain, the conditions are very special as a result of the location in the desert, the climate and the track configuration with its long straights and many turns. In the past two years, we were competitive there but this year other conditions apply. We’re going to leave no stone unturned to show a strong performance in spite of this.”

Chris Reinke (Head of LMP): “Two years ago, we won in Bahrain, last year we finished as the runners-up – so we’ve still got some unfinished business. We’re not going to give up on the World Championship as long as there’s still a mathematical possibility of clinching victory. We’re determined to deliver another clean team performance and to drive a good race.”

Ralf Jüttner (Team Director Audi Sport Team Joest): “We’re set on achieving a better result in Bahrain than in the past two WEC rounds. The track configuration doesn’t exactly suit us well, but we’re expecting completely different temperatures than we most recently had in Japan and in China. In heat, we should have an advantage with our tire management.”

Facts and quotes by the Audi drivers

Lucas di Grassi (30/BR), Audi R18 e-tron quattro #1 (Audi Sport Team Joest)
-Competed in a Triathlon event in Dubai a week before the race
“I expect us to be a little better in Bahrain than we were in the past two races, as the temperatures should be helping us with respect to using the tires. Still, there’s no doubt about the race becoming a very tough one. I haven’t driven there in a long time but know that the track and the entire facility are first-rate. The long straights and the hard braking stages are special characteristics of this track. Of course we’d like to continue to postpone the decision in the manufacturers’ standings.”

Loïc Duval (32/F), Audi R18 e-tron quattro #1 (Audi Sport Team Joest)
-Drove in Bahrain for the first time last year in a WEC event
“I really like the track. It offers good overtaking opportunities and in the winter months, I look forward to a race in bright sunshine even though the strains will no doubt be great. The circuit is located in the middle of the desert. Sand is often blown onto the track, which makes the conditions more difficult. This race is simply very special.”

Tom Kristensen (47/DK), Audi R18 e-tron quattro #1 (Audi Sport Team Joest)
-Traveled to Bahrain as the brand new World Champion last year
“The track has a few surprises. The vertical differences of the various track sections are greater than you’d think. The tarmac causes heavy tire wear. But when sand is blown onto the track, grip clearly degrades. Finding the best compromise between traction, acceleration, top speed and aggressive braking is crucial. In the fast second sector, aerodynamic downforce plays a major role as well, plus there’s another factor: we’re starting during the day and will be driving into the night, which makes for significant temperature differences.”

Marcel Fässler (38/CH), Audi R18 e-tron quattro #2 (Audi Sport Team Joest)
-In 2012, with André Lotterer and Benoît Tréluyer, was the first WEC winner in Bahrain
“Bahrain is a special race because the heat there is simply unusual for the cars and the drivers, plus there’s the sand. The track conditions constantly change. As long as we’ve still got a chance of winning the World Championship title, we’re going to battle for it.”

André Lotterer (32/D), Audi R18 e-tron quattro #2 (Audi Sport Team Joest)
-Is competing in Bahrain for the third time
“The round in Bahrain is a nice event. The race will be anything but easy, but we’re prepared. The heat is unusual, so we’re going to try and be as fit as possible. Two years ago, we managed to clinch victory there.”

Benoît Tréluyer (37/F), Audi R18 e-tron quattro #2 (Audi Sport Team Joest)
-Has come to appreciate the race in the desert state
“This next race is a challenge. The heat in the desert and the sand on track make special demands on us. It’s not easy to optimally set up the car for these track conditions. From the past two years we know that the WEC receives a warm welcome in Bahrain. We’re looking forward to this atmosphere.”

The Audi drivers in Bahrain

Lucas di Grassi (BR): * Aug 11, 1984 in São Paulo (BR), residence: Monaco (MC); married to Anna; height: 1.79 m; weight: 75 kg; Audi driver since 2012; Le Mans victories: 0; WEC races: 9; WEC victories: 0; WEC pole positions: 0; fastest WEC laps: 1; best result WEC Bahrain: -

Loïc Duval (F): * Jun 12, 1982 in Chartres (F); residence: Geneva (CH); married to Gaëlle, two sons (Hugo and Martin); height: 1.78 m; weight: 70 kg; Audi driver since 2012; Le Mans victories: 1; WEC races: 16; WEC victories: 4; WEC pole positions: 2; fastest WEC laps: 1; best result WEC Bahrain: -

Marcel Fässler (CH): * May 27, 1976 in Einsiedeln (CH); residence: Gross (CH); married to Isabel, four daughters (Shana, Elin, Yael and Delia); height: 1.78 m; weight: 78 kg; Audi driver since 2008; Le Mans victories: 3; WEC races: 22; WEC victories: 8; WEC pole positions: 2; fastest WEC laps: 1; best result WEC Bahrain: 1

Tom Kristensen (DK): * Jul 07, 1967 in Hobro (DK); residence: Hobro (DK); single (partner: Hanne), two sons (Oliver and Oswald) and one daughter (Carla Marlou); height: 1.74 m; weight: 72 kg; Audi driver since 2000, Le Mans victories: 9; WEC races: 22; WEC victories: 4; WEC pole positions: 0; fastest WEC laps: 2; best result WEC Bahrain: 2

André Lotterer (D): * Nov 19, 1981 in Duisburg (D); residence: Tokyo (J); single; height: 1.84 m; weight: 74 kg; Audi driver since 2010; Le Mans victories: 3; WEC races: 22; WEC victories: 8; WEC pole positions: 4; fastest WEC laps: 6; best result WEC Bahrain: 1

Benoît Tréluyer (F): * Dec 07, 1976 in Alençon (F); residence: Gordes (F); married to Melanie, one son (Jules); height: 1.78 m; weight: 68 kg; Audi driver since 2010; Le Mans victories: 3; WEC races: 22; WEC victories: 8; WEC pole positions: 3; fastest WEC laps: 2; best result WEC Bahrain: 1

All Bahrain winners (since 2012)

2012 Fässler/Lotterer/Tréluyer (Audi)
2013 Buemi/Davidson/Sarrazin (Toyota)

Track info

Track length: 5.412 km
Race duration: 6 hours
Qualifying record on this track: Kazuki Nakajima/Alexander Wurz (Toyota),
1m 42.449s (190.175 km/h), Nov 29, 2013
Race record on this track: André Lotterer (Audi), 1m 44.183s (187.009 km/h),
Nov 30, 2013
Pole position 2013: Kazuki Nakajima/Alexander Wurz (Toyota), 1m 42.449s (190.175 km/h), Nov 29, 2013
Fastest lap 2013: André Lotterer (Audi), 1m 44.183s (187.009 km/h),
Nov 30, 2013

FIA WEC World Championship titles
2012 Marcel Fässler/André Lotterer/Benoît Tréluyer (Audi)
2013 Loïc Duval/Tom Kristensen/Allan McNish (Audi)

Marcel Fässler about the track in Bahrain

“The location of the circuit is unusual because it is surrounded by desert. The sequence of very long straights and tight turns in which we have to shift down into second or in several cases even first gear, makes for a start-stop rhythm. There are only two combinations of corners that we drive through in fourth or fifth gear. There, we notably profit from the downforce generated by the Audi R18 e-tron quattro. However, the slow sections should not be underrated either. For instance, there is a left-hand bend in front of the back-straight where we brake at the beginning of a downhill track section. The left front wheels tend to slightly lock there. The penultimate right-hand corner calls for good judgment as well because it allows many different lines.”

Schedule (local times; CET = –2 hours)

Thursday, November 13
15.15–16.45 Free practice 1
19.30–21.00 Free practice 2

Friday, November 14
11.10–12.10 Free practice 3
17.35–18.00 Qualifying LMP1 and LMP2

Saturday, November 15
15.00–21.00 6-hour race

Photo credit: Audi Communications - Motorsport

 

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FIA WEC: Audi scores 22 points in battle for WEC title in China

Audi Press Release

• Audi remains the runner-up in the manufacturers’ world championship
• Le Mans winners Fässler/Lotterer/Tréluyer second again in the standings
• Di Grassi/Duval/Kristensen achieve fifth place in the race

Ingolstadt/Shanghai, November 2, 2014 – Audi just missed out on a podium place in round six of the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) at Shanghai. Marcel Fässler/André Lotterer/Benoît Tréluyer (CH/D/F) in the best Audi R18 e-tron quattro had to admit defeat in the six-hour race. The Le Mans winners crossed the finish line in front of their team-mates Lucas di Grassi/Loïc Duval/Tom Kristensen (BR/F/DK).

Audi had no chance of repeating last year’s victory on the 5.451-kilometer track at Shanghai. Qualifying had previously indicated that the R18 e-tron quattro is unable to show its full potential in tight turns and on long straights. In spite of this disadvantage, a thrilling battle with the number 14 Porsche for a podium position ensued. Thanks to a successful race set-up and good driving performances Audi remained in striking distance of its rival, who had achieved the best time in qualifying, for a long time. However, an additional refueling stop shortly before the end of the race deprived the Audi squad of any chance to clinch a trophy.

Marcel Fässler/André Lotterer/Benoît Tréluyer were running in fifth place for a long time. However, a fifth pit stop that was made earlier than scheduled for tactical reasons gave the 2012 World Champions an advantage over the sister car and they achieved fourth place. As a result, the driver trio improved from third to second place in the drivers’ standings. Di Grassi/Duval/Kristensen completed Audi’s team result in China in fifth place, with Audi outperforming the number 20 Porsche in the process.

After the sixth of eight WEC races, the brand with the four rings, trailing Toyota with a 29-point gap, remains the runner-up in the manufacturers’ classification. As a result, the title decision has been postponed. In just 13 days from now, the FIA WEC will be holding round seven at the Bahrain International Circuit. Audi – the early winners of the manufacturers’ and drivers’ world championships in 2012 and 2013 – is going to leave no stone unturned to continue to delay the title decision in the desert of the gulf state.

Quotes after the race

Dr. Wolfgang Ullrich (Head of Audi Motorsport): “Although the results are a little better than those in qualifying, they’re obviously not satisfactory. We knew that it would be difficult here. The yellow period at the beginning helped our competitors with gasoline engines. They were able to refuel early and, as a result, saved a stop at the end. In our case, due to the prescribed fuel tank capacity and the stopping intervals, this wasn’t possible. At Shanghai, we simply didn’t have a chance on the long straights.”

Chris Reinke (Leiter LMP): “We experienced a difficult race on a track that doesn’t ideally suit our concept. We weren’t in contention for the top spot but the competition within the team and the battle with our ‘Group sister’ Porsche was all the more thrilling. The team and the drivers made use of their possibilities and did an impeccable job.”

Ralf Jüttner (Team Director Audi Sport Team Joest): “The way the race went was a bit unfortunate for us. The cars with gasoline engines profited from an early safety car period. As a result, they didn’t have to pit at the end. Only the number 20 Porsche, which had a puncture, ultimately made the same number of stops as we did. At the finish, it was trailing us. A nice battle ensued with the number 14 Porsche but due to the number of stops we were unfortunately not on an equal footing. But at Shanghai we were better than in the previous race at Fuji.”

Marcel Fässler (Audi R18 e-tron quattro #2): “In terms of positions, this was the maximum we could achieve today. The early safety car period didn’t help us because the cars with gasoline engines were able to pit earlier, which saved them a stop at the end. We had the disadvantage of having to refuel again at the end of the race because, due to the regulations, we have to compete with a smaller fuel tank. For us, the duel within our team was thrilling. That was high strategic art.”

André Lotterer (Audi R18 e-tron quattro #2): “It’s a shame that we didn’t finish on the podium. We made the best of the situation. More isn’t possible on tracks with such characteristics under the current circumstances. Hopefully, things will be a bit better in Bahrain. We’re going to give it our all.”

Benoît Tréluyer (Audi R18 e-tron quattro #2): “It was a tough race. The whole team did a tremendous job. Due to the regulations we’re not good enough on the straights. But the car was running without the slightest problems. Driving was fun; we had a great sporting contest with our sister car and the Porsche. We tried to beat Porsche and finish on the podium but it wasn’t enough for that. We’re happy with the teamwork and are very motivated for the end of the season.”

Lucas di Grassi (Audi R18 e-tron quattro #1): “This wasn’t our best weekend. On a positive note, we improved by one position compared to qualifying. Audi took positions four and five but of course we’d have liked to battle for the podium. We gave everything but more wasn’t possible on this track.”

Loïc Duval (Audi R18 e-tron quattro #1): “It was a tough and thrilling race. We fought an intense battle with our sister car and with Porsche. But we weren’t as good as our competitors. We’d have liked to have been in contention for a top result but the outcome today was the best we were able to achieve. Now we’ve got to prepare for the coming races.”

Tom Kristensen (Audi R18 e-tron quattro #1): “Another bittersweet weekend. The whole team made no mistakes, the cars were running perfectly. The drivers gave their best. We had a great battle; that was probably good for television. Unfortunately, we weren’t good enough on the straights. At the same time, we had to refuel earlier. But nothing’s been decided yet. We won’t give up.”

Race results

1 Buemi/Davidson (Toyota), 188 laps in 6h 01m 15.319s
2 Nakajima/Sarrazin/Wurz (Toyota) + 1m 12.564s
3 Dumas/Jani/Lieb (Porsche) – 1 lap
4 Fässler/Lotterer/Tréluyer (Audi R18 e-tron quattro) – 1 lap
5 Di Grassi/Duval/Kristensen (Audi R18 e-tron quattro) – 1 lap
6 Bernhard/Hartley/Webber (Porsche) – 2 laps
7 Beche/Heidfeld/Prost (Rebellion-Toyota) – 8 laps
8 Belicchi/Kraihamer/Leimer (Rebellion-Toyota) – 8 laps
9 Canal/Pla/Rusinov (Ligier-Nissan) – 11 laps
10 Dalziel/Gonzalez/Sharp (HPD-Honda) – 14 laps

Photo credit: Audi Communications - Motorsport

 

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FIA WEC: Audi in positions five and six in qualifying in China

Audi Press Release

• Lucas di Grassi/Loïc Duval/Tom Kristensen best Audi driver team
• Marcel Fässler/André Lotterer/Benoît Tréluyer on third row as well
• Audi Sport Team Joest thoroughly prepared for the race

Ingolstadt/Shanghai, November 1, 2014 – Audi took fifth and sixth place in qualifying for round six of the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC). In the race, Audi – currently the runner-up in the manufacturers’ standings – is aiming to make up positions with a consistently good performance throughout the six-hour race. 

Audi has thoroughly prepared for round six of the season in three free practice and one qualifying sessions in China. The 5.451-kilometer track at Shanghai features very specific characteristics. While the various race car concepts are similarly fast in the first two sectors, the differences in the third sector are significant, as the tight turns do not suit the Audi R18 e-tron quattro. Consequently, the two Audi driver teams did not manage to get beyond the third row.

For Audi driver Loïc Duval (F), qualifying began with an unpleasant surprise. On the first lap, an opponent in an LMP2 race car hit the rear of the Audi R18 e-tron quattro. In spite of the incident, the driver of car number 1 achieved the best result within the team. The hybrid sports car from Ingolstadt and Neckarsulm set a lap time of 1m 49.454s, averaged from the four fastest laps, and will be starting the race from grid position five. Duval’s first lap was clocked at 1m 48.620s, the fastest achieved by an Audi driver. Remarkably, Duval managed to set the third-best time of all drivers in the first track sector and in the second the Frenchman was denied the fastest time by a mere 53 thousandths of a second.

Marcel Fässler/André Lotterer/Benoît Tréluyer, last year’s winners at Shanghai, achieved an average time of 1m 50.072s from their four fastest laps. They will be starting the race on Sunday 11.00 local time (4.00 CET) in sixth place. Audi Sport Team Joest is determined to again improve its positions through excellent pit stops, impeccable driving, a good stragegy and clever tire management in the race.

TV channel Eurosport will broadcast the last 90 minutes of the race live starting at 8.30 (CET). Fans can also watch the action on Facebook (AudiSport), Twitter (@Audi__Sport) and the news ticker (www.audi-motorsport.info) on the internet and on the Audi Sport App.

Quotes after qualifying

Dr. Wolfgang Ullrich (Head of Audi Motorsport): “The track with its narrow corners and long straights doesn’t suit us well. We obviously expected a smaller gap to the leaders. But we’re lacking power for the long straights where we lose an extremely large amount of time. Unfortunately, there are no fast turns either where we can use the good downforce of our cars. Nevertheless, we’re hoping to have a chance of clearly improving our performance compared to the qualifying results through good work without any mistakes and consistent lap times.”

Chris Reinke (Head of LMP): “It’s true that the third row today isn’t what we’d been wishing for but this is another weekend on which we’ve been heavily concentrating on preparing for the race. We are hoping to be able to make optimal use of all the factors to improve in the race tomorrow.”

Ralf Jüttner (Team Director Audi Sport Team Joest): “It was a very close and interesting qualifying session with equal times set by the front runners. For us, unfortunately, only the third row was possible. In the first two sectors, the race cars of the three manufacturers are nearly equally fast but in the third sector we’re losing one and a half seconds, which we can’t regain anywhere else. However, across the race distance, we’re going to try and advance again with good tire management.”

Lucas di Grassi (Audi R18 e-tron quattro #1): “A difficult qualifying session. On a single flying lap, we’re not good enough. But there’s no reason to mope. At Le Mans and at Austin, we had a similar starting base and then clearly improved in the race. We’ve got to keep a cool head on Sunday.”

Loïc Duval (Audi R18 e-tron quattro #1): “It was a bit strange that an LMP2 car hit me in the rear on the first lap. Fortunately, our car wasn’t damaged. Since Austin, we’ve been struggling a bit with our competitiveness. Still, we’re pleased with our work in the number 1 Audi. We’ve got to wait and see how the tires are going to wear on Sunday. I think in that respect we may be a bit better than some of the others. I hope we can make up ground in the race.”

Tom Kristensen (Audi R18 e-tron quattro #1): “It’s a great challenge to repeat last year’s success in the race on this unique track. It’s a race in which we’d like to achieve a good result. Our car was running really well on Friday in mixed weather conditions, while on a dry track today we were struggling a bit.”

Marcel Fässler (Audi R18 e-tron quattro #2): “In qualifying, it was difficult to show the full potential that we’ll be able to make good use of particularly in the race. Our strength is that we’re more consistent over the long run. We’re not giving up. The result today was a slight dampener but in the race we’re going to give our all. Across six hours, quite a bit is possible.”

André Lotterer (Audi R18 e-tron quattro #2): “This wasn’t the best result for us in qualifying. Our performance, compared to the competition, wasn’t good enough. On our part, we didn’t extract the best from the car either. On my second lap, I was having problems keeping my consumption in check. Benoît Tréluyer was hardly able to find a clear lap. That’s why our average times weren’t ideal. I hope tomorrow will be better and that we’ll be able to deliver a good race to the Chinese fans.”

Benoît Tréluyer (Audi R18 e-tron quattro #2): “The situation here is similar to Fuji – we’re not fast enough for the front positions. I pushed too hard in qualifying and didn’t drive a good lap. In the first trial, I didn’t optimally handle the last turn, in the second one I didn’t find a good beginning and on the last lap I hit traffic. I subsequently returned to the pits in order to save our last set of tires for the race. Now we’re going to concentrate on Sunday.”

Qualifying results

1 Dumas/Jani/Lieb (Porsche) 1m 48.300s
2 Buemi/Davidson (Toyota) 1m 48.300s
3 Bernhard/Hartley/Webber (Porsche) 1m 48.324s
4 Nakajima/Sarrazin/Wurz (Toyota) 1m 48.534s
5 Di Grassi/Duval/Kristensen (Audi R18 e-tron quattro) 1m 49.454s
6 Fässler/Lotterer/Tréluyer (Audi R18 e-tron quattro) 1m 50.072s 
7 Beche/Heidfeld/Prost (Rebellion-Toyota) 1m 52.431s
8 Belicchi/Kraihamer/Leimer (Rebellion-Toyota) 1m 53.314s
9 Canal/Pla/Rusinov (Ligier-Nissan) 1m 54.327s
10 Bradley/Howson/Imperatori (Oreca-Nissan) 1m 55.301s

Photo credit: Audi Communications - Motorsport

 

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FIA WEC: Porsche leads Toyota and Audi after free practice three

By Johan Laubscher

The third and final free practice session at Shanghai concluded with Porsche topping the time sheets for the first time.

Toyota had been fastest during the first two sessions, but the #20 Porsche 919 Hybrid set the fastest time during the third session. The two Toyota TS 040 Hybrids placed second and third (#8 and #7), ahead of the two Audi Sport Team Joest Audi R18 e-tron quattro cars that were split by the #14 Porsche in fifth.

As was the case during the second session, it was again the #1 Audi R18 e-tron quattro that was the fastest of the two Audis, driven by Tom Kristensen, Lucas di Grassi and Loïc Duval to the fourth fastest time. Sixth fastest was the #2 Audi with Marcel Fässler, André Lotterer and Benoît Tréluyer.

The results can be seen HERE.

Qualifying will be taking place next at 07h20, followed by the six-hour race tomorrow. We wish the best of luck to Audi Sport Team Joest and its drivers.

Photo credit: Audi Communications - Motorsport

 

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FIA WEC: Toyota remains ahead of Audi and Porsche after free practice two

By Johan Laubscher

The second free practice for the 6 Hours of Shanghai concluded with a familiar look on the time sheets. The session was red flagged and stopped early due to poor visibility out on track.

Toyota once again topped the times with a 1-2 for their two TS 040 Hybrid cars. It was again the #8 Toyota that set the fastest time ahead of their teammates in the #7 Toyota.

Audi Sport Team Joest again occupied positions three and four. This time round it was the #1 Audi R18 e-tron quattro of Tom Kristensen, Lucas di Grassi and Loïc Duval in third position, ahead of the #2 Audi with Marcel Fässler, André Lotterer and Benoît Tréluyer.

Porsche #20 placed fifth and Porsche #14 rounded out the top six.

The results can be seen HERE.

The second free practice session concluded the track running for Friday. Free practice three and qualifying will be taking place tomorrow.

Photo credit: Audi Communications - Motorsport

 

 

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FIA WEC: Toyota leads Audi and Porsche after first free practice at Shanghai

By Johan Laubscher

Round six of the FIA World Endurance Championship has gotten underway at Shanghai International Circuit in China.

At 10h45 local time the twenty-seven car field went out on track for the first free practice session. The three LMP1 manufacturer teams were paired with their cars in the top six, the two Toyotas leading the pair of Audi and Porsche cars.

Toyota topped the time sheets with a 1-2. The #8 Toyota TS 040 Hybrid lead ahead of their teammates in the #7 Toyota.

Audi Sport Team Joest occupied positions three and four with their Audi R18 e-tron quattro cars. The #2 Audi squad of Marcel Fässler, André Lotterer and Benoît Tréluyer were third fastest, ahead of the #1 Audi with Tom Kristensen, Lucas di Grassi and Loïc Duval.

The #20 and #14 Porsche 919 Hybrid cars placed fifth and sixth respectively.

The results can be seen HERE.

Friday’s track running will conclude with the second free practice at 15h30 local time, ahead of free practice three and qualifying tomorrow.

Photo credit: Audi Communications - Motorsport

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FIA WEC: World Endurance Championship visits Audi’s largest market

Audi Press Release

•     Final sprint in FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC)
•     China is Audi’s largest sales market
•     Audi victorious in 6-hour race at Shanghai a year ago

Ingolstadt, October 27, 2014 – The FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) is wound up to a high pitch. Within the space of three weeks, sports car fans have been thrilled by the lead in the manufacturers’ championship changing twice. Following two one-two victories in succession, Audi had taken the top spot in the standings at the season’s midpoint. Although the brand had to relinquish its lead in the race in Japan, it remains in striking distance of the leader of the standings. Now the World Championship decision is coming to a head, as the sixth of eight WEC races is on the agenda at Shanghai on November 2.

The brand with the four rings is separated by merely eight points from leader of the standings Toyota in the manufacturers’ classification, while the brand’s advantage over the third-placed brand, Porsche, is 66 points. A total of 132 points are yet to be awarded until the finale. The WEC round in China has special significance for Audi for several reasons. The track is regarded as very challenging, the team achieved victory there last year, and the ‘Middle Kingdom’ has evolved into the largest sales market for AUDI AG. In China, the company delivered 415,704 automobiles between January and September – 16 percent more than a year ago. Audi operates production sites in the cities of Changchun and Foshan.

Its extreme configuration makes this race track unique. The Shanghai International Circuit features the longest corners in the motorsport world in the form of helical bends. In addition, the sequence of several long straights, interrupted by very narrow turns, results in a downright ‘stop-and-go’ rhythm that provides good overtaking opportunities. A year ago, the brand with the four rings scored its first victory in Mainland China: Marcel Fässler/André Lotterer/Benoît Tréluyer (CH/D/F) decided an extremely thrilling 6-hour race in the WEC in their favor with an advantage of 15.374 seconds. In addition, the brand, in 2013, recorded an early win of the drivers’ world championship by Loïc Duval/Tom Kristensen/Allan McNish (F/DK/GB) there. This year, the FIA WEC is more thrilling than ever before because an early decision of the title is mathematically impossible in China in the manufacturers’ championship and highly improbable in the drivers’ championship.

The Chinese racing fans can look forward not only to seeing the two WEC sports cars from Ingolstadt and Neckarsulm. On the first weekend in November, the Audi R8 LMS Cup will be held there as well. In 2012, the series was Audi’s first one-make cup in Asia. Thrilling close battles between the 570-hp GT race cars are guaranteed in rounds 9 and 10 of the season, as the decisive stage in the contest for the title has begun in the Cup too.

In Germany, fans can watch the final stage of the WEC race live on Sunday, November 2, from 8.30 to 10.00 on the TV channel Eurosport. Audi will be providing reports about all practice and qualifying sessions and the race on Facebook (AudiSport), Twitter (@Audi__Sport), and a news ticker at www.audi-motorsport.info and on the Audi Sport App.

Topics of the weekend

-How will last year’s winners Marcel Fässler, André Lotterer and Benoît Tréluyer fare in China?
-Will Loïc Duval, Lucas di Grassi and Tom Kristensen again be running in front of their team-mates, as they last did in Japan?
-How many points will Audi be able to score in China?

Quotes by the officials

Dr. Wolfgang Ullrich (Head of Audi Motorsport): “The Chinese market is one of the most important ones for us on an international scale. Therefore, we’re committed to our claim of making a successful appearance there in motorsport as well. A year ago, we managed to decide the round at Shanghai in our favor with a very good showing and a strong team performance, although the track doesn’t suit our race car concept particularly well. This year, we’re again going to leave no stone unturned to achieve a good result.”

Chris Reinke (Head of LMP): “The WEC race at Shanghai has a special significance for us. China as a market has long become something like a second home for Audi. As we’re always received with open arms, we’re traveling there with great enthusiasm. Even though the prerequisites are anything but easy, we’re set on battling for the top spot like last year.”

Ralf Jüttner (Team Director Audi Sport Team Joest): “Although Shanghai wasn’t easy for us in the past season, we won. In the second half of the race in changing track conditions and with clever tire management we were able to turn the tide in our favor. That was a sensational success and gives us tremendous motivation this year.”

Facts and quotes by the Audi drivers

Lucas di Grassi (30/BR), Audi R18 e-tron quattro #1 (Audi Sport Team Joest)
-Has mounted the podium three times this year
“Shanghai is an amazing track that I know from Formula One. Driving a race in this metropolis is a real highlight. And everybody knows how important the country is for Audi. I can hardly wait to drive the R18 e-tron quattro on this track for the first time.”

Loïc Duval (32/F), Audi R18 e-tron quattro #1 (Audi Sport Team Joest)
-Became World Champion last year with Tom Kristensen and Allan McNish in China
“I’m looking forward to China because Tom Kristensen, Allan McNish and I won the drivers’ world championship there. China was a success for our whole team as well. In the end, Audi decided a very thrilling race in their favor.”

Tom Kristensen (47/DK), Audi R18 e-tron quattro #1 (Audi Sport Team Joest)
-Was previously on the grid with Audi in the DTM, ILMC and WEC racing series in China
“I’ve been competing with Audi for many years in China. The enthusiastic Chinese fans are becoming more and more knowledgeable about motorsport every year. And they have close ties to our brand. The track is very special. For example, it has the world’s longest corner following the start and finish. It’s so long that we divide it into sections 1 and 2. This event is fantastic and we’re set on achieving a good result.”

Marcel Fässler (38/CH), Audi R18 e-tron quattro #2 (Audi Sport Team Joest)
-Celebrated victory a year ago in China with André Lotterer and Benoît Tréluyer
“The memories of last year are still very much alive. Audi Sport Team Joest’s strategy was excellent and Benoît Tréluyer’s recovery remarkable. We’re traveling to Shanghai with great motivation, knowing that every point counts.”

André Lotterer (32/D), Audi R18 e-tron quattro #2 (Audi Sport Team Joest)
-Is in third place of the drivers’ standings together with his team-mates
“Winning in China a year ago was a brilliant experience. It was particularly great for Audi also because the market is so important. Our team-mate Benoît Tréluyer was running incredibly well last year. Now we’re going to give our very best again.”

Benoît Tréluyer (37/F), Audi R18 e-tron quattro #2 (Audi Sport Team Joest)
-Set the fastest race lap in China last year
“At Shanghai in 2013, we made a strong showing. The pace was right. Now we’d like to continue that, even though we know that this is no mean feat because the track doesn’t suit our current car. In the battle for the title, the crucial stage is coming up now. Of course we’re going to give everything to come home with trophies.”

The Audi drivers at Shanghai

Lucas di Grassi (BR): * Aug 11, 1984 in São Paulo (BR), residence: Monaco (MC); married to Anna; height: 1.79 m; weight: 75 kg; Audi driver since 2012; Le Mans victories: 0; WEC races: 8; WEC victories: 0; WEC pole positions: 0; fastest WEC laps: 1; best result WEC Shanghai: -

Loïc Duval (F): * Jun 12, 1982 in Chartres (F); residence: Geneva (CH); married to Gaëlle, two sons (Hugo and Martin); height: 1.78 m; weight: 70 kg; Audi driver since 2012; Le Mans victories: 1; WEC races: 15; WEC victories: 4; WEC pole positions: 2; fastest WEC laps: 1; best result WEC Shanghai: 3

Marcel Fässler (CH): * May 27, 1976 in Einsiedeln (CH); residence: Gross (CH); married to Isabel, four daughters (Shana, Elin, Yael and Delia); height: 1.78 m; weight: 78 kg; Audi driver since 2008; Le Mans victories: 3; WEC races: 21; WEC victories: 8; WEC pole positions: 2; fastest WEC laps: 1; best result WEC Shanghai: 1

Tom Kristensen (DK): * Jul 07, 1967 in Hobro (DK); residence: Hobro (DK); single (partner: Hanne), two sons (Oliver and Oswald) and one daughter (Carla Marlou); height: 1.74 m; weight: 72 kg; Audi driver since 2000, Le Mans victories: 9; WEC races: 21; WEC victories: 4; WEC pole positions: 0; fastest WEC laps: 2; best result WEC Shanghai: 2

André Lotterer (D): * Nov 19, 1981 in Duisburg (D); residence: Tokyo (J); single; height: 1.84 m; weight: 74 kg; Audi driver since 2010; Le Mans victories: 3; WEC races: 21; WEC victories: 8; WEC pole positions: 4; fastest WEC laps: 6; best result WEC Shanghai: 1

Benoît Tréluyer (F): * Dec 07, 1976 in Alençon (F); residence: Gordes (F); married to Melanie, one son (Jules); height: 1.78 m; weight: 68 kg; Audi driver since 2010; Le Mans victories: 3; WEC races: 21; WEC victories: 8; WEC pole positions: 3; fastest WEC laps: 2; best result WEC Shanghai: 1

All Shanghai winners (since 2012)

2012 Lapierre/Wurz (Toyota)
2013 Fässler/Lotterer/Tréluyer (Audi)

Track info

Track length: 5.451 km
Race duration: 6 hours
Qualifying record on this track: Nicolas Lapierre/Alexander Wurz (Toyota), 1m 48.013s (181.678 km/h), Nov 08, 2013
Race record on this track: Nicolas Lapierre (Toyota), 1m 48.815s (180.339 km/h), Oct 28, 2012
Pole position 2013: Nicolas Lapierre/Alexander Wurz (Toyota), 1m 48.013s (181.678 km/h), Nov 08, 2013
Fastest lap 2013: Benoît Tréluyer (Audi), 1m 49.066s (179.924 km/h), Nov 9, 2013

FIA WEC World Championship titles
2012 Marcel Fässler/André Lotterer/Benoît Tréluyer (Audi)
2013 Loïc Duval/Tom Kristensen/Allan McNish (Audi)

Tom Kristensen about the track at Shanghai

“Shanghai has unique characteristics. There are two corners featuring the shape of a helix. The first turn closes and another one opens this way. After the start and finish section, we brake from 270 km/h down to 85 km/h while the radius becomes increasingly narrow. Conversely, we accelerate in the second helix from 80 to 180 km/h. Two fast and several slow turns are in between. A long straight, on which we reach a speed of 290 km/h, is followed by what is arguably the narrowest section on the calendar, which we drive through at 55 km/h. This is followed by a left-hand turn and then we pass the start and finish. The rhythm heavily changes on a single lap. The engineers have to work out a good compromise for us in the set-up.”

Schedule (local times; CET = –7 hours)

Friday, October 31
10.45–12.15 Free practice 1
15.30–17.00 Free practice 2

Saturday, November 1
09.30–10.30 Free practice 3
13.55–14.20 Qualifying LMP1 and LMP2

Sunday, November 2
11.00–17.00 6-hour race

Photo credit: Audi Communications - Motorsport

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