German Car Scene

Audi confirms hybrid drive for Le Mans

Posted 3rd February, 2012 in Audi, Motorsport | Leave a comment

In an effort to continue as the most successful brand in the race’s recent history, Audi has confirmed that it will be using hybrid power for the first time at this year’s 24 Hours of Le Mans.

Four LMP1 sports cars will be taken to the 80th running of this iconic marathon, with two of those machines featuring hybrid drive. “To develop the hybrid technology for Le Mans is at least as ambitious and challenging as our diesel project was in its early stages. The first test results are very encouraging and we are intrigued to see just how this technology performs,” said explains Dr. Wolfgang Ullrich, Head of Audi Motorsport.

The new Audi sports prototype will make its début at the end of February before competing in the 6-hour race at Spa-Francorchamps on May 5. It will then be heading to Circuit de la Sarthe in a bid to win an eleventh 24 Hours of Le Mans since 2000. This year, the race takes place on June 16–17.

[Source: Audi Motorsport]