The Audi “factory” team competes for a second time at Le Mans this year: Following the historical triumph with the R10 TDI diesel sportscar at the 24 Hour race in June, the Audi A4 DTM now celebrates its Le Mans début. From 13 to 15 October, the most popular international touring car series makes it first appearance ever at one of the world’s most historical circuits.
Audi has inscribed its name in both the French town’s and motorsport’s history books with six victories in the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Le Mans is also something very special for Tom Kristensen who is the only Audi driver who can still steal the DTM title from championship leader Bernd Schneider: As seven-time winner of the “24 Heures”, the Audi factory driver is the most successful driver in Le Mans history. Furthermore, he won the 1000-kilometre race around the Bugatti Circuit at Le Mans with the Audi R8 at the end of 2003.
The DTM races on the 4.180-kilometre Bugatti circuit configuration. The permanent track, which also hosts the French Motorcycle Grand Prix, uses the start-finish straight of the legendary 24 Hour circuit. The DTM cars also speed through the world-famous Dunlop Curve. The chicane leading to the start and finish line is also a part of both circuit layouts.
Le Mans is like a second home to Tom Kristensen. Every June, tens-of-thousands of Danish fans make the pilgrimage to Le Mans to cheer on their fellow countryman. Since toppling Jacky Ickx from his throne, the Dane and new “King of Le Mans” with seven wins, is also an absolute superstar in France.
Kristensen is the only one of the 20 DTM drivers to have driven a DTM car twice at Le Mans: The Dane presented his Siemens Audi A4 DTM to the spectators just before the start of this year’s 24 Hour race in June. Kristensen chauffeured journalists around the Bugatti Circuit in the Audi A4 DTM during a PR event at the end of September.
After an unfortunate race at Barcelona where Kristensen was the only driver of the latest Audi A4 DTM to leave without scoring points, he still has a slim title chance: The Dane must finish no lower than second if he wants to carry the fight to the finale at Hockenheim on 29 October.
The aim is clear: Audi wants to add a DTM victory to its winning streak at Le Mans and become the first manufacturer this season to win three successive DTM races.
“Das Erste” broadcasts Saturday’s qualifying (14 October) from 2:00 p.m. and the race “live” from Le Mans on Sunday (15 October) from 1:45 p.m.
Technorati Tags: Audi, DTM, A4, R10, Le Mans, Bugatti
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