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Audi Confirms 2 Prototypes for the 2010 International Le Mans Cup

A few months back, the Automobile Club de l’Ouest (ACO) – organizers of the famous Le Mans 24 Hours race – announced the debut of a brand new series in the world of endurance racing. Focused on innovative drive concepts, new technology and reduced fuel consumption, the inaugural Intercontinental Le Mans Cup (ILMC) is due to begin on September 12, at Silverstone. The first season of the new series will be comprised of only 3 races, namely the 1000-kilometer race at Silverstone (Great Britain), the 1000-mile "Petit Le Mans" race at Road Atlanta (USA) and the 6-hour race at Zhuhai (China). Earlier today, German manufacturer Audi confirmed the two lineups and the technical package for the Silverstone opener. As expected, Audi Sport Team Joest will use this year's Le Mans 24 Hours winning Audi R15 TDI, a car that has set the fastest time in a 24-hour race at Le Mans in history back in June. As compared to the car used a couple of months back, the Audi R15 TDIs to compete in the ILMC will feature a modified aerodynamic package, aimed at improving the level of downforce of the car. Other technologies and features on the R15 TDI will include turbochargers with variable turbine geometry (VTG), LED lights for daytime driving or a lithium-ion battery with increased system voltage. “In view of the new ACO regulations that will come into effect in 2011 light-weight design combined with high strength and durability, energy recovery and fuel-efficient engines will become even more important than they’ve been in the past," said Dr. Wolfgang Ullrich, Head of Audi Motorsport. “Audi has been involved in sports prototype racing since 1999 and has had the vision of a worldwide racing series for these types of vehicles ever since. We’re delighted that the ACO is now translating this vision into reality. The Intercontinental Le Mans Cup gives us the opportunity to compete with our sports prototypes in very important markets,” added Ullrich. As for the lineups, Audi has announced the following: 1000 Kilometers Silverstone (Great Britain)
#7 Tom Kristensen (DK)/Allan McNish (GB)
#8 Timo Bernhard (D)/Dindo Capello (I)

Petit Le Mans, Road Atlanta (USA), Oct 02

#7 Dindo Capello (I)/Tom Kristensen (DK)/Allan McNish (GB)
#9 Marcel Fässler (CH)/André Lotterer (D)/Benoît Treluyer (F)

6 Hours of Zhuhai (China), Nov 07

#7 Tom Kristensen (DK)/Allan McNish (GB)
#8 Dindo Capello (I)/Romain Dumas (F)

Additionally, Audi also announced it is working on a new LMP1 sports car for the 2011 season, dubbed R18.
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