At the wheel of the two diesel sportscars will be Timo Bernhard/Romain Dumas/Mike Rockenfeller (D/F/D), last year’s Le Mans winners, as well as Dindo Capello/Allan McNish/Tom Kristensen (I/GB/DK), Le-Mans winners from 2008.
The new LMP1 prototype regulations limit engine displacement for new models such as the Audi R18, which will contest its first race in May, to 3.7 liters. As a result, the V10-powered R15 TDI will be forced to draw air through two intake-air restrictors of 33.5 millimeter (1.31 inches) diameter – four millimeters (0.16 inches) less than before.
The boost pressure has also been restricted by 23 percent to 2,000 millibar (2,590 millibar was allowed before). Meanwhile, the fuel tank may only hold 65 liters, while the fuel flow restrictor in the autonomous refueling tank was also reduced by five to 28 millimeters (1.1 inches).
“The drivers felt the engine restrictions very clearly during the test in Florida. They miss several dozen horsepower,” explains Ralf Juttner, Technical Director of Audi Sport Team Joest. “The reduction in tank volume sounds drastic at first, but the engine obviously also consumes less. The slower flow rate from the external tank means that pit stops will certainly not be any shorter despite the smaller fuel tank volume.”
The R15 made is debut at Sebring two years ago and celebrated its premiere there with a victory, the ninth for Audi in this traditional event that takes place in US state of Florida since 2000.
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