Audi to Compete in the Le Mans International Cup with 2 R15 TDIs

In their latest statement for the press, German car maker Audi announced its motor racing programme for the 2010 season, emphasizing (as usual) the importance of sports car racing. While the DTM and 24 Hours of Le Mans will continue to be the main focus for Audi in 2010, the German car maker also confirmed its presence in the inaugural Le Mans Intercontinental Cup.

This competition will include the most important rounds of the Le Mans Series of Europe, USA and Asia and was created, according to the Audi statement, as a way to revive the World Championship for Makes.

The Le Mans International Cup will feature only 3 races throughout the 2010 season: the 1000-kilometer race at Silverstone (Great Britain), the "Petit Le Mans" race at Road Atlanta (USA) and an event on the Asian continent.

“Audi will contest the new Le Mans Intercontinental Cup in the 2010 season with two R15 TDI cars fielded by Audi Sport Team Joest. Three cars are planned for the 24-hour race at Le Mans on June 12/13. Audi Sport Team Joest plans also to contest the 1000-kilometer race at Spa-Francorchamps (Belgium), which Audi would like to use as a dress rehearsal for Le Mans, with three cars” said Audi in the press release.

“We welcome greatly the fact that the Automobile Club de l’Ouest (ACO) has announced the first international racing series for LMP1 vehicles. We are convinced that this motorsport category, which is particularly attractive from the perspective of technology, has prospects for a great future and fits our times well,” added Head of Audi Motorsport Dr. Wolfgang Ullrich.

Audi will also return to the Le Mans 24 Hours race with the sole thought of getting back their title, lost in 2009 to French rivals Peugeot. As a consequence of their 2009 failure, Audi proceeded to improving their R15 TDI prototype, which will be known as the “R15 Plus” in 2010.

In addition, Audi announced it will make their GT3 sports car available to all customer teams in 2010, while also providing "special support" for 2 Audi R8 LMS during the Nurburgring 24 Hours race.