“The combination of efficiency, engine power and reliability of the Audi power-plant was the crucial factor in the decision by the panel of judges, consisting of 50 international engine experts, that was used by a specialized British publishing house to select the award winner for the 2010 season,” according to Audi Motorsport.
The V10 saw its last outing during this weekend’s 12-hour race at Sebring, as part of the ALMS. At the event, which attracted more than 100,000 spectators, guests of Audi USA enjoyed a very special view of the track as they were given the opportunity to watch the race from the two-story “Turn 1 Club” on the inside of the first turn.
Mike Rockenfeller, Audi factory driver for the Le Mans Series, said this when asked if the R15 TDI’s last outing was anything special: “Absolutely. Naturally, we would have liked to achieve a successful conclusion of the R15’s career. The car really handled superbly at Sebring but, unfortunately, we missed victory. We need to get past this now and look ahead.”
As a result of new LMP1 prototype regulations, all new models such as the Audi R18 are limited to 3.7-liter capacity. As a result, the V10-powered R15 TDI will be forced to draw air through two intake-air restrictors of 33.5 millimeter diameter – four millimeters less than before. The boost pressure was also been restricted by 23 percent to 2,000 millibar (2,590 millibar was allowed before).
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