“A new partner has now joined the project: the logo of the renowned watchmaker TAG Heuer will be featured on the Audi R15 TDI,” said a statement from the multiple Le Mans winner earlier today.
And speaking of the Audi R15 TDI, the German manufacturer confirmed that the car has been intensively revised during the course of this winter amid the new technical rules imposed for the Le Mans racing. As of 2010, air restrictors will have a smaller diameter as compared to the 2009 season, while the supercharging pressure for diesel-powered vehicles has been reduced.
Consequently, Audi proceeded to heavy modifications on the R15's bodywork (including a split nose) in order to improve the aerodynamics for the 2010 season. Additionally, the car's cooling and fuel tank system have been revised to cope with the new regulations.
“Our objective was to keep power loss to a minimum despite the limitations imposed by the regulations. We managed to do that through a lot of detailed work,” said Ulrich Baretzky, Head of Engine Technology at Audi Sport.
“After Le Mans 2009, our specifications for the R15 plus listed about 20 key items. Efficiency and reliability were at the top of the list but we also looked at details like improved nighttime lighting of the track. We were able to meet this wish of the drivers with a new headlight concept,” added Dr. Martin Mühlmeier, Head of Technology at Audi Sport.
After already testing the new car in Germany and the United States, Audi plans to further check their aerodynamic package prior to the June race, at Le Castellet and Spa-Francorchamps.
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