Audi has announced its intention to enter cars with hybrid drive systems at Le Mans this year. A total of four cars - two conventional and two hybrid - will be entered in the historic endurance event and selected other races in the FIA World Endurance Championship.
Head of Motorsport at Audi, Dr Wolfgang Ulrich, describes the development of the hybrid racing car as being at least as challenging as developing the diesel cars. Initial tests have apparently been encouraging and the company is looking forward to seeing how the drivetrain technology works with the 'ultra light technology' on the race track.
Audi Sport Team Jouest has entered two R18 TDI cars for the FIA World Endurance Championship. Additional cars will run in the 12-hour race at Sebring and the six-hour event at Spa Francorchamps; the latter doubling as a dress-rehearsal for Le Mans for the Audi team.
For Le Mans the cars will carry the race numbers 1 and 2 (hybrid) and 3 and 4. The regulations require one driver per car to be nominated. André Lotterer, Allan McNish, Timo Bernhard and Oliver Jarvis have been named as part of the team.
The Audi Sports Prototypes with hybrid drive will be presented to at the end of February with a competition debut at Spa Francorchamps on 5th May. The World Endurance Championship kicks off on 17th March at Sebring.