More woes for Audi's No. 7

The pole position car, which carried the hopes of Tom Kristensen, Allan McNish and Capello, has dropped back to fourth position as a result and is now 11 laps behind the leader after it needed a new rear lower left wishbone.

"I got hit very badly at Indianapolis," said Capello, who did not identify the car that hit him, although the Convers Menx Team Ferrari 550 came in to repair front damage around the same time.

"I overtook a car on the inside and then he hit me. I am very disappointed, and I did not expect that. I was just lucky not to spin and keep the car on the track.

"There was a lot of damage. The left rear wishbone needed to be replaced."

Kristensen, who ias chasing a record eighth Le Mans victory this year, was forced to bring the diesel-powered car in while running second in the fourth hour of the race, dropping to 13th and out of contention.

But between the efforts of the Dane, McNish and Capello, the car had fought its way back up to a podium position, and well-placed to strike should misfortune befall the sister car that leads the race and the second-placed Pescarolo.

But despite the huge lap deficit, Capello said the crew of Audi No. 7 has not given up: "It will be difficult from here now, but we are here to race."