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Audi hail 'historic' Le Mans victory

Head of Audi Sport Dr Wolfgang Ullrich has hailed Allan McNish, Tom Kristensen and Rinaldo Capello's victory in the Le Mans 24 Hours as a historic achievement

Ullrich, who masterminded an against-the-odds win over a strong challenge from factory Peugeot whose car proved faster for much of the event, revealed that he felt emotional after the No.2 Audi R10 TDI's dramatic victory in the rain-affected race.

"It's a real emotional one because it's not only been a very special race with extremely strong competition, it has also been the second time that Audi has had three consecutive wins, which means we get to keep the trophy," he said.

"The second one is entirely a diesel driven car - which makes it very rare!

"It is a historical day for the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the ACO, and for everyone. At the front was Peugeot and Audi but all the others have done quite a lot to make this race as good as it has been.

"I think we can all be proud of what we've done today because it is motorsport at its best."

Ullrich has yet to confirm whether Audi will build a replacement for their successful first generation diesel prototype, which was outclassed for pace throughout the Le Mans event by the Peugeot's closed roof 908 HDi.

But after confirming again that a decision will be taken in the last third of the year, he indicated that Audia are still considered Le Mans to be a significant part of their motorsport programme.

"I can tell you there's a big chance that we will be here because we have announced already last year our five-year programme," he said.

"We will have the final decision about the programme for next season, as usual, in the final months of the year. But in general, we have this programme for the next five years."

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