Drivers happy with R10's first test

The German manufacturer is entering the 12 Hours of Sebring even in March, in preparation for the prestigious 24 Hours of Le Mans event in June.

Capello lapped the Florida track just over four seconds slower than the pace setters of the day, Lucas Luhr in the Penske-run Porsche Spyder, and teammate Biela said: "What impressed me is that everything worked that should work.

"When I got in the R8 in 1998 for the first time, everything worked. We know how difficult it is to build a race car. And it was very impressive to me with the R10.

"We are going for the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Performance and reliability have to work together. That's why we're here.

"We're happy to be in the car to sort things out. We have to make sure it feels good and runs well. There are a lot of things to do to get ready for Sebring and for Le Mans."

Biela was also impressed with the power output of the new diesel engine.

"We do have more power with the engine," he added. "That makes the drivability even better. You get the power quite easily, and that makes it more enjoyable.

"It's easier if you have a little more torque. You don't have to shift down as much. Here, it is maybe two or three shifts less than in the R8."