McNish going all out for record

The Scot sealed the drivers' crown with teammate Dindo Capello last time out at Mosport, and can break their LMP1 wins record for a single season with success at Petit Le Mans on Saturday.

"We can race 100 per cent for victory now that we have tied up the title already," said McNish. "It would be fantastic to beat our own record in what has already been such a successful year."

McNish and Capello have scored five outright wins, and another class win, equalling the record they set back in 2000, when McNish was crowned champion in the Audi R8.

The ALMS field will be boosted by some European entries, including cars from Zytek and Creation, which could make the event less of an Audi benefit.

"I still hold the qualifying and race lap records at Road Atlanta from 2000," said McNish, "and I'm expecting the fast flowing nature of the circuit to suit the Audi R10.

"But it will also suit the Dyson Lolas, Porsches, and the cars coming over from Europe so it will be a tough 10 hours for us."

But the new champions' strongest opposition will probably come from the sister Audi, where Marco Werner will join regular drivers Emanuele Pirro and Frank Biela, recreating the team that won this year's Le Mans 24 Hours.