British aces promise 'flat-out' scrap

The pair, who go head to head for Audi and Peugeot respectively, are certain that it will be a close race between the two heavyweight manufacturers. Both used the term 'flat-out sprint' in their predictions for the big race that starts at 3pm local time on Saturday.

McNish, who is teamed with his 2008 Le Mans co-winners Tom Kristensen and Rinaldo Capello in the #3 Audi R18 TDI, said: "Everything points to it being really close. I see all six factory cars having the speed to be fighting with each other right through the race.

"I think we are in for a hard weekend and that means the fans are in for a good weekend."

Davidson, who shares his Peugeot 908 with Alex Wurz and Marc Gene, said: "I want a good race and I think it will be a good race. The fans are in for a treat. This year's Le Mans has all the makings of a classic.

"Last year, our car was leading and we were controlling our advantage. That is a luxury we won't have this year. We had our electronic problem after eight hours, which was when the fight-back started. I am sure we are going to have to drive that way all race long this time.

"The same goes for the Audi drivers. When you drive at 100 percent, mistakes are made. That's what is going to make it so interesting."

Read our head-to-head with McNish and Davidson here.