Andre Lotterer admits Audi's third straight WEC title unrealistic

The German, who with team-mates Benoit Treluyer and Marcel Fassler is the closest challenger to points leaders Sebastien Buemi and Anthony Davidson, believes that the Toyota duo "have the title in the bag" after scoring their fourth victory of the season at Shanghai last weekend.

"We are pretty realistic about our chances," Lotterer told AUTOSPORT in the wake of the points deficit extending to 42 ahead of the final two WEC rounds in Bahrain and Brazil later this month.

"It is unrealistic that we can win it now, but we are going to stay optimistic to keep our motivation up for the last two races and keep on pushing."

Buemi and Davidson lead Lotterer, Treluyer and Fassler by 147 points to 105.

With 52 points available over the final two races, Buemi and Davidson only require the 10 points for a fifth-place finish to secure the title in Bahrain on November 15 even if the Audi line-up wins the race and takes the point for pole position.

Another maximum for the Lotterer, Treluyer and Fassler and a retirement for Buemi and Davidson at the Interlagos finale on November 30 would leave the two crews equal on 157 points, but the Toyota duo would take the title on count-back.

Each line-up would then have four wins apiece, but the next best result for Buemi and Davidson would be their third position at the Le Mans 24 Hours, whereas it would be the Audi drivers' fourth position from Shanghai.

The battle for the LMP1 manufacturers' crown is significantly closer courtesy of Audi's one-two at the double-points Le Mans round in June.

Audi's total of 197 points means that it is only 29 points behind Toyota on 226, with a total of 88 still to play for.

WEC DRIVERS' STANDINGS: