Audi expect toughest race yet

Peugeot are returning to the race with their new diesel prototype coupe, which has won the first two rounds of the Le Mans Series, and Audi also expect the latest Pescarolo and Zytek chassis to be competitive.

"The race at Le Mans always poses a new challenge because it is completely different and new every year," said team boss Dr Wolfgang Ullrich.

"With Peugeot competing against us, we have a new, strong rival with a motorsport track record consistently marked by a high level of professionalism and success, who has already won twice at Le Mans.

"On the test day, Peugeot was roughly on a par with us, and the other LMP1 cars should not be underestimated either.

"Nevertheless, our goal is clear: we want to clinch the seventh Le Mans victory for Audi and demonstrate that TDI Power is the best technology and we have a great and well-proven team."

Technical director Ralf Juttner agrees that Audi face their toughest competition since their run of success at Le Mans began.

"This year, we've got even stronger rivals than before: Pescarolo has built a new car, and Zytek, as well, was very good in the tests, and of course there's Peugeot with the new diesel," said Juttner.

"They won the first two races they contested. The cars are fast. That will be a difficult challenge for us."

Marco Werner, who shared last year's winning car with Frank Biela and Emanuele Pirro, welcomed the increased competitiveness of the race.

"I think that we'll be seeing a very tough race this year," he said.

"There are three Audis competing and with Peugeot entering, we've got a serious rival. That's good for the sport, though, and makes the whole thing interesting. But it won't be easy for us."