Audi target winning debut for R10

Ullrich reckons that although there are no guarantees that they can continue their dominance of the event, where their previous R8 model won five out of the last six Le Mans 24 Hour races, their new R10 will be capable of challenging for victory.

The car will be the first diesel-powered sportscar going for outright victory in the event.

"We would like to build a car that enables us to win at Le Mans," Ullrich said.  "The preparation work is comprehensive. We have a great deal of experience developing the R8 and we want a car that allows us to win.

"Obviously we can't guarantee the victory but we built a team and car capable of winning the race in 2006."

Ullrich said that early estimations were that the car could be up to 30 per cent more fuel efficient than the R8, and that they could complete up to two laps more of the 8.451 km. circuit on one fuel load.

"The torque that it is delivered means that we can have fewer shifting operations as compared with the R8 - another benefit for the lap times," he added.

"At Le Mans on a dry road we are going to be able to do at least one or two laps more on a single tank."