Grapevine: R10 loses out to Harrier jet

Audi's LMP1 prototype came within 0.1 seconds of beating a Harrier GR7 multi-role combat aircraft in a one-km race at RAF Wittering in England.

The manufacturers' regular American Le Mans Series driver Allan McNish was behind the wheel of car, which was pitted against the Harrier on an adjacent runways.

Both started from standing - something the R10 doesn't usually have to do in sportscar racing - and the lighter R10 was quicker off the line.

However, the jet, piloted by Flight Lieutenant Pete Keenlyside, just beat McNish over the finish line before it started to climb vertically.

"I had a practice run against the Harrier moments before the race 'proper' and I came very close to beating it - it was a very close run contest," said McNish.

"It was essentially a 'fun' race but when a racing driver and a pilot get together it quickly becomes serious. 

"For our diesel-powered Audi, which we didn't modify or prepare specifically for this event in any way, to come so close to beating a Harrier jet-fighter I believe was a tremendous achievement once again for TDI power."

The contest was part of the annual Family & Friends Day at the RAF base near Peterborough.