Joest taking nothing for granted

The team conducted a 30-hour endurance run at Magny-Cours, high-speed runs at Audi's private test track and pit-stop practice to ensure that the 100-strong team is in perfect shape for the rigours of the most prestigious and demanding sportscar race in the world.

"Our preparation for Le Mans has been equally intense and detailed as in previous years," commented Dr Wolfgang Ulrich, boss of Audi Sport. "We are just as focussed as ever and not dwelling on our success. We have carefully developed the Audi R8, we have a great team of drivers who are particularly motivated for this race."

As in 2000, it's first Le Mans win, Audi has entered three works cars. These are built and prepared by Team Joest, and it too is taking nothing for granted.

"At Le Mans no one can guarantee a victory, not even with such good preparation," admitted team director Reinhold Joest. "We have done everything that could be done beforehand, now we just need that little bit of luck. Competing with three cars puts more pressure on the team but offers us an additional chance. Achieving three Le Mans victories in a row would be sensational."

Audi's three works car are driven by double champions Frank Biela, Tom Kristensen and Emanuele Pirro, the number two car of Rinaldo Capello, Johnny Herbert and Christian Pescatori and an all German-speaking line-up of Phillip Peter, Marco Werner and Michael Krumm.