McNish expects stiff opposition

The diesel-powered car blitzed the field at March's Sebring 12 Hours, however this weekend will be the first time that McNish and the rest of the Audi drivers get to test the new machine at Le Mans' 8.4-mile circuit, when they take part in the race's official test day.

This Sunday is the only testing opportunity drivers and teams get before official qualifying gets underway on June 14.

"It is the first time we will be on track at Le Mans with our opposition and knowing their speed from last year's 24 hours and also the Le Mans Series, I will be keen to know how we compare," McNish said. "What I am certain of is that we will have a very hard battle on our hands.

"Technically we will need to try to get a base set up, verify what we have learned on other tracks in testing, get a feel for what we might need for the race as well as working with Michelin on the tyres for this unique race. This is always assuming we have dry weather."

Teams get eight hours of testing at the La Sarthe track, with a one-hour break for lunch.

"It is important that all six drivers in both cars complete as many laps as possible to get to grips with this daunting track and also the specifics of driving diesel power as there is not much time in the actual race week," he added.