New Audi completes first test

Marque stalwart Frank Biela drove the new evolution of the R8 sports-prototype in freezing conditions at a company test track.

'The car was super,' he said. 'It immediately felt right.'

Audi finished third in the famous 24-hour race in 1999 but they were a long way from the pace of the BMW's and Toyota's. However, great things are expected of their new car and the team will start among the favourites next season.

The cars will again be run by the experienced Joest team in 2000, and are due to make their debut at the Sebring 12 Hours on 18th March.

Biela will be joined in the team by fellow ex-Audi touring car stars Christian Abt, Rinaldo Capello and Emmanuele Pirro, plus F1 veteran Michele Alboreto and Honda BTCC new boy Tom Kristensen.

Audi Sport boss Dr Wolfgang Ulrich was delighted with the progress made:

'Our new car has been built by Audi Sport in record time,' he confirmed. 'That was a great team effort. We definitely wanted to have the first proper roll-out in 1999 so that we could start the test programme right at the beginning of next year.'