Audi dominantly began the weekend. In all practice sessions, the R18 hybrid sports car was in front and in qualifying, both race cars of Audi Sport Team Joest locked out the first row. The race started strong as well. In air temperatures of 36 degrees centigrade, the Audi drivers built a near-one minute advantage over their best rivals. Initially, Marcel Fässler (CH) and subsequently André Lotterer (D) were leading in car number 7 before Lucas di Grassi in number 8 took the lead.
His teammate Loïc Duval managed the fastest lap of the race. On lap 99, he lost the lead when an electrical issue disabled his Audi for about 50 seconds. Subsequently, the Frenchman pitted earlier than planned because his drink system was no longer functional. When race control imposed a full course yellow shortly afterwards, the rivals gained valuable time during their pit stops. Finally, in the fifth hour of the race, Lucas di Grassi shortly after his scheduled pit stop had to pit again to have an open door closed. On finishing, di Grassi, Duval and Oliver Jarvis were trailing the winner by only 23 seconds.