| April 7, 2001
Audi Heads to Donnington for Easter
Auburn Hills, Mich. -- On April 14th, BritainŽs Donington circuit hosts the
first of two American Le Mans Series (ALMS) rounds to be held in Europe. For
Team Audi Sport North America and its two Infineon Audi R8 cars, the 2:45
hour race on Easter weekend is not just the third round of the ALMS season -
it is the next step on the way to the season highlight in Le Mans in June.
"For the first time weŽll encounter several new competitors that are also
contesting Le Mans. For this reason, weŽll use this round as another way to
see how we measure up against them," explains Head of Audi Sport Dr Wolfgang
Ullrich.
Although Audi has proved unbeatable since July last year winning ten ALMS
races in a row, team director Reinhold Joest and his squad still have
something left to prove on European ground. At both European ALMS rounds last
year, the team had to settle for podium finishes. The last time the Audi R8
suffered defeat was in 2000 in torrential rain at the Nürburgring. At this
time of year, the weather conditions in the British Midlands could very well
be similar. However, for Head of Audi Sport Dr Wolfgang Ullrich, this is no
reason to worry. "WeŽve conducted rain tire tests with our partner Michelin
and are well prepared for all weather conditions."
"Still, I hope it doesnŽt rain", says Audi pilot Rinaldo Capello, who travels
to Britain as points leader after winning the first two ALMS races of this
season in Dallas and Sebring. "As opposed to my team mates, IŽve never raced
in Donington. So, IŽll have to learn the circuit really quickly, especially
considering that we have very little time to practice. At least I have Tom to
give me some tips."
Like Frank Biela and Emanuele Pirro, Tom Kristensen knows this demanding hill
and dale track inside out from his time in British touring cars. "Circuit
knowledge is a real advantage," claims Frank Biela who won five races on the
Donington track during his touring car career with Audi. "On the other hand,
we saw in Adelaide that the top pilots can adapt quickly to any track."
Stefan Johansson and his team will again put up a strong challenge against
the Audi works team at their European season debut. At the first race with
the 2000-spec R8, the Johansson team finished fourth behind the two works
Infineon Audi R8s and the private Audi customer Champion team.
Current driver points standings: Manufacturers: Audi Season To Date: |
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