In a remarkable showcase at the Le Mans 24 Hours, Audi achieved a significant milestone by claiming all three top positions on the starting grid. This feat marks a first in the event's lengthy 90-year history, setting the stage for what promises to be an electrifying race weekend.
The Audi R18e-tronquattro cars displayed formidable performance throughout the qualifying rounds. The intelligent integration of TDI power combined with the quattro drive system proved superior on the 13.629-kilometer circuit in Western France. "This is a nice way to start the weekend. Especially as all three cars set their fastest times during the normal preparation for the race," said Dr. Wolfgang Ullrich, Head of Audi Motorsport. He emphasized the importance of the preparation leading to this success: "This is what we concentrated on in all the practice sessions so that all the drivers would be one-hundred-percent happy with the car."
Leading the charge, French driver Loïc Duval claimed pole position, clocking in with an impressive lap time of 3m 22.349s during Wednesday’s session. The time remained unbeaten through Thursday's final qualifying session. This not only marks Duval's first pole at Le Mans but also represents Audi's eighth pole in the event's history, signifying their continued dominance at this prestigious endurance race. "It’s a great feeling to be on pole position for the first time here. I'm excited about the race," Duval shared.
Joining him on the front row is the number ‘1’ Audi R18e-tronquattro, last year's winners Marcel Fässler, André Lotterer, and Benoît Tréluyer. Lotterer, after significantly improving his time during the final qualifying, expressed satisfaction with their car's performance. "It was challenging with the weather conditions, but I managed to find a good rhythm. It feels great to start from a strong position," he noted.
The third position was secured by the number ‘3’ Audi R18e-tronquattro team, comprising Lucas di Grassi, Marc Gené, and Oliver Jarvis. Veteran driver Marc Gené recorded their fastest lap of 3m 24.341s, laying a solid foundation for a competitive race. Gené reflected on the conditions, stating, "It was tricky with several disruptions, but we maximized what we could to secure a good spot on the grid."
Despite moments of tension throughout qualifying, including several red flags due to incidents on track, Audi's teams managed to refine their setups effectively. Their ability to adapt during such challenging circumstances showcases not only their engineering prowess but also the skill of their drivers.
As the race approaches, there will be an additional warm-up session on Saturday morning before the event kicks off at 15:00 CEST. Motorsports fans can anticipate extensive coverage, with multiple broadcasters offering live footage, including Eurosport and online platforms like www.audi-motorsport.com and www.lemans-tv.com.
The anticipation is building as Audi prepares for another legendary race at Le Mans, a testament to their relentless pursuit of excellence in motorsport. The last-minute adjustments and thorough preparation have set the stage for a thrilling competition, and all eyes will be on Audi as they aim to maintain their position at the pinnacle of endurance racing.
