Audi newsletter 2009-05-10

Audi R8 LMS celebrates two wins in ADAC GT Masters

ADAC GT Masters: ABT Sportsline gave the new Audi R8 LMS its first two victories in the ADAC GT Masters at Assen in the Netherlands. In both races Christian Abt and his new team mate Jan Seyffarth prevailed in a heartbeat final. On Saturday Abt repelled an attack on the final lap from Cesar Campanico (Team Rosberg), who together with Nicolas Armindo made the Audi one-two perfect. In the second race Jan Seyffarth overtook the leading Corvette on the last lap. The impressive performance of the new GT3 sportscar from AUDI AG was completed by Michael Outzen and Henri Moser (Phoenix Racing) in fourth and third positions. Campanico/Armindo retired from the second race due to collision damage. Christian Abt took the overall championship lead following his two victories.

Audi R8 LMS also triumphant in Belgium

Belgian GT Championship: The Audi R8 LMS also celebrated its first victory in the Belgian GT Championship. As support event to the 1000-kilometer race at Spa-Francorchamps Jean-Francois Hemroulle and Tim Verbergt (Phoenix Racing) benefitted in the first of the two races from a stop-and-go penalty awarded to the leading Viper. The first 15 minutes of the second race were held behind the safety car due to early morning fog. In their Audi R8 LMS Hemroulle and Verbergt edged closer and closer to the leading Viper on the drying track, but had to settle for second place. The two Audi drivers took the lead in the overall standings.

R8 claims podium result on debut in France

French GT Championship: Team Oreca made an impressive debut with the Audi R8 LMS in the French GT Championship. Yvan Lebon recorded a podium finish in the first of the two races at Dijon with the support of five-time Le Mans winner Frank Biela. In the second race Biela and Lebon once again battled with the leading group before they dropped back to sixth in the closing stages due to a fuel supply problem.

Team Kolles scores points with both Audi R10 TDI

LMS: Team Kolles showed improving form in the second race of the European based Le Mans Series. At the 1000-kilometer race at Spa-Francorchamps (Belgium) the German privateer team brought home both Audi R10 TDI in the points. Narain Karthikeyan, Andy Meyrick and Charles Zwolsman finished the race in sixth position. Christijan Albers, Christian Bakkerud and Giorgio Mondini lost time following an unscheduled pit stop after being victims in a collision, but were nevertheless able to work their way up to seventh at the flag. For Team Kolles the race was also a dress rehearsal for the 24 Hours of Le Mans on June 13/14.

Coming up next week

... DTM press conference with Audi "factory" drivers Mattias Ekstrom and Martin Tomczyk in Hockenheim (Thursday)

... Rounds 3 and 4 of the FIA European GT3 Championship at Adria (Saturday)

... Round 1 of the DTM at Hockenheim (Sunday)

-credit: dtm