Audi S4s to Sebring

Auburn Hills, Mich. -- Michael Galati and Derek Bell are hoping to carry the momentum from Texas into round two of the Speedvision World Challenge GT Series at Sebring International Raceway.

After qualifying both cars in the top five at Texas Motorspeedway and Galati's win, the energized Champion team is off to a great start. Following the Galati win, the team is focusing on the unique attributes of the 3.7-mile legendary Sebring course. The 17-turn circuit will be a challenge for the Audi crew, but they are confident that the quattro drive of their S4s will be a definite advantage.

For Derek Bell, it is a return to the track where he has yet to win a race. Bell has amassed eight endurance victories - three at Daytona and five at Le Mans - but a win at the converted Florida airport circuit has eluded him. He will try to change his luck when he drives his Speedvision Legends of Motorsport/Audi S4 Competition on Friday, March 16.

Sebring quotes:

Derek Bell, #8 Legends of Motorsport/Audi S4 Competition: "I have never won there, but it would be ironic if I won it in an Audi. It is not the 12-hours, but it would be great to win at Sebring. I think the parity of the field will be very close. The quattro is always a great advantage in the corners and fast changes of direction, as in the esses. The Champion guys have done a great job on the cars, so they are a lot more tidy to drive."

Michael Galati, #9, Champion Audi/Audi S4 Competition: "I think we should be very competitive. Sebring is a nice mix of fast and slow corners where our quattro drive should work well. Our car will be particularly strong coming out of the hair-pin and in turn one. We should also be strong in the esses through turn 16 and onto back straight. There were are eight cars within two-tenths of each other in Texas so it will be good racing."

Rod Bymaster, manager Audi Sport North America: "We had a great start in Texas. Michael's win and Derek's impressive showing before his incident create a lot of promise for the season. Sebring will be a challenge for the team, and although it has been dry, I wouldn't rule out rain."

<pre> Season to date: Texas Galati qualifies third, finishes first, lead twelve laps Bell qualifies fourth, finishes thirteenth

</pre> The Speedvision race from the Texas Motorspeedway will be televised on March 16th at 8:30 p.m. on Speedvision.

- Kyle Chura