Audi R15 TDI Race Car Livery Unveiled

Audi describes the new livery for their uprated R15 TDI as "pleasure in efficiency". If all goes as planned, the Ingolstadt boys might as well describe it as 'the pleasure of kicking Peugeot's ass all over the French countryside.'

Inside of the company, Audi refers to the new R15 TDI as the "R15 plus" to signify the car's upgraded mechanicals. How upgraded? Well, Audi is not saying (but they no doubt will if they win). The "R15 plus" is just the latest of Audi's diesel endurance prototype race cars.

When they first rolled out the Audi R10 TDI at Le Mans, the racer was so forcefully quick, that competitors griped to the ACO to change the regulations so the gasoline and ethanol-fueled cars could keep up. The ACO didn't, and the Audi TDIs were king of the hill until Peugeot came along with their diesels and won. And yes, this made Audi very, very angry.

So, enter the Audi Sport Team Joest "R15 plus". Its first race in anger will be at the season opener in Le Castellet at Paul Ricard this weekend. Think of it as both a race, and a shake down run before of the Big Race in Le Mans June 12-13.

"The race at Le Castellet comes at a very early point in time for us and is nothing but a test in racing conditions. Even though it’s a difficult logistical undertaking, we wanted to gather experiences with the R15 plus at a race as early as possible. Le Castellet offers the opportunity to do this," related Ralf Jüttner, Technical Director of Audi Sport Team Joest.

The drivers for Sport Team Joest this season include endurance racing greats like Dindo Capello, Tom Kristensen, and Allan McNish. It is not yet certain all three drivers will take to the track at Le Castellet, but I wouldn't be surprised if all three make it out.

And for Le Mans? Expect Audi to come out swinging. Everything I've read said that the team was pretty badly miffed at loosing last year.

Source: Motor Authority