VIDEO: Le Mans 24 Hours highlights by Mobil 1 The Grid

A great video highlights about the 2014 Le Mans 24 Hours by the talented team at Mobil 1 The Grid.



Photo credit: Audi Media

VIDEO: Audi gives credits to Toyota and Porsche after an emotional 2014 Le Mans 24 Hours

A great video by the talented team at Audi Media. The Ingolstadt brand victorious at the Le Mans 24 Hours gives credits to both Toyota and Porsche after a thrilling race at the Circuit de la Sarthe.

Photo credit: Audi Media

Audi wins Le Mans Hours 2014 beating Porsche and Toyota

By Tarek Ramchani

Audi has just won the 2014 Le Mans 24 Hours in dramatic fashion. The #2 Audi R18 e-tron quattro
crossed the finih line victorious after a thrilling and demanding 24-hour endurance event at the Circuit de La Sarthe.

The Audi brand bring home a thirteenth overall win at the big French classic. Joest Racing as team scored a record fifteenth win, eleven came with Audi Le Mans Prototype cars. Audi Sport Team Joest scored a fantastic 1-2 victory and took big and vital points in the FIA World Endurance Championship standings

The winning car shared by drivers André Lotterer, Benoit Tréluyer and Marcel Fassler took the race lead back with two hours and half before the end of the race. The #2 Audi was leading earlier this morning before dropping in the standing with 23 minutes lost in its garage after a change of the turbocharger. The trio of drivers never gave up and was able to bounce back and retake the lead to the finish. This is the third outright victory for the three drivers together after the 2011 and 2012 wins.

Their team-mates Tom Kristensen, Lucas di Grassi and Marc Gené finished the race in a strong second place. The drivers of the #1 Audi R18 e-tron quattro faced bad luck too losing three laps whilst they were strongly leading overall. The #1 Audi took full advantage from the very long stop of the #20 Porsche 919 Hybrid to take second and give Audi a fine 1-2 result. Bad luck yesterday hit the #3 Audi R18 e-tron quattro. The car with Marco Bonanomi, Oliver Jarvis and Filipe Albuquerque was forced to retire after a heavy crash.

Third place for the #8 Toyota TS040 Hybrid driven by Anthony Davidson, Nicolas Lapierre and Sébastien Buemi. The very same car involved in a heavy crash yesterday which took the #3 Audi R18 e-tron quattro out of the race. This is the second straight year with Toyota cars on the podium.

Credits to Rebellion Racing, the only privateer and LMP1-L team in the field took a sensational fourth place overall with the brand new Rebellion R-One Toyota. The #12 machine was driven by Nicolas Prost, Nick Heidfeld and Mathias Beche.

Porsche for their return at Le Mans performed very well but faced a lot of bad luck. The Stutgart brand took honorable fifth and sixth places in LMP1. The #14 Porsche 919 Hybrid shared by Romain Dumas, Neel Jani and Marc Lieb in fifth just ahead of the sister and unlucky #20 in sixth place with Timo Bernhard, Brendon Hartley and Mark Webber.

That was the 82nd running Le Mans 24 Hours. Next stop for FIA WEC teams and drivers will be at the Circuit of the Americas, September 20th.

Photo credit: Audi Media

Le Mans 24 Hours: Audi leads Porsche with six hours left

By Tarek Ramchani

We are entering the closing stages at the 82nd running Le Mans 24 Hours. Audi still leading outright with the #1 Audi R18 e-tron quattro.

An emotional and breathtaking Audi vs Porsche duel is going on at the Circuit de La Sarthe. The leading Audi in the hands of Tom Kristensen, Marc Gené and Lucas di Grassi has a 1 lap lead ahead of the second placed #20 Toyota 919 Hybrid of Mark Webber, Brendon Hartley and Timo Bernhard.

Third place of the #2 Audi R18 e-tron quattro of André Lotterer-Benoît Tréluyer and Marcel Fässler. The car took the lead earlier this morning was hit by bad luck with 23 minutes lost in its garage after a change of the turbocharger. The #2 Audi is two laps down to the leading #1 Audi.

Fourth place for the #8 Toyota TS040 Hybrid and fifth place for the #14 Porsche 919 Hybrid.

Six hours left in the French endurance classic, that's the length of a regular FIA WEC race.

Photo credit: Audi Media

Le Mans 24 Hours: Second, fourth and fifth for Audi in the warm-up

By Tarek Ramchani

It's race day at the Circuit de La Sarthe with the 82nd running Le Mans 24 Hours. Teams and drivers hit the track this morning for the final time before the start of the race for a warm-up session.

The #8 Toyota TS040 Hybrid was the fastest overall with a best time of 3:23.731. Best of the three works Audis was right behind in second place. The #2 Audi R18 e-tron quattro driven by André Lottere, Benoit Tréluyer and Marcel Fassler with a best time of 3:23.741, just 0.010s behing the leading Toyota.

In third place the #7 Toyota followed by the two remaining Audis in fourth and fifth. The #3 Audi e-tron quattro of Marco Bonanomi, Oliver Jarvis and Filipe Albuquerque is fourth with a best time of 3:25.211. The #1 Audi R18 e-tron quattro in the hands of Lucas di Grassi, Marc Gené and Tom Kristensen is fifth with a best time of 3:27.617.

The two factory Porsche 919 Hybrids were sixth and seventh followed by the two Rebellion R-One Toyotas in eighth and ninth, the only two LMP1-L cars in the field.

Warm-up session LMP1 standing:

1 #8 Toyota TS040 Hybrid 3:23.731
2 #2 Audi R18 e-tron quattro 3:23.741
3 #7 Toyota TS040 Hybrid 3:24.196
4 #3 Audi R18 e-tron quattro 3:25.211
5 #1 Audi R18 e-tron quattro 3:27.617
6 #20 Porsche 919 Hybrid 3:27.995
7 #14 Porsche 919 Hybrid 3:29.827
8 #12 Rebellion R-One Toyota 3:30.482
9 #13 Rebellion R-One Toyota 3:32.739

Photo credit: Audi Media

Le Mans 24 Hours: The ultimate guide to follow the 82nd Le Mans 24 Hours

All the links you need to follow the 82nd Le Mans 24 Hours: Websites, social medias and more. 


Websites:
Le Mans 24 Hours
Automobile Club de l'Ouest
FIA World Endurance Championship
Joest Racing
Audi Motorsport Blog
Endurance-Info
Le Mans Live by Michelin
Sportscar365
Dailysportscar
Motorsport.com
The Checkerd Flag
Sportscar-Info.de (German)
4anneaux.fr (French)

ACO Live Timing and Stream:
ACO Le Mans Live website

Radio Le Mans:
Radio Le Mans website
Listen Live
Radio Le Mans on Twitter
Midweek Motorsport on Twitter
Midweek Motorsport on Facebook

Spotter Guide:  
Andy Blackmore's Le Mans 2014 spotter guide
Andy Blackmore's Spotter Guides on Facebook

Live updates on Twitter (#LM24):

24 Hours of Le Mans (English)
24 Heures du Mans (French)
FIA World Endurance Championship
Audi Sport
Audi Motorsport Blog
Joest Racing
Audi R18 #1
Audi R18 #2
Audi R18 #3
Dailysportscar Live
Sportscar365
Sportscar365 Live
Lendurance Live
Le Mans Live by Michelin
The Checkered Flag sportscar
Graham Goodwin (Dailysportscar)

Audi drivers on Twitter: 
André Lotterer
Benoît Tréluyer
Filipe Albuquerque
Oliver Jarvis
Lucas di Grassi
Marc Gené
Marco Bonanomi

Facebook: 

Le Mans 24 Hours
Audi Sport official page
Audi Sport fan page
FIA World Endurance Championship
Joest Racing
Audi R18 LMP1
Endurance-Info 
l'endurance.co.uk
Le Mans Live by Michelin
Dailysportscar
Sportscar-Info.de
Sportscar 365

Photos:
Motorsport.com
Fourtitude
Speedhunters
Brecht Decancq Photography

Circuit de La Sarthe track map:

Onboard lap at Le Mans with an Audi R18 e-tron quattro:

Photo credit: Audi Media

Le Mans 24 Hours: Audi drivers and officials quotes after qualifying

Audi Press Release

Dr. Wolfgang Ullrich (Head of Audi Motorsport): “For us, it was important to put the three cars on the grid prepared as best we could despite the serious accident on Wednesday. Although there was another minor accident with our car No. 1 on Thursday, we managed to do this well. Afterwards, we fully concentrated on the optimal race set-up and have now created a good starting base for all three teams.”

Chris Reinke (Head of LMP): “This was an intensive day for the whole squad. Not only because we put in a night shift after the accident yesterday but also because we were obviously concerned about Loïc’s (Duval) condition. Now we’re all relieved that he’s well and has left the hospital. We completed our program for qualifying with concentration and clearly placed the main focus on preparing for the race. All drivers are feeling comfortable in the car – that makes me optimistic that we’re going to deliver a solid and hopefully successful performance.”

Ralf Jüttner (Team Director Audi Sport Team Joest): “The positive part first: We had three cars in qualifying, the No. 1 that was prepared from scratch again overnight and the other completely rebuilt ones. Initially, No. 1 had some problems with a sensor and then another, this time fortunately, minor accident. We let Marc Gené drive the largest number of laps in the car. I’m particularly pleased with the way our No. 3 fared. But No. 2 was doing well on track too although we’ve got to say that due to the many interruptions and danger zones there was no way to regularly check off all the items on our list. But in total, all our drivers are happy with their cars.”

Filipe Albuquerque (Audi R18 e-tron quattro #3): “I’m pleased with our qualifying session. Although we weren’t in contention for the pole position we’re not so far away with our time. The most important part is that we drove many laps – also at night – and have prepared our car well for the race.”

Marco Bonanomi (Audi R18 e-tron quattro #3): “A qualifying session with two different sides of the coin. On one side of the coin, our car was the fastest Audi and on the other I’m not completely happy with my own times. On two fast laps, I got stuck in traffic shortly before the end. That cost me half a second each time. Aside from that, I’m optimistic for the race. Our R18 is fast and so are we, especially Filipe (Albuquerque) put some great lap times on track at night.”

Oliver Jarvis (Audi R18 e-tron quattro #3): “We knew that qualifying would be a tough battle. Our focus was placed on preparing for the race as best we could. I think we managed to do that well. That’s why I’m very much looking forward to the race.”

Marcel Fässler (Audi R18 e-tron quattro #2): “We weren’t focused on the fastest lap. Qualifying was secondary for us. We just worked on the set-up of the car. At the end of the session, we wanted to drive a qualifying run. Unfortunately, there was a yellow period – that was a shame and not necessary either in my view.”

André Lotterer (Audi R18 e-tron quattro #2): “On the one hand, it was a good qualifying session and on the other a frustrating one. We managed to properly set up the car and to sort the tires. But in the end, the spectators were deprived of a spectacle because there was this long ‘slow zone’ through to the end of the session although there was nothing happening there anymore. As a result, I was able to drive good times only in the first two sectors.”

Benoît Tréluyer (Audi R18 e-tron quattro #2): “Qualifying was difficult but we did a good job in setting up the car for the race. It was a bit disappointing that qualifying at the end was used to test ‘slow zones.’ The track was clean, so I don’t know why this test had to be so extensive. But now only the race counts. We’re ready for it and are going to play our hand.”

Marc Gené (Audi R18 e-tron quattro #1): “The most important thing today was that we confirmed the excellent work of the mechanics with our laps. They put in a night shift to prepare a new car for us that was immediately running well. After car #1 did almost no laps on Wednesday, Tom (Kristensen), Lucas (di Grassi) and I concentrated on completing our mandatory laps. The main thing was to drive many kilometers and the thought of qualifying was just secondary. We’re prepared for the race.”

Lucas di Grassi (Audi R18 e-tron quattro #1): “After Loïc’s massive accident on Wednesday, qualifying on Thursday for us was more like a roll-out with the new car. We had a few issues that we completely resolved. Especially in qualifying three we were able to drive many laps – the car is ready for the race.”

Tom Kristensen (Audi R18 e-tron quattro #1): “The past two days were a tough experience. Our mechanics did a fantastic job overnight. That’s why we were able to use the last session after there’d previously been problems with a sensor. For us, the qualifying session was a roll-out in a way. All three drivers are happy with the car. It wasn’t about the grid position but about preparing the car for the race. I’m looking towards the race with a positive feeling.”

Photo credit: Audi Media

Le Mans 24 Hours: Audi wins race before the race

Audi Press Release

• Le Mans: No. 1 Audi R18 e-tron quattro ready to run again
• Audi in grid positions five, six and seven
• Loïc Duval released from hospital

Ingolstadt/Le Mans, June 13, 2014 – Audi has won a ‘race before the race’ in the Le Mans 24 Hours. Following the serious accident on Wednesday, the mechanics of Audi Sport Team Joest managed to prepare the #1 Audi R18 e-tron quattro from scratch again in record time overnight – a feat that caused a sensation around the world.

Before the first qualifying session on Wednesday night was over, Audi Sport Team Joest began to assemble a new Audi R18 e-tron quattro on the base of a spare monocoque. The spectators and members of the media at Le Mans could hardly believe their eyes when three Audi R18 e-tron quattro cars were standing in the pits again on Thursday night. In the afternoon, the R18 passed Technical Scrutineering and car number ‘1’ was ready to run again in time for the second qualifying session on Thursday night.

A defective sensor and guard rail contact by Lucas di Grassi caused further minor setbacks in the second qualifying session. But in the final third qualifying, which was extended to 2.30 hours, the newly prepared Audi R18 e-tron quattro was running without the slightest problem late on Thursday night.

There is good news for the fans of Loïc Duval too. On Thursday, the Frenchman was released from the hospital where he had spent the night under observation as a precaution. The Frenchman briefly visited his team and team-mates in the paddock before heading home to Geneva together with his father in order to recover from the consequences of the accident for the next few days.

Loïc Duval’s name will continue to be present on the #1 Audi R18 e-tron quattro at Le Mans. His place in the cockpit was taken over by the Spaniard Marc Gené. Together with Lucas di Grassi and Le Mans record winner Tom Kristensen, Gené will start the race from grid position seven. The fastest time of car #1 was achieved by di Grassi in 3m 25.814s.

The two other Audi R18 e-tron quattro cars were able to complete the test program on Thursday as planned and will be sharing the third row of the grid on Saturday. The fastest lap within the Audi squad was achieved by Oliver Jarvis shortly before the end of the second qualifying session in 3m 23.271s although the Briton had to reduce his speed due to yellow flags in the last chicane and lost several tenths of a second. Jarvis is sharing the cockpit of car #3 with Le Mans rookie Filipe Albuquerque and Marco Bonanomi.

André Lotterer in the #2 Audi R18 e-tron quattro secured sixth place on the grid for himself and his team-mates Marcel Fässler and Benoît Tréluyer by setting a time of 3m 24.276s.

All nine Audi drivers completed the prescribed night laps on which they again had the opportunity to experience the advantages of the Audi laser light. The Audi R18 e-tron quattro is the first Le Mans prototype with laser light and continues Audi’s string of technical innovations in the Le Mans 24 Hours. The night before the race, the brand with the four rings will also be presenting its first production model with laser light at Le Mans: the Audi R8 LMX.

The two-time Formula 1 World Champion Fernando Alonso will be sending the field at Le Mans on the long journey twice around the clock on Saturday at 15.00. The world’s most important endurance race will be broadcast live by 31 TV channels and aired in 190 countries. In Europe, Eurosport will provide live non-stop coverage. On www.audi-motorsport.com, Audi offers free coverage by live streaming from the onboard cameras of the three Audi R18 e-tron quattro cars from 14.30 (CEST) on Saturday. On Facebook and Twitter, Audi Sport will provide extensive live reports from Le Mans as well.

With twelve wins in only 15 runs Audi is the most successful brand in recent Le Mans history. The top five in qualifying on the 13.629-kilometer race track were separated by less than 1.5 seconds. As a result, suspense before the race which some 300,000 spectators are expected to attend is huge. More than 1,000 members of the media – some of them several days ago – have arrived at the venue to watch the first meeting of the two most successful brands in Le Mans history – Audi and Porsche.

Qualifying results

1 Nakajima/Sarrazin/Wurz (Toyota) 3m 21.789s
2 Dumas/Jani/Lieb (Porsche) 3m 22.146s
3 Buemi/Davidson/Lapierre (Toyota) 3m 22.523s
4 Bernhard/Hartley/Webber (Porsche) 3m 22.908s
5 Albuquerque/Bonanomi/Jarvis (Audi R18 e-tron quattro) 3m 23.271s
6 Fässler/Lotterer/Tréluyer (Audi R18 e-tron quattro) 3m 24.276s
7 di Grassi/Gené/Kristensen (Audi R18 e-tron quattro) 3m 25.814s
8 Beche/Heidfeld/Prost (Rebellion-Toyota) 3m 29.763s
9 Belicchi/Kraihamer/Leimer (Rebellion-Toyota) 3m 31.608s
10 Thirlet/Badey/Gommendy (Ligier-Nissan) 3m 37.609s

Photo credit: Audi Media

Le Mans 24 Hours: Fourth, sixth and seventh for Audi in the second qualifying session

By Tarek Ramchani

Action resumed today at the Circuit de La Sarthe with the second qualifying session just over. As was the case the session was highlighted by multiple crashes and a red flags

The #1 Audi R18 e-tron quattro made it in time and took part in the session. Unfortunately the car had a new crash. Lucas di Grassi driving the car lost control of the Audi LMP1 machine and Indianapolis and was forced to head back to pitlane.

The #7 Toyota TS040 Hybrid set the fastest time in the session with a 3:22.589. Second and third for two factory Porsche 919 Hybrid cars.

Best of the Audis was the #3 R18 e-tron quattro in fourth place. Filipe Albuquerque, Marco Bonanomi and Oliver Jarvis with a best time of 3:26.614.

The #2 Audi R18 e-tron quattro was sixth fastest. The car in the hands of André Lotterer, Benoit Tréluyer and Marcel Fassler with a best time of 3:26.268

The #1 Audi R18 e-tron quattro set the seventh fastest time before crashing. The car shared by Lucas di Grassi, Tom Kristensen and Marc Gené with a best time of 3:27.809.

The third and final qualifying session will come next at 22:00 local time. The last chance for the three prototype teams to secure pole position.

Photo credit: Audi Media

PHOTOS: Audi Sport Team Joest repairing #1 Audi R18 e-tron quattro

By Tarek Ramchani

Audi Sport Team was busy since yesterday afternoon repairing the #1 Audi R18 e-tron quattro. The car was heavily damaged after a severe crash with Loic Duval behind the wheels at the very fast Porsche Curves section.

Here a selection of photos from our friend Eric Gilbert at Motorsport.com featuring the #1 car's crew members repairing the Audi LMP1 machine.

You can see all Motorsport.com photos from the 2014 Le Mans 24 Hours right here.

Photo credit: Motorsport.com

Le Mans 24 Hours: Marc Gené replaces Loïc Duval in the #1 Audi R18 e-tron quattro

By Tarek Ramchani

Day 1 one at Le Mans was highlighted by the heavy crash of Loic Duval in the free practice session. The French driver lost control of the factory #1 Audi R18 e-tron quattro and crashed at the very quick Porsche Curves.

Audi Sport Team Joest is busy repairing the heavily damaged car and will make sure to to have it ready for today's two qualifying sessions. However it's official now, Loic Duval will not race the Le Mans 24 Hours.

Loic escaped from that severe crash and his conditions are OK but he will not take part in the French classic and try to defend his 2013 victory. Audi reserve driver Marc Gené will take over and join Lucas di Grassi and Tom Kristensen behind the wheels of the #1 machine.

Marc Gené will replace Loïc Duval at the wheel of the No. 1 Audi #R18 #LM24 @FIAWEC @24hoursoflemans

— Audi Sport (@Audi__Sport) June 11, 2014

Marc Gené is already on site and was supposed to race for Jota Sport team in the LMP2 class with a Zytek.

We wish a very quick recovery to Loic Duval who is celebrating his birthday today.

Free practice report is here.
First qualifying report is here.

Photo credit: Audi Media

Le Mans 24 Hours: Fifth and sixth for Audi in the first qualifying session

By Tarek Ramchani

After a chaotic free practice session the teams and drivers were back on track for a two-hour qualifying session. As was the case earlier today the first of three qualifying sessions was red flagged in the end after a crash for an Aston Martin Vantage GTE, the driver Fernando Rees is OK

Porsche dominated the field with a 1-2 for their 919 Hybrid cars with #20 car leading the sister #14 machine. The two factory Toyota TS040 Hybrid cars were third (#7 Toyota) and fourth (#8 Toyota).

Best ranked Audi was the #2 Audi R18 e-tron quattro. The car shared by André Lotterer, Benoit Treluyer and Marcel Fassler was fifth fastest with a best time of 3:26.388. The #3 car driven by Oliver Jarvis, Marco Bonanomi and Filipe Albuquerque finished sixth with a best time of 3:26.445.

The teams and drivers will be back on track tomorrow for the final two qualifying sessions.

First qualifying session LMP1 standing:

1 #20 Porsche 919 Hybrid 3:23.157
2 #14 Porsche 919 Hybrid 3:23.928
3 #7 Toyota TS040 Hybrid 3:25.313
4 #8 Toyota TS040 Hybrid 3:25.410
5 #2 Audi R18 e-tron quattro 3:26.388
6 #3 Audi R18 e-tron quattro 3:26.445
7 #13 Rebellion R-One Toyota 3:33.117
8 #12 Rebellion R-One Toyota 3:34.922

Photo credit: Audi Media

Le Mans 24 Hours: Audi performed well in practice session - Severe crash for Loïc Duval

By Tarek Ramchani

Action has started at the Circuit de La Sarthe with a single 4-hour free practice session. The Audi R18 e-tron quattro cars were among the fastest overall but one of them was heavily damaged.

At exactly 17h05, Loïc Duval driving the factory #1 Audi R18 e-tron quattro had a sever crash at the very fast Porsche Curves. Loic's conditions are encouraging and given how severe the crash was, it's a miracle that the French Audi driver was unharmed. We at the Audi Motorsport Blog we wish a very quick recovery to Loïc Duval.

Obviously the session was red flagged for several minutes and resumed after cleaning the track.

At the end of the four-hour session (after a new red flag), all three Audi Sport Team Joest run R18 e-tron quattro cars were within the Top 5. Best ranked Audi was the #2 R18 e-tron quattro in the hands of André Lottere, Benoit Tréluyer and Marcel Fassler in second overall. The 2011 and 2012 Le Mans winners set a best time of 3:23.976 only 0.324s behind the leading #8 Toyota TS040 Hybrid with the fastest time of 3:23.652.

The #7 Toyota was third followed by two other Audis. The #1 R18 e-tron quattro, the car that crashed finished fourth with Loic Duval, Tom Kristensen and Lucas di Grassi with a best time of 3:24.729. The #3 Audi R18 e-tron quattro of Marco Bonanomi, Oliver Jarvis and new comer Filipe Albuquerque was fifth fastest with a best time of 3:24.829.

The two works Porsches 919 Hybrids were sixth (#20 car) and seventh (#14 car) followed by the two privateers Rebellion Racing R-Ones in eighth  (#12 car) and nineth (#13 car) positions.

Free practice session LMP1 standing:

1 #8 Toyota TS040 Hybrid 3:23.652
2 #2 Audi R18 e-tron quattro 3:23.976
3 #7 Toyota TS040 Hybrid 3:24.291
4 #1 Audi R18 e-tron quattro 3:24.729
5 #3 Audi R18 e-tron quattro 3:24.829
6 #20 Porsche 919 Hybrid 3:26.602
7 #14 Porsche 919 Hybrid 3:27.374
8 #12 Rebellion R-One Toyota 3:31.212
9 #13 Rebellion R-One Toyota 3:36.345

The action will resume next with the first of the three qualifying sessions. All three brands will battle for the provisional pole position in a 2-hour session between 22:00 and 00:00 local time.

Photo credit: Audi Media

Le Mans 24 Hours: Marco Bonanomi and Audi Sport aim for the podium

Marc Bonanomi Press Release

The main event of 2014 Marco Bonanomi's racing season is here, the one which he worked hard together Audi Sport in the latest months. It's now time for the edition number 82 of the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the most famous race in the world, that this year will see the brand of Ingolstadt opposed to Toyota and Porsche.

The official test day of 1st June showed the excellent potential of the Audi R18 e-tron quattro #3 that will be driven by Marco Bonanomi together his team mates Filipe Albuquerque and Oliver Jarvis; the trio placed the german LMP1 just behind the two Toyota:

"The test has been very positive - said Bonanomi - We tried different setups and long runs and the performance was so good. For sure, we and Toyota have not squeezed the real potential of the cars, there is still margin before the limit. We are confident that we can do a good job in the race but you know, 24 hours are long and it is impossible to write predictions. With Audi we have been working hard for months and the moment of truth has arrived, it would be great to repay the efforts made by the whole team with an amazing result. We will do our best, Le Mans is magic and I still have in my eyes the excitement of the podium two years ago... "

The long week of Le Mans will begin on Sunday 8th with scrutineering and sporting events that will be held at Place de la Republique, in Le Mans city center, which will continue also on Monday; Tuesday will be the time of the official photos and autograph session. Wednesday 11th will be the first day on track: Frre Practice 1 is scheduled from 16 to 20 and the Qualify 1 from 22 to midnight; the day after two more qualifying sessions, from 19 to 21 and again from 22 to midnight, the last to determine the starting grid. Friday 13th will be a rest day for cars but not for the drivers that will liven up the "Drivers Parade" in Le Mans town, from 17.30 to 19.30, a time always characterized by huge crowd and fans. Saturday morning short warm-up and then off the 24 hours that will start at 15; the whole race can be followed on Eurosport, also visible on www.eurosportplayer.it.

Photo credit: Audi Media

Le Mans 24 Hours: Loïc Duval "We are ready"

Loic Duval Press Release

With just a few days to go to the start of the Le Mans 24-Hours week Loïc Duval, who set the fourth-quickest time at the test day last Sunday, has finished his training programme and is ready to cope with the days to come!

Loïc, what information can we glean from the test day last Sunday?
LD: “In terms of sheer performance we weren’t too surprised by the final standings. It’s more or less what we were expecting. The only surprise was Porsche’s position as we thought they’d be quicker. Our car’s lovely to drive, in particular in the series of fast corners where it feels like it’s glued to the track!”

How have you trained for this race?
LD: “From a physical point of view I haven’t changed my programme. A few years back I used to eat a lot of blueberries before Le Mans as they were supposed to improve night vision. I didn’t notice any difference so I stopped. From a technical point of view I speak to Tom Kristensen and Lucas di Grassi a lot on my Smartphone: we exchange ideas. We’ve also set up a little group with some of the engineers and we organise meetings through Skype.”

Do you think you can win Le Mans again this year?
LD: “Of course! Given the results of the test day clinching pole will be difficult even though we’ll give it a go. Taking this situation into account we’ve really concentrated on our race, our fuel consumption and how we can reduce tyre wear. We’ve also done a lot of work on our possible reactions in case of a brutal change in the weather conditions or if the race is interrupted by the safety car. That’s where you can really win Le Mans.”

The speed difference between a GT and LM P1 looks enormous. Is it something to worry about?
LD: “Not necessarily. First of all it seems to me that this year the GT drivers are far more aware of the speed difference; they’re more careful. Then our car has a rear-view camera, which enables us to see when we can pull in after passing. It’s pretty useful. And for the first time this year we’re using laser headlights so it’ll be impossible not to see us! But that doesn’t mean we can relax our vigilance.”

Should your car win France will be on level pegging with Great Britain in terms of victories for drivers per nationality at Le Mans. Is that an extra motivation?
LD: “Ha, ha! Not at all. But it’d be a nice little bonus to clinch this statistic!”

Photo credit: Audi Media

This is why Le Mans 2014 is the best since 1999

By Tarek Ramchani

And here we are, the long awaited Le Mans 24 Hours week has started.
The tension is rising among the brands, teams, drivers and the fans as well waiting the start of the race on Saturday afternoon.

The 2014 Le Mans field is the best in recent years and battles expected in all four classes with great teams and names ready to fight for 24 long hours.

Here we will focus on the upper LMP1 class with three elite brands taking part in the French classic. Audi, Porsche and Toyota with full factory teams and dream drivers line-ups ready to take the challenge and try to win the greatest race in the world.

The 2014 threeway battle makes this year edition the best since 1999. Remember the year when Audi arrived at La Sarthe, with Inglostadt brand facing works entries from Mercedes-Benz, Nissan, Toyota and the winners from BMW. That edition was always seen as the best field in the modern Le Mans era. Of course there were some great Le Mans races since then. The 2005 race when Audi with a much slower Audi R8 won beating the quicker Pescarolo. The Audi vs Peugeot duels will be forever remembered by sportscar enthusiasts and even by casual motorsport followers. Following Peugeot's retirement, Toyota jumped in with a serious factory effort trying to win at Le Mans for the very first time. The 2012 and 2013 Audi vs Toyota battles were great, Audi won twice but the Japanese brand have shown a very strong pace.

But here it's no longer a duel with only two brands fighting for the outright glory. They are three strong teams with very well prepared cars. Audi and Toyota are joined by the returning Porsche. The Stutgart brand is back to the upper class for the very first time since their overall win in 1998 with the Porsche 911 GT1 '98. Since then only 911 GT cars have competed in Grand Touring classes.

Toyota dominated the two opening rounds of the 2014 FIA World Endurance Championships with wins at Silverstone and Spa-Francorchamps. Audi struggled at Silverstone with both cars failing to finish the 6-hour race but recovered well in Belgium with a fine second in the Ardennes. Porsche meanwhile debuting with the brand new 919 Hybrid was immediately fast, challenging the much experienced Audi and Toyota teams in both events.

After two exciting FIA WEC races, many fans started to believe that the 2014 Le Mans race is going to be epic and emotional, they are absolutely right. At the traditional Le Mans Test Day all three brands were fast. Toyota again lead the field with the TS40 Hybrid but both Audi and Porsche were right behind.

Le Mans since the Audi vs Peugeot has turned from an endurance race into a true 24-hour sprint event. You have to push since the start of the race and keep a quick pace in order to win. And with a field of seven full factory cars in LMP1, any slight mistake on track or pitlane can be fatal for each car knocking it out from race contention. The three teams will be forced to give everything and for sure will give the fans some great battles on track with very fast drivers in each of the seven factory LMP1s.

Audi has an advantage of fielding three Audi R18 e-tron quattro, giving the Four Ring one extra chance. Audi has a great partner as well named Joest Racing, by far the most successful team at Le Mans with 14 overall wins. Toyota will start the race as a favorite given how they performed well in FIA WEC races and Le Mans test day. Porsche debuting in LMP1 with a fast 919 Hybrid and a returing Marc Webber to sportscar racing.

But Le Mans is Le Mans, the race is very long and in 24 hours anything can happen and no one can predict who will be victorious on Sunday afternoon.

Photo credit: Motorsport.com

PHOTOS: Audi Sport Team Joest at Le Mans scrutineering by Endurance-Info

A selection of great photos of Audi Sport Team Joest at the Le Mans 24 Hours scrutineering

on Monday taken by our friend Laurent Chauveau at Endurance-Info.

You can see Endurance-Info photo galleries about the 2014 Le Mans 24 Hours right here.

Photo credit: Endurance-Info

VIDEO: Howden Haynes talks about Audi's race technology for Le Mans 24 Hours

By Tarek Ramchani

One week left for the big Le Mans 24 Hours. Here an interesting video featuring Audi's Howden Haynes talking about the techonology on the R18 e-tron quattro and how crucial it is to win the demanding French endurance classic.

Photo credit: Audi Media

The Connected Race by Le Mans Live - Win Tom Kristensen signed helmet

Our friends at Le Mans Live by Michelin have started an interesting game about the legendary Le Mans 24 Hours "The Connected Race". You have to race your own virtual race car and try to cover the longest distance possible around the legendary circuit of Le Mans from June 8th to June 15th. The race will start Sunday at 15:00 CET.

Here is a Super Bonus code that will allow you to win a lap from the registration: LML_BG_02C

Some amazing prizes are waiting the Top 10 finishers. The first prize is a signed helmet from Mr Le Mans himself, Tom Kristensen. The second prize is a signed Anthony Davidson race suit and the third prize is a signed pair of Mark Webber’s shoes.

Other hidden bonus codes can be found throughout the Le Mans week at:
www.lemanslive.com
www.facebook.com/michelinlemanslive
www.twitter.com/lemanslive
www.youtube.com/michelinpassion

VIDEO: Le Mans 24 Hours 2014 Teaser by Le Mans Live

By Tarek Ramchani

The 2014 Le Mans 24 Hours is fast approaching with a heavyweight threeway battle in the upper LMP1class between Audi, Toyota and Porsche.

As we are all waiting for the most famous endurance race in the world here a great video teaser about the French classic from out friends at Le Mans Live.

Photo credit: Audi Media