Le Mans Starts With Mixed Fortunes for Audi

The 75th running of the Le Mans 24 Hours started with an impressive performance of the three Audi R10 TDI sports cars. As early as in the first corner, Dindo Capello took first position for Audi and continued to increase his lead.

The two other R10 TDI sports cars also recorded consistently fast lap times. Frank Biela and Lucas Luhr passed both "factory" Peugeots in the opening stages completing a 1-2-3 lead for Audi after just 30 minutes into the French endurance classic.

Rain showers caused extremely difficult conditions during the second hour of the race. The number 3 Audi R10 TDI fell victim to the bad weather conditions at 1632 hrs: Mike Rockenfeller lost control of his 650-hp diesel sports car in the rain at "Tertre Rouge", crashing backwards into the guard rails. The young German was not hurt in the accident but the damage to the rear of the R10 TDI was too extensive ending the race of the "rookie" Luhr/Prémat/Rockenfeller team after just 23 laps.

At the two-hour mark, Dindo Capello, Tom Kristensen and Allan McNish enjoyed a one-lap lead at the wheel of the number 2 Audi R10 TDI. Last year’s winners Frank Biela, Emanuele Pirro and Marco Werner were running in third position.

IamEvilHomer - 6/16/2007 8:21:03 PM

+2 Boost

1/2 over and Audi up 6 laps

good race so far

Agent009 - 6/17/2007 12:10:23 PM

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Well they won, so your predictions were unfounded.

richardp996 - 6/17/2007 1:22:51 AM

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www.radiolemans.com I have been listening to this since the start of the race. Brought by evo magazine.

richardp996 - 6/17/2007 2:07:33 AM

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Leading #2 Audi Sport North America R10 is out of the race. The left rear wheel disembarked from the car before a hard braking on the Mulsanne Straight. The tire came off and the car spun 360 degrees. Driver, Capello is shocked from the incident, which the marshalls told him to exit the car. Their is damage done to the car yet he attempted to get back into the car since the damage is not as bad as it was thought to be. He could limp back to the garage but once a driver is out of the car he cannot attempt to re-enter. Once the driver does it means retirement and driving back will further increase disqualification.

The pit crew was sleeping while this occured but was immediately woken to be prepared to work on the car. It looks like nothing will happen. Interestingly enough Audi started with three R10s but now there is only one.

Agent009 - 6/17/2007 12:12:46 PM

+3 Boost

It would be extremely difficult for any automaker to compete in both F1 and Le Mans.

So most choose one or the other.

With the future of F1 as a relevant technology stream in question, I think Le Mans is the better choice.

IamEvilHomer - 6/17/2007 3:59:17 PM

+2 Boost

amazing- so now you are saying Audi has to much tech? or they have an unfair advantage?

toyota racing (what a joke) is welcome to join any time they want.

AUTO_UNION - 6/17/2007 7:24:31 AM

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amazinIDIOT strikes again! You don't know anything about Le mans! And let me remind you that an average audi owner is wealthier than average BMW owner.

Will_ - 6/17/2007 10:47:57 AM

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I'm sure Audi will win, yet again, and congrats to them for having such a stronghold on such a prestigious race.

amazinBimmer may typically be off-the-wall, but I think he brings up an interesting point: when will other automakers take a serious, 100% effort in Le Mans again? Don't hate me Audi people, how awesome would it be if Audi could continue its success with a foray of other automakers putting 100% effort into it as well?

Agent009 - 6/17/2007 12:16:01 PM

+1 Boost

The other big guns are all focused on theF1 crown, personally I think a few would be better served by spending their money in forms of racing. Why spend millions of dollars just to finish 8th or less? The whole purpose it to push technology and win prestige, and most in F1 do neither.

Agent009 - 6/17/2007 11:48:59 PM

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Many BMW stalwarts will no doubt quote how prolific BMW is in motorsport, (which they are to a degree). But in North America more Mazdas are raced on a daily basis than BMW's it would be interesting to see how Mazda's heritage would rank against BMW.