Audi R15 TDI is legal, despite Peugeot's protest

After Peugeot launched a protest against the rival Audi R15 TDI the Le Mans 24 Hours organizers have made its verdict: the Audi R15s are legal. The protest consisted of, according to Peugeot, several parts on the Audi R10’s bodywork that they considered were not within racing regulations.

Le Mans rules state that any element on the bodywork of a competing vehicle designed exclusively for the purpose of generating downforce is illegal. After Peugeot saw the Audi on the tracks, they made a conclusion that it has violated this provision. After the organizers of the Le Mans have made their decision, Peugeot launched an appeal to the FIA. The participating Audis logged the fastest test times last Wednesday during a practice session early in the morning.
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SHOWTIME - 6/11/2009 2:43:07 PM

+1 Boost

"Le Mans rules state that any element on the bodywork of a competing vehicle designed exclusively for the purpose of generating downforce is illegal."

Not that I care to support Peugeot's argument, but based on this quote, how would that spoiler be within racing regulations? Doesn't it produce downforce by the way it's angled? or is it maybe offset by another part of the body?

Joe_Limon - 6/11/2009 2:47:16 PM

+1 Boost

Hmmm maybe it can be argued that its other purpose is to mess up competitors drafting winds... or chassis strengthening? :P

rttfm - 6/11/2009 3:02:46 PM

+2 Boost

If you are interested in one of the best and most in-depth technical explanations I have found regarding this, check Mulsanne's corner. Here is the article I just read. Excellent info:

http://www.mulsannescorner.com/RCELeMans2009.html

VISO - 6/11/2009 3:38:06 PM

0 Boost

Peugoet can go cry me a river. They are just trying to get any type of advantage against the Audi jaggernaut.

VISO - 6/12/2009 12:27:29 PM

0 Boost

Your comments would be funny if they weren't truely so stupid! Are you that dumb, really?

GermanNut - 6/12/2009 12:38:01 AM

+2 Boost

Please, stick to your MB by all means. I'm sure you like owning a vehicle who's quality has taken a beating recently and who's sales are falling like a rock while the only quarterly profit they are seeing is a $1 billion loss :)

We will stick to a car company who's creating spectacular cars in the R8, who's sales are falling less rapidly, who managed to post a sales increase last year and has remained profitable through 1Q 2009. :)