Audi R10 success means more restrictions in ALMS

A couple of years ago the thought of a diesel-powered race car would've made all but the most die-hard diesel fans laugh out loud. Today, however, Audi is dominating the American Le Mans Series with its pair of diesel-powered R10 racers. Their domination is so thorough, in fact, that ALMS organizers have decided to grant their competition concessions so they can keep up.

At this weekend's round of racing at Road America, the competing LM P1 Lolas from the Dyson team will be allowed to race with 143 pounds less than the R10s. At the following race at Mosport the Lolas will be given a five-liter larger fuel tank, as well. These concessions seem to be aimed at making up the gap in power and fuel economy the R10s enjoy over their gas-powered competitors.

The decision by ALMS officials to change the rules in the middle of the series have cast doubt about Audi's future participation in the series, though the team plans to tough it out for the time being. Road America's long 4-mile track should suit the R10's abilities, despite the fact Audi engineers calculate the cars will be giving up 1.3 seconds per lap due to their weight disadvantage.

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PlanoA4 - 8/15/2006 10:19:29 AM

+1 Boost

Another Sanction? How many are you going to do in one season?

Here they are so far:

1. Added weight (50lbs) to the R10 after the first race
2. Added a restrictor in fuel tank to make the fuel stops longer in the R10.
3. Let the other cars weigh in at 100 lbs less (that is a total of 150 lbs overall vs the R10, why not just throw out an anchor and drag it behind)
4. Allow the other cars to hold more fuel.

Rather than keep throwing roadblock to the Audi, why not make the others innovate. It is painfully obvious that the Diesel R10's are so much stronger overall than the others in the series. Even NASCAR isn't this aggressive when it comes to restrictions.

And just think, In general the thought of a Diesel in the series was laughed at two years ago. I guess Audi has settled that.

AlexTx - 8/15/2006 11:14:18 AM

+1 Boost

And to think that Audi has poured so much $$ in the ALMS.....
This is just stupid!
The Lolas have a gas tank over a gallon larger than the R10!

PlanoA4 - 8/15/2006 11:39:09 AM

+1 Boost

AlexTx- Well Audi has dropped only an estimated $90M in ALMS this year. The 5 liter difference really is about 2 to 5 laps on the track which is an effort to minimize the fueling time factor. The singular factor is the rules will need to rewritten in 2007, because no one dreamed a diesel would be so strong.

The rules were written initially to encourage the use or diesels, and only Audi seriously considered the advantages. Actually Audi publicly stated this as an engineering exercise to challenge the limits of diesel technology. They basically had a strangle hold on the series since they started and needed a fresh approach. These rules changes offered a new way to prove themselves. Now if F1 would take the hint.

AlexTx - 8/15/2006 12:02:32 PM

+2 Boost

Audi will find another way to win. Don't they win the series championship with the next win?

dblo7 - 8/15/2006 12:30:07 PM

+1 Boost

Audi are innovators and should reap the rewards; not be put out to pasture. I can understand the reasoning but to change regulations mid-season....lol...?!?

PlanoA4 - 8/15/2006 1:13:10 PM

+1 Boost

AlexTX and dblo7 - I agree, You should win based on outstanding engineering, however racing isn't exciting unless most cars finish on a similar lap. In many case the R10 is literally MILES in front of the second place car. The race was actaully won at the 1/2 way mark. The worst thing they can do is outlaw diesel engines ala Quattro and AWD. That would be a throw back to the stone age...again.

chewy - 8/15/2006 2:31:51 PM

+1 Boost

Audi will do fine, they will still probably win, as they probably have some performance in reserve. However, the competition is 143pounds lighter.We will see, the race is on Sunday on Speed channel.

PlanoA4 - 8/15/2006 3:06:04 PM

+2 Boost

At the current rate they are gonna make each pit stop require a bathroom break, and a mandatory drive through of a Starbucks for a latte at least twice during the race. Oh I forgot about the 200lb opera singer in the cockpit. that they will have mandated to ride around during the race as well. Sad thing is the R10 may still win.

TheGenius - 8/17/2006 12:05:34 AM

+1 Boost

A lame way to handle competition. The same dumb moves occured when Audi cleaned up during the Touring championships. Ironically, this forces Audi to innovate, but dumb manufacturer targeted rules don't bode well for the sport. This exact sort of packaged garbage doesn't happen in F1, I wonder why anyone thinks it makes sense here?