The Le Mans 24 Hours race is a testament of skill and endurance of both the drivers and their cars as a total of 55 cars will be running the world renowned race on an 8.47-mile circuit comprising of closed public roads for the duration of 24 hours. Alan McNish, one of the drivers of the Audi R15 TDI is restless and wants to stake his claim on the podium at this years event. The 40 year old Scotsman, who drives alongside Dindo Capello and Tom Kristensen, is gunning for his ninth Le Mans triumph.
As we know, the 2009 Le Mans title went to the Peugeot Team with their 908 HDi FAP which was diesel powered. They too have not rested since they won the title in 2009 as they have admitted that in races such as Spa, they have felt their competitors getting faster and breathing down their necks slightly.
Thus they have worked meticulously on the engine and car to produce the best result from the TDI engine. This was also to get the 908 HDi FAP in line with 2010 regulations which was to do with aerodynamics that also affects engine power output, according to Peugeot Sports Technical Director, Bruno Famin.
“The only aerodynamic change is the result of having to adjust to this year’s new engine power levels. We have endeavoured to recover some of the power lost because of the rule changes, which involved working with Bosch on combustion, combating energy losses through friction with Total and enhancing the flow efficiency of the intake and exhaust systems in association with Dow. All the things that gave us trouble in 2009 have been looked at, too, while we haven’t eased up in our ongoing efforts to improve reliability. This is the 908 HDi FAP’s fourth and final year of competition. It is an outstanding car and I think we can look forward to an incredibly thrilling Le Mans 24 Hours; I believe it will be very close from flag to flag,” added Famin.
Since its last race in Le Mans the Peugeot team have been preparing in the form of three races and 11 test sessions. This includes simulation runs, set-up work and the development of a complete range of tyres in association with Michelin.
Unfortunately when you’re on top everyone’s gunning for you, and that is Audi’s agenda at this years race. Audi has further tweaked it’s R15 TDI body and engine as well. Smaller air restrictors and lower manifold pressure were part of the new regulations. This means lower engine output. Thus Audi, like most other teams, are fettling with the aerodynamics to make it more efficient. This has resulted in the R15 sporting a two-nose design along with a modified cooling and tank system.
Even if the air restrictors have been modified, the R15’s 5.5 litre V10 twin turbo engine still produces around 590 HP and an incredible 1050 Nm of torque, which is mated to a pneumatically operated five speed gearbox. Suggestions directly from the drivers have been addressed too, which include better illumination of the racetracks with a new head lamp concept.
Both teams will be under a lot of pressure this year as there are up and coming teams such as Aston Martin Racing looking to topple the leaders off the podium. A very interesting race seems to be brewing and you can catch it from the 12th to the 13th of this June.
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has the technologies crept into any of the Pugs or Audis mass production vehicles?
it is a shame if there is none or very little of it because Le Mans, despite most people preference to Formula 1, is among the biggest event in motoring.
LeMans is most definitely a series where the racing technology is filtered down to road cars. Much more so than F1. Most notable is Audi’s FSI engine tech.
hurray to Peugeot!!!! what a great machine…
Rooting for Peugeot!! May the Lion Emerge Victorious Once More. Some may disagree with me, but honestly the R15 TDI+ looks hideous to me. But then again, they had to optimize the aerodynamics and so forth, so what choice is there between looks and performance..
Those who thinks F1 is the “everything” of motorsports were totally wrong, as another pinnacle of motorsports apart of the Indy 500 is the Le Mans 24 hours. At least the prototypes look more beautiful than the 2010 F1 cars. Even the technology on Le Mans is applicable to modern motoring such as turbocharging diesels and so on.
Do F1 rules allow for diesel? those huge torque and diesel re-known better FC might be advantageous….just imagine, no need for fuel stop the whole race in F1 with the same amount/weight of fuel with the other rival on petrol powered, just do a quick tyre stop
f1 cars are renown for their high-revvin screaming engines.. its as much part of the “brand and image” of F1. diesel engines just dont make the right noises despite some obvious advantages.
2010 F1 season doesn’t have refuelling anyway.
My vote on AUDI, go! go! go!
still prefer Le-Mans than F1.
my predict for this year is Audi.
last year they just give a chance to peugeot team
Best Peugeot can do now is to be gracious in defeat. They lost to a more organised and patient team this year. Peugeot were faster straight out of the box but they should have controlled the race better to preserve their cars. There’s always next year.
Well done, Audi.
yes. thing to do now is to learn. don’t do the usual french thing and be stubborn about it.