Audi's R15 TDI won its debut race, at the 12 Hours of Sebring, on March 21st. Taking turns at the wheel were drivers Dindo Capello (Italy), Tom Kristensen (Denmark) and Allan McNish (Scotland). The triumvirate achieved an historic victory in Audi AG's new diesel-powered sports car. Audi's drivers completed 383 laps, besting the previous distance record at Florida's Sebring raceway by an impressive 13 laps.

Audi Sport Team Joest's pair of Audi R15s completed the full race without technical problems, even though this innovative Le Mans prototype had only made its first run in December, as a result of20cold weather conditions in Europe. At Sebring, Audi's crew faced ambient temperatures nearly double to their test conditions and were forced to work through the night to gain competence with this new diesel, as well as to set it up for the extremely bumpy raceway, in the center of Florida.

Audi's McNish outpaced the Acura/Honda pole-sitter at the start, finishing the first lap with a lead of more than five seconds. Later, the cars to beat were the two diesel-powered Peugeot 908s, who traded the lead twelve times over the course of the race with the R15s. In the end, McNish used the new prototype's optimized weight distribution and the sophisticated aerodynamics to his gain. The R15 TDI replaces the R10 version. McNish crossed the finish line 22.279 seconds in front of second-placed Peugeot. Audi's R15 TDI was also the most efficient vehicle at the race and took home a clear 1-2 victory in the "Michelin Green X Challenge", which rewards fuel consumption in relation to performance.

"It's an absolutely fantastic feeling," said driver Tom Kristensen. "Wow, what a race - the fastest ever race at Sebring covering a record distance. Winning with such a young car which had completed low testing miles in dry weather before we got here is amazing. I won here on the debut of the R8, then the R10 TDI and now the R15 TDI - thanks to the know-how and experience of the crew. Everyone at Audi Sport, and all six drivers here at Sebring, have worked very hard to be in a position to beat Peugeot here at this very difficult track and after an extremely hard fight. I'm proud to be a part of this team - it's a cool feeling."

Three new R15 TDI prototypes will compete in the upcoming 24 Hours of Le Mans. An intensive test program is scheduled for Audi Sport Team Joest leading up to the race, which will be held on June 13/14.

--Sue Mead