Countdown to Le Mans

The countdown has officially begun for the 84th running of the world’s most celebrated endurance race – the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

At a special press conference in Paris, this year’s field of entrants was presented by race organisers, the Automobile Club de l’Ouest (ACO), two new Audi R18 e-tron quattros representing the brand at this year’s race.

Audi’s Head of Motorsport Dr. Wolfgang Ullrich and three-time Le Mans winner Benoît Tréluyer were both at the event to represent Audi, as the ACO announced that it would extend invitations to 60 teams to compete this year, including nine sports prototypes in the top LMP1 category, including the two R18 e-tron quattros from Audi Sport Team Joest.

Last year Audi fielded three teams (pictured) and although the brand once again finished the race on the podium, Audi Sport will be looking to add another victory in the great race, to give the brand its 14th since 2000.

The 24 Hours of Le Mans is considered the jewel in the crown of endurance racing, and although the race is not until the third round of the World Endurance Championship (WEC), it is the one the teams have their eye on already.

Last year’s Le Mans winner and Audi sister brand, Porsche will also field two cars for this year’s Le Mans race.

The first two rounds in the WEC will be good indicators as to each team’s strengths and allow precious time to fine tune the cars – the first race in Silverstone in April, followed by Spa in May. The new Audi R18 e-tron quattro is literally a completely new car and is the most powerful and efficient race car the brand has ever built.