In America, the brand’s sports car program began 14 years ago, Audi won the American Le Mans Series (ALMS) nine times in succession and the Sebring 12 Hours eleven times – most recently in March.

Neither Audi Sport Team Joest nor the six factory drivers know the challenging Circuit Of The Americas. Just like most recently at São Paulo, the entrants will be running counter-clockwise at Austin. Outside temperatures above 30 degrees centigrade are not unusual in this region in September. In 2000, when the Audi R8 won at Dallas/Texas, the thermometers even rose to above 40 degrees.

Marcel Fässler (Audi R18 e-tron quattro #1, Audi Sport Team Joest): “At Austin, besides a sensational race track beautiful surroundings are awaiting us. The track was very demanding even in the simulator. The combinations of turns with their different speeds and the radii make for a rhythm we’ve got to get used to first. Positioning the car with great precision is another important aspect on the relatively wide track.”

André Lotterer (Audi R18 e-tron quattro #1, Audi Sport Team Joest): “We’re competing on a race track that’s new for all of us. I’ve heard a lot of positive comments about this track. The first section at Austin reminds me of the circuit at Suzuka. But there are several hairpins as well, which are typical for new tracks.”

Benoît Tréluyer (Audi R18 e-tron quattro #1, Audi Sport Team Joest): “I like driving in the United States. America has an enthusiastic racing audience. I’ve watched footage of a few racing series that have run there. It’s an interesting track and I always enjoy getting to know new circuits.”

Loïc Duval (Audi R18 e-tron quattro #2, Audi Sport Team Joest): “After São Paulo, Austin is the second track I’ll be racing on for the first time this year. Even on television the track looks really beautiful. It’s hilly, technically challenging, is very fast in some places and has several long corners. It seems to be a good mix that’ll definitely be great fun in the R18 e-tron quattro.”

Allan McNish (Audi R18 e-tron quattro #2, Audi Sport Team Joest): “The track at Austin inspires a lot of enthusiasm – in Formula 1, in the sports car scene and among motorcycle racers. The circuit features very fast sections, as well as narrow hairpin turns, long straights and a winding last section. I’ve celebrated many big successes in America. The fans at Austin can look forward to a nice sports car festival when the WEC and the ALMS are running on the same weekend.”

Tom Kristensen (Audi R18 e-tron quattro #2, Audi Sport Team Joest): “I’ve only heard good things about the track and the surroundings so far. Each lap will offer some variety. It requires driving stability at high speed, good acceleration power and a very agile car for the last sector.”

(Based upon Audi Motorsport press information)