[/caption]The bonnet of the Audi R18 TDI shows traces of use - numerous small rockfalls have drawn the silver body visible. It is the kind of patina, which is found on a car only after several laps. "This is the original Le Mans-winning car," said Wolfgang Ullrich. Audi Motorsport boss smiles knowingly at this rate, adding: "Please treat with due respect." The message is clear: slips are in the test laps today simply taboo. Here is the latest piece of Audi's motorsport history - and of course, is the space in the factory museum already reserved for this car, since he won in June, the French endurance classic after a dramatic race.
WITH MANUAL
The approach to the Audi R18 TDI starts with a must-read: The manual contains 22 pages for the sports prototypes, all serial drivers receive this Booklet before use. Audi's troupe leaves little to chance. Le Mans success is always the result of perfect preparation and organization.
In the theoretical part of the introduction follows in practice: Marcel Fässler, which makes this Audi has in common with Andre Lotterer and Benoit Treluyer piloted to victory in the 24 hours, turning to me with two laps in a road car around the circuit in Misano, Italy. The Swiss said the racing line and reveals the right braking points. "In the hairpin, I turn to first gear," says the 35-year-old. The Le Mans translation of the six-speed manual transmission is more likely for this angular rate is actually a little too long. But I have no time to think about this detail, as we return to the pits. Because here is waiting, the Audi R18 TDI on me.
So put on a helmet and get in - but that's easier said than done. Unlike its predecessors, the Audi R18 TDI successful is not an open two-seater, but a coupe. The door opening is relatively scarce and the cockpit is tight, difficult is the corresponding entry. After all, my seat by Marcel Fässler fits surprisingly well. I'm strapped. And while a mechanic closes the front door, gives me Leena Gade final instructions by radio. The engineer was also racing at Le Mans responsible for this car. "Start the engine and clutch come," said the Briton. At idle, the Audi can be easily set in motion. A real difficulty arises, however, at first meters: The vision for the driver is almost shockingly bad - the A-pillar and the high fender restrict the lateral field of vision considerably. Behind a lead car with photographers I'm doing a slow lap before it goes back to the pits.
V6 ENGINE WITH ABOUT 550 hp
The car is jacked up and the mechanic install a set of pre-heated tires. Leena Gade tells me now how should I adjust the settings of engine management and traction control via knobs on the steering wheel. After the round, the pace car at a reduced power mode, I can now equal the full power of the V6 TDI retrieve. Audi calls restrained a value of "over 550 hp" and more than 900 Nm of torque for the 3.7-liter engine. I get the start again and roll gently released from the pit lane. Still irritates me the unusual visibility. But now I must still try to find a rhythm as quickly as possible, before the tires cool down too much.
While I accelerate towards the first corner, I step with my left foot again and again, the brake pedal to bring the carbon fiber discs up to operating temperature. Three slow corners - and then the first long straight: The word describes motion about the effect of full throttle at this sports prototype. The shift lights flash rapidly to warn before me, and to change gear. But after each rocker to handle the tremendous thrust continues unabated without interruption.
The brakes make the ride in the Audi R18 TDI definitely be an experience unrivaled: the possible delay is stunning - assuming that the driver is handling accordingly strongly with the pedal. Here, the brakes have perfectly controllable. The telemetry data attest to me later, a maximum delay of 2.56 g - a value that lies at the level of Le Mans winner Fässler.
CROSS EXPLORATION
Like all outstanding racing cars, the Audi gives the driver a feeling of security that encourages you to explore the personal limit range. In tight curves of the R18 TDI noticeable understeer in medium-fast corners, the handling significantly more neutral. While my speed here is partly pleasing pace close to Faessler, the differences in the fast corners are abundantly clear - the respect for this car already prohibits dubious attempts beyond the 270 km / h. And so I set up the winning car finally back from the pit - without a scratch. "I had expected nothing else," grins Audi Motorsport Dr. Wolfgang Ullrich. Thank you for this optimism.
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