After the regulation adjustments to the LMP1 category, Dr Wolfgang Ullrich, Head of Audi Motorsport has forwarded to us the following statement.

“Audi developed a completely new sports prototype in accordance with the final regulations published by the ACO at the end of 2008. In today’s extremely difficult economical climate it is not a good signal to release regulations and then to change them just before the event, this change effectively ruins the majority of the development work carried out already. For us, stable and clearly defined regulations over the long-term are the necessary foundation for a lasting cooperation.

The timing of these regulation changes is completely unacceptable. The car is effectively fully developed two months before the event and has completed the first endurance tests – and this is with the weight stipulated by the original regulations. For Audi to take no risks at Le Mans certain tests and endurance tests with the additional 30 kg weight must now be implemented at an extremely late date, which is associated with great risk and additional costs.

Furthermore, we consider the regulation changes to be completely unnecessary. Sebring was by no means a representative race, and at Barcelona it was clearly apparent just how competitive the new cars with gasoline engines are this year.

Because the 24 Hours of Le Mans is one of the two core projects of the Audi motorsport program we must accept the decision taken by the ACO, but we do however not approve.”

Claude Foubert