McNish set for Le Mans preparations

Date published : 20 Apr 2011 - 18:00:07

Allan McNish is to put Audi's new sports coupe through its paces this weekend in preparation for the 79th Le Mans 24 Hours in June.

Scotsman McNish, along with co-drivers Tom Kristensen and Dindo Capello, will take part in two four-hour test sessions on Saturday in the diesel-engined R18. The car is the first closed-cockpit factory model to be run by the German manufacturing giant, so represents a significant switch after years of success with open-cockpit cars.

"The Le Mans test day marks the first occasion we will be on track along with the R18 and the latest cars from Acura, Aston Martin and Peugeot," said 41-year-old McNish.

"We have tested the Audi R18 in Florida and Europe this year, but it's critical we find a good set-up on the Le Mans circuit so we can return in June with a good feeling for the car and go into qualifying happy."

The McNish-Kristensen-Capello partnership finished third last year as Audi swept the podium, with the win the manufacturer's ninth since they first entered Le Mans in 1999.

Despite the radical shift in design, McNish's expectations are high.

He added: "Our car is ultra-efficient aerodynamically, the shape being 'slippery', so hopefully well suited for the big long straights and high-speed nature of the unique Le Mans circuit.

"Not only should the car be good on top speed but also for fuel efficiency as well which is going to be important. It's promising to be a very exciting year with the new car."