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| McNish Diesel Audi Sets Fastest Time In Official Le Mans Series Test |
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Allan McNish Official Newletter
McNish Diesel Audi Sets Fastest Time In Official Le Mans Series Test
Allan McNish set the outright fastest time in a two-day official Le Mans Series test at Le Castellet in Southern France which ended today (MON).
McNish, who races in the European-based sportscar endurance championship for Audi this year, stopped the clock at 1m 39.705secs at the wheel of his diesel-engined R10 TDI.
The Scotsman was the only driver to break the 1min 40sec barrier around the 3.6-mile Paul Ricard circuit near Marseille.
We were able to work out a basic set-up with the new 2008-spec Audi, confirmed McNish who switches to the European series having won the American Le Mans Series title for the last two years.
I was also happy with the new Michelin tyres. I'm delighted that competing in the LMS gives me the chance to contest a racing series in Europe again. All in all, a good first day in LMS and I'm looking forward to the first race in Barcelona next month."
The Paul Ricard test served as the roll-out for the Audi Sport Team Joest sportscars being run in the LMS that starts with a 1,000-kilometre race at Barcelona (Spain) on 6 April. The two newly prepared Audi R10 TDI sportscars completed a total of 162 laps (almost 1,000 kilometres) without any major problems on Sunday.
McNish was joined by his LMS co-driver, Dindo Capello (Italy), plus Audi Sport Team Joest team-mates Alexandre Prémat (France) and Mike Rockenfeller (Germany). Prémat in the "sister car" set the second quickest time (1:40.777).
All four Audi drivers completed different programmes and were impressed with the 2008-spec Audi R10 TDI. For the 2008 season, the diesel-powered sportscar has been further developed which includes optimised aerodynamics, lower weight and a revised engine.
McNish and the Audi Sport Team Joest outfit only completed the opening day (SUN) of the test as equipment required for the 12 Hour race at Sebring (USA) had to flown out of Frankfurt tomorrow (TUES) in readiness for the American Le Mans Series season opener on 15 March.
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