For the first time since the beginning of this century, Audi will take part in a race in Australia as two R8 LMS racers of Team Joest have signed up for 12 hours of Bathurst 2011. Audi’s last race in the land down under dates back to December 31, 2000 and the “Race of a Thousand Years” in Adelaide.
Audi won that race with Dindo Capello and Allan McNish as drivers. The spectacular prototype still holds cult status among fans today and brought Dindo Capello the nickname “Crocodile Dindo.”
The Audi R8 LMS is specifically developed for GT3 privateers and is based on the victorious Le Mans Prototypes. Audi’s customer sport program which started in 2009 with the R8 LMS was newly structured to coincide punctually with the 2011 season. Further development of the Audi R8 LMS, marketing and technical support for customers and importer teams worldwide was transferred to quattro GmbH. The race at Bathurst is the first under the new management.
The Bathurst is one of the most fearsome tracks in the world with some of the longest straights which allows cars to reach incredibly high speeds. This track is even more famous the Australia’s Formula 1 track. It’s like the Nurburgring of Down Under!
Circuit information
Circuit length: 6.213 km
Race distance: 12 hours
Pole position 2010: Steve Owen (Mitsubishi Evo X RS), 2m 26.8553s = 152.305 km/h (13/02/2010)
Fastest lap 2010: Rod Salmon/Damien White/Inky Tulloch (Mitsubishi Evo X RS), 2m 30.9778s = 148.146 km/h (14/02/2010)
Schedule (local time; CET +10 hours
Friday, February 4
0845 – 0935 Free practice 1
1320 – 1410 Free practice 2
Saturday, February 5
0735 – 0835 Qualifying 1
1330 – 1430 Qualifying 2
Sunday, February 6
0615 – 1815 Race (12 hours)
