Third start, third pole for the Audi R10 TDI

Posted on 07/15/2006 under: Motorsport, Audi

The new Audi R10 TDI remains the sportscar to beat at its first race after its historic victory in the 24 Hours of Le Mans: The two diesel sportscars of Frank Biela and Emanuele Pirro and their teammates, Allan McNish and Dindo Capello, start the fifth round of the American Le Mans Series in Salt Lake City, UT from the front row once again.

Allan McNish initially claimed the fastest lap with a time of 2:22.109 in the 20 minute qualifying session for the Utah Grand Prix at the Miller Motorsports Park. Shortly before the end of qualifying, the Scotsman bettered his quickest time (2:21.762) only for teammate Frank Biela to eclipse it seconds later running 2:21.553 and clinch for himself and co-driver Emanuele Pirro pole position for the race that starts on Saturday at 6:00 Pm MST.

The diesel-powered sportscar of Audi proves itself in the desert of Utah in extreme conditions: With outside temperatures of 90 degrees and an altitude of 4,800 feet above sea level, the Audi R10 TDI is competing in intense heat and extremely high terrain.

In the 2hr. 45min. race on Saturday, the drivers will await another true test under tough conditions: The completely new racetrack, built approximately 30 miles west of Salt Lake City and staging an international race for the first time, is difficult and demanding. The Audi drivers have had just three and a half hours of free practice on Thursday and Friday to learn the 4.5 mile circuit before the race, the longest permanent race track in North America.

Source: Audi