Mixed double for the Audi R10 TDI
Source: Audi
Aug 16, 2008 - 8:15:57 AM
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Ingolstadt – In the last week in August the Audi R10 TDI competes on two race
tracks which could hardly be more different: On 24 August the American Le Mans
Series appears at the Canadian circuit Mosport, one of the fastest tracks on the
calendar. On the agenda only six days later on the Belle Isle in Detroit (USA)
is the slowest street circuit on the US sportscar series’ calendar.
The two Audi Sport North America team Audi R10 TDI prototypes are not
just the only diesel cars in the high-calibre starting field of the US racing
series – they are also equipped with state-of-the-art electronics which are
becoming increasingly complex. At Mosport a new version of the tyre-pressure
monitoring system will be used, which is also found in a similar form in Audi
road cars.
"This is a very important safety aspect," explains Christian
Weck, Project Leader for Le Mans Prototypes (LMP) at Audi Sport in Ingolstadt.
"It is a great help that we can warn a driver if the tyre pressure is falling
during a race. The new version runs at an even higher sample rate than before."
The tyre pressures are only four of almost 100 parameters that are
logged by sensors and transmitted by telemetry to the pits while the R10 TDI is
running. Additional safety relevant parameters are brake wear and brake
temperatures, aerodynamic data or changes in the ride-height which could point
to damage on the suspension.
The electronics also help the race
strategy: Pre-programmed engine maps stored in the Bosch Motronic MS14 unit
allow the engine power and fuel consumption to be regulated during a race. With
the corresponding "Mix" setting the fuel consumption per lap can be reduced.
This can help by saving an additional fuel stop.
The electronics also
play an important role during pit stops: The so-called "start function" controls
the engine’s start procedure immediately after the pit stop by briefly providing
a constant engine speed of 5,000 rpm. The driver can thus concentrate solely on
perfect modulation of the clutch.
It is nowadays even impossible to
ignore the importance of electronics during preparation for an event: Every
circuit is simulated beforehand by Audi Sport. The computer calculates the
expected lap time and makes proposals for the gear ratios. Tyre partner Michelin
also receives relevant data from which proposals for tyre pressure and camber
values are derived.
The simulation also takes into consideration the
various suspension and aerodynamic configurations available for the Audi R10
TDI, which can differ between the two Audi Sport North America cars.
Championship leaders Lucas Luhr and Marco Werner prefer a car that has a very
precise turn-in. However, to achieve this they accept the "light" rear axle.
Emanuele Pirro rather tends to prefer an understeering car.
The Italian
starts at Mosport together with fellow countryman Dindo Capello, who is in
action more frequently this year in the European based Le Mans Series. Marcel
Fässler competes for a second time in Detroit. The Swiss should gain more
experience at the wheel of the diesel sportscar following his successful début
at Road America.
Facts & figures
The Audi driver
line-up at Mosport
#1 Dindo Capello/Emanuele Pirro
#2 Lucas Luhr/Marco
Werner
The Audi driver line-up in Detroit
#1 Marcel
Fässler/Emanuele Pirro
#2 Lucas Luhr/Marco Werner
Emanuele Pirro
about Mosport: "Mosport is a fantastic circuit of the old-calibre which is
steeped in history and happens to be one of my favourite circuits. All the
corners are very fast. The track is very challenging for a driver. The Audi R10
TDI is very good at Mosport, even though you feel the high weight in the fast
corners."
Marco Werner about Detroit: "Detroit has an excellent
layout and would be a fantastic race track if the tarmac asphalt was a little
better. There are not only the typical street circuit 90 degree corners but also
interesting, varied sections where one curve follows another and where the line
must be perfect."
Interesting facts
Mosport was scene of
the closest ever finish in American Le Mans Series history in the year 2000:
Dindo Capello and Allan McNish won by a mere 0.148 seconds ... Audi has scored
five overall victories to date at Mosport ... Dindo Capello holds the Mosport
track record in 1m 05.829s ... Mosport is the second fastest circuit on the
American Le Mans Series calendar ... Dindo Capello has won the race at Mosport
three times already, Emanuele Pirro and Marco Werner have both won once there
... Detroit is the slowest circuit on the American Le Mans Series schedule ...
Detroit hosts an ALMS race for the second time.
The schedule at
Mosport
Friday, 22 August
14:25 – 14:55 Test session (GT
cars)
14:55 – 15:55 Test session
15:55 – 16:25 Test session
(prototypes)
Saturday, 23 August
09:35 – 10:35 Free practice
13:30
– 14:30 Free practice
14:40 – 15:00 Qualifying (GT cars)
15:10 – 15:30
Qualifying (prototypes)
Sunday, 24 August
10:05 – 10:30
Warm-up
15:05 – 17:50 Race (2:45 hours)
The Schedule in
Detroit
Friday, 29 August
09:00 – 10:30 Free practice
15:20 –
16:20 Free practice
16:35 – 16:55 Qualifying (GT cars)
17:05 – 17:25
Qualifying (prototypes)
Saturday, 30 August
09:50 – 10:15
Warm-up
14:35 – 17:20 Race (2:45 hours)
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