The new-for-2016 Audi R18, revealed for the first time in Munich, Germany on 29th November, has recently completed a lengthy test session at the Sebring track in Florida.
Audi has traditionally used the punishing, bumpy and tricky Sebring track for its endurance testing, aiming to push a car to its mechanical limits, and the German manufacturer has deemed that the new LMP1 sports prototype has successfully passed this stage in its development.
The track in Florida runs on the concrete sections of a former airfield and produces high mechanical loads. Initially taking turns at the wheel of the test vehicle were Marcel Fässler, André Lotterer and Benoît Tréluyer who had travelled from the FIA awards ceremony directly to Florida, before their teammates Lucas di Grassi, Loïc Duval and Oliver Jarvis took over.
“We have been able to gather a lot of findings,” said Chris Reinke, Head of LMP at Audi Sport. “The suspension, the chassis structure, and particularly the powertrain components, were subjected to an endurance test at Sebring. We checked off a large number of tasks on our list and are now going to tackle our next goals.”
The 2016 FIA World Endurance Championship season will kick off at Silverstone (GB) on Sunday 17 April.
Quote and information with thanks to Audi Sport
