[MyNameIsNigel]

Originally Posted by Dario911

Dr. Ullrich has declared, interviewed by the magazine Le Mans Racing (issue #77), Porsche will be the huge and tough challenge for Audi. Mr. Audi is not the man whot talks just to talk, and this means he knows Porsche is working to a competitive project. Anyway, he has admitted there isn't any know-how swapping between Porsche and Audi, and each of them is working in the maximum secret.
Audi is advantaged due to its recent, winning and long experience in LMP1, but Porsche is advantaged due to the longer time they're working on the new car.
In 2014 rules will be new for all, and having a very well proven car, could be a real step forward in confront of the opponents.
We don't know anything about the engine Porsche will fit in the car (only speculations), but engine is tested since mid-2012!
In 2012 Audi and Toyota were both working full-time on their R18 and TS-030, while Porsche was full-time working on its 2014 spec LMP1.
So, Porsche will be a serious contender in 2014, and will not be there just to fill the grid.
If Porsche had debuted with the actual rules, in 2014, they would have been disadvantaged against Audi and Toyota experience. With 2014 new rules, differences will be attenuate.

You can be sure that Audi have been working on their 2014-spec engine+hybrid configuration for some time also. If I recall correctly, the V6 TDI engine was track-tested well before 2011 in an R8 test mule. Who knows what has been track-tested by Audi in all secrecy ? Who knows what was really under the #4 Audi that was run by Audi during the LM Test Day ?

Without any doubt, Porsche are well on track and will be a strong contender next year. Everything bodes well for a great 2014 season. I am looking forward to it.