Audi LMP1 Discussion

[MyNameIsNigel]

Originally Posted by MyNameIsNigel

The videos teasers have so far focused on the themes of "Speed", "Performance", "Kinetic Energy" and "Power". We will surely get a couple additional video teasers until we get to the official launch on December 18th. I guess we will get one about "Efficiency", "Lightweight Design", "Exhaust Gas Energy Recovery" or the like.

Here we go, the next video teaser is out: "Electric Capacity".

Pointless ? Maybe

[MyNameIsNigel]

Coming back to more serious issues, Dr. Ullrich has very nice words for Allan:

“We appreciate and respect Allan’s decision to retire at the pinnacle of his career,” says Head of Audi Motorsport Dr. Wolfgang Ullrich. “At the same time, this is a parting that is particularly difficult for us. All of us are well aware of Allan’s racing successes. We should not forget, though, how valuable he has been in the development of our race cars, how great a team player he has always been and how he has consistently applied himself to achieve Audi’s aims far beyond motorsport with professionalism, loyalty and commitment. We regret that Allan will no longer be contesting any races for us but are happy that he will continue to be associated with Audi Sport and the Audi brand.”

(source: Audi Sport press release)

[CTD]

Sounds like it's no more racing or testing at all, at Audi, for Allan .
He will still be an ambassador, so bigger chance that we might meet him for a chat at Le Mans (you have to look at the upsides)

[chernaudi]

I think that initial testing for the new R18 was Allan's last major on-track duty for Audi outside of wrapping up the WEC.

[Gingers4Justice]

Originally Posted by chernaudi

I think that initial testing for the new R18 was Allan's last major on-track duty for Audi outside of wrapping up the WEC.

If he tested it at all.

Autosport says he made the decision after Spa.

[JoestForEver]

Is it possible for Allan to become Dr. Ulrich's directive in the Audi Sport? He talks about management and commentating both from the Autosport source. Anyway, R18 will be revealed soon. Tired of these silly 30 second teasers. It's like flirting:-(

[yamato]

I believe that a read somewhere that Bonanomi had completed most of the testing miles on the new car so far,..... I would not be surprised to see him take the vacated seat,... Also will they continue to enter a third car at LM? They could need all of those potential additions mentioned.

[cmk]

Originally Posted by JoestForEver

Is it possible for Allan to become Dr. Ulrich's directive in the Audi Sport? He talks about management and commentating both from the Autosport source.

He already manages drivers, eg. Harry Tincknell. I would imagine this is the management referred to. With all due respect to Allan (and from me, that's a lot), management of teams or full motorsport programs is best left to the professionals in that field/engineering, like Dr. Ulrich. Allan's extremely smart, so I am sure he knows that.

[chernaudi]

Audi Sport press piece did mention that Audi have it from Allan that he'll will stick around in some advisory role on top of being an Audi brand ambassador. Probably not on the cars themselves, but maybe as a driver coach for his replacement.

I don't think that Bonanomi will be Allan's replacement, at least if the rumor of him racing in Super GT works out (he's tested for Honda in the series recently)--that was a problem with Kaz Nakajima and his availability for TMG, as he was racing for Toyota-backed teams in Super GT and Formula Nippon last year.

If Muller doesn't end up in DTM, I'd expect him to replace Allan, and Nico has reportedly already tested a '13 spec R18 EQ.

I'd expect Bonanomi to run the endurance races (LM) and other events where Audi would run a third car. Gene is expected to take a leave from Audi due to his Ferrari testing duties, and the return of in-season testing in F1 next year.

[CTD]

Originally Posted by chernaudi

Audi Sport press piece did mention that Audi have it from Allan that he'll will stick around in some advisory role on top of being an Audi brand ambassador. Probably not on the cars themselves, but maybe as a driver coach for his replacement.

I don't think that Bonanomi will be Allan's replacement, at least if the rumor of him racing in Super GT works out (he's tested for Honda in the series recently)--that was a problem with Kaz Nakajima and his availability for TMG, as he was racing for Toyota-backed teams in Super GT and Formula Nippon last year.

If Muller doesn't end up in DTM, I'd expect him to replace Allan, and Nico has reportedly already tested a '13 spec R18 EQ.

I'd expect Bonanomi to run the endurance races (LM) and other events where Audi would run a third car. Gene is expected to take a leave from Audi due to his Ferrari testing duties, and the return of in-season testing in F1 next year.

Although it sound a bit foolish, let's not forget that height is a big factor when setting the cars together.
So it's not sure that we will see a new driver as Allan's replacement, as there might be a shuffle of the seats.

[bella]

it's a fair point, and to give you an idea, muller is over 6ft tall so he's unlikely to fit into mcnish's shoes

[The Badger]

Put Frank Montagny in that car .

[Bandicoot17]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xipnO9gofhI

[chernaudi]

I don't think that anyone from the #1 squad will end up being Allan's replacement--Ben and Marcel are both over 5'10", and Andre is over 6' tall. TK is 5'8" for reference.

[Bandicoot17]

R18 launch starts at 20:30 CET

[carbon_titanium]

any link for a streaming feed (if avalaible) ?

[Bandicoot17]

From what I can see the only source of info is Audi Sports twitter feed

[vincegail]

Yep. No livestreaming, just twitterfeeds.

From Audi Sport facebook page:
"Just a few hours left before ‪#‎thelaunch‬ of our ‪#‎newR18‬. You will get pictures here on Facebook later and live updates on Twitter // Nur noch wenige Stunden bis zur Weltpremiere des neuen ‪#‎Audi‬ ‪#‎R18‬ ‪#‎etron‬ ‪#‎quattro‬. Fotos gibt es später hier auf Facebook, auf Twitter gibt es Live-Updates aus Ingolstadt"

[TheNo1F1Fan]

Originally Posted by The Badger

Put Franck Montagny in that car.

How about others? For me, I have no idea.

[deggis]

Still time to watch the last teaser: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dce-jwFzngA

[EverOne]

Next: @FIAWEC and the @24hoursoflemans #thelaunch #newR18

C'Mon!!!

[deggis]

[Bandicoot17]

Audi+Dubstep= Unstoppable

[EverOne]

The 2013 @FIAWEC World Champions and @24hoursoflemans winners: @JoestRacing @AllanMcNish @loicduval and Tom K pic.twitter.com/vqm8JqYy2z

Congrats! We will miss Allan a lot!

[deggis]

#Audi Sport is moving to a new home in Neuburg in 2014 #thelaunch #newR18

Jelly of their sister marque?