Later this month AUDI will finally cease taking part in the FIA WEC, 18 years & 106 victories mean nothing left to prove.

• Audi to end its sports car program in Bahrain following 106 victories in 186 sports car races in 18 years
• Successful track record of technology transfer between race cars and production models
• Thanks go to FIA, WEC and ACO, and the strong competitors for a tremendous time

Audi is ending an era. On Saturday, November 19, not only the current season of the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) will end in Bahrain but also Audi ceasing its Le Mans sports prototype program after 18 years. 

Audi’s sports prototypes, from the Audi R8, the Audi R10 TDI and the Audi R15 TDI to the Audi R18, have shaped an entire racing era. 

They represent one of Audi Sport’s most successful periods and are symbols of the technical progress achieved by the brand with the four rings.

“The event in Bahrain will no doubt be a very emotional farewell for all of us,” says Head of Audi Motorsport Dr. Wolfgang Ullrich. 

The Austrian, who has been in charge of Audi’s motorsport activities since the end of 1993, has decisively shaped the brand’s sports car commitment. In 1999, the LMP race cars competed in the 12 Hours of Sebring for the first time, to date having clinched nine titles in the American Le Mans Series (ALMS), three in various European Le Mans series, plus two drivers’ and two manufacturers’ world championship titles in the FIA WEC. No less than 106 winners’ trophies are displayed in the showcases of AUDI AG and its teams, including 13 for victories in the Le Mans 24 Hours. A historically unique success is Audi’s “triple,” in other words three victories in succession, allowing the brand to keep the trophy.

“What this program means to the brand is hard to express in words,” says Dr. Ullrich. “To this day, the various rally models of the Audi quattro, with which everything began in 1981, have kept a special place in the hearts of the audience. I am sure that the sports cars, which are esteemed by a worldwide fan community, are going to continue to define the historic image of our brand for a long time.” 

In addition to the emotional value being associated with the sports cars from Ingolstadt, Neckarsulm and Neuburg an der Donau, the LMP race cars epitomize pure technology as well as having set many milestones of automobile development at Audi. 2001 saw TFSI gasoline direct injection debut in the Audi R8, its principle subsequently helping reduce emissions of millions of cars in road traffic. In 2006, Audi made history by clinching its first TDI victory at Le Mans. In 2012, the Audi R18 e-tron quattro was the first hybrid sports car to win the 24 Hours of Le Mans. The current generation of the Audi R18 uses 46 percent less fuel than the Audi R10 TDI did ten years earlier, while achieving faster lap times.

“This is pure efficiency,” says Dr. Ullrich. Safety innovations such as the tire inflation pressure control system, the Audi Matrix LED headlights or Audi Laser Light complement the long list of technology transfers taking place between motorsport and production in both directions.

The close interlinking of these two fields will be a key aspect in future activities as well. Audi is realigning its motorsport strategy and, beginning in 2017, will be involved in the first all-electric racing series, the FIA Formula E Championship, with a factory-backed commitment. This program perfectly fits the business decision made by the premium manufacturer based in Ingolstadt to offer new battery-electric automobiles year by year, starting in 2018.

Now, in Bahrain, the fastest, most efficient and most innovative Audi sports cars of all time are going to tackle their last competition. Following practice sessions on the desert circuit on Thursday, November 17, and Friday, November 18, the 6 Hours of Bahrain will start on Saturday, November 19, at 16:00 local time (14:00 CET). Like every year, the FIA WEC race is going to continue into the night. For Audi, the finale will be about clinching its final trophies in a sports car race and the vice-world championship title in the manufacturers’ classification.  

Eurosport will be offering free video live streaming of the entire race and airing live coverage of the final stage on Eurosport 1 (17:00–20:00 CET). Audi is going to keep its fans up to speed on Facebook (AudiSport) and Twitter (@audisport).

Standings after eight of nine rounds

Drivers’ standings                                                                  

1 Jani/Lieb/Dumas (Porsche), 152 points                                                

2 Conway/Kobayashi/Sarrazin (Toyota), 135 points                          

3 Di Grassi/Duval/Jarvis (Audi), 121.5 points                                         

4 Bernhard/Hartley/Webber (Porsche), 119.5 points

5 Fässler/Lotterer (Audi), 86 points

6 Imperatori/Kraihamer/Tuscher (Rebellion), 60.5 points

7 Tréluyer (Audi), 52 points

Manufacturers’ standings

1 Porsche, 301 points

2 Audi, 222 points

3 Toyota, 207 points

USA - Ford announces that the All-New GT will get an extension in production for another two years.

• Ford Performance will offer the all-new Ford GT for two additional production years, bringing the production commitment of the carbon fibre supercar to a total of four years
• Potential customers who already applied to purchase Ford GT will only need to update their request when the next application window reopens in early 2018
• Additional production supports Ford Performance decision to race Ford GT in both IMSA and World Endurance Championship (WEC) series for four years

Ford Performance is adding two more years of production for the all-new carbon fibre Ford GT supercar. The announcement comes on the heels of letters sent to potential customers notifying them of their application status to purchase one of their own, with more than 500 of those coming from the UK alone

The additional production supports the decision by Ford Performance to race Ford GT in both IMSA and World Endurance Championship (WEC) series events for four years, extending through to the 2019 season.

“While we can’t build enough Ford GTs for everyone who has applied, we are going to produce additional vehicles in an effort to satisfy more of our most loyal Ford ambassadors,” says Dave Pericak, global director, Ford Performance. “We want to keep Ford GT exclusive, but at the same time we know how vital this customer is to our brand.”

Year three of production will support applicants who were placed on the waiting list; previously deferred applicants and those who missed the initial application window will be served by production year four. The application process for fourth-year production will reopen in early 2018. Those who already applied to own the car will only need to update their request.

“Ford GT has racing in its blood,” says Raj Nair, Ford executive vice president, product development, and chief technical officer. “The road car and race car will live on, side-by-side, for the next four years – providing ample opportunity to test and prove innovative new technologies both on and off the track.”

Three car Aston Martin line-up due to take on FIA WEC season centrepiece in the Circuit de la Sarthe 24h race.

• Three car line-up due to take on FIA WEC season centrepiece
• Team look to build on strong results of FIA World Endurance Championship season
• Aston Martin Racing joined by Beechdean AMR at prestigious 24-hour classic 

Aston Martin Racing is poised to contend the 84^th running of the 24 Hours of Le Mans, at the world famous Circuit de la Sarthe this weekend.

Campaigning two V8 Vantage GTE Pro entries and one GTE Am, the team will be seeking outright victory in both classes, as it competes against one of the most competitive field of GTE entries in recent years.

Following both the 6 Hours of Silverstone and Spa-Francorchamps, which saw the team take three podium places and a victory in GTE Am, the team remain positive ahead of what is forecast to be a wet week of racing in France.

Paul Howarth, Team Principal Aston Martin Racing said, “This is the race that everyone wants to win and we’re no different. We’ve worked hard to put ourselves in the best position possible ahead of this race and we’re confident in the decisions that we’ve made so far. There’s a lot of work to do before 3pm on Saturday, but we’ll continue to build and prepare to ensure we get the result we want”.

Following a 3^rd place finish in the 6 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps for the #97 GTE Pro entry of Fernando Rees (BR), Richie Stanaway (NZ) and Jonny Adam (GB), the trio will look to take to the top step this weekend.

Richie Stanaway said, “This a circuit that I enjoy coming back to and there’s nothing quite like the atmosphere here. Our first session is on Wednesday and I think it will provide us with the first opportunity to test this year’s Vantage in the wet conditions here. I can’t wait to get going now!”

In the sister #95 GTE Pro entry, Darren Turner (GB) is joined by the Danish pairing of Nicki Thiim (DN) and Marco Sorensen (DN).

“Le Mans is the ultimate endurance race,” Darren explained. “It’s world-famous; everyone knows about Le Mans and its history. If you are a racing driver who is lucky enough to compete at Le Mans it quickly becomes a highlight of your career. I feel very fortunate to have been able to do it this many times as an Aston Martin driver.  It is very special and I can’t wait for the start at 3pm a week on Saturday!”

The #98 GTE Am entry of Paul Dalla Lana (C), Pedro Lamy (P) and Mathias Lauda (A) will look to continue their strong form after victory last time out at Spa-Francorchamps.

Pedro Lamy commented, “We have been waiting for this opportunity since we left Le Mans last year. We’ve grown a lot as a trio of drivers and we have a great crew behind us. We have had two good races at Silverstone and Spa and I really hope we can continue that this weekend”.

Aston Martin Racing will also be joined this weekend by customer team Beechdean AMR, who will run a V8 Vantage GTE in the Am class and sport their iconic blue and white livery; albeit with a chromed twist. The entry will be driven by Andrew Howard (GB), Liam Griffin (GB) and Gary Hirsch (CH).

The 84^th 24 Hours of Le Mans will start at 3pm on Saturday 18 June. For up-to-date information, follow the team’s official twitter feed at @AMR_Official.

Aston Martin Racing V8 Vantage GTE entries to feature bespoke ‘Q by Aston Martin’ wings badges

• Aston Martin Racing V8 Vantage GTE entries to feature bespoke ‘Q by Aston Martin’ wings badges
• Unique collection of iconic wings to celebrate 2016 FIA World Endurance Championship
• Handcrafted in the historic Jewellery Quarter of Birmingham

On the eve of the 2016 World Endurance Championship opener at Silverstone, Aston Martin Racing has unveiled a bespoke selection of wings in celebration of the premiere endurance series.

Every Vantage produced for the road or race track is crafted by hand and the wings that adorn each model make no exception.

Commissioned by the British marque’s personalisation service ‘Q by Aston Martin’, the collection has been created by a highly accomplished and talented workforce based in Birmingham’s famous Jewellery Quarter. Each of these unique pieces celebrate each of the rounds of this year’s championship.

With the series to commence with the 6 Hours of Silverstone, all three V8 Vantage GTE entries will be treated to a union flag inspired piece. Alternative designs of the iconic wings logo will be proudly displayed for the following eight rounds of the championship, including the 24 Hours of Le Mans; the FIA WEC’s centrepiece event.

Each enamelled wing is created using a combination of state-of-the-art CAD equipment and age-old jewellery making machinery – some of which dates back over 120 years – at renowned manufacturer Vaughtons.

Starting with an initial pressing and annealing process to ensure the badge’s strength and durability, all wings are subjected to chipping; a sequence of removing any ridges in the metal. The colours which give this collection its unique finish are applied by hand and linished using a fine grindstone to ensure a perfectly smooth surface. The wings are then fired to glaze, polished to instil a lustrous shine and carefully plated for the finishing touch.

General Manager for Q by Aston Martin Dr. Matthew Bennett said: “Our service endeavours to provide customers with a range of unique and personalised options for their road cars and I’m proud to be able to bring a bespoke touch of luxury to our Aston Martin Racing entries for the 2016 season. We look forward to seeing these iconic Aston Martin wings badges take to some of the world’s leading race circuits.”

Paul Howarth, Aston Martin Racing Team Principal said, “This season really is a fresh start for us. With a re-balanced driver line-up and our new V8 Vantage GTE making its competitive debut this weekend, I’m confident that we can put in strong performances throughout the season and carry these wings to strong race results.”

Further information for Aston Martin Racing can be found at www.astonmartin.com/racing or via the team’s social media channels.

Audi launches the new FIA World Endurance Championship racer, the more powerful, economical R18.

For the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) and the Le Mans 24 Hours, Audi is emphasizing focal areas in the 2016 season: The Audi R18 that has been redesigned from scratch has almost nothing in common anymore with its predecessor. 

It features a more radical aerodynamics concept, including a new safety cell, its hybrid drive system is battery-operated for the first time, the V6 TDI engine has been revised, and new system solutions have been added. 

As a result, Audi’s LMP1 sports car is a vehicle that is more powerful and – once more – clearly more efficient than its predecessor. 

While the new R18 is Audi’s strongest race car to date, it consumes less fuel than any of the generations before it.

Signatech-Alpine has finalised its driver line-up for the 2016 FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC)

• Signatech-Alpine has finalised its driver line-up for the 2016 FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC)
• Nelson Panciatici is to join forces with David Cheng and Ho-Pin Tung in the N°35 car which will feature the colours of Baxi DC Racing Alpine
• The N°36 car will be shared by Nicolas Lapierre and Gustavo Menezes, supported by Stéphane Richelmi
• Both Alpine A460s will be presented at Le Castellet, France, on Thursday, March 24

Following the recent confirmation of the entry of two A460s for the 2016 FIA WEC, Alpine is pleased to be able to announce the complete driver line-ups. The six men will defend its colours during a season that will see it embark on a world tour, visiting venues as far afield as Mexico and Japan, not to mention the famous Le Mans 24 Hours on June 18-19.

Nelson Panciatici, a cornerstone of the team since Alpine’s return to motor racing in 2013, will compete in the N°35 prototype. The Frenchman’s experience and speed will benefit the DC Racing-led, Signatech-Alpine-run programme, and the 27-year old will share the car with David Cheng and Ho Pin-Tung. The newly-formed trio has set its sights particularly high.

The crew of the N°36 car – namely Nicolas Lapierre, Gustavo Menezes and the recently recruited Monegasque Stéphane Richelmi – has similarly lofty ambitions. After showcasing his skill in GP2 and GT racing, 25-year old Richelmi is a newcomer to prototype racing.

Signatech-Alpine will be able to count on the complementary skills and talent of these two crews in its bid to play a front-running role in the FIA WEC’s LMP2 class.

Following a three-day test at Motorland Aragón, Spain, on March 7-9, the two new Alpine A460s will be presented officially at Le Castellet, France (7pm, Thursday, March 24), before seeing where they stand in relation to rival cars at the 2016 FIA WEC Prologue test.

Philippe Sinault (Team Principal Signatech-Alpine): “We are thrilled to have Nelson Panciatici on board with us once more. He has won two ELMS titles with Signatech-Alpine and will bring his speed and experience to our association with DC Racing. It is also very satisfying to have enlisted the services of Stéphane Richelmi for the N°36 car. Our driver line-ups have now been finalised and I think they illustrate the determination behind Alpine’s racing programme for 2016. In their hands, the two A460s will be capable of fighting at the very front.

“The past few weeks have been quite intense, both for Alpine which recently presented the Alpine Vision show car in Monaco, and for the team which has been busy completing the build of our two cars. All six drivers have visited our base to get better acquainted with everyone, as well as to optimise their respective driving positions and to take part in technical meetings with our engineers. The squad is now raring to get on with what promises to be a challenging season!

“We are also pleased with and proud of DC Racing’s input. It’s an honour to have been chosen to run the technical, sporting and logistical sides of its programme. We are putting all our experience and know-how into making the project a success to a background of promoting Alpine’s reputation in China.

“Last but not least, I would like to express my disappointment at not having been able to keep Paul-Loup Chatin with us in 2016. He has contributed a great deal to the team and to our results these past two seasons. It was a hard decision to take but we hope we will be able to work with him again in the future because he is part of the Alpine family.”

ALPINE’S 2016 DRIVER LINE-UPS

N°35 Alpine A460: Nelson Panciatici / David Cheng / Ho-Pin Tung

N°36 Alpine A460: Nicolas Lapierre / Gustavo Menezes / Stéphane Richelmi

Nelson Panciatici Born 26/09/88 in  Reims (France) French www.nelsonpancia.fr	Nicolas Lapierre Born 02/04/84 in Thonon-les-Bains (France) French www.nicolaslapierre.com
David Cheng Born 21/07/89 in Beijin (China) Chinese/American www.dchengracing.com	Gustavo Menezes     Born 9/09/94 in Los             Angeles (USA)     American  www.gustavomenezes.com
Ho-Pin Tung Born 04/12/82 in Velp (Netherlands) Chinese/Dutch www.hopintung.com	Stéphane Richelmi Born 17/03/90 in Monaco Monegasque www.richelmi.it

2016 CALENDAR

March 25-26: Prologue – Circuit Paul Ricard (France)

April 17: 6 Hours of Silverstone (Great Britain)

May 7: WEC 6 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps (Belgium)

June 5: Le Mans 24 Hours Test Day (France)

June 18-19: Le Mans 24 Hours (France)

July 24: 6 Hours of Nürburgring (Germany)

September 3: 6 Hours of Mexico (Mexico)

September 17: 6 Hours of Circuit of the Americas (USA)

October 16: 6 Hours of Fuji (Japan)

November 6: 6 Hours of Shanghai (China)

November 19: 6 Hours of Bahrain