Currently, the tally of the leaders, Fässler/Lotterer/Tréluyer, reflects 80 points. In the manufacturers’ classification, Audi is still in contention as well. As the runner-up in the standings, the brand with the four rings is trailing the leader with a deficit of only 16 points, while 220 points are yet to be awarded. This year, Audi is battling for its third World Championship title in both the drivers’ and manufacturers’ classification of the FIA WEC.
From round four of the season in the Eifel onwards, new technical ratings that were determined based on the actual data from Le Mans will apply. They allocate slightly more fuel energy per lap to the Audi R18 e-tron quattro hybrid race car (plus 0.4 percent). At the same time, the competition has to manage a reduction in gasoline consumption (minus 1.7 to 2.2 percent). The officials have reduced the fuel tank capacity of the race cars as well. “This will result in minor shifts,” says Chris Reinke, Head of LMP at Audi Sport. “The differences between the technological concepts in the field are now more precisely compensated for. This will have effects on the lap times of all the participants, but possibly also on how many laps we can complete between two pit stops.”
In addition to the new rating of the race cars, a special provision in the tire regulations will be applied at the Nürburgring as the track is new on the calendar. Eight tire sets will be available to the manufacturers for each car in qualifying and the race – compared to only six for most of the other six-hour races. Consequently, the teams may also change tires during each refueling stop.
The TV channel Eurosport will cover the crucial stage of the race at the Nürburgring, with live 75-minute coverage starting at 18.00 (CEST). RTL will broadcast a summary of the 6-hour race on September 5, starting at 13.35.