Audi Sport Team Joest will launch the new Audi R18 e-tron Quattro in its full 2014 Livery at the Place des Jacobins, Le Mans, before Mr Le Mans himself, Tom Kristensen, will drive the car from Place de Jacobins to the Circuit de La Sarthe under police escort.
The route the R18 will take to Le Mans. Credit: Audi Sport
“We think it’s great that Audi selected Le Mans as the venue for the presentation of the new R18 e-tron Quattro – not only for the media but also for the spectators who will be the first to see the new Le Mans sports car on the Place des Jacobins and on its drive to the race track,” Automobile Club de l’Ouest president Pierre Fillon said. “At the same time, Audi is bringing back memories of an all-but forgotten tradition of our race from the days when the drivers would travel to Le Mans in their own race cars.”
Dr Wolfgang Ullrich, head of Audi Sport, said the idea behind the unique launch is based upon the new regulations for 2014.
“The new regulations that are centred on the efficiency of the sports prototypes mark the beginning of a new era for the Le Mans 24 Hours and endurance racing this year. That’s why we came up with a special plan for the presentation of the new Audi R18 e-tron Quattro featuring its final graphics plus information on the technology. We’re pleased that the ACO and the city of Le Mans have supported our idea from the outset and are making this drive in public traffic possible.”
The event, which starts at 1330 CET on March 25, will be broadcast live on Audi TV (audimedia.tv) for both fans and media to view.
