Diesel Powered Audi R10 set to attempt a historic win at Le Mans

Following an extensive testing programme, the Shell-fuelled Audi R10 will race for the first time at Sebring, Florida, in March 2006, ahead of 24 Heures du Mans (Le mans) on June 17 2006. Commenting on the partnership, Shell’s Vice President of Retail Marketing Bruce Rosengarten said: “We are delighted to be working with Audi Sport to develop a diesel with the power to win such an historic race as 24 Heures du Mans. Shell V-Power Diesel is already the choice of thousands of drivers everyday, and with the same technology used to power the Audi R10, we are sure that many more will soon experience the enduring power it is designed to deliver.”

Head of Audi Sport, Dr Wolfgang Ullrich, said: “We are proud to bring together the leaders in diesel innovation for this historic challenge. Our tests show that Shell V-Power Diesel will deliver the kind of performance we need to win Le Mans - and are delighted that it will now power the Audi R10.”

The technical partnership was first unveiled with a live demonstration through the streets of Paris in December 2005, and this year will see the Shell V-Power Diesel-driven Audi R10 line up alongside some of the world’s fastest gasoline-driven cars for what is widely regarded as the world’s toughest motor race.

With over five decades of on-track success at the forefront of top-level, international motorsport, Shell is no stranger to Le Mans. Shell provided lubricants for the Audi R8 car which has dominated the race in recent years. Since then Shell has developed and launched Shell V-Power Diesel across much of Europe. It is this fuel technology that Audi Sport will put to the test in 2006.

Whilst the project will see two of the biggest names in motor sports striving for an historic milestone in racing, the expertise behind the technology comes from a deep understanding of what works on the road. Audi, inventor of the TDi technology and pioneer of the European diesel revolution, has worked extensively with Shell in the past – and has been involved in the development and testing of Shell V-Power Diesel. They will now attempt to prove that this technology can take on the best of the gasoline powered vehicles in the toughest motorsport event of the year.

Credits: Dinorider