Dallas Preview

Dallas, Febuary 26, 2001

When the season-opening round of the American Le Mans Series (ALMS) at the Texas Motorsport Speedway kicks off the new motorsport year for Audi on 4 March, the squad faces a tough challenge which is to defend the Le Mans and ALMS titles. In the first round, the teams Frank Biela / Emanuele Pirro and Rinaldo Capello / Tom Kristensen will go for points. �We will not rest on our successes and will give everything to defend our titles�, says Dr Wolfgang Ullrich, Head of Audi Sport.

With the new season, last year�s best sportscar which scored a triple success at Le Mans and clinched all ALMS titles, receives a new name. Due to the intensified partnership with hi-tech specialist Infineon Technologies AG, with immediate effect the racing sportscar is now dubbed the "Infineon Audi R8".

Two further developed cars, featuring several technical modifications under the unchanged body, will compete at Texas. �Standing still in motorsport means taking a step backwards�, declares Dr. Wolfgang Ullrich. �Therefore we�ve improved many important details on the R8.� In the pre-practice at Le Mans on 6 May, the 2001 spec will be completed with optimized aerodynamics.

In the 2001 season, the two Infineon Audi R8s will compete with the start numbers one and two. �You can only earn the start number of the title defender by working extremely hard and so we are proud to be carrying it this year�, says Dr Ullrich.

The Audi drivers� memories of the 2.32 mile circuit, which consists of a high speed oval and a narrow infield, could not be better: Last year Audi celebrated a superior double success under extremely hot conditions with more than 100 degrees Fahrenheit. This time the drivers can expect more comfortable conditions: Weathermen forecast spring like weather with less than 70F.

To ensure that the Audi drivers can cope with the strains of the forthcoming motorsport season, Team doctor Dr. Christian John organised an intensive fitness training in St Moritz, Switzerland, at the end of February. �The campaign was to work on staying power and fitness. It was also important that the drivers spent time together to further strengthen their team spirit�, says Dr. John. His opinion after six hard days in the snow: �Our boys are ready, the season can begin.�

Nearest airport
Dallas Fort Worth

Driving instructions From Dallas, Texas
There are a variety of routes from Dallas to Texas Motor Speedway. However, because of the volume of traffic associated with most major races at the facility, the following route is recommended:
North from Dallas on Interstate 35E to Denton, TX. At the junction of I35E and I35W, head back south on Interstate 35W. Exit right on SH 114 to the speedway.

Driving Instructions From Fort Worth, Texas
Take Interstate 35W north from Fort Worth. Exit on SH 114 and turn under the overpass to the speedway.

Alt.- Take Interstate 35W to U.S. 287 North. Left on U.S. 287 to FM 156. Right on FM 156 to SH 114. Right on SH 114 to the speedway.

LMP 900

1	Rinaldo Capello	Tom Kristensen	Audi R8
2	Frank Biela	Emanuele Pirro	Audi R8
8	Scott Schubot	Rick Sutherland	Lola B2K/10 / Ford
38	Dorsey Schroeder	Andy Wallace	Audi R8
49	Jay Cochran	TBA	Panoz
50	Jan Magnussen	David Brabham	Panoz
51	Klaus Graf	Gualter Salles	Panoz

LMP 675

11	Mel Hawkins	Steven Knight	Lola B2K/40 / Nissan
77	Wayne Jackson	Gunnar Jeannette	Lola B2K/40 / Porsche

GTS

3	Ron Fellows	Johnny O'Connell	Chevrolet Corvette C5-R
4	Andy Pilgrim	Kelly Collins	Chevrolet Corvette C5-R
44	Tom Weickardt	Joe Ellis	Dodge Viper GTS-R
45	Erik Messley	Neil Hanneman	Dodge Viper GTS-R

6	Boris Said	Hans Stuck	BMW E46 M3
10	Bill Auberlen	Niclas Jönsson	BMW E46 M3
12	Shane Lewis	Vic Rice	Callaway C-12 R
17	Owen Trinkler	Jeff Altenburg	Chevrolet Corvette C5-R
22	Randy Pobst	Christian Menzel	Porsche 911 GT3-RS
23	Lucas Luhr	Sascha Maassen	Porsche 911 GT3-RS
30	Michael Petersen	Bob Wollek	Porsche 911 GT3 RS
42	J.J. Lehto	Jörg Müller	BMW E46 M3
52	Tony Burgess	Stefano Buttiero	Porsche 911 GT3 RS
98	Rick Polk	Cort Wagner	Porsche 911 GT3 RS
99	Christophe Bouchut	Anthony Lazzaro	Porsche 911 GT3 RS

Name	Infineon Audi R8
Vehicle type	Le Mans Prototype (LM-P)
Monocoque	Carbon fibrer, crash structure ACO and FIA approved, CFC rollbars front and rear,
	carbon fibre body
Engine	V8, turbo charged, 90 degree cylinder angle, 4 valves per cylinder,
	2 Garrett turbo chargers, to comply with the rules 2 x 32.4 mm air restrictors
	and boost pressure restriction to 1.67 bars absolute
Engine management	Bosch MS 2.9
Engine lubrification	Dry sump, Shell Racing Oil SR
Displacement	3600 ccm
Output	610 bhp
Torque	700 Nm
Power transmission	Rear wheel drive
Clutch	CFC clutch
Gearbox	Sequential 6-speed sports gearbox, partner Ricardo
Differential	Multiple-disc limited-slip differential
Driveshafts	Constant-velocity plunging tripod joint
Steering	Servo-assisted rack-and-pinion steering
Suspension	Independent suspension at front and rear. Double-wishbone suspension.
	Pushroad system with horizontal spring/damper unit, adjustable gas-filled
	shock absorbers
Brakes	hydraulic dual-circuit brake system, monobloc light-alloy brake callipers,
	ventilated carbon fibre brake discs at front and rear, brake balance adjustable
	by driver
Rims	O.Z. forged magnesium rims, Front: 13,5 x 18 inches, Rear: 14,5 x 18 inches
Tyres	Michelin Radial, Front: 33/65-18, Rear: 36/71-18
Length	4650 mm
Width	2000 mm
Height	1080 mm
Minimum weight	900 kgs
Tank capacity	90 litres