Ingolstadt, March 14, 2004

The Audi importer teams of Audi Sport UK and Audi Sport North America reach out for a fifth consecutive Audi win this coming weekend in the 12 Hour race at Sebring (Florida) with three Audi R8 prototypes and a genuine star squad. At the American Le Mans Series (ALMS) season opener in 2000, 2001, 2002 and 2003 the Audi Sport Infineon Team Joest won each time, who concentrates this season exclusively on the Audi works entry in the DTM (German Touring Car Masters).

ADT Champion Racing
The defending ALMS champion Marco Werner, contesting his first race for his new squad Team ADT Champion Racing, takes turns at the wheel of the “American” Audi R8 at Sebring with DTM driver Emanuele Pirro and the former Finnish Formula 1 driver JJ Lehto. Following two runner-up finishes in succession, Dave Maraj’s team has its sights firmly set on their first overall victory in the American long distance classic.

ADT Champion Racing
The newly formed Audi Sport UK Team Veloqx wants however also win on its first competitive appearance for the British Audi Importer. The team of Hong Kong-Chinese businessman Sam Li has prepared itself for the prototype debut with intensive tests at Road Atlanta and Sebring and sends two prominently filled R8 cars into the fray: The two Germans Frank Biela and Pierre Kaffer form one team with former ALMS champion Allan McNish. The other R8 is driven by the pure British trio of Jamie Davies/Johnny Herbert/Guy Smith.

“Sebring is a unique race,” says former Formula 1 driver Allan McNish. “The circuit is very bumpy and is very strenuous – also because of the expected hot and humid weather.”

The 12-hour race at Sebring starts at 10:30 local time. A total of 46 sports and GT cars, including 19 LMP1 and LMP2 sport prototypes that are classified together, are entered for the ALMS curtain raiser.