Audi and its three R18 e-tron Quattro racecars qualified fourth, fifth and sixth for the 24 Hours of Le Mans yesterday, unable to topple Porsche and their wicked fast trio of 919 Hybrids.
The fastest time of the three qualifying sessions for Audi was the No. 8 car’s time of 3:19.866. The No. 7 R18 slotted in behind it with a time of 3:20.561, while Audi’s No. 9 entry was its slowest with a time of 3:20.997.
Porsche was fastest in the first qualifying session early Wednesday, with its No. 18 919 setting a time of 3:16.887, the fastest pole lap set at Le Mans since two separate chicanes were added to the Mulsanne Straight, according to Autosport. The No. 17 car was second fastest with a time of 3:17.767, while the No. 19 was third with a 3:18.862 lap.
Despite losing out to Porsche in qualifying, Audi motorsports boss Dr. Wolfgang Ulrich remains optimistic about their chances at winning.
“I’m pleased with the work done by the entire squad,” Ulrich said. “We went through everything that was possible in the time that was available to us. However, there were many interruptions during the three qualifying sessions. That interfered a little with our programs. Still, Audi has prepared well for the Le Mans 24 Hours. There are many strong rivals and teams in contention for victory. The crowd can look forward to seeing a classic in the 83rd running of the race.”
Audi’s three R18 e-tron racecars will lineup on the start grid for the 83rd running of the 24 Hours of Le Mans at 9 a.m. ET Saturday morning.
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