Dtm Driver's Test Drive for the Audi R10 Tdi

Four of Audi DTM (German Touring Car Masters) drivers had the chance to test drive the popular and undisputed Audi race car who had successfully achieved victories at the American Le Mans Series (ALMS) and 24 Hours of Le Mans. The four drivers, including Mattias Ekström Lucas Luhr, Alexandre Prémat, and Mike Rockenfeller went aboard the Audi R10 TDI and completed the test drive at the "High Tech Test Track" at Paul Ricard located in the southern part of France. The four drivers completed about 1,400 km (870 mi) of test run, which is a part of the development test for Audi's diesel powered race car in preparation for the upcoming 24 Hours of Le Mans. In addition, the test drive is also a part of preparation of the four drivers at the 2007 season of DTM that will kick-off on April 22 at Hockenheim.

According to Dr Wolfgang Ullrich, Head of Audi Motorsport:

"This test was very positive since all four drivers had prepared themselves extremely well for this opportunity and remained focused on driving the R10. All four approached the task in the professional manner I expected. They all immediately reached an exceptionally good level and more than fulfilled my expectations."

The four drivers was impressed by the Audi R10 TDI's powerful performance coming out from the monstrous 5.5-liter all-aluminium bi-turbo diesel V12 engine pumping out 650 horsepower (485 kW) and produces 811 lb ft (1100 Nm) amount of peak torque. The engine is connected into a gearbox with quality VW transmission mount.

Here is what the four DTM drivers said after the two-day test drive in Southern France.

Mike Rockenfeller (German):

"The thing just takes off like a rocket in every gear. You get used to everything with time - but this engine is simply amazing. It's a fantastic feeling every time you hit the throttle."

Alexandre Prémat (French, with Formula 1 experience):

"It's incredible to see just how professionally the Audi team works. The R10 is simply unbelievable: It is a TDI, but has the power of a Formula 1 car. I'm extremely grateful that Audi gave me the opportunity to test this car. And of course it was a nice birthday present."

Lucas Luhr (German, won the LM P2 class at the 2006 American Le Mans Series):

"You notice that the car is 150 kilograms heavier, particularly when you brake into the corners or have to change direction rapidly. However, the R10 TDI is very driveable, reacts precisely to changes and is great fun to drive - and obviously the engine power is staggering."

Mattias Ekström (Swedish, won the 2004 DTM):

"First of all I need to sleep on this experience for a few days and analyse the whole thing, because it was so amazing that I drove every lap with adrenalin pulsing through my veins. I felt immediately at home in the car, but I need more experience to keep calm. The power, torque and downforce are phenomenal and obviously completely different to the DTM car. I could only have kept up in the slow corners with my A4."