What's the news?

Audi looks to continue its unprecedented success in Le Mans this year with its next-generation of R18 LMP1 race car. The new R18 e-tron quattro is currently being put through its paces at the Sebring Raceway in Florida ahead of its public debut later this month.

The new model has been under development since 2012 and has been altered from the existing 2013 racer in order to meet new technical regulations that have been stipulated for the 2014 season.

Dr Wolfgang Ullrich, Head of Audi Motorsport, says, "We're at a crucial stage in this project. These tests are mainly focused on achieving high mileage, coordinating the highly complex hybrid drive systems and working out an efficiency-optimized total package that has never before been as complex as this one."

Audi will be making doubly sure that these systems work, too; especially if the team wants to top the season it has had in 2013. This year's season has seen Audi Motorsport take both the manufacturers' and drivers' titles in the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) for the second time on the trot; and has also seen the team take victory at the Le Mans 24 Hours for the twelfth time. Tall order.

Anything else?

So far, all technical details of Audi's R18 e-tron quattro have been kept under lock and key. All is set to be revealed at the car's unveiling that's scheduled to take place before the year is out.

James Giddings - 11 Dec 2013