Lotterer will miss Sebring due to testing R18 in Japan
Audi is preparing for 2013 programs across the globe but the head of Audi Motorsport took time out of his busy schedule to explain why André Lotterer will not be at Sebring.
Photo by: Eric Gilbert
Motorsport.com was curious as to why champion driver Andre Lotterer was not listed on the lineup for the American Le Mans Series opening race in Florida. While we knew the German had a commitment in Japan, we honestly were not sure if it was due to his sponsor, his love of challenges including racing in a country he calls his second home, or if he was on an assignment for Audi.
Lotterer is one of Audi AG’s factory drivers, and of course will be ready to defend the titles that he and his two teammates, Marcel Fässler, Benoît Tréluyer, had earned. The trio landed the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) crown plus they scored the coveted 24 Hours of Le Mans victory last year.
Audi will have two of their R18 e-tron quattros at the always challenging Twelve Hours of Sebring: the 2012-generation one and an updated version of the prototype which no doubt will be the R18 that will take on this year’s contests including Le Mans.
The driver lineup for Sebring will see Fässler, Tréluyer plus Oliver Jarvis. In the other LMP1 R18 will be Tom Kristensen who holds the record for the most overall wins at Sebring. He will aim for his seventh victory this year with Allan McNish and Lucas di Grassi. For Audi AG, their drivers and the crew members for their two R18 e-tron quattros, they will be aiming for their 11th 12 hour victory on the historic circuit.
As for Lotterer having to miss this event, Ullrich added, "With no [WEC] points for Sebring this year it is not a problem.” Leaving us with a teaser, he said, “Our driver line up for Le Mans and the WEC will be announced on February 1st, after the official FIA WEC press conference."
Be part of Motorsport community
Join the conversationShare Or Save This Story
Perez beats McLaren on his departure
Tiga Race Cars share first peek of their LM214
Pole winners in 2013 will aim for the Sprint Unlimited cash next year
Pfaff Motorsports adds Alexander Rossi to Rolex 24 lineup
Jarvis “had to think for myself” to seal Portimao win with no radio
Why a Mazda IMSA Prototype title would bring bitter joy
Norris' China F1 sprint pole lap down to "all-or-nothing" approach
2024 F1 Chinese GP sprint qualifying results: Lando Norris takes pole
F1 team-mates' qualifying battles: Chinese GP
F1 Chinese GP: Norris time reinstated for sprint pole, Hamilton second
Subscribe and access Motorsport.com with your ad-blocker.
From Formula 1 to MotoGP we report straight from the paddock because we love our sport, just like you. In order to keep delivering our expert journalism, our website uses advertising. Still, we want to give you the opportunity to enjoy an ad-free and tracker-free website and to continue using your adblocker.
Top Comments