Audi Pulls out of American Le Mans Series for 2009 - Car News

Since entering the American Le Mans Series in 2000, Audi has proven itself time and time again. Having won the Le Mans Prototype 1 (LMP1) class title nine years in succession?first with the R8 racer, and then with the diesel R10 TDI?the automaker has decided to throw in the towel on its main stateside racing venture.

With a new plan focusing on its European racing interests, the German company hopes to nevertheless remain a superpower in the world of motorsport. The main concentration of Audi’s new direction will be based largely on the development and testing of its new R15 TDI diesel sport prototype, a replacement for the three-year-old R10 TDI race car. Additional attention will also be paid to the redesigned DTM (German Touring Car Masters) A4 touring car, as well as the all-new R8 GT3 Le Mans Series entry.

While Audi’s withdrawal from ALMS might seem abrupt and confusing given its past domination, the auto industry is going through some tough economic times, Europe included . Elsewhere in the world of racing, Honda recently announced it will be pulling out of F1 . The Lord of the Rings has already proven itself on American soil, making further continuation a costly exercise in excess. However, still facing stiff opposition in Europe by way of Peugeot in the Le Mans Series and Mercedes-Benz in DTM?where the two marques are the only competitors?it makes sense for Audi to conserve its funding for the racing where there’s still a substantial fight from the competition.

Nevertheless, there’s still some hope for you Audi racing nuts living on this side of the pond, as the R15 TDI race car will be making its debut on March 21 in Florida for the 12 Hours of Sebring, a precursor to and final test race before the famous 24 Hours of Le Mans. Audi’s hushed diesel beasts back could return to the ALMS game after a season or two, assuming their European development efforts are successful, and we expect they will be, considering the company’s past performances.