New winner Audi at the 'Ring

Endurance racing's superstar, Audi has won the Nurburgring 24 Hour race with a 1-2 finish with its R8 LMS ultra cars. The win at the Nordschleife means Audi can now add the Nurburgring event to its list of wins at endurance racing's major arenas, including the Le Mans and Spa 24 Hour races.

A win at the Nurburgring is "a long desired victory" for Audi, which has entered the R8 LMS for three years.

"Over the last 24 hours nothing whatsoever was handed to us on a plate," said Dieter Gass, Head of Racing Commitments at Audi Sport.

"This victory in a racecar closely related to the production-based car once again proves that Audi Sport customer racing provides its customers with a well refined, versatile and successful racecar."

The first place-getting R8 LMS was prepared by Phoenix Racing; the same team who put together the Bathurst 12 Hour-winning R8 in February. Audi LMS ultra cars filled five of the top 12 finishing places at the Nurburgring; in first, second, fifth, 11th and 12th. Audi stablemate Bentley led proceedings with a Continental GTC Mulsanne, Supersports and Flying Spur models acting as official parade and VIP shuttle cars.

The Audi drivers endured similar race conditions as those in Le Mans last year, where backmarkers caused accidents affecting finishing positions due to downtime in the pits for repairs. The Audi Race Experience LMS ultra car driven by Australian Warren Luff did not finish due to an accident.

Top finishers in the 40th running of the Nurburgring 24 Hour race included Mercedes-Benz with its SLS AMG GT3, also on 155 laps with the leading Audi cars. A BMW Z4 GT3 followed on 154 laps, ahead of the second Audi Phoenix car and Porsche 997 GT3 on 151.

Seven brands were represented at Nurburgring including Toyota, Lexus, Subaru and Nissan. Four Toyota FT86 cars were entered; all of them finishing. Highest placegetter was Japan's Gazoo Racing in 45th, after 129 laps, which finished ahead of a Renault Clio.

Japan's Gazoo Racing had better results with its Lexus LF-A entry, however, finishing 15th overall with 147 laps. The FT86 and LF-A cars were entered in SP3 and SP8 categories respectively; both being for naturally-aspirated, production engine cars. The LF-A finished first in the SP8 class; ahead of Aston Martin boss Ulrich Bez's Zagato and Jurgen Stumpf's Vantage GT4. The Lexus also beat the Nissan GTR of GT Academy racer, Lucas Ordonez.

A Nurburgring package has been available for the LF-A for some time, however, local Lexus spokesman Tyson Bowen told motoring.com.au that none of the ten cars destined for Australian delivery were optioned with the upgrade, which includes 10 extra horsepower, faster transmission programming and an aero kit. The Nurburgring-kitted LF-A has lapped the 'Ring in 7min14sec on standard-spec Bridgestone Potenza RE070 tyres.

The LF-A endurance story has evolved over five years; first appearing at the Nurburgring as a pre-production prototype. The LF-A finished first in class at last year's Nurburgring 24 Hour race.

All pictures (c) by Susanne Rossbach