In fact Audi AG Motorsports will not field any factory teams at all in North America in 2009, instead concentrating on European racing series.
Audi, whose success in ALMS was matched by championship wins in DTM and a win at Le Mans, had its most successful season ever.
Audi has decided to focus on its new Le Mans prototype R15TDI, its A4 for the DTM (Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters) touring car series, and its new GT3 customer car, the new R8 LMS.
Audi entered ALMS in 2000, and won the LMP1 championship every year. “Since the 2000 season Audi has won the LMP1 title nine times in succession in this high-caliber sports car championship. Our brand dominated proceedings last season by taking seven wins in eleven races,” said Head of Audi Motorsport Dr Wolfgang Ullrich.
“2008 was the largest and most successful motorsport program in AUDI AG history,” continued Dr. Ullrich. ”We want to continue this in 2009. In view of the international economic and financial crisis, it is clear that motorsport must also make a contribution to reduce costs further.”
American fans will be treated to the racing debut of the new R15 TDI at the Twelve Hours of Sebring ALMS race on March 21, in Sebring, Florida. Audi will use Sebring as a real-world test for its new Le Mans prototype, which will be operated by Audi Sport Team Joest, rather than the old ALMS factory team, Audi Sport North America.
