R18 e-tron quattro would be first hybrid to run at 12 Hours
Audi Sport is targeting an 11th win at Sebring International Raceway in March with plans to enter its R18 e-tron Quattro hybrid prototype for the 61st running of the Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring fueled by Fresh from Florida.
An electric-powered race car has never graced the grid at Sebring, and it’s appropriate that Audi is the first manufacturer to do so. The German marque pioneered the use of direct fuel injection into its turbocharged engine with its R8 prototype project more than 10 years ago. Audi also became the first manufacturer to win a major auto race using diesel power when its R10 TDI took a maiden victory at Sebring in 2006.
The R18 e-tron quattro would be the sixth Audi race car to compete at Sebring. It’s R18 – a conventional diesel prototype – won last year’s race with Dindo Capello, Tom Kristensen and Allan McNish driving.
The 61st running of the Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring fueled by Fresh from Florida is set for Saturday, March 16. Information on tickets and accommodations are available at www.sebringraceway.com
Photo courtesy of American Le Mans Series
