Audi Reveals Driver Lineups for New R8 LMS Program

Audi has revealed the drivers that will compete with the new Audi R8 LMS GT3 this season, as the car nears its competition debut at the Nürburgring Nordschleife this Saturday.

As previously announced, the German manufacturer will count on the expertise of Belgian Audi Club Team and Phoenix Racing to prep and race the new car in the 24 Hours of Spa and the Nürburgring, plus additional VLN and Blancpain Endurance races.

“Our new Audi R8 LMS is ready for a rigorous testing program in racing conditions,” said Romolo Liebchen, Head of Audi Sport customer racing.

“We selected the two toughest 24-hour races in Europe that GT3 cars are permitted to compete in. In Phoenix Racing and the Belgian Audi Club Team WRT we’ve got two teams that have been spoiled by success at our side.”

Besides its regular roster of GT drivers, Audi has added a couple of experienced racers to the mix.

Former DTM Champion Mike Rockenfeller and Nico Müller represent the DTM corner, while Marcel Fässler and René Rast come from the LMP1 program.

Edward Sandström, Nicki Thiim, Pierre Kaffer, Christian Mamerow and Christer Jöns complete the impressive pool of drivers.

Driver Lineups:

VLN 1
 
(March 28)

Belgian Audi Club Team WRT:
Christer Jöns/Nico Müller/Edward Sandström/Nicki Thiim

Phoenix Racing
Marc Basseng/Christopher Haase/Mike Rockenfeller/Frank Stippler

Nürburgring 24 Hours
 
(May 16–17)

Belgian Audi Club Team WRT:
Christopher Mies/Nico Müller/Edward Sandström/Laurens Vanthoor
Christer Jöns/Pierre Kaffer/Nicki Thiim/Laurens Vanthoor

Phoenix Racing:
Christopher Haase/Christian Mamerow/René Rast/Markus Winkelhock
Marc Basseng/Marcel Fässler/Mike Rockenfeller/Frank Stippler

24 Hours of Spa 
(July 25–26)

Belgian Audi Club Team WRT:
René Rast/Laurens Vanthoor/Markus Winkelhock
Nico Müller/Stéphane Ortelli/Frank Stippler

Phoenix Racing:
Marcel Fässler/Christian Mamerow/Mike Rockenfeller
Christopher Haase/Christopher Mies/Nicki Thiim