Magnus Confirms Switch to Audi R8 LMS

Magnus Racing has formally confirmed its switch to Audi for the 2016 IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship season, after a long tenure with Porsche dating back to 2010.

As first revealed by Sportscar365 last week, Magnus will become one of several teams that will be wearing the four rings next year, with the new Audi R8 LMS.

The team will take delivery of its chassis in December, with prep work occurring before the Roar Before the Rolex 24 in January. Magnus will not be at next week’s two-day test at Daytona International Speedway.

While the car and manufacturer are new to the Salt Lake City-based team, the driver lineup will stay the same with Andy Lally and John Potter together for a fifth consecutive season.

“We’re very excited about 2016,” said Potter, who’s also Magnus Racing’s team owner. “The Audi R8 LMS has proven an incredible competitor over the years, and as we look for ways to start anew for the team, the opportunity seemed right.

“Our interaction so far with everyone at Audi Sport customer racing has been extremely positive, and we’re all anxious to take delivery of the car.”

Added Tristan Herbert, manager, motorsport & Customer Racing, Audi: “We have been continuously impressed with Magnus Racing’s performance in IMSA and are excited to see them bring that same energy with the new Audi R8 LMS.

“Magnus Racing also brings a strong, consistent driver lineup that compliments the team’s performance strategy – smart , calculated and competitive.”

Lally and Potter ended eighth in points in 2015 and seek a rebound after a rare winless season, which still included two trips to the podium.

“It’s no secret that 2015 was a bit of a struggle for all of us, and I’m very confident that we’ll rebound this year,” Lally said.

“The car has an excellent reputation, we have a great team behind us, and there’s no reason we can’t be instant contenders.”