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New Audi R8 LMS Completes First Public Test

New Audi R8 LMS complete first public test at Nürburgring…

Photo: Audi

Photo: Audi

Audi’s new-for-2015 GT3 challenger made its public debut this weekend at the Nürburgring Nordschleife, as it prepares for its 24-hour race debut in May.

Frank Stippler and Markus Winkelhock handled testing duties of an all-white Audi R8 LMS on Saturday during the official VLN test day, which saw the car rack up more than 250 miles.

“There were many inquisitive looks and keen interest when we were on track with the new R8 LMS in the VLN Test and Set-up Session on the Nürburgring,” said Romolo Liebchen, Head of Audi Sport customer racing.

The single-day test came after a closed door SRO Balance of Performance test at Paul Ricard earlier in the week, which was used to set the technical configuration for the mid-engined sports car for many GT3 championships worldwide.

The car will make its race debut in the VLN season opener at the end of the month.

“We’re aiming to have developed a fully matured car by the time of the Nürburgring 24 Hours on May 16 and 17 that fits the requirements of the Nordschleife well and will be competitive as soon as possible,” Liebchen said.

“In the intervening period there’s still an endurance test on our agenda as well. We’re going to contest further races during the course of the season.

“The resulting findings will to the extent this may be necessary be fed into the customer cars. We’re on the right track.”

The car is expected to compete in a number of Blancpain Endurance Series races as well, prior to deliveries to customers by the end of the year.

John Dagys is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of Sportscar365. Dagys spent eight years as a motorsports correspondent for FOXSports.com and SPEED Channel and has contributed to numerous other motorsports publications worldwide. Contact John

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