Audi in Race to Replace Both R18 Tubs in Bahrain

Photo: John Dagys

Audi is in a race to get both of its LMP1 cars ready for Thursday’s Free Practice sessions at Bahrain International Circuit, after electing to replace the monocoques of the Nos. 1 and 2 R18 e-tron quattros ahead of this weekend’s FIA WEC round. (En Français)

Following close inspection upon arrival in Bahrain, the German manufacturer made the precautionary change after both of the tubs showed damage from the recent Shanghai round.

While the championship-contending No. 2 Audi of Andre Lotterer, Benoit Treluyer and Marcel Fassler was rebuilt around the team’s spare tub carried with them, a new chassis has been flown in from Germany for the No. 1 car and is only expected to arrive around 4 a.m. local time on Thursday.

An Audi spokesperson confirmed the No. 2 car will take part in Thursday’s Free Practice 1, although it’s unclear if the team will have the No. 1 Audi built up in time for the session, which gets underway at 3:15 p.m. local.

Audi trails Toyota in the FIA WEC title race heading into this weekend’s penultimate round of the season, with the Japanese manufacturer possibly being able to lock up both the drivers’ and manufacturers’ titles on Saturday.

John Dagys

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