No. 1 Audi Tub to Be Replaced for Second Time, Will Miss Qualifying

Photo: John Dagys

A trying weekend for Audi has been made even more challenging Friday, as the German manufacturer is undergoing a second monocoque change for its No. 1 Audi R18 e-tron quattro ahead of tomorrow’s FIA WEC Six Hours of Bahrain.

Damage was spotted to the Tom Kristensen, Loic Duval and Lucas Di Grassi-driven entry following Thursday’s night practice, forcing another change, less than 30 hours prior to the start of the race.

An Audi spokesperson told Sportscar365 that the damage was similar in nature to the previous two tubs, which were replaced earlier this week upon arrival in Bahrain. He suspects it could be related to the undertray hitting curbing.

Modifications were made to the No. 2 Audi for Saturday’s Free Practice 3, with no issues reported.

Work to replace the No. 1 car’s tub began this morning and the car will miss qualifying and is expected to start from the rear of the 27-car field on Saturday.

Sportscar365 will have more on this developing story later today.

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