Audi R8 LMS Evo Race Debut Confirmed

Audi’s recently-launched 2019-spec GT3 racer will make its competition debut in the penultimate round of the VLN series this weekend.

Audi factory drivers Jamie Green and Christopher Haase will share driving duties in the four-hour race on Oct. 6 with a car entered by customer outfit Car Collection Motorsport.

The upgraded version of the Spa and Nurburgring 24 Hour-winning car, which features a new front splitter and modified bodywork for improved aerodynamic performance, was launched on Tuesday at the Paris Motor Show.

It will share its race debut with that of the new-generation Aston Martin Vantage GT3, with both 2019-spec cars placed in the SPX class for models that are not yet homologated.

As revealed by Sportscar365 last month, Audi had planned to give the Evo its competition debut in VLN competition this year.

Car Collection has plans to run the the 2019-spec Audi on a full-time basis next year, although full details of the program have not been confirmed.

The team will also field a current-generation Audi R8 LMS in the SP9 class this weekend with Pierre Kaffer, Simon Trummer and Kim Luis Schramm sharing the wheel.

“We are very pleased to be able to use the evolution model of the Audi R8 LMS for the first time in a race,” said Car Collection team owner Peter Schmidt.

“Many thanks to Audi Sport customer racing for their confidence. Furthermore, we warmly welcome Kim-Luis Schramm to our team.

“He has been in the ADAC GT Masters and Blancpain GT Series this year. Together with Simon and Pierre, he will accompany us at the next two VLN races.”