The tradition of the great 1000 kilometre racesSince last season there is a European counterpart to the American Le Mans Series (ALMS): The Le Mans Endurance Series (LMES). The racing series, founded by the organisers of the 24 Hours of Le Mans, revives the tradition of the great 1000 kilometre races held on famous European race circuits, which were very popular during the 1970s and 80s. | |
Full gridMonza, Nürburgring, Silverstone and Spa-Francorchamps were the venues during the inaugural 2004 season and are again included in this year's LMES. In addition, a fifth race at the Grand Prix track in Istanbul (Turkey) has been added.
The full grids show that it was high-time to organise a European race series for the spectacular Le Mans sportscars. Two months before the start of the season around 40 teams had registered for the 2005 LMES season.
Just as at Le Mans and in the ALMS cars from four different categories compete in the LMES. The Audi R8 was the outstanding car of the “Premiere League” LM P1 last season. At all four races an R8 entered by the British Audi importer crossed the line as winner. The Audi drivers Johnny Herbert and Jamie Davies won the Drivers' title in the LMES.
Audi Sport UK Team Veloqx will not defend its title in the Le Mans Endurance Series. One of the two Audi R8 prototypes, which were seen in action in the LMES last year, has been taken over by Audi PlayStation Team ORECA, which is aiming to win the 24 Hours of Le Mans with a pure francophone team. As well Hugues de Chaunac's team participates in all LMES races. | Audi PlayStation
Team ORECAJean-Marc Gounon (F)
Franck Montagny (F)
Stéphane Ortelli (MC) |
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