An important victory for Audi at the 24 Hours of Spa

Established in 1924, the 24 Hours of Spa, played on the famous Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps in the heart of the Belgian Ardennes, had last weekend their 2011 edition. Desormais-proof account for the new Blancpain Endurance Championship, a International series reserved for GT3 cars category, which brings a starting grid for less exceptional in an event that had experienced ups and downs during the last 20 years.

No less than thirteen manufacturers were represented this year at the team-through worthy means sometimes real factory stables. Thus found departing Audi R8 LMS, Mercedes SLS AMG, Ferrari 458 Italia, BMW Z4, Porsche GT3 Cup, Aston Martin DBRS-9, Ford GT, Nissan 370Z, McLaren GT, Dodge Viper GT3, Lamborghini Gallardo LM600, Lotus Evora Chevrolet Corvette Z06, Ford Mustang FR500 and Ferrari F430. A total of 62 crews on the track, no less!

Despite climatic to say the least appalling conditions (a little over 12 degrees and more than half of the race in the rain), the event was spectacular and German manufacturers, favorites, do not have household efforts. Victory goes to the Audi R8 LMS (V10) driven by the stars of DTM Matthias Ekstrom and Timo Scheider, associated to the Belgian Gregory Franchi.

An important commercial and sporting success for Audi, especially a BMW Z4 and Mercedes SLS AMG round off the podium.