LeMans.org (the official website for the ACO seems to have confirmed the reveal of the Audi R18 racecar this morning. Fourtitude forum user Lappies has just posted a link in our Audi Sport forum. The link is a story in French (linked at the bottom) though we've run a quick Google translation.

We suspect the new car will be a closed-top design based on some conversations we've had with sources inside Audi Sport. The photo above is a rendering done by the Segra Group several years ago and published on Fourtitude. It is NOT a photo of the R18.

Friday night at Ingolstadt, Dr. Ullrich will unveil the new R18. Meanwhile, the Audi Sport boss confirms its satisfaction of participating in the rise of ILMC.

Prototype open or closed? Motor gasoline, diesel or hybrid? The iconic Head of Audi Motorsport will not say anything before 10 December, the date chosen for the official presentation of that which will have the onerous task of succeeding the R15. For now, Dr. is more talkative to comment on the evolution of the series in that his new machine will play the Peugeot 90X.

Present on several fronts in 2011, Audi Sport will have to deal with an extremely busy schedule. "Unfortunately, the timing of the ILMC presents two interference with the DTM and it will difficult to manage for us. This detail aside, the boss satisfaction at seeing the series from three to seven innings: "It'sa good balance for a new competition. We happy with our choice to participate because the markets Audi is most important to the program. I am extremely glad to see that the circuits of Sebring and Road Atlanta are scheduled. As in Imola, we never ran out there with prototypes, but hopefully we will see a great race. "

Wolfgang Ullrich also expresses its satisfaction reappear the test day of the 24 Hours of Le Mans: "It's very good, especially for an edition that will see the implementation of new regulations. " He also believes that the seven weeks between the repetition the race will be sufficient to complete the preparation of its R18. 11 and June 12, the voltage is at its peak for the Bavarian who want to keep the crown gained this year, and take big points in the Intercontinental Cup in Le Mans. Le Mans deserves to count double, simply because it is the most great endurance race in the world, "he concludes.

Julien Hergault

Full Story - Le Mans.org

Full Story - Fourtitude Design Feature on Segra Group LMP