altodx

22 apr 2007
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Dindo Capello/Allan McNish and Emanuele Pirro/Marco Werner claimed another 1-2 victory for Audi in the LM P1 category after a turbulent and exciting race. In the fight for the overall victory, Capello/McNish were only beaten by 1.341 seconds on the 1.7 mile city circuit at the "Reliant Park” Stadium in Texas, achieving third place overall behind two lighter LM P2 category cars.

Houston podio

Quotes after the race

Dr Wolfgang Ullrich (Head of Audi Motorsport): "Today we have seen again that it is difficult for the LM P1 cars to fight against the much lighter LM P2 cars. The team did the best possible work to achieve a podium and another victory in the LM P1 category.”

Dindo Capello (Audi R10 TDI #1): "It was unfortunate to get a puncture. I then lost time when I overshot – I went over a big bump lapping a backmarker and we touched – I just couldn’t stop. I did my very best to catch the leaders which I managed but just ran out of time to get in front. This is the third consecutive LM P1 class win Allan and I have achieved and we now have a small lead in the championship.”

The results in Houston

1. Bernhard/Dumas (Porsche) 146 laps
2. Herta/Franchitti (Acura/Honda) + 0.490s
3. Capello/McNish (Audi R10 TDI) + 1.341s
4. Maassen/Briscoe (Porsche) + 14.110s
5. Brabham/Johansson/Dayton (Acura/Honda) - 1 lap
6. Smith/Dyson (Porsche) - 2 laps
7. Leitzinger/Wallace (Porsche) - 2 laps
8. Fernandez/Diaz (Acura/Honda) - 2 laps
9. Devlin/Bach (Lola) - 6 laps
10. Magnussen/O’Connell (Corvette) - 8 laps
12. Pirro/Werner (Audi R10 TDI) - 8 laps


At the very start of the 2.45 hours race, Allan McNish – who was beaten in qualifying by only 0.006 seconds to pole-position – took the lead. He handed over the leading Audi R10 TDI after 54 minutes to Dindo Capello. Twelve minutes later, Capello had to pit again because of a front left puncture and continued in third position but later "overshot” and touched a backmarker, dropping to fourth place. But in a strong finish to the chequered flag, he pressured the leading Porsche and second placed Honda/Acura. Just 1.341 seconds behind at the flag, he finished the race as the winner in the LM P1 category.

Marco Werner started from sixth position but made up places early on. Whilst in third place, he took the emergency exit but continued without damage. However, he spun soon afterwards and touched a tyre barrier, damaging the back of his Audi R10 TDI forcing him to pit. Co-driver Emanuele Pirro took over from Werner in 23rd position, but battled back to 12th position overall, ensuring a double win for Audi in the LM P1 category.

After three city circuits the next race of the American Le Mans Series is staged on a permanent race track in Salt Lake City on 19 May.


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