2007 Audi R10 TDI Pilots: F. Biela, E. Pirro, M. Werner Team: Audi Sport North America Race: 1st place (LMP1 class) at Le Mans in 2007 Minichamps - 400071691 (diecast)
Published 04/20/18
The Audi R10 TDI was unveiled in mid December 2005 and it’s maiden race was just three months later. On March 18th the R10 started on the pole position, established a qualifying record AND came in first place in the 12 Hours of Sebring. But the real test would be in June, in France. On June 17th, Audi’s factory team Audi Sport Team Joest had two cars lined up at La Sarthe. The R10 #8 (chassis #R10-102) and R10 #7 (chassis #R10-103) started out, respectively, in 1st and 2nd places, and finished 1st and 3rd places. For the first time in the history of the race, a diesel-powered car won the 24 Heures du Mans.
In 2007 the R10 was back at La Sarthe. This time, however, Audi had the cars dispersed in two factory teams. Audi Sport North America had cars #1 and #2, while Audi Sport Team Joest fielded car #3. It was a difficult race, with many accidents. Also, shifting weather with a torrential rain especially in the end, caused the race to be neutralized for 155 minutes. Not as dominant this year as in 2006, but the R10 #1 (chassis #R10-202) still managed to finish in 1st place, Audi’s 7th overall win at Le Mans.
Though not the first diesel-powered car to race at La Sarthe (that was the French Delettrez Diesel in 1949), the R10 was the first to win, so basically an important model for the Le Mans nut like me. Minichamps delivered two very nice models, with good (enough) details. I can’t say these are the best models from the brand, far from that, but they are pretty nice. I would say they’re “Ixo good”, so for the right price both cars are a nice acquisition.