Allan McNish steered his Audi home to an emotional victory in the fourth round of the American Le Mans Series at Lime Rock in Connecticut yesterday (SAT).

Racing the Audi R8 for the very last time, the Scotsman's Italian co-driver, Dindo Capello, started the 165-minute race from fourth place on the 24-car grid and Capello handed over to McNish after 45mins in second during the race's second full course caution. The Audi swept in to the lead after 64mins in the 2hr 45mins race staged in humid, 90 degree heat.  But an 18secs lead was wiped away with another full course caution with an hour to go. Dumfries-born McNish was then immediately forced to delay his final fuel stop by a lap when officials stopped him from entering the pit lane allowing the #7 Porsche, which headed down pit road moments later, to leapfrog the Audi.

But a determined charge saw McNish back in front with 30mins to run, Allan ultimately taking the chequered flag by 11.812secs to extend their lead in the LM P1 Drivers', Manufacturers' and Teams' Championship points advantage.
"I was very surprised just how fast the Audi R8 was in the opening stages considering our qualifying performance", reflected McNish.  "Our pit strategy was absolutely perfect and the team did a great job.  Thankfully the misunderstanding by the pit lane marshal on our final stop did not affect the outcome of the race. It's a very proud day for the team, Dindo and I to personally give the R8 a final win here is unbelievable.  We all had to pull out 110% to score this victory (the car, drivers and team) but the R8 stood up to it as she always does. If I enjoy the same kind of success with the R10 TDI that I have enjoyed with this car, I'll personally be highly delighted".

For the remainder of the season, McNish and Capello will drive a diesel-powered Audi R10 TDI which won the Le Mans 24 Hours last month (17-18 Jun).  McNish and Capello won the ALMS season-opening Sebring 12 Hours race in the R10 TDI along with Tom Kristensen. – 2 July 2006