The 2010 24 Hours of Le Mans, run on 12–13 June at Circuit de la Sarthe, produced one of the most comprehensive results in the race's long history. Audi entered three R15 TDI Plus prototypes and finished first, second and third — a clean sweep that underlined the maturity of the German manufacturer's diesel LMP1 programme. At the centre of that result was the #9 car, fielded by Audi Sport North America and crewed by Romain Dumas, Timo Bernhard and Mike Rockenfeller.
The Audi R15 TDI Plus: diesel engineering at its peak
Introduced in 2009 as the R15 TDI, the car was evolved for the 2010 season into the R15 Plus, receiving revised aerodynamics and a refined version of the twin-turbocharged V10 TDI diesel engine. Operating under LMP1 regulations in both the 2010 FIA World Endurance season and at Le Mans, the R15 Plus represented the apex of Audi's open-cockpit diesel prototype development before the introduction of the closed-cockpit R18 generation. Its combination of torque, fuel efficiency and aerodynamic consistency made it the dominant force of the 2010 endurance calendar.
Le Mans 2010: Audi's ninth win and a landmark 1-2-3
The #9 entry, representing Audi Sport North America, took the overall victory after 397 laps, finishing ahead of the sister #7 and #8 Audis. For Mike Rockenfeller, it was a first Le Mans win. For Romain Dumas and Timo Bernhard, it was also their first overall Le Mans victory. The red, black and silver livery of car #9 distinguished the North America team entry from the Joest Racing-run sister cars, giving the trio a visual identity of their own within the 2010 Audi assault on La Sarthe.
IXO Models 1:43 die-cast: the collector's record of a landmark result
IXO Models reproduces the #9 Audi R15 TDI Plus as a 1:43 scale model in die-cast metal, part of the brand's Le Mans Collection series. The livery replicates the red, black and silver scheme of the Audi Sport North America entry as it appeared in the race on 12–13 June 2010. At 1:43, IXO delivers the characteristic proportions of the open-cockpit prototype — the wide front wing, the sculpted bodywork and the exposed cockpit — in a format suited to focused endurance racing collections.
Häufig gestellte Fragen
Which drivers raced the #9 Audi R15 TDI Plus at Le Mans in 2010?
Romain Dumas, Timo Bernhard and Mike Rockenfeller shared the #9 car for Audi Sport North America. It was the first overall Le Mans victory for all three drivers.
What was significant about the 2010 Le Mans result for Audi?
The #9 car's win completed a 1-2-3 finish for Audi — all three factory entries finishing on the podium in order. It was Audi's ninth overall Le Mans victory, achieved with diesel power via the R15 TDI Plus.
What engine does the Audi R15 TDI Plus use?
The R15 Plus is powered by a twin-turbocharged V10 TDI diesel engine, a refined development of the unit used in the original R15 TDI introduced in 2009.
Who makes this 1:43 scale model and what material is it?
The model is produced by IXO Models in die-cast metal at 1:43 scale, as part of their Le Mans Collection series.
