The 2009 version of Audi's R15 TDI shown above will have significant aerodynamic upgrades for 2010, including on the front bodywork assembly. Photo credit: Rick Dole

This is the third in a 24 Hours of Le Mans preview series. Check back to michelinracingusa.com for more features and posts in the coming days.

ALMS fans have not yet had the opportunity to witness Audi’s updated, second generation diesel prototype in the U.S. The updated R15 Plus TDI, complete with a new livery to mark the aerodynamic changes, has only raced twice in Europe in preparation for Le Mans. While Audi was a mainstay in ALMS competition from 2000-08 with its R8 and R10 TDI prototypes, the R15 has only raced in North America in the 2009 races at Sebring and Petit Le Mans.

Fans still will recognize the lead lineup in car No. 7, of Tom Kristensen, Allan McNish, and Rinaldo “Dindo” Capello. Kristensen has won Le Mans a record eight times, while McNish and Capello are still two of the quickest drivers whenever they strap in to one of the Audis.

Audi (right) is looking to recapture their place at the top of the podium. Photo credit: Rick Dole

It’s all change in the No. 8 car as Audi brings in three new drivers, Andre Lotterer, Marcel Fassler and Benoit Treluyer. Lotterer starred in a customer Audi R10 TDI (the first generation diesel) last year and gets the call-up to the factory team. Fassler raced for Corvette Racing last season in the endurance events both in ALMS and Le Mans, while Treluyer teamed with Pagenaud in the customer Peugeot at Le Mans. Unfortunately he suffered a savage accident around 4 a.m. last year, but escaped serious injury.

The No. 9 car sees Mike “Rocky” Rockenfeller team with Porsche factory drivers Timo Bernhard and Romain Dumas, who are on loan to Audi at Le Mans for the second consecutive year. Bernhard and Dumas starred for Roger Penske in the Porsche RS Spyder in ALMS from 2006-08, and Bernhard just made his first ALMS start this season at Monterey in the Flying Lizard Motorsports GT Porsche.