Allan McNish, Dindo Capello, Tom Kristensen, tested their new Audi R18 TDI at Le Mans. Photo credit: Rick Dole for Michelin North America

The Le Mans test day returned this April to provide the first official glimpse of the battle at this year’s 24-hour classic in June.

While Audi had tested its new closed-top R18 TDI, its third generation of diesel prototypes, at both Sebring and Homestead in Florida, this was the first time the world saw it in its finished livery.

Qualifying times at the Circuit de la Sarthe in recent years have stopped the clocks in less than 3 minutes and 25 seconds around the 8.4-mile road course. Those times are expected to increase this year as new regulations have slowed the cars, but even then both Audi and Peugeot threatened the 3:25 mark on test day.

Audi went 1-2 at 3:27.687 and 3:27.815 with eight-time winner Tom Kristensen in the No. 3 car and Mike Rockenfeller in the No. 1 car, respectively. But Peugeot finished hot on their heels at 3:27.876.

The bout between the two legendary marquees with their closed-top diesel cars will take center stage, but they weren’t the only ones making headlines over test day.