capello

Britain's Allan McNish aims to give Audi a star performance in Le Mans 'dress rehearsal' at Spa.

Full race results for the opening round of the 2010 Le Mans Series at Paul Ricard, France.

Peugeot continues to hold the high ground as the 2009 Le Mans 24 Hours prepares to head into the night, but what was a commanding one-two for the home favourites fell apart just under six hours in, when the long-time leader ran into problems that have cost it three laps and five positions.

Having been unbeaten in the Le Mans Series since entering at the start of 2007, Peugeot saw its winning streak come to an end in dramatic fashion at Silverstone as Audi stole the championship titles in the final round of the campaign.

Though he may have finished in the runner-up spot in only his second appearance in the legendary Le Mans 24 Hours, Jacques Villeneuve insisted he was far from satisfied, and has vowed to return to finish the job off.

The #2 Audi continues to lead the Le Mans 24 Hours going into the final three hours of competition at La Sarthe, but continuing changing conditions and a quick Peugeot behind will ensure there is no resting on laurels for the team in the run to the flag.

For the second successive year, Audi held off the challenge of Peugeot to secure victory in the Le Mans 24 Hours despite another late rain shower in the final three hours that threatened to put a spanner in the works.

1. Capello/McNish/Kristensen Audi Sport North America Audi R10 TDi 24hr 00m 24.085s LMP1 381 laps 2. Gene/Minassian/Villeneuve Team Peugeot Total Peugeot 908 HDi +4m 31.094s LMP1

Dindo Capello admitted that his incident early in the Le Mans Series race at Monza was one of the biggest impacts of his career as the Italian - and team-mate Allan McNish - hit problems for the second straight event.

The race leading Audi of Dindo Capello, Allan McNish and Tom Kristensen has hit trouble at Le Mans after losing a wheel and going off into the tyre wall.

Seiji Ara withstood the best that Johnny Herbert and Audi Sport UK Team Veloqx could throw at him during a wonderfully tense finish to the 72nd Le Mans 24 Hours as Tom Kristensen earned his record equalling sixth overall victory at La Sarthe.