Audis to skip Algarve race

The entry list for the third round of the 2010 series features 32 cars, although the N°7 and N°8 factory Audi R15s and the two Audi R10 TDIs have withdrawn from the meeting. As a consequence, the Oreca-Matmut Peugeot 908 HDI FAP stands out as the main favourite in the hands of the French line-up (Panis and Lapierre).

Nigel Mansell and his family’s Ginetta-Zytek entry will also miss the race following the accident at Le Mans which saw Mansell crash out early one. The team will return to competitive action in Hungary in August.

Several teams will be hoping to make amends for a disappointing run at Le Mans, namely the Signature+ Lola-Aston Martin and the two Lolas of Switzerland's Rebellion Racing, which has a chance of moving ahead in the LMP1 Teams and Drivers championship standings.

The twisty Portuguese venue should suit the Strakka Racing HPD-ARX 01c LMP2 prototype which came fifth in the Le Mans 24hr.

In the LMGT2 class, the contest will resume between Porsche, Ferrari, BMW, Aston Martin and Spyker.

The Porsche-powered Felbermayr-Proton currently tops the points table thanks to two straight wins, but AF Corse has this time entered three Ferrari F430s, including one for former F1 stars Giancarlo Fisichella and Jean Alesi.

The two Michelin-equipped Saleens are likely to lead the fight for LMGT1 honours, while seven Formula Le Mans cars will be competing in the Algarve.