ALMS 2000
Brad Jones

Audi Sport North America has today nominated a further driver for the final of the American Le Mans Series (ALMS) at Adelaide. Australian Brad Jones (40) will support Rinaldo Capello and Allan McNish in the no 77 Audi R8. Scotsman McNish is suffering from bad back-ache so Brad Jones will relieve the duo during the 5:45 hour race on the difficult street circuit.

„Allan was complaining about back-ache during the practice on Friday afternoon. So I prescribed absolute rest for him today”, says Audi Team Doctor Dr Christian John. Last night, McNish was examined in a hospital and as an additional precaution also underwent X-ray examination. Today he is recovering in the hotel. Dr Christian John: “Tomorrow morning we will decide together whether a start in the race is possible.”

The nomination of Brad Jones who in 1996 won the Australian Super Touring Car Championship in an Audi A4 quattro is a pure precautionary measure. “We came to Australia to do a race and we owe it to the many thousands of spectators that we compete with both R8 cars. Therefore we want to take every possible measure. Apart from that, it’s nice to have an Australian sitting in our crocodile R8”, says Dr Wolfgang Ullrich, Head of Audi Sport. Brad Jones will drive the free practice session this afternoon.

Allan McNish who already won five races of the American Le Mans Series this year together with Rinaldo Capello is confident for the race day. “I’ve been looking forward so much to this spectacle in Adelaide and now hope my back will show some understanding as well. Right now my only wish is to sit in our crocodile tomorrow afternoon.”