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Having been named alongside fellow Le Mans winner Tom Kristensen, Scotland's Allan McNish has been describing his desire to make history in Audi's new diesel racer.

Audi is bidding to become the first manufacturer in history to win the Le Mans 24-hour race with a diesel powered race car, the R10. Because the R10 is a new concept and not a cheap car, insurance for Audi takes the form of a highly experienced team of drivers.

McNish joins Frank Biela, Rinaldo Capello, Tom Kristensen, Emanuele Pirro and Marco Werner in Audi's two team cars.

"I'm delighted to be driving for Audi again and especially pleased to be heading back to Le Mans as a 'factory' Audi driver," explained McNish. "Having run for the first time in November, the Audi R10 is now undergoing a concerted development programme. Our aim is to race at Sebring in March which would be an ideal way for us to prepare for Le Mans."

The R10 is powered by an all-new 5.5-litre V12 twin turbo TDI engine, which pumps out a hefty 650bhp. Audi has won the Le Mans endurance race five times in the last six years but a change in regulations forced the German manufacturer to retire its successful R8 car.

"The R10 project is the greatest challenge ever to face Audi Sport," explained head of Audi Motorsport Dr Wolfgang Ullrich.

"It goes without saying that we needed drivers with experience in depth for this project, who also play an important roll during the development. I'm delighted that we have managed to form such a strong driving squad for Le Mans and for the test race at Sebring."

The Le Mans 24-hour race will take place on June the 17th and 18th.