The Audi R18 driven by Frenchman Benoit Treluyer, Switzerland’s Marcel Fassler and Germany’s Andre Lotterer won the 80th Le Mans 24-Hour race yesterday.

It was the first time that a hybrid car had won the prestigious race since its inception in 1923.

Audi have now won 11 of the last 13 races at Le Mans since 1999, while for the trio of Treluyer, Fassler and Lotterer it was a second win in succession.

Bentley’s win in 2003 also came thanks to an engine, staff and drivers provided by Audi.

The No.1 Audi had started from pole position on Saturday and steered clear of all pitfalls, although victory was only assured after 10 a.m. yesterday, when the No.2 Audi, driven by Britain’s Allan McNish, lost precious time after crashing into the safety barrier on the Porsche Curves.

The No.1 Audi completed 378 laps, finishing a lap ahead of the trio of McNish, Rinaldo Capello and Tom Kristensen, who were also driving a hybrid.

Audi also took third place with the No.4 ultra non-hybrid, driven by a trio including 2010 champion Mike Rockenfeller.

Beyond the Audi dominance, the Lola-Toyota of Nicolas Prost, Neel Jani and former F1 driver Nick Heidfeld claimed fourth place.