Audi will have extra power at hand this season as they attempt to re-claim the WEC crown, defend their Le Mans 24 Hour title and go for a sixth win at La Sarthe on the bounce.

Promoting their revised Audi R18 e-tron quattro to the 4MJ hybrid sub-class the German manufacturer tested their front-axle KERS system at Sebring earlier this month. The increase in power is expected to be approximately 200kW which equates to around 265-275bhp.

As well as the move up to the 4MJ class, Audi has also significantly upgraded the aerodynamic and mechanical attributes of the design. Key changes for 2015 include a longer tail fin, vehicle dynamic improvements to enhance tyre wear and the ability to use a brake by wear system. Audi is believed to be working on a bespoke Le Mans aero bodywork configuration which will be tested prior to the Le Mans test day.

Audi’s rivals Toyota and Porsche will also announce which hybrid energy retrieval class they will run in next week. At least one of the manufacturers is tipped to go to the 8MJ energy retrieval class this season.

Audi has also announced that Mike Rockenfeller will be their official reserve driver in 2015. The 31 year-old German replaces Marc Gene who left for Nissan last year. Rockenfeller hasn’t raced in endurance since 2012, concentrating on DTM where he was crowned champion in 2013.

Audi Sport Team Joest will run three cars at Le Mans and two in the rest of the FIA WEC this season. The new Audi R18 e-tron Quattro LMP1 will be action at the official Paul Ricard ‘Prologue’ test next week.