Audi have been forced to cut back on their motor sport programme in 2009 as the global credit crunch has impacted on the German giants.

Audi boss Dr Wolfgang Ullrich hopes his all-conquering team will be allowed to try and maintain their domination of the Le Mans 24-Hour Race.

Italian motor racing driver Michele Alboreto has been killed in an accident while test driving a new Audi racing car in Germany.