Audi, a premier luxury car manufacturer, has a storied history in motorsports that began with its predecessor, Auto Union, in the 1930s. The Audi Sport Department was officially established in 1978, marking the beginning of a new era in competitive racing.
Iconic Racing Models
Over the years, Audi has produced several legendary racing models:
- Audi Quattro Introduced in 1980 at the Janner Rally in Austria, the Audi Quattro quickly became an icon. Its four-wheel-drive system set new standards in rally racing. The Quattro was produced until 1991, with the A1 and A2 evolutions achieving significant success in the World Rally Championship (WRC), including 23 rally victories and three consecutive Pikes Peak Hillclimb wins from 1984 to 1987.
- Audi R8 Le Mans Prototype Launched in 2000, the R8 LMP replaced the Audi R8R and became one of the most successful racing sports cars in history, securing five 24 Hours of Le Mans victories out of six races. It was succeeded by the Audi R10 TDI and later by the Audi R18 Le Mans Prototype.
- Audi RS5 Turbo DTM The latest addition to Audi’s DTM lineup, the RS5 Turbo, represents the first turbocharged DTM car from Audi. It debuted in the 2019 season, continuing the brand’s tradition of excellence in touring car racing.
Audi Quattro – Rally Racing Champion
The Audi Quattro, a groundbreaking road and rally car, was unveiled at the 1980 Geneva Motor Show. It was the first rally car to utilize four-wheel drive, a feature that revolutionized the sport. The Quattro’s various iterations, including the A1 and A2, dominated the WRC, with the A2 securing eight rally wins in 1983 and 1984. Despite the subsequent ban of Group B cars due to safety concerns, the Quattro’s legacy endures as a symbol of rally success.
Audi in the DTM
The Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters (DTM) series, launched in 2000, features silhouette racing cars based on production models. Audi entered the DTM in 2004 and quickly made its mark, with Mattias Ekström winning the championship in his debut year. Audi’s continued success in the DTM includes a notable win by René Rast in 2017, who became the first rookie to claim the title.
Audi in Formula E
Formula E, a series dedicated to electric-powered racing, began in 2014. Audi has been a key player since its inaugural season, partnering with ABT Sportsline to form Audi Sport ABT. Their drivers, Lucas di Grassi and Daniel Abt, have consistently performed well, with di Grassi winning the first Formula E race in Beijing. Audi’s current entry, the Audi e-tron FE05, reflects the brand’s commitment to technological innovation in electric racing.
Audi in the World Endurance Championship (WEC)
The FIA World Endurance Championship, which started in 2012, features endurance races including the prestigious 24 Hours of Le Mans. Audi has been a dominant force in endurance racing, with the R8 and later the R10 TDI setting new benchmarks. The R10 TDI’s win in 2006 marked the first victory for a diesel-powered car at Le Mans. As the WEC evolves, Audi continues to push boundaries, adapting to new regulations and technologies to maintain its leadership in endurance racing.