Audi will continue to compete with fully electric power in the Formula E championship and, at the same time, prolong its factory-backed racing activity in the popular DTM touring car series, which will introduce 4-cylinder turbo engines to the grid for the 2019 season.
In 2019, Audi will continue to compete with electric power in motorsport. At the same time, the manufacturer will prolong its factory-backed commitment in the popular, petrol-powered DTM touring car series.
In the 2017/2018 season, Audi was the first German automobile manufacturer on the Formula E grid. Having scored four victories and a total of 11 podiums after 12 races around the globe, Audi Sport ABT Schaeffler claimed the teams’ championship. The commitment in the fully electric racing series – which is currently experiencing a boom with the participation of other manufacturers and partners – forms the electrical pillar of the brand’s motorsport involvement.
Furthermore, Audi will continue to be active in the gripping motorsport series DTM with internal combustion engines in the future. Next year, the DTM will see one of the most radical changes in its more than 30-year-history, with modern 4-cylinder turbo engines to be introduced in the 2019 season. In addition, the so-called Class One being driven by the DTM and the Japanese Super GT will make its debut. The new regulations will make it possible to field the cars in both championships. It provides the basis for the joint races to be held for the first time starting in 2019 and increased internationalisation.
Following the exit of Mercedes-Benz, a minimum of three brands being represented from 2020 on will be the prerequisite for Audi’s continuing DTM commitment.
“In Formula E, we’re demonstrating Vorsprung durch Technik in e-mobility,” said Peter Mertens, Member of the Board of Management, Technical Development, AUDI AG. “At the same time, we continue to further develop our internal combustion engines. Four-cylinder turbo units with two litres of displacement provide a good mix of performance and efficiency. They are the most important engines worldwide and will be used in Class One starting in 2019. As a result, the DTM, just like Formula E, will receive an increased reference to production development.”
Head of Audi Motorsport Dieter Gass said, “I’m convinced that we’re well positioned with our two commitments. On winning the teams’ championship in Formula E immediately in our first year, we proved our expertise in e-mobility. Obviously, we intend to live up to this success and prevail against the numerous new competitors. In the DTM, thanks to forward-thinking technologies like the new turbo engines, we continue to see major potential. Concerning the third manufacturer this will require, I have great confidence in DTM boss Gerhard Berger bringing this competitor to the grid for 2020 at the latest.”
