Audi still prefers endurance to F1
The new engine regulations set to take effect in 2013 are causing quite a stir. While Ferrari is strongly opposed to the switch to four-cylinder engines, other manufacturers might be interested in these smaller engines. However, there is little chance that this will attract Audi, which prefers to focus on endurance racing.
This statement of disinterest comes from the main sports director of the Ingolstadt manufacturer, Wolfgang Ulrich, who confided in CAR magazine: There is a very good reason why we are not in F1: there is no connection to the road. Audi has always been involved in motorsports that had meaning for our customers, such as rallying or touring cars. They have brought the quattro, FSI, and TFSI technologies to our road vehicles. That’s why we decided in 1999 not to go into F1. Instead, we decided to get involved in the greatest race in the world. We went to Le Mans.
It is interesting to note that both automakers cite the same reason for their investment in their respective sports: Ferrari does not want to go below the V6 since Maranello has never built a four-cylinder. Luca di Montezemolo thus states that it would no longer make sense for Ferrari to be present in a sport that could not apply to production vehicles and engines.
This shows that what may be true for one manufacturer may not be true for another. This is especially true for a brand like Audi, which is part of a large group like Volkswagen. This group can afford to play with different brands in different sports to best meet their customers’ expectations. Thus, Volkswagen has just launched its rally program while Audi dominates the endurance racing podiums.
But for the brand with the rings, Le Mans is a much more demanding laboratory than F1. Let me show you why: at Le Mans, one of our cars will cover 523 kilometers more than an F1 car during the entire season, our average speed taking pit stops into account will be 32 kilometers per hour higher than a F1 single-seater and we will consume 42% less fuel. These are numbers you cannot dispute.
explains Wolfgang Ulrich.
With the participation of RacingBusiness.fr
