Audi announces Le Mans return

It was announced on Monday (30/11/20) that Audi it will return to all new Hypercars class that will replace LMP1 class in 2023 with a full-factory assault on the 24 Hours of Le Mans endurance race and the FIA World Endurance Championship. Also, announced that Audi will end of its factory commitment in Formula E as well as plans to enter the Dakar Rally too.

Though the manufacturer has had a sporadic involvement in sportscar racing in recent times, this announcement will see it go head-to-head with factory rivals Peugeot and Toyota and with privateers Glickenhaus and ByKolles also set to join in the growing Hypercars category of Le Mans and WEC when the cars will introduce at the start of the 2021 WEC season.

Audi has previous experience racing at Le Mans, including wins in 2000, 2001, 2002, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2014. Audi's last Le Mans outing as a manufacturer came in 2016.

Overall, it will be a very tough challenge ahead for Audi in 2023, challenging the likes of rivals Peugeot and Toyota in technology and imagination.