The axing of the LMP1 program, which includes winning the WEC drivers' and manufacturers' titles in 2012 and 2013, and thirteen Le Mans victories between 2000 and 2014, most recently in 2014.
The German manufacturer will focus on the Formula E Championship with the Abt-Schaeffler team, having announced a greater works involvement in the electric single-seater series at the beginning of last month.
In my opinion, a surprise that the news has happen and not a surprise this has happen because the reason Audi go Motorsport due to improve their technology, Audi went rallying in the 1980s with the Quarto due to improve their 4WD system.
Same thing with Audi R10 in 2006 to improve their Diesel technology and winning Le Mans that year with Diesel power for the first time.
Same thing with the Audi R18 e-tron quattro in 2012 to improve their Diesel hybrid technology and winning Le Mans that year with hybrid power for the first time.
But, with petrol hybrid technology improving with Porsche and Toyota in LMP1. With Formula E in its infancy with their electric technology. Maybe its the right time to leave LMP1 category and fully committed to Formula E. Also, don't be surprise if Audi will join Formula 1 in a few years time with their own power-unit team package when the rules will shake up once again.
Now with Audi withdrawing from the WEC, that leaves only Porsche and Toyota as the only manufactures in LMP1 class next season which will be a massive void to fill with Audi's absence unless we still see some privately own R18 e-tron quattro's at Le Mans next year to fight against the Porsche and Toyota's to give the category at Le Mans with more competition in the premier class.
Also, Audi will continue racing in the DTM for the next few years, and also considering expanding its involvement in World Rallycross, where it currently offers technical support to 2016 champion Mattias Ekstrom's privateer team.
The times are changing for Audi.
No comments:
Post a Comment