In a rigorous five-day test held at Château de Lastours in the south of France, Team Audi Sport rigorously evaluated the Audi RS Q e-tron in preparation for its upcoming participation in the Dakar Rally. The three driver crews, comprising Mattias Ekström/Emil Bergkvist, Stéphane Peterhansel/Edouard Boulanger, and Carlos Sainz/Lucas Cruz, meticulously fine-tuned the vehicle under varying conditions.
Covering an extensive distance of over 900 kilometers, the teams focused on extending the endurance of crucial components. Rolf Michl, Head of Audi Motorsport, expressed satisfaction with the developmental tasks accomplished, emphasizing the team’s dedication to meticulous preparation for the demanding challenge ahead.
Under the guidance of Technical Director Dr. Leonardo Pascali, engineers concentrated on affirming quality standards, particularly focusing on the electric drivetrain, high-voltage battery, and energy converter defining the innovative Audi RS Q e-tron. The venue between Narbonne and Perpignan on the French Mediterranean coast facilitated logistical advantages and swift responses for the team from Germany.
Dr. Pascali highlighted the extensive checks conducted on both existing and newly developed components, ensuring compliance with specified quality benchmarks. Concurrently, drivers reaffirmed the RS Q e-tron’s setup for the Dakar Rally across diverse terrains, a culmination of their season-long development efforts.
Team Principal of Q Motorsport, Sven Quandt, praised the collaborative efforts of drivers and engineers in comprehensively testing the vehicles for the impending rally. Their confidence surged as spare parts were integrated and thoroughly tested, reflecting a cohesive and purposeful approach in readiness for the Dakar Rally.
The successful test run has fortified the team’s confidence and readiness as they gear up for the challenges of the Dakar Rally, with a blend of excitement and assurance in their preparations.
