Audi Takes on Dakar Rally with Electric RS Q e-tron
Audi's return to the Dakar Rally marks a significant chapter in motorsport. This prestigious event, taking place for the third time, is not just another race; it's an enduring test of endurance and ingenuity. Held in the vast deserts of Saudi Arabia for the fifth consecutive year, the Dakar Rally presents a gruelling challenge for participants, featuring over 7,000 kilometres of unforgiving terrain.
At the heart of Audi's Dakar campaign are the three Audi RS Q e-tron cars, each equipped with cutting-edge electric drivetrains. This shift towards electric power in motorsport signifies Audi's commitment to innovation and sustainability.
To prepare for the Dakar Rally, Team Audi Sport has left no stone unturned. Extensive testing has occurred in various locations, including Spain, Morocco, and France. Additionally, the team has gained valuable experience through participation in two rally events. This meticulous preparation demonstrates Audi's dedication to conquering the Dakar Rally.
The history of the Dakar Rally is as captivating as the event itself. Initially established in 1978, it was named after its destination, Dakar, the capital of Senegal. For nearly three decades, the rally roared across the African continent. However, due to security concerns, it shifted to South America in 2009 and later found its current home in Saudi Arabia in 2020. Over the years, the Dakar Rally has become the pinnacle of international rally-raid competition, challenging participants with its two-week marathon through awe-inspiring landscapes.
In 2022, Audi debuted in the Dakar Rally with the groundbreaking Audi RS Q e-tron, showcasing an alternative drivetrain concept that melds electric power with a high-voltage battery and an energy converter. The result was participation and success, including four stage victories and a ninth-place finish for Mattias Ekström and Emil Bergkvist.
Building on this debut, Team Audi Sport returned in 2023, determined to leave a mark. Despite setbacks such as punctures and accident-related retirements, Audi's RS Q e-tron cars secured an impressive 14 podium results during the 15-day event. This performance and leading the three-day rally demonstrated Audi's competitive spirit in adversity.
As Audi gears up for the 2024 Dakar Rally, they do so with increased confidence and a refined machine. The RS Q e-tron has undergone an evolution, focusing on fine-tuning rather than revolution. The complex drivetrain, proven reliable in the previous year, is now lighter and more aerodynamic. The redesigned body improves efficiency by lowering the car's weight and centre of gravity.
Furthermore, Audi has implemented various new operating strategies and ergonomic enhancements in the interior, ensuring that the driver and co-driver can navigate, change wheels, and handle the rigours of racing more efficiently than ever.
In just a few weeks, the Audi Sport team will embark on another challenging journey in the Dakar Rally, an annual 6,000-mile off-road race that measures endurance in weeks rather than minutes. For Audi, it's not merely about competing but pushing the boundaries of technology and human capabilities.
As Rolf Michl, Managing Director of Audi Sport GmbH, aptly says, "We wouldn't be Audi Sport if we were there just to compete." Audi's return to the Dakar Rally is a testament to their commitment to innovation, sustainability, and the pursuit of excellence in motorsport.
