For Audi Sport and 3 groups: Mattias Eksström/ Emil Bergkvist, Stéphane Peterhansel/ Edouard Boulanger and Carlos Sainz/ Lucas Cruz, the Moroccan Auto Championship was the very first occasion in which the German producer revealed brand-new cars. All 3 models have actually currently been put together according to the Dakar 2023 guidelines, so in Morocco they were just categorized in the Open classification.
— Although we did not appear in the routine category, every kilometer and every day of the conference was essential for us– stated Rolf Michl, head of Audi Motorsport.– On requiring unique procedures and on numerous surfaces, we had the ability to examine the capability of chauffeurs and lorries in each circumstance. For us, this rally, with its severe dune and rocky landscape, was a vital part of the preparation for the Dakar Rally.
The requiring conference consisted of an intro and 5 actions, beginning and ending in Agadir. The path of the competitors, prepared by David Castera, was to reveal the attributes of the anticipated Dakar 2023.
” This conference was extremely crucial for us as it validated our test results,” stated Sven Quandt, handling director and owner of the Q Motorsport group dealing with Audi Sport.– We saw that we require to enhance a couple of more points, we will deal with all of it the method to Dakar. In general, nevertheless, after the Moroccan rally, I made certain we had a well-prepared vehicle in January.
All 3 chauffeurs have the exact same hopes.
— Tire failures and a couple of navigational mistakes kept advising us that genuine competitors is no joke. Our engineers did a fantastic task. I am really delighted with the automobile setup, stated Mattias Eksström.– Racing on the track, in a routine public occasion, is and will constantly be the very best preparation and the very best test.
Fourteen-time Dakar winner Stephane Peterhansel shares this view: “Our previous test operate in Europe and Africa is completely flourishing here. The Moroccan phases are rather comparable to the Dakar Rally. The fit and handling of the cars and truck is what I would like them to be.
Carlos Sainz, who won the Dakar Rally 3 times, verifies the favorable modifications:– Although we got lost sometimes and needed to alter tires, the most essential details is that our cars and truck is running completely. Thanks to the entire group for a task well done.
” Since this time it was not about the sporting objectives, we set ourselves other unique jobs,” described Uwe Breuling, head of Audi Sport Vehicle Operations.– For example, we found out a lot about the state of charge of batteries under severe tension. Or the scenario that emerged in the 4th phase: all 3 teams set themselves the very same conditions as in the cross-country phase of the Dakar Rally. This implied that the motorists and pilots needed to prepare the RS Q e-tron for the next day alone, without the aid of a group of mechanics and engineers. We have actually likewise gathered a great deal of information and are enhancing the last details, eg associated to the program.
The whole Audi Sport group discovered a lot at the Morocco Rally, however likewise saw that in numerous locations the previous work pattern was verified.
— The drivetrain and suspension had the ability to stand up to heavy loads, stated Benedikt Brunninger, technical director of the Dakar task.– No cars and truck crashed or lost much time. Prior To the Dakar Rally we require to look after a couple of information, for instance the chauffeurs would like a various plan of the electrical shock absorbers on the vehicle.
In the coming weeks, Audi Sport and the Q Motorsport group will concentrate on the preparations for the Dakar Rally. Service technicians will take apart all 3 Audi RS Q e-trons, carry out a basic evaluation and restore them by November. After a brief efficiency test, the cars will be delivered to Saudi Arabia, where the next edition of the Dakar Rally will start on December 31.
Press Release
Video: Morocco Rally 2022– Stage 5
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