Interview Dieter Gass: “Convinced of World RX growth potential”

In 2018, Audi Sport is continuing its commitments in the DTM, Formula E and World RX. How do you gauge Audi’s rallycross program?

Last year, rallycross with a factory-backed commitment was an all-new program for us. In 2017, we gathered very positive experiences in World RX and are convinced of the series’ growth potential. Even though it’s an FIA world championship, it’s still our smallest program, but a very important one nevertheless. 

Why did Audi in 2017 decide to provide factory-backed support to EKS?

We’d been watching the project at Audi with interest ever since its launch in 2014. After three years, we decided to provide technical support to Mattias Ekström against increasingly strong competition. Victory in the drivers’ and teams’ world championships in 2016 provided additional impetus to get on board. However, another key factor for us is that in the medium term the fielding of electric cars might be possible in rallycross. Electrification is a focus topic for us. 

How do you assess the chances for electric rallycross?

The FIA is pursuing the aim of holding the World RX also with electric cars starting in 2020. Crucial to this plan is the existence of a set of sporting and technical regulations that make cost-efficient and sustainable racing possible. Interested brands will be able to sign up for the planned electric racing series until July 2018. The homologation of the cars is targeted for February 2020. 

What are the key next steps for you?

To keep control of costs and deploy leading-edge technology, the FIA is going to define a battery pack that all manufacturers will have to use in their cars. An invitation to tender for the batteries has already been issued, so looking for a battery supplier for the years of 2020 to 2023. In parallel, there’s a call for bids for a carbon monocoque chassis. The plan is for the suppliers selected for the batteries and chassis to jointly work on the integration of the systems. 

What will Audi’s role look like if specification parts are used?

We have a comparable situation in Formula E. Specification batteries and chassis are used there as well. But that does not yet give you a ready-to-drive rallycross car. Other components are supposed to be released for manufacturer development, for instance the electric motors. It is planned that an electric motor with 250 kW of power output will be installed on each axle. 

How do you judge the development of rallycross?

In recent years, rallycross racing, and particularly the Word Rallycross Championship, has seen an incredible gain in popularity. You can also tell this by the fact that we’re not the only manufacturer involved. Rallycross events are spectacular, spectator-friendly and deliver racing at close range. However, now it’s important to intensify the series’ presence in the media, especially in core markets like Germany. Here the focus should not be excessively placed on digital media. Social networks are important for addressing younger target groups, but for us widespread television coverage continues to matter as well. 

Mattias Ekström has ended his DTM career and in 2018 will only be racing in rallycross. What motivated this decision?

Mattias informed us early that he wanted to contest only one series in the 2018 season. This was followed by a rather long decision-making process. I’d have already liked to know which way we were headed back in October 2017 because we were planning for him to race in the DTM. In January, we had a very long discussion at his home. Essentially, I follow the rule that if a driver doesn’t want a program it’s better to look for someone else. And Mattias would never do anything to which he’s not 100 percent committed. 

In 1980, Audi, on launching quattro permanent all-wheel drive, set a milestone in automotive history. How will this success story continue as a result of the rallycross commitment?

With quattro in rallycross we’re continuing the original idea of all-wheel drive. Without all-wheel drive there’s no point in competing in rallycross in the first place, so quattro is perfect. And in terms of format, a rallycross event is a lot more interesting for the spectators than a rally at which they only get to see a car drive past a particular point once. Rallycross delivers a much greater spectacle. The races are short and compact and spectators immediately see who the winner is.