Audi Sport customer racing: Program on four pillars

Audi’s customer racing program began in 2009. Initially, Audi Sport customer racing with the R8 LMS focused on the GT3 category that was seeing worldwide growth. At the end of 2016, the teams were able to purchase the Audi RS 3 LMS for the TCR touring car class for the first time. Since the end of 2017, the Audi R8 LMS GT4 has been an additional pillar of the customer racing program. In 2018, the brand introduced the current evolution of the GT3 model. In 2019, Audi Sport presented the R8 LMS GT2. With that, the current program rests on four pillars.

The portfolio of Audi Sport customer racing is diverse, and the product range modern and closely oriented to the needs of the teams. The Audi RS 3 LMS delivering up to 257 kW (350 hp) nationally and internationally offers professional opportunities to enter touring car racing at moderate costs. In 2020, it is entering its fourth season. The Audi R8 LMS GT4 targets amateur drivers who would like to contest sprint or endurance races with an attractive, production-based sports car. For the 2020 season, Audi Sport presented an updated version of the sports car delivering up to 364 kW (495 hp). The GT3 version of the Audi R8 LMS has been on the grid as an evolution since the 2019 season. The race car with power output of up to 430 kW (585 hp) impresses with a balanced overall package and drivability that has been enhanced once again. The Audi R8 LMS GT2 with 470 kW (640 hp) that was presented in 2019 as well rounds out the range of power-plants at the top end. It specifically addresses gentleman drivers and sports car enthusiasts who are able to experience a new form of fascination also at track day events in it.

Audi is one of the most attractive manufacturers in international customer racing. In its first decade, across all model ranges, Audi Sport customer racing built a total of 563 race cars. Since 2015, Audi Sport customer racing has presented at least one new or updated model each year. The program that is both a racing and business success has become firmly established around the globe. In addition to the products, support is another key selling point for many teams: five contractual partners – two in Asia, one in Australia, one in the United States and one in Canada – cover the regional supply and support to the teams while Audi Sport customer racing based in Neuburg an der Donau takes care of the European markets.