Interview with Chris Reinke: “Committed to touring car racing”

The Head of Audi Sport customer racing on the second generation of the Audi RS 3 LMS.

The globally successful Audi RS 3 LMS is now entering a second generation. What expectations do you associate with it?

This is a clear commitment by our brand to cost-efficient touring car racing in customer hands. From the first generation, 180 race cars have been built for teams around the world. They have racked up a wealth of successes and many hundreds of trophies. We believe in the global future of the TCR class and expect to continue to occupy a leading market position with our new model.

What were the development goals for the new generation?

With its new transmission, advanced chassis and many other solutions, the RS 3 LMS has an even stronger race car character than before. The focus was always on concrete customer benefits. We came up with a lot of ideas that will benefit the privateers in everyday racing. Individual changes to the chassis kinematics can now be made in minutes and give teams an advantage under time pressure, for example in qualifying. A more ergonomic cockpit supports the driver even better. The car is more of a race car than before, more robust and safer. 

What does the TCR class stand for in international motorsport?

The aim is to provide private teams with cost-effective and exciting motorsport. As a manufacturer, we have a duty to make a correspondingly attractive technical and commercial offer. Audi is committed to the TCR class of promoter WSC and to the fact that this sport is aimed at privateers. At the same time, we expect the promoters to stay true to the spirit of TCR. Technical excesses take this class to its limits just as quickly as the associated financial escalation. We are doing everything we can to prevent this.