Audi Sport’s Future is Secure Through “At Least” 2024

Head of Audi Sport customer racing Chris Reinke has denied rumors that the German manufacturer’s GT racing division could be wound up, although he admits that its activities may be realigned as Audi’s automotive arm increasingly focuses on electric mobility.

The German manufacturer is aggressively targeting electrification as a brand strategy.

It has stated that it will only be launching new models with electric drive systems onto the global market by 2026.

Under this plan, the current R8 will likely not get a successor with an internal combustion engine, which has led to speculation that Audi Sport’s days could be numbered.

Reinke, however, denies the notion of the motorsport department’s short-term demise, pointing to the fact it has recently introduced two new cars.

The marque rolled out the Audi R8 LMS GT3 Evo II as well as an updated RS 3 LMS TCR to customers globally, with the GT3 set for a three-year homologation cycle.

It also produces GT4 and GT2 machinery based on the R8, with the former receiving its most recent update for the 2020 season and the latter arriving that same year.

“We just launched the second generation RS 3 car, which looking at the volume is for sure our biggest seller,” Reinke told Sportscar365.

“We just launched the new Evo II R8 GT3. Usually we run them for at least three years with the homologation period and we are intended and confirmed that we at least will do that.

“Obviously, we see these discussions that are brought up.

“For us, we feel very well supported internally and on a very stable [footing] that in these days we have our two main programs secured and confirmed for three years.

“To be honest with you, up and down the pit lane, who lives that privilege, that over the next three years the two best selling products are confirmed?

“So for me, there is nothing to worry but for sure we have to answer the question eventually. How will we proceed after those three years?

“But for the moment we are happy how the customers accept the new products and hopefully live through successful days this weekend as well.”

Reinke believes that Audi Sport does have a place within an electric mobility future, although he admits it could require moving away from combustion engines once the current homologation cycle comes to an end.

“Absolutely, I think we all have to transform eventually,” he said.  “The question is to what kind of extent and in which kind of fields, this has to be explored.

“Just because the target of the mothership for our product line is electrification does not mean customer racing is over.

“Either we transform in a similar rate, [maybe] we transform upfront to promote it, maybe we get positioned to cater to followers.

“That is a strategic decision which has to be taken; what do we do after these three years that we just discussed.

“For sure, with the infrastructure that we have worldwide, it would be foolish not to make use of it.”

Audi Expects to “Eventually” Join Electric GT

With Audi increasingly focusing on electric mobility, that potentially opens the door for Audi Sport to compete in the planned FIA Electric GT Championship.

The new series was announced last year ahead of a prospective 2023 debut, but no manufacturers have officially committed yet with some understood to be concerned about development costs.

While Audi has not outright confirmed a program for the championship, Reinke said it is something the company could look at.

“Eventually, for sure,” Reinke said when asked if Audi could enter the series.

“The question is the pace [of electrification]. Eventually we will all have to think of that, but we have to see the pace.

“We looked into hybrid systems in racing. They had strong days.

“Some series adopted it permanently, but here if I’m correct there [was] not a single hybrid car [at the N24]. It has been an early proving ground as well here, decades ago.

“You have to go with the demand of the market with the possibility to position a product and at the same time match your OEM strategy.

“This is exactly what we will do. For sure, when we sit here in 20 years, our product line in customer racing won’t be solely combustion driven.”