Audi Will Test Hybrid Machines For F1 Racing Cars At The End Of 2023

JAKARTA - Automotive manufacturer Audi announced plans for engine testing for a new Formula 1 car by the end of this year.

"Motorsport merupakan bagian integral dari DNA kami. Kami yakin komitmen Formula 1 kami akan memperkuat fokus olahraga Audi. Seri balap terus meningkatkan jangkapan globalnya," kata Ketua Dewan Manajemen AUDI AG Markus Duesmann dikutip dari laman resmi Formula 1, Kamis.

Audi previously announced at the Belgian Grand Prix last year that they would join the F1 network when new engine regulations featuring increased power and 100 percent of sustainable fuel were introduced for the 2026 season.

Shortly thereafter, the German manufacturer set a plan to partner with Sauber.

Furthermore, Audi confirmed their first fully hybrid drivetrain unit - consisting of combustion engines, electric motors, batteries, and electronic control units, is scheduled to run on the test bench before the end of this year. This is expected to form the basis for the concept of future vehicles.

There are also plans for a dynamic development simulator at the Neuburg Audi facility to be brought to F1 standards and "lead further to the development of Audi's power units".

Meanwhile, the newly formed Audi Formula Racing GmbH division now has more than 260 specialists, with the core of the development team consisting of experienced Audi Sport and Audi employees who have a variety of expertise in electric motorcycle sports.

At the same time, the Audi Motorsport Competency Center will expand to the F1 project, including the installation of additional test rigs in the new building with a floor area of about 3,000 square meters.

"The Audi Formula 1 project has actually been running in recent months. In the ongoing phase of the power unit concept, our drivetrain foundation for 2026 is being laid today," said Board of Management for Technical Development member at AUDI AG Oliver Hoffmann.

"We attach great importance to detailed work, for example on materials or manufacturing technology, and we also focus on topics such as energy management from hybrid drivetrains. Efficiency is a key factor in the success of Formula 1 and future mobility, (and) this approach will advance both of them," he added, quoted by Antara.