Audi has smashed expectations yet again, this time by securing a monumental victory at the Dakar Rally 2024. Their innovative electric drive system, the Audi RS Q e-tron, carried the winning team across gruelling desert terrains and has effectively etched a new chapter in motorsport history.
Commanding the Audi RS Q e-tron to victory were the formidable Spanish duo, Carlos Sainz and Lucas Cruz. The pair marked their fourth personal victory in the event’s history, this time with a lead of 1 hour and 20 minutes. This triumph also solidified Audi’s first-ever win in the Dakar Rally, despite facing off against seasoned competitors such as Toyota, Ford and Prodrive.
Audi’s Historic Milestone:
Gernot Döllner, Chairman of the Board of Management of AUDI AG, congratulated Team Audi Sport on their win, stating, “Audi has once again set a milestone in motorsport. Winning the world’s toughest desert rally with an electrified drive is a visible ‘Vorsprung durch Technik’ and points the way to our electric future.” Döllner’s sentiments were echoed by Oliver Hoffmann, Member of the Board of Management of AUDI AG, who praised the team’s commitment to overcoming the biggest challenges in motorsport.
Innovative Drive that Makes a Difference:
The Audi RS Q e-tron’s electric all-wheel drive, high-voltage battery and energy converter, optimised to run on residual fuel-based reFuel, reduces CO2 emissions by an impressive 60%. This is a significant step towards sustainable motorsport and aligns with Audi’s vision for an electric future.
A Journey through the Dunes:
Participating in the Dakar Rally is no small feat, with daily stages often exceeding 400 kilometres. The rally also includes two marathon stages with limited or no service, and the 2024 event clocked in 4,600 timed kilometres and 7,883 kilometres in total. Carlos Sainz, a veteran rally driver of four decades, led through eight of the twelve stages, showcasing his experience and skill.
The Future of Motorsport:
The Audi RS Q e-tron is proof of Audi’s commitment to leading the electric revolution in motorsport. With this victory, the brand is ready to embark on the “largest model initiative in history”. By 2027, Audi plans to have a battery electric vehicle in every core segment of its model portfolio.
The Dakar Rally victory is a testament to Audi’s pioneering spirit in motorsport, and sets the stage for the brand as a leading provider of sustainable mobility.
