Holes in side of Audi 200 (MC-1) flywheel...

[Gerard]

Anyone know what the holes drilled into the side of the MC-1 flywheel is
for? I'm talking about flywheel with the raised section onto which the
clutch plate bolts. Any reason for them?

Just curious as I want to get the flywheel lightened a bit and was
wondering if some more holes could be put into that thick ring of metal
without any detrimental effects.

G.