Audi Sport UK press release...

[AUDIDUDI@delphi.com]

PRESS STATEMENT FROM AUDI SPORT UK
22/4/96

AUDI SPORT CONFIDENT IN APPEAL OUTCOME

Audi Sport is confident that the Audi A4 quattro complies in full 
with the regulations concerning its participation in the Auto Trader 
RAC Touring Car Championship and indeed any Super Touring Car 
series in the world.

The four-wheel-drive car won the FIA World Cup Touring Car 
Manufacturers' title last year as well as the Italian Super Touring Car 
Championship scoring race wins in Germany and South Africa, and 
raced without question.

Following Audi's third victory from the opening four races of this 
year's BTCC, Vauxhall Sport protested the legality of the Audi A4 
quattro's front suspension at Brands Hatch last Sunday.

Head of Audi Sport Dr Wolfgang Ullrich commented: 'The 
suspension on the Audi A4 quattro was passed legal by the FIA 19 
months ago and we have not changed anything. Audi Sport race the 
A4 quattro in many countries and have had our cars scrutinised over 
50 times. It was scrutinised at Donington Park for the opening races 
in the BTCC and there was no problem.

'We have asked the FIA in Paris to confirm in writing our car's 
legality concerning the Super Touring Car regulations. Nothing has 
changed on our car which this year is racing in Australia, Belgium, 
Germany, Italy, South Africa and Spain as well as the UK. Our car is 
perfectly legal.'

Monaco-based German Frank Biela won the opening three rounds of 
the BTCC but was disqualified from fourth place in the fourth round 
at Brands yesterday following Vauxhall Sport's protest. Biela was 
also docked two maximum 30-point scores demoting him from first 
to seventh position in the Driver's standings while Audi slipped from 
first to fifth in the Manufacturers' Championship.

Audi Sport UK team manager John Wickham confirmed: 'Audi Sport 
UK's appeal will be heard at the RAC MSA's headquarters on either 
Monday or Wednesday next week.'

In addition to Audi's early victories in the British series, the four-
wheel-drive A4 quattro has already chalked up wins in South Africa 
and Australia plus Belgium and Italy last weekend.



-- 
Official BTCC website:
Best in British Motor Sport
http://www.demon.co.uk/racing