Visit to Audi Sport

[quk@sievers.com (Phil Payne)]

In message <199610150849.IAA181189@smtp-gw01.ny.us.ibm.net> "Hans-Juergen Schneider" writes:

> Did you get any comments regarding the very likely
> ban of AWD in class 2 racing ???

Yes.  Audi appear to be supported by the FIA, who have told other companies 
that - if AWD is so good - they should long ago have developed their own 
systems.  Audi's position is helped by the "engine problem" - they are not 
permitted to run the actual head being shipped to customers, because it's a 
five-valve per head design and all the other manufacturers have complained that 
this would give Audi too large an advantage (ca. 10 to 15 bhp).
 
So Audi's negotiating position is that they are _already_ being forced to run 
technology they abandoned three years ago in the consumer market.  Being forced 
to abandon AWD would just push the technology further back.  At the end of the 
day, one of the objectives of touring car racing is to _advance_ technology, 
not retard it.

However - all the other teams represent a powerful combined front.

Just in case, there _is_ a 2-wheel drive car in development.  It does _not_ 
form part of any current plans.  
 

--
 Phil Payne
 phil@sievers.com
 Committee Member, UK Audi [ur-]quattro Owners Club