Re: 2wheel Drive Audi's

[mike tipton <mtipton@netten.net>]

>Audi ran two 2wd A4s at a race in Italy?  Don't remember where but by 
>running in that setup they are now allowed to switch to 2wd in '97 if 
>they want.  It is a rule thing but leaves them open to change.

>The bad news is that both cars only went about three laps and then 
>broke.  I think it was drive or tranny failure for each.  We can assume 
>they will fix that for next year.  They had just disconnected drive to 
>the rear diff for the event. I guess if they race 2wd then the whole 
>rear suspension will then change too

Interesting! If you watch the video of the 96 BTCC races you will see
the Audi's dominate any time they feel like it! 

Audi also learned a valuable lesson racing here in the US. Especially
since they were "ruled out" the following season!

In the BTCC racing the 4wd Audis were clearly in a class by them selves!
Several of the races the two Audi drives actually "relaxed a little"
especially after Biela had a substancial points lead! But when the 
points began dwindling, Both Audis were EASILY up front and winning!
Even with the weight penilty! 

What I'm saying is Audi is playing the "psycological game" of the race
to their advantage! If Audi won every race,(majority) they would clearly 
be "ruled out" again. As with the 98 ruling! Everyone knows the 
"advantage" of the 4wd! In any situation its clearly dominant!!!

Now- running a 2wd car is not that hard or bad for Audi! Actually it 
could be a blessing in disguise!!  Namely in the lower weight of the 2wd 
compaired to the 4wd! But most of the weight will be up front!

Audi is making everyone "think" their havin alot of problems running the 
2wd cars! And I'm sure they got a few headaches, but its part of the 
game!!

Drivers will need to learn how to drive the 2wd's again, and reconfigure
the cars suspensions! I'm sure Audi already has a BIG headstart!
Thats why their running the 2wd already! To work out the bugs! Plus I'm 
sure back at Audi Sport, everyone is putting in alot of overtime!

The question that remains to be answered, is will the cars be 
competative enough for Audi CEO"s to give the green light for the cars 
to continue racing as 2wd's?   

I think Audi will remain for the 97 season with the 4wd's, we'll may see 
a 2wd version running and then Audi will bow out for 98!


                                  M