Re: Audi in F1???

[MSV96@aol.com]

In a message dated 12/1/1999 "Iain Atkinson (ETL)" 
<iain.atkinson@etl.ericsson.se> writes:

<< AUDI ADMITS F1 PLANS
Audi has admitted they have a Formula One project in the wings. The German 
marque, who was rumoured to a buy-out of the Benetton team in 1997, could 
enter the sport in the next five to seven years. The increasing involvement 
of major carmakers has doubtlessly sparked the motor giant's interest.

I wonder if they will be using the Quattro system?? >>

Thanks for the news flash Iain! I didn't see anything yesterday on this on F1 
message boards I frequent but it sounds plausible. Here's hoping that it 
really happens *and* we in the US have a decent venue USGP by then (and I 
don't mean Tony George's speedway/infield "road circuit" either...;-)...)

As far as quattro? No, awd is banned in F1. However, last season the Benetton 
(?) team ran a front half-shaft/differential arrangement to shift torque (? 
please no t*rsen threads from this) side to side on the front wheels to 
increase grip at the front. This was a passive device and it was 
controversial, but it was allowed. The device in question was developed by 
Audi for use in the FWD A4 touring cars to help them offset the AWD ban. Not 
sure if it helped any as the Benetton cars were not real good last year, 
partly due to old engine technology.

Ah...Audis and motorsports, a subject I love ;-)

Mike Veglia
87 5kcstq