The fact that the German car company suddenly left the world championship in long-distance rallies after winning the Dakar is threatened with a fine of up to 750,00 euros.
Audi’s sudden withdrawal from the World Endurance Championship (W2RC) after its triumph in the Dakar Rally could cost the German brand big money. The German car giant faces a fine of up to 750,000 euros.
Audi originally committed to participate in the third and final season of the series under the auspices of the FIA. But after Carlos Sainz’s coveted triumph in the RS Q e-tron hybrid car at the Dakar, it suddenly announced that it would end the project immediately.
As a result, the team not only does not participate in the remaining four events of the W2RC calendar, but also faces significant financial penalties.
According to the directorate of the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge, which was the second part of the series, Audi’s non-participation is in violation of Article 3.4.3 of the FIA Sporting Regulations for the Cross-Country Rally Championship. He orders the participation of all registered teams.
“Audi’s withdrawal damages the image of the championship and undermines the integrity of the series,” the stewards said in their report.
Due to this, the Audi factory team was fined a relatively high amount of 750,000 euros. The amount for non-participation in the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge is 187,500 euros, the rest is conditionally suspended on the condition that Audi returns to the start of the remaining W2RC divisions.
But this is not realistic at all, so the German company will probably have to pay the entire amount. “We appeal and will not comment further on this matter as it is an ongoing proceeding,” said an Audi spokesperson when asked by Motorsport-Total.com.
The reason for the early termination of Audi’s participation in long-distance rallies is logistical problems, especially the lack of spare parts. Audi is citing unprecedented delays in the delivery of components, with delivery times for some parts extended by up to two years.
This problem was exacerbated by higher-than-expected consumption of spare parts during the last two participations in the Dakar Rally, which led to the depletion of stock of parts for the prototypes.
Audi elaborated on their decision in a statement, saying that ending their rally project was in line with their original plans after their third attempt at the Dakar Rally.
They highlighted the impracticality of continuing with the World Rally Championship in 2024 due to severe stockpiles of prototype parts and the extremely long lead times required to produce such specialized components.
This will end one era of Audi’s sporting activity, which has now thrown all its forces into the upcoming participation in Formula 1. In 2026, it will take over the Sauber team, with which it has big plans in the world of Grand Prix.
