Oliver Hofmann’s phone call came a year and a half ago, even before the Dakar 2021. Sven Quandt had only one week to decide. Thus began the adventure that saw Audi debut in the Dakar with the first electric vehicle in history.
Driver, team manager and founder of the X-Raid team, Sven, son of Herbert Quandt, who became the main shareholder of BMW in 1959, is a certainty in the Rally Raid for his experience, diplomacy and political power, so much so that he represents the interests of teams and drivers towards the organizers and the FIA, the International Automobile Federation.
Sven Quandt, Audi Sport Team
Photo by: Audi Communications Motorsport
In his 30th Dakar, the German Sven Quandt is for the first time the head of this ambitious joint venture with the House of the four rings.
How did this adventure start?
“About a year and a half ago I received a call from then Audi Sport CEO Oliver Hofmann. We met and they explained to me about this ambitious project. Pioneering and cutting edge at the same time. Audi Sport had all the necessary ingredients: the electric motor of Formula E, the motor of the DTM as a generator and the technology. I had a week to think about it and I accepted “.
What fascinated him?
“The novelty. The challenge. Audi had an idea, while we had the data, the experience. After an initial initial calculation, we had six to eight weeks to do an in-depth study. The actual project then began. in August – September 2021.
The Dakar is a race where experience can only be gained on the spot. How did the collaboration develop?
“The initial agreement was that Audi would supply all the powertrain and we would supply the chassis, but as the project took shape, a joint venture developed. We joined forces, and experience. Audi took care of the calculations, but many ideas came to us, including the suspension set-up “.
How big is the Audi team on the Dakar?
“We are 80. With four engines (three Formula E engines plus that of the DTM) only the number of engineers triples. In each area we have several engineers”.
What is the biggest challenge?
“Fighting with software that remains the big unknown because at any moment something could happen that we can’t control. It could happen on the second or third day. We don’t know. As happens with the phone update. We saw it in tests: i the first two went well while in the third something happened that we could not foresee. Despite the youth of the project, we have still reached a satisfactory level and we are optimistic “.
As for the pilots, you have two very champions …
“We are delighted with Stephane (Peterhansel) and Carlos (Sainz). There could not have been a better choice.”
What would be an interesting result for you?
“We have to be realistic. The first victory is to finish and bring the cars to Jeddah on January 14th. This would be a great result for us. If we then finish in the Top5, even better.”
# 202 Team Audi Sport Audi: Carlos Sainz’s helmet
Photo by: ASO
At a press conference, Carlos Sainz said the car will be ready to win in 2023 and hinted at constant regulation changes that over the year have gradually taken away the advantages that Audi had initially …
“When we started, we were promised full support because we were taking a big risk by investing a big budget. During the season, many advantages were taken away from us so much that we are now on the same level as a T1 +, if not at a disadvantage. we find it right, but that’s the way it is. “
What does the regulation now provide?
“It is a good question, because there is a regulation, but it is not clear in many areas, so every time we have to ask and wait for the answer. drawn up on the basis of the various series of electric vehicles, but then a sort of negotiation began. It would also be important for us to have a clear regulation of what is possible and what is not possible to do “.
At its 30th participation. What is the Dakar for you?
“There remains something special. A roller coaster ride for the thrills it gives and even if you sometimes think it will be the last, you come home and start preparing for the next one. With XRaid we have won six times in the last ten years. : three times with MiniAll4 Racing in 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2015) and with Mini JCW Buggy in the last two editions (Carlos Sainz in 2020 and Stephane Peterhansel last year). And now the challenge is even greater: we want to lead to victory this ambitious and innovative project, after which I can even think about retiring (laughs).
The Audi Sport Audi Team after the prologue: Sainz is second …
Photo by: Red Bull Content Pool
It is a reference for teams. A politician, not just a team manager or team owner …
“If I were not a fighter, I would not be here. I have the DNA of a rider. I have always fought for the things I believe in. I did it as an entrepreneur and as a team owner. This makes life interesting. They often come to me. representatives of other teams and they ask me to fight for their rights. I do it for them too. “
Meanwhile, the adventure of Team X-raid continues with his son Thomas. An army!
“We field three teams: Audi, X-Raid with Mini and Buggy and Yamaha with Side by Side. In total we are more than 150 people and 40 assistance vehicles for 11 vehicles on the run “.
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