Audi R8 LMS Cup 2018 exclusively for privateers: In its seventh season, the Audi R8 LMS Cup will feature a fundamentally new format, the one-make cup being exclusively reserved to privateer drivers in the future. They will have the choice between two race cars. The Audi R8 LMS GT3 will be joined by the Audi R8 LMS GT4 as an attractive newcomer. A mentoring program with guidance provided by professional Audi Sport drivers will make it possible for the privateers to systematically develop their driving skills further. All data from the practice sessions and the races will be openly accessible to all participants. At the same time, the service team from Absolute Racing as the official fielding team will offer maximum equality of opportunity to all the campaigners. Above and beyond the one-make cup, the motorsport platform of Audi Sport customer racing Asia encompasses the collaboration with local teams in diverse racing classes and series of the region. This is where the professional campaigners that used to be able to participate in the Audi R8 LMS Cup as well will have their stage in the future.
Award for versatile Audi campaigner: A jury has selected René Rast as ADAC Motorsportsman of the Year. The 31-year-old professional racing driver has won the DTM for Audi this year. His career began to pick up momentum in the one-make cups of the Volkswagen Group in 2005 before Rast switched to Audi’s customer racing program and subsequently to the DTM while continuing to compete in selected GT racing events. His major successes in the Audi R8 LMS include class victory in the Daytona 24 Hours in 2016, overall victories in the 24-hour races at Spa in 2012 and 2014, and at the Nürburgring in 2014, plus the ADAC GT Masters title win in 2014. Rast has competed for Audi in the Le Mans 24 Hours as well. “René is a gifted race driver and excellent ambassador for the whole brand,” said Chris Reinke, Head of Audi Sport customer racing. “The award recognizes his versatility and amazing number of successes he has clinched in his career to date.”
Dates for next week
10–12/11 Highlands Motorsport Park (NZ), round 4, Australian Endurance Championship
11–12/11 Motegi (J), round 8, Super GT
10–12/11 Austin (USA), 24H Endurance Series