The final test phase for the Audi RS Q e-tron goes to the Dakar with three star drivers

The three Audi crews Matthias Ekström/Emil Bergqvist, Stéphane Peterancel/Edouard Boulanger and Carlos Sainz/Lucas Cruz made the final adjustments. The engineers’ priority before Audi’s third entry into the Dakar Rally was to further strengthen the strength of all components.

The three crews covered a total distance of more than 900 kilometers during the five-day test at Chateau de Lastour. “We have thus met our development targets and are now concentrating on the remaining logistics work until January,” said Rolf Michl, Head of Audi Motorsport.

Under the leadership of the technical director Dr. For Leonardo Pascali, the engineers’ focus was on confirming quality standards. The innovative Audi RS Q e-tron is characterized by its electric drive with high-voltage battery and energy converter. The battery system and other components had to pass the final endurance tests on the French Mediterranean coast.

“Logistically speaking, this location was ideal for our journey and enabled short response times when we needed something from Germany,” said Pascali, adding: “We looked at all the components and systems, both those that were there.” Previous model and were reused just like those developed from the beginning.”

At the same time, the drivers had the opportunity to reconfirm the RS Q e-tron setup and the Dakar Rally settings that they had developed over the course of the season on various terrains. Carlos, Matias and Stefan were happy as they even tested some spare parts on their cars.