Audi will tackle the prestigious rally-raid for the first time with the all-new RS Q e-tron based on the technologies it developed in Formula E and the DTM.
While the car will run on electric power at all times thanks to two MGU units, it will also house a two-litre turbocharged engine to recharge the batteries for longer stages.
When Audi first announced its plans to enter the Dakar, it requested a number of advantages to ensure its car was as competitive as those with internal combustion engines. This included having the tyre inflation system, larger chassis, buggy-sized wheels and more suspension travel than 4×4 cars.
However, this drew criticism from rivals Toyota and Prodrive/Bahrain Raid Xtreme, leading to ASO rejecting some of the requests Audi had made while deriving regulations for the revamped T1 category.
Three-time Dakar Rally winner Sainz feels the regulations have left Audi with an inherent disadvantage, especially when taking into account the extra weight of the…
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