Audi R8 LMS Cup Press Release
- Push-to-pass function increases horsepower for easier overtaking
- Weight additions to increase competition in the Audi R8 LMS Cup
- André Couto and Rahel Frey join 2014 season
Zhuhai, April 6, 2014 - The Audi R8 LMS Cup will introduce a push-to-pass boost for overtaking and weight additions for podium drivers. The new features for the 2014 season were announced during the test weekend at Zhuhai International Circuit in
Portuguese driver André Couto achieved
excellent lap times during the two days of intensive testing. Raised in Macau,
the former Macau Formula 3 champion is one of the most accomplished racers in Asia and joins the 2014 cup season for Brothers Racing
Team (BRT). In addition, Swiss female racing star Rahel Frey will return to the
Audi R8 LMS Cup for the 12 races of this year's campaign. She looks forward to
meet her former colleagues from the German Touring Car Championship (DTM)
during our DTM support race in Guangzhou
"Rahel Frey and André Couto will
increase the strong competition even further. I expect the new push-to-pass
boost to increase overtaking opportunities. It also adds a new strategic
component, as the number of boosts will be limited", commented Rene
Koneberg, Director of Audi Sport customer racing Asia .
By activating a special
"push-to-pass" button, drivers will be able to temporarily add about
50 horsepower to their engine output. The maximum number of boosts will be
adjusted to the different circuit layouts. Another new feature is the weight
additions. To increase competition at the head of the field drivers that reach
the podium will have success ballast added for their next race.
Commenting on the upcoming campaign, André
Couto said : "I am very happy to be part of this great championship. The
Audi R8 LMS Cup has been growing quite a lot and has clearly raised the level
of motorsport in Asia . We race at some of the
best circuits in Asia , including many Formula
1 tracks. A new generation of young and talented drivers are joining the cup
and I want to be part of that momentum. After we worked together for my home
race, the Macau GT, last year, I am excited to now further extend the
partnership with Brothers Racing Team. I feel strong and prepared for a
successful season."
Up to 24 cars are expected to compete in
the 2014 Audi R8 LMS Cup season. 16 drivers took the opportunity to test in
Zhuhai, including some perspective new drivers. Debuting in the Audi GT3 race
car were two of Asia's hottest racing talents: 19 year old Aidan Wright from Australia , who won the 2013 Formula Masters, and
18 year old Matt Solomon from Hong Kong , who
shared a GT cockpit with former Formula 1 world champion Mika Hakkinen in 2013.
The Audi R8 LMS Cup is the first brand cup
of Audi worldwide. The sprint race series expanded in Asia
in 2013. This year the competition is scheduled to visit South Korea , Japan ,
Malaysia and China , including support races for the German
Touring Car Championship (DTM) in Guangzhou and
for the World Endurance Championship (WEC) in Shanghai
Audi R8 LMS Cup Official Website: www.audir8lmscup.com
Photo credit: Audi R8 LMS Cup
