Showing posts with label Audi TT. Show all posts

Wednesday, May 20, 2015

TCR: Exemption ended for the Audi TT cars

Wednesday, May 20, 2015 GTLM

TCR Press Release

WSC Ltd., the Promoter of the TCR International Series, has announced that the special exemption granted to the Liqui Moly Team Engstler to run two Audi TT cars in the first events of the season has now expired.

Marcello Lotti, WSC CEO explained: “The exemption was granted with the spirit to support our new series and also to allow Audi Sport customer racing to collect information about the necessary requirements for a successful technical platform, which could fit to the TCR regulations. In the light of the latest results, we believe that both these aims have been successfully achieved. Therefore, together with the team and Audi Sport customer racing we have decided to end this exemption; also in the respect of the other competitors that have accepted the situation with a true sporting spirit.”

Photo credit: TCR International Series

TCR: Nicki Thiim delighted with his Audi TT winning debut at Portimao

Monday, May 11, 2015 GTLM

By Tarek Ramchani

Nicki Thiim had an amazing debut in the newly formed TCR International Series at Portimao. The Audi GT driver was behind the wheel of the new Audi TT and was simply the strongest man all weekend long in Portugal.

The Danish ace was the fastest in all the practice sessions, took a great pole position in qualifying and won race 1. Nicki Thiim was forced to retire in the second race with techincal issues hitting his Audi TT.

Nicki Thiim was delighted with his TCR International Series and Audi TT debut.

"It is just fantastic to come here and bring the confidence back into the team. For the whole weekend we have been the fastest and I am really happy to have done my job as well as I could."

"I had a lot of fun and it’s the most important thing. I think we have got a really good car for the next races. You can always do small things to improve it. Some things you can do off the track and I explained what my feelings are about what they can still adjust on the car."

"I think they will go home now and find some more things. I just want to say I had a lot of fun, especially in the second race that is touring cars as you like it. It was my mistake in race two – a silly one - but this is racing."

Photo credit: TCR International Series

TCR: Unlucky race 2 for Nicki Thiim and Kelvin van der Linde at Portimao

Sunday, May 10, 2015 GTLM

By Tarek Ramchani

A very unlucky TCR International Series race 2 for Audi drivers at Portimao. Nicki Thiim and Kelvin van der Linde did not finish the 16-lap race.

The Audi TT the car that dominated all the sessions and race 1 at the Portuguese track had a frustrating race 2 this afternoon.

It was an action packed race two with fierce battles on track for the win and top posts. The two Audi drivers started the race very well and were able to charge back through the field. The two Audi TTs were really fast and by lap nine, they were running in second with Kelvin van der Linde and third with race 1 winner Nicki Thiim.

Later drama started to hit the Audis. Nicki Thiim was the first to retire with his #3 Audi TT, the Danish driver hit a kerb too hard. A lap later it was Kelvin van der Linde turn to retire, his #9 Audi TT was stopped on track with technical issues.

Race 2 win went to Michel Nykjær behind the wheel of a SEAT Leon. Second place went to Kevin Gleason with a Honda Civic Type-R. The podium was completed by Jordi Gené driving a SEAT Leon.

Overall it was an amazing TCR racing weekend for the Audi drivers at Portimao. Nicki Thiim and Kelvin van der Linde proved that the Audi TT is a really fast car against its rivals from SEAT and Honda.

The TCR International Series will resume in two weeks time at Monza.

Photo credit: TCR International Series

TCR: Nicki Thiim wins the opening race at Portimao with Audi TT

Sunday, May 10, 2015 GTLM

By Tarek Ramchani

Nicki Thiim made history today at Portimao. The Danish driver gave the Audi TT its first race victory in the newly formed TCR International Series.

The Liqui Moly Team Engstler driver started from pole position in race 1 and was in full control of the race. At the end of the 13-lap sprint event, Nicki Thiim crossed the finish line victorious, four seconds ahead of the second placed SEAT Leon of Jordi Gené. Third place went to another car from Liqui Moly Team Engstle with Lorenzo Veglia driving a SEAT Leon.

The second Audi TT driver Kelvin van der Linde had a solide race. The young South African driver narrowly missed the podium and took a strong fourth place overall first time out in the new touring car series.

Race 2 will follow next, another 13-lap event.

Photo credit: TCR International Series

TCR: Nicki Thiim takes pole position with Audi TT at Portimao

Saturday, May 09, 2015 GTLM

By Tarek Ramchani

Nicki Thiim was flying today at Portimao with his Audi TT. The Danish driver took a storming pole position in his very first race weekend with the car in TCR International Series. This is first pole position for the Audi TT in the newly formed touring car series.

The Liqui Moly Team Engslter driver was unstoppable today. He lead the two practice session earlier today and was able to do the same in qualifying with his #3 Audi TT. Nicki Thiim set the fasest time of the session, 1:53.863.

Kelvin van der Linde who missed the two practice sessions this morning was able to take part in qualifying. The young Sourth African driver performed very well with his #9 Audi TT. The 2014 ADAC GT Masters champion qualified in a strong fifth place. He was behind three SEAT drivers with Jordi Gené second place Pepe Oriola third and Lorenzo Veglia fourth.

The two 16-lap TCR International Series races are set for Sunday.

Photo credit: TCR International Series

TCR: Nicki Thiim dominated Portimao practice sessions with Audi TT

Saturday, May 09, 2015 GTLM

By Tarek Ramchani

A storming debut for Nicki Thiim in the TCR International Series at Portimao. The Danish driver who lead yesterday's test session with his Audi TT, did the same today in the two practice sessions.

In the opening practice session, the Liqui Moly Team Engstler driver set the fastest time, 1:53.929. Second place went to Honda's Gianni Morbidelli and third place to SEAT's Pepe Oriola.

Later in the second session, Nicki Thiim was the fastest again with a best time of 1:54.032. He was followed by two SEATs, Pepe Oriola in second place and Sergey Afanasyev in third.

Bad luck hit the second Liqui Moly Team Engstler's Audi TT. Kelvin van der Linde's car stopped on track in the first practice session following an engine issue. The car did not take part in the second practice session.

The TCR International Series qualifying session will follow next.

Photo credit: TCR International Series

TCR: Nicki Thiim leads Portimao day 1 action with Audi TT

Friday, May 08, 2015 GTLM

By Tarek Ramchani

TCR International Series action has started at Portimao. It was an impressive day 1 for Liqui Moly Team Engstler's Audi TTs. The German team was impressive in the TCR test sessions with their two new drivers.

Nicki Thiim who is debuting with the Audi TT in the TCR International Series lead the field. The Danish driver of the #3 Audi TT was simply the best setting the fastest lap time of the day, 1:54.626.

His team-mate at Liqui Moly Team Engstler, South African Kelvin van der Linde performed well too. The 2014 ADAC GT Masters champion was third fastest with his #9 Audi TT, right behind the second placed SEAT of Jordi Gene.

The two Audi TT cars will be back on track tomorrow for two practice sessions followed by qualifying. Both Nicki Thiim and Kelvin van der Linde will battle for pole position.

Photo credit: TCR International Series

TCR: Kelvin van der Linde and Nicki Thiim join Liqui Moly Team Engstler at Portimao

Friday, May 08, 2015 GTLM

By Tarek Ramchani

No Break for TCR International Series teams and drivers. Just one week after the Valencia round, the TCR cars will hit the track again in Portugal. The challenging Portimao circuit will be hosting the fourth round of the season.

Liqui Moly Team Engstler will be on site with a pair of Audi TT cars. The privateer German team is still progressing with their Audis against strong rivals representing SEAT, Honda and Opel.

A slight change at the Portuguese round, the two Audis will be driven by two new faces. The two drivers are coming from GT racing with a great experience with the Audi R8 LMS ultra.

The #3 Audi TT will be driven by Nicki Thiim. The Danish driver is competiting in ADAC GT Masters this year with team C.ABT Racing.

The sister #9 Audi TT will be in hands of Kelvin van der Linde. The young South African driver is the reigning ADAC GT Masters champion, competing with C.ABT Racing.

The two drivers are debuting with the car in the newly formed TCR series, but there are no doubts they will be among the fastest in the field and will challenge for the top spots.

The TCR International Series racing weekend will start on Friday with two test sessions. Two practice session and qualifying will be held on Saturday. The two 15-lap races will be run on Sunday.

Photo credit: TCR International Series

TCR: Liqui Moly Team Engstler heading to Valencia with two Audi TT

Thursday, April 30, 2015 GTLM

By Tarek Ramchani

The newly formed TCR International Series is about to start its European season this weekend. The Ricardo Tormo circuit near Valencia, will play host to the third round of the season.

Two Audi TT cars will enter the Spanish round coming from the privateer Liqui Moly Team Engstler. The #6 TT will be driven by team-woner Franz Engstler. The sister #8 Audi will have Mikhail Grachev behind the wheel.

Last time out in China the German team performed very well and challenged the SEATs and Hondas for the top spots. Both Franz Engstler and Mikhail Grachev will be eager to challenge for race victories.

In the drivers' championship standing, Franz Engstler is tenth overall with 16 points, Mikhail Grachev is one position behind, eleventh with a total of 6 points. In the teams' standing, Liqui Moly Team Engstler is fourth with 43 points.

A total of 19 cars will enter the TCR International Series round of Valencia. Action will start on Sunday with both practice and qualifying sessions. The two races will be held on Sunday.

Photo credit: TCR International Series

TCR: Positive weekend for Liqui Moly Team Engstler in Shanghai with Audi TT

Monday, April 13, 2015 GTLM

By Tarek Ramchani

The Shanghai International Circuit played host to the second meeting of the TCR International Series. Liqui Moly Team Engstler entered the event with a pair of Audi TT cars. As was the case at Sepang in the opening round, TCR supported Formula One's Chinese Grand Prix.

The German team took part in the two races with team owner Franz Engstler (#6 Audi TT) and Mikhail Grachev (#8 Audi TT) showing good pace and performances.

The qualifying session gave Liqui Moly Team Engstler satisfaction. Mikhail Grachev qualified in a strong fourth position, the best non Honda driver. Franz Engstler set the eighth fastest time in the session.

In the opening race held on Saturday, Mikhail Grachev was seventh after great battles with a pair of SEAT Leons. Franz Engstler was right behind his team-mate in eighth place. The two drivers were less than ten seconds behind the winning Honda Civic.

Unfortunately Mikhail Grachev was penalized after the race for contact with Jordi Gené (SEAT Leon). He was given a 30-second penalty. The Russian driver dropped from seventh place to position fourteen. Grachev's penalty promoted Franz Engstler to position seven.

Race 1 Results are here.

Sunday's second race was a mixed one for Liqui Moly Team Engstler two Audis. Franz Engstler performed very well and challenged SEAT and Honda cars for the top spots. At the end of the 10-lap race, Franz Engstler took an honorable seventh place.

Bad luck hit Mikhail Grachev in the second race. The Russian driver of the #8 Audi TT was forced to retire after two laps.

Race 2 Results are here.

The TCR International Series will move to Europe, the next event will be held at Valencia. At the moment it's unclear if Liqui Moly Team Engstler will enter the Spanish event with the Audi TTs or switching to their new Volkswagen Golf GTIs.

Photo credit: TCR International Series

TT Cup: Track tests for new Audi Sport TT Cup provide many positive findings

Monday, March 09, 2015 Johan Laubscher

Audi Press Release

Circuit de Catalunya focused on the Audi Sport TT Cup for two days
18 international talents cover nearly 7,700 kilometers
Project Leader Rolf Michl: “Drivers did an outstanding job”

Ingolstadt/Barcelona, March 9, 2015 – The 18 permanent entrants of the new Audi Sport TT Cup have completed the initial track tests. On the Circuit de Catalunya in Spain, they drove the Audi TT cup car over a total distance of nearly 7,700 kilometers, gathering important data and experiences in the process.

In the test on the 4.655-kilometer track north of Barcelona, the international entrants of the brand new one-make cup by Audi covered 1,584 laps in total. At the end of the track tests, the field of 18 drivers had clocked an aggregated driving time of more than 100 hours. “For everybody in the team it was an impressive experience when the drivers started the engines on Saturday morning and went out on track for the first time,” says Rolf Michl, Project Leader of the Audi Sport TT Cup.

Michl was ‘impressed’ not only about the performance of the race cars. “Our young drivers did an outstanding job too,” says Michl in summing up the track test. “The instructors, Markus Winkelhock and Marco Werner, expressly praised how quickly all 18 entrants familiarized themselves with the TT cup and how meticulously they worked out their individual set-ups.”

Detlef Schmidt, Technical Project Leader of the Audi Sport TT Cup, made a positive assessment as well: “I’m very pleased with the reliability of the car and the performance of the drivers. All race cars are completely undamaged, and after nearly 7,700 kilometers at that.” The technical development is now going to analyze the data and subsequently optimize personalized settings such as the seating positions and steering wheel adjustments for the 18 entrants.

Concurrently, Audi is setting preparations for the second pre-season test, which will take place at the end of April. That’s when the drivers, in addition to covering more test kilometers, will be doing specific practice units, like start tests, and simulate the procedures on a race weekend. On the first weekend in May the Audi Sport TT Cup will start its inaugural season with two races. “We’re very much looking forward to opening the season on this big motorsport weekend at the Hockenheimring: the Audi Sport TT Cup together with the DTM, the World Rallycross Championship, Formula 3 and the Porsche Carrera Cup,” says Michl. “This is going to pack a punch.”

Photo credit: Audi Communications - Motorsport

TT Cup: First Audi Sport TT Cup testing at Circuit de Catalunya

Sunday, March 08, 2015 Johan Laubscher

By Johan Laubscher

The preparations for the new Audi Sport TT Cup are in full swing. The eighteen selected drivers took part in a five-day fitness camp in the Allgäu last week and this weekend the drivers completed the first test session of the season.

Circuit de Catalunya in Spain played host to the first Audi Sport TT cup testing and the eighteen drivers took part with nine of the Audi TT cup cars. Each car was shared between two drivers during the different test sessions.

Another test will be taking place in April, after which the Audi Sport TT Cup will host its first round at the DTM-opening weekend at Hockenheim from 1-3 May.

The Audi Sport TT Cup drivers testing at Circuit de Catalunya:

#11 Audi TT cup - Mikaela Åhlin-Kottulinsky