The positive future implications of Audi's creditable Dakar debut

OPINION: Audi has been a disruptive presence on the 2022 Dakar Rally, with its new hybrid RS Q e-tron taking two stage wins so far. Its impressive pace and resilience on one of the world’s toughest tests also bodes well for the Dakar’s future as it seeks to attract new manufacturers.

Rachit Thukral Jan 12, 2022, 11:58 AM

Upd: Jan 12, 2022, 4:25 PM

Audi wasn’t overselling its Dakar Rally contender when it described it as the most complex race car it has ever built. The German manufacturer had to put together everything it learned during its time in Formula E and the DTM into a package that could tackle the world’s most gruelling cross-country rally.

The hardest part of the job was preparing a powertrain based on Dakar’s new regulations for electric and hybrid vehicles. This is where Audi’s FE expertise came in handy, with the MGU it designed for season seven in 2020-21 brought in to power the two axles.

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Author Rachit Thukral

Rachit Thukral has been working for Motorsport Network from its early days in 2016. Initially recruited for the Indian edition, he was promoted to Motorsport.com’s Global team in mid-2019.

Over the years, he has held a wide variety of roles, ranging from covering Super Formula and SUPER GT in Japan to junior formulae in Europe.

More recently, he has directed his focus to sportscar racing, particularly WEC, DTM and IMSA. He also has experience in reporting on Formula E, Dakar and MotoGP.

Rachit also plays an active role in the day-to-day running of Motorsport.com in his post as News Editor.

Prior to joining Motorsport Network, he worked at the autoX magazine from 2014-15. He started his career in motorsport journalism by launching the website RachF1.com during his teen years.