Audi lights up: here is the fire-up of the R26. Binotto: “Solid foundations for a long journey”

The first roar The first Formula 1 Audi, renamed R26, made its first sound. The German team, expected to make a historic debut in the Circus this year after inheriting control of the now former Sauber team, has issued a press release in which it announces the successful start-up of the power unit in the chassis of the new single-seater. According to what was explained in the note released to the media, this first ignition took place last December 19th in the Hinwil factory. The press release also explained that “the success of the start-up [della power unit] represents the result of years of development and close collaboration between the team’s structures in Neuburg, Hinwil and Bicester”. Binotto speaks. The event was obviously celebrated in a particular way compared to what the other teams did with their respective fire-ups due to its symbolic nature: with this lighting Audi effectively opens its F1 campaign after a long preparatory journey. Mattia Binotto, head of the Audi F1 Project, commented enthusiastically on this moment: “The fire-up always represents a special moment, but this in particular marks a new beginning for us. It is the tangible result of our collective ambition and the great work of our teams in Neuburg and Hinwil. Seeing it all together for the first time gives the whole project an incredible energy. We have built a solid foundation for what will be a long journey, characterized by our relentless drive for improvement.”