racingnews365.com·
Audi declares 'statement of intent' as Le Mans winner heads driver programme
Audi has declared the launch of its driver development programme as
a "statement of intent" as Le Mans winner Allan McNish is to assume
control. McNish, who was already linked with the team before it
became Audi as an advisor in the final Sauber season, is to lead
what the team has called "a cornerstone of the team’s F1
ambitions designed to identify, nurture, and develop the next
generation of racing talent." Scot McNish raced in F1 himself in
2002 with Toyota before going on to success in sports cars, with
three Le Mans wins to his name, two of which came with the
Ingolstadt concern. He also won the 2013 world endurance
championship title. Audi is to ensure members of the academy
"receive world-class training and mentorship, benefiting from the
brand’s decades of experience at the highest levels of motorsport.
The curriculum will focus on the drivers’ requirements, with a
bespoke development programme going from on-track performance,
driving and engineering development, human performance, and media
and marketing," and declared the move as a "statement of intent."
"To be entrusted with finding the cornerstones of the future Audi
F1 Team is a great honour and a responsibility I am very
passionate about," said McNish. "This brand is built on a history
of 'Vorsprung durch Technik', and that philosophy must apply to our
young drivers as much as to our cars. We are not just looking for
raw speed; we are looking for the resilience, intelligence, and
team-driven mindset that defines a future Audi champion. "Our goal
is to build a pathway that turns potential into precision and
performance on the world stage. I am thrilled to begin this work
and identify the first generation of talent to join this ambitious
project." Team principal Jonathan Wheatley added that "investing in
the champions of tomorrow is a key pillar of our Formula 1
strategy," as well as playing up McNish's credentials to lead the
programme.
