In January, Audi triumphed at this year’s Dakar and celebrated a debut victory in the desert with Carlos Sainz and his co-driver Lucas Cruz. But now the German car manufacturer is threatened with a heavy fine.
As an official document from the world association FIA shows, he imposed a total fine of 750,000 euros on Audi. The reason: Last December, Audi “properly registered” for the 2024 Rally Raid World Championship, which includes four other events in addition to the Dakar.
However, at the most recent race in Abu Dhabi, Audi was not represented with any vehicle on the entry list. Therefore, a fine of 187,500 euros is due. If Audi also stays away from the next three events, the fine will increase three times this value to 750,000 euros.
When asked by Motorsport-Total.com, an Audi spokesman said: “We are appealing and will not comment further on the matter as it is an ongoing procedure.”
The FIA’s statement reads in part: “Team Audi Sport leads the current FIA World Rally Raid Championship for Manufacturers with only four manufacturers entered, and their absence from the next round of the World Championship is damaging to their reputation and the competition in the 2024 season.”
And further: “According to Article V1 3.43. of the Sporting Regulations, a manufacturer undertakes to take part in all World Championship rallies with at least one vehicle that complies with the applicable technical regulations.”
According to the FIA, Audi has already violated this at least once by not taking part in the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge (February 25th to March 2nd). It is a “serious violation of the conditions of the registration agreement and the sporting regulations.”