Audi launch new TT-only race series

At each of six DTM rounds next year, two races of the Audi Sport TT Cup are planned, with a field of 24 entrants for each race.

The one-make series will run a racing version of the new Audi TT, powered by a 228kW version of Audi's 2.0-litre TFSI engine. With the addition of a push-to-pass function, output can be briefly boosted by 22 kW. The racer's four-cylinder engine and six-speed S tronic were adapted from the production model nearly unchanged. An active differential, that's electronically variable from the cockpit, ensures optimal traction at the front axle.

According to Audi, the extremely light body of the third generation TT, with its intelligent material mix of steel and aluminium, provides an ideal base for a race car. Overall weight of each TT racer is only 1,125 kilograms. Preparation of the entire field - 24 cars - will be handled by quattro GmbH.

At each DTM round, six places on the Audi Sport TT Cup's grid will be reserved for a rotating roster of 'guest drivers', with the remaining 18 spots open for any contender - worldwide - to take part. Interested drivers can apply at www.audi-motorsport.com. A multi-stage selection process will take place in co-operation with the Audi driving experience.

Former Audi DTM driver and winner of this year's 24-hour races at the Nurburgring and Spa, Markus Winkelhock, will coach Audi Sport TT Cup participants and has already tested the TT Cup racer.

"The Audi TT cup is a genuine race car, ideal for rookies, yet challenging to drive," Winkelhock said. "You immediately feel that you're sitting in an Audi and recognise the close kinship with the brand's other race cars."

The winner of the Audi Sport TT Cup will receive support in Audi's GT3 sports car program, while a promotion to the DTM or the WEC with Audi is also being listed as a possibility.

"With the TT cup, we offer an attractive race car for beginners and drivers who switch from other racing series," says Heinz Hollerweger, Managing Director of quattro GmbH.

"It goes without saying that for Audi, safety is of paramount importance. We're using features from the Audi R8 LMS ultra, such as the Audi PS1 Safety Seat."

Following on from the R8 LMS one-make race series that debuted in 2008 as a specific product for use by customer teams, the new Audi Sport TT Cup is being promoted as more of an affordable entry-level series.