Audi’s motorsport legacy is defined by innovation, dominance, and a relentless pursuit of performance through engineering excellence. 

The brand first reshaped racing in the early 1980s with the introduction of quattro all-wheel-drive technology, a system that revolutionized rally competition and later became foundational to Audi’s motorsport identity. Building on that pioneering spirit, Audi competed in endurance racing at the turn of the millennium with the Audi R8 LMP, a car that ushered in a new era of reliability, efficiency, and competition strategy at the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

The endurance success continued with the R10 TDI, the first diesel-powered prototype to win Le Mans, proving an alternative pathway to endurance efficiency and redefining the expectations of hybrid and alternative power platforms in top-tier racing. The final evolution of this philosophy emerged with the Audi R18 e-tron quattro, whose 2012 triumph marked the first hybrid victory at Le Mans and validated the integration of hybrid energy systems in elite competition long before they became mainstream.

Beyond endurance racing, Audi’s presence in DTM, GT racing, and electric competition has shown remarkable versatility, with iconic machinery like the RS 5 DTM, R8 LMS GT3, and later the Audi e-tron FE program in Formula E. 

Today, although no longer active at Le Mans, Audi’s racing heritage continues to influence its road and motorsport philosophy, shaped by lessons learned from decades of innovation, testing, and relentless competition. Across rally stages, prototype grids, and GT paddocks around the world, Audi’s legacy remains one of engineering ambition and motorsport excellence.