The 2022 Dakar Rally | Expertise and Passion | Audi South Africa
With expertise and passion to the finish line: The 2022 Dakar Rally
With the Audi RS Q e-tron’s innovative powertrain concept, Audi set out to make a statement about the future at the 2022 Dakar Rally. And it did so in style, by all accounts of the main protagonists after the 12 stages in the Saudi Arabian Desert.
Audi at the 2022 Dakar Rally
The three Audi driver teams won an impressive three stages during the 14-day rally, claiming a total of 14 podium finishes in the daily results. Carlos Sainz and Lucas Cruz clinched the first stage victory for the Audi RS Q e-tron and the first Audi stage victory ever on the exacting route from Al Artawiya to Al Qaisumah. After covering some 8,400 desert kilometres, Mattias Ekström and Emil Bergkvist finished ninth in Jeddah as the best Audi driver team. Full details of the individual stages can be found at www.audi-mediacenter.com.
“It was a pleasure to drive the Audi RS Q e-tron, it’s simply sensational in the dunes. The electric drivetrain with its good torque suits my driving style to a T.”
Stéphane Peterhansel, Audi Factory Driver, has won the Dakar Rally 14 times.
“We’ve learned a lot and can confirm the car is fast. Now we’re going to make it even better for the future. This is a historic moment and I’m very happy and proud to be part of the team.”
Carlos Sainz, Audi Factory Driver, is a Rally legend and has been racing for more than 40 years.
“I’d never have believed it possible to win a stage after such a short time and on the first attempt. But we did it and I’m super proud of that.”
Mattias Ekström, Audi Factory Driver, and his co-driver Emil Bergkvist took ninth place, finishing the Dakar Rally in Jeddah as the best Audi driver team.
“For over 40 years, our brand has repeatedly impressed with its innovations in motorsport. Audi has lived up to its pioneering role in the world’s toughest rally right from the start.”
Oliver Hoffmann, Member of the Board of Management for Technical Development at AUDI AG
“I’m incredibly proud of the team, of the drivers and everyone involved. This was a really great achievement. The spirit that exists within the team is wonderful to see.”
Julius Seebach, Head of Audi Sport
