Debut for Audi at Rally Show Santa Domenica

Audi is one of the most mythical car brands in world of rallying. They invented the 4WD drive and produced some of the most attractive rally cars in history. Thanks for German driver Reinhard Reichel, Audi will for the first time compete also at Rally Santa Domenica.

Audi was the pioneer of 4WD drive in rallying. First Audi Quattro made a big revolution in 1981. Firstly, this power transferred to all four wheels drew some skepticism, but Audi results later proved that 4WD will be the future of rallying. However, first Quattro was basically still a Group 4 car and not a proper group B monster. Other car manufactures soon developed rally cars that were completely adjusted to Group B rules. They were shorter and had middle engines. On the other hand, Audi had difficulties achieving good weight balance. They still managed to win 24 rallies for World Championship and took two titles in driver and manufacturer championships. With the last Quattro S1, together with its powerful engine and aerodynamic package, they won one rally-27. Rallye Sanremo 1985.

It is considered to be the most mythical and legendary period of world rallying. Group B era showed great engineering potential and fantastic powerful cars. Sadly, it only lasted for four years. Today generation of rally fans remembers Group B only through memorable video footage from that time. Even though Audi stopped their factory program at the end of 1986 season, they produced also few cars for the following Group A era.

Last rally car from Audi was S2 quattro. They build it in 1993 and managed to score few important international results. It was powered with 2.2 liter engine that had around 300 HP. This will be the car that will make Audi debut at Rally Show Santa Domenica. Reinhard Reichel is famous for his love to Audi rally cars which he owns a few. His co-driver in Croatia will be lovely Žaneta Kušniráková from Czech Republic.