Podium for Audi at Spa

Always a tough race and one that demands the best from drivers, teams and cars, the 2016 running of the 24 Hours of Sap lived up to its reputation and gave the huge crowds a race to remember.

With a total of 11 cars fielded across the three categories (Pro, Pro Am and Am – which denote all professional, combination of professional and amateur drivers and non-professional driving team), Audi was always going to be one to watch. With drivers of the calibre of Laurens Vanthoor, Rene Rast, Nico Muller and the likes of Christopher Mies, Markus Winkelhock and Frank Stippler all racing, a spectacle was assured.

Before the race even started, Audi was setting the pace. Pole position for the Audi Sport Team WRT set the stage, and from the start of the race they spent plenty of time out in front. That lead though was dashed when five hours into the race, another car impacted with the back of the Audi and the resultant repairs sent them as far back in the field as 42nd. 

But the determined WRT team had no intentions of letting that spoil their day and with spirited drives from Rene Rast, Laurens Vanthoor and Nico Muller, the factory back Audi Sport WRT car fought its way back through the field. Local hero Laurens Vanthoor recording the fastest lap of the race in the process during an inspired fight back that ultimately resulted in a well-deserved podium finish for the Audi Sport WRT team. In addition, Audi clinched the coveted Coupe du Roi – the manufacturer’s crown for the third consecutive year year. 

Head of Audi Sport customer racing, Chris Reinke was both proud and relieved at the end of the taxing race, saying:

“That was hard work. Congratulations to the Belgian Audi Club Team WRT and its drivers who never gave up.” 

“They fought hard and fair for a podium finish, which our second factory supported team would have deserved as well.”

That second team, with Chris Mies (defending Australian GT3 Champion) and Markus Winkelhock and Frank Stippler at the wheel was a serious contender throughout the race. But on lap 426 of 531, a town rear tyre resulted in a fire that ended the race for the trio, though thankfully no one was injured.

In addition to the third place for the Audi Sport WRT team, three other Audi customer teams finished in the top 10, more vehicles than for any other brand in the race. 

Congratulations to all who took part.