The inside line

High-performance Audi vehicles, internationally-trained instructors and some of the country’s finest motorsport facilities – welcome to the Audi driving experience (ADE), the award-winning performance-driving program that has thrilled literally thousands of participants over the course of its 15 years. Underway again in 2024, the ADE is once again offering up the opportunity to test yourself as you develop new skills or hone existing ones behind the wheel of some of Audi’s most desirable and exciting machinery, all under the tutelage of Audi’s team of outstanding instructors.

Regardless of past experience, the Audi driving experience is both rewarding and exciting for all participants and the perfect way to experience the brand’s high-performance stable of vehicles in their ‘natural habitat’.

From the Audi dynamic driving experience to the performance driving experience, each program is designed to demonstrate the capabilities of the vehicles and their advanced assistance systems as well as helping drivers develop their own skills and understanding of car control. From simple exercises right up to full-track lapping at high speeds, the ADE delivers programs that are not only tremendously enjoyable, but that impart knowledge and skills that will benefit each participant and increase their motoring enjoyment.

Programs are overseen by Audi Australia’s Chief Driving Instructor and motoring ambassador, Steve Pizzati, an accomplished race driver, engineer and respected motoring expert whose enthusiasm is nothing short of infectious.

His team of highly-experienced instructors are all successful racing drivers in their own right, competing at the highest levels across a broad cross section of motorsport categories both nationally and internationally. In addition to their outstanding motorsport credentials, each one is also a highly effective communicator and has been trained in the ‘train the trainers’ program conducted by Audi at its Audi Sport complex in Neuburg, Germany.

The line-up of vehicles is equally as impressive, a smorgasbord of RS models across both courses, from the giant-killing performance of the Audi RS 3 models, through to the RS Q8 and RS 6 Avant and the brand’s first-ever all-electro RS model, the RS e-tron GT. All available to be put through their paces at some of the best race facilities in the country – the ideal environment in which to explore their extraordinary performance in a way simply not possible or legal on public roads.

It is the perfect motoring recipe, all delivered with Audi’s customary hospitality and attention to detail – from the warm reception on arriving at the track, to the Audi lounge area, fine food and refreshments throughout the day and the professional yet relaxed feel to the proceedings – the popularity of the ADE comes as little surprise.

The appeal of the ADE to motoring enthusiasts is obvious, but participants come from all backgrounds and age groups, with often vastly different motoring experience, says Pizzati. The programs though have been designed to ensure that regardless of any prior experience each participant comes away at the end of the day with a greater understanding not only of what the cars can do, but also having explored, pushed and honed their own skills.

For many it’s their first time on a race track, while others have considerable experience in motorsport. But the very nature of the programs is such that the only competition is personal, with each participant helped to achieve their own goals and most importantly enjoy themselves in the process.

From dynamic exercises on the skid pan to emergency braking and avoidance techniques, to fast one-on-one laps of the track, each ADE program builds skill and confidence in a safe and controlled environment that is at once instructional, entertaining and addictive.

In addition to the track-based programs conducted right around the country, the Audi driving experience also offers programs with an international flavour, from the likes of ice driving at Audi’s ‘winter campus’ in the Austrian Alps, to more lifestyle-oriented programs in the summer months, tackling the alpine passes through the Dolomites. Once again, these programs showcase the vey best of the brand, combining high-performance Audi vehicle’s with outstanding accommodation and stunning scenery – all conducted with classic Audi flair and attention to detail.

“It’s not uncommon for customers to come back again and again,” says Pizzati, “with some attracted by the obvious performance elements of the course while others are interested in getting more from their own motoring or sharpening up their own skills behind the wheel.”

For this who have already taken part in an Audi driving experience program, the idea of returning multiple times or participating in different programs will make perfect sense. B regardless of the motivation for taking part, the ADE provides an immersive experience that is hard to match, whether you are a hardcore motoring enthusiast or just curious to see what an Audi can do.

For more information on the 2024 calendar of ADE events and to book your program, visit Audi driving experience.