Intensive testing programme for Audi Sport’s new TCR car

Audi Sport’s new TCR model is undergoing an intensive testing programme. A session in the wind tunnel at Ingolstadt was followed by the first runs on racetracks.
The RS 3 LMS was in the wind tunnel of AUDI AG in Ingolstadt for the first time after the entire aerodynamics had previously been created numerically in the computer.
“Our calculations using Computational Fluid Dynamics were fully confirmed in the wind tunnel,” said Technical Project Manager Detlef Schmidt. “The predicted values for downforce and drag match up well.” 

At Castellolí, the second generation of Audi’s TCR car completed its first laps on February 23/24. Frédéric Vervisch reeled off around 500 kilometres on the Catalan circuit, focusing on general component testing, initial set-up work on the powertrain and chassis, and the aerodynamic balance. The engineers also checked the functionality of the mandatory standardized TCR engine control unit, which was preceded by intensive software development. 
Audi Sport continued its work at Vallelunga, on March 8/10, then at Aragón, on March 17/18. The initial rain in Italy gave the engineers the chance to work through air pressures and suspension set-ups for wet conditions before trying out further options on the dry. In addition to Vervisch, Nathanaël Berthon had the opportunity to contribute his feedback for the first time. In Spain, set-up work on the differential, dampers and the aerodynamic balance were on the agenda. The development team also focused on the configuration for qualifying and the behaviour over complete race distances.
“We already gained a positive impression of our new car at Castellolí,” said Project Manager Andrea Milocco. “This continued at Vallelunga and Aragón. In total, we’ve reeled off almost 3,000 kilometres and established a good basis for our development tests. Now we’re moving step by step through our further programme.”

The next stages leading up to the race debut have already been determined as well. In the course of the balance of performance test by promoter WSC, the aim is to determine values for the aerodynamics and centre of gravity of the RS 3 LMS. Audi Sport is aiming for TCR homologation on May 1. 
The Audi RS 3 LMS will make its race debut in the WTCR, while deliveries to customers will begin in the second half of the year.

Picture: Audi Sport