Volkswagen lit the blue touch paper on the opening 83 kilometre stage from Lisbon to Portimao to start the 28th Dakar Rally: Works driver Carlos Sainz leads the desert classic in his Race Touareg 2 by 1 minute 30 seconds after the first stage in Portugal on his “Dakar” debut.
Kris Nissen (Volkswagen Motorsport Director)
“A great start to the 2006 Dakar Rally: Carlos Sainz presented us with the best time. The overall team result is satisfying – the team has earned itself an enjoyable New Year’s Eve. However, we shouldn’t forget that this result has nothing to do with the bigger picture, since we haven’t even completed two per cent of the route.”
#307 – Carlos Sainz (E), 1st place (leg) / 1st position overall
“I’m satisfied to have set the fastest time at the very beginning. The conditions were everything but easy: A junction was difficult to see and we actually had to turn-back. That’s why the result is all the more satisfying.”
Volkswagen leads Dakar Rally after first stage - Volkswagen Motorsport
Technorati Tags: VW, Touareg, VWTouareg, Dakar, 2006DakarRally
Wired has a great article on Stanley, the VW Touareg that stomped the field during the 2005 DARPA Challenge, and the Stanford Team.
Stanford’s souped-up Volkswagen blasted through the Mojave Desert, blew away the competition, and won Darpa’s $2 million Grand Challenge. Buckle up, human - the driverless car of the future is gaining on you.
Wired 14.01: Say Hello to Stanley
Technorati Tags: VW, Touareg, Stanley, Stanford, DARPA, wiredmagazine
Jalopnik has posted a shot of the “legit” 2007 R32/R37…. yes it looks like ass but I’m thinking this is cover-up for spyshots! It’s such a radical departure in all aspects. Maybe I’ll take this and clean it up in photoshop.
Technorati Tags: VW, R32, R37, GolfR32, spyshot, jalopnik
Great news, Eki is back with Audi until 2008. Now, how about getting that championship back so I don’t have to listen to my co-workers.
Only a few days after AUDI AG revealed its long-term involvement in the DTM till 2008, the company has agreed terms with Mattias Ekström to extend contracts. The 2004 DTM Champion will once again compete as Audi works driver in the most popular and high-calibre international touring car race series. “Mattias is an incredibly fast and pleasant racing driver. He fits perfectly to the Audi brand,” explained Head of Audi Motorsport Dr Wolfgang Ullrich. “We are delighted that he will continue to fly the flag for Audi over the next three years.”
