Because Audi has not competed in any round of the Rally Raid World Championship since the Dakar Rally, the FIA is taking action: Up to 750,000 euros fine threatened
As recently as January, Audi triumphed at this year’s Dakar and celebrated a debut victory in the desert with Carlos Sainz and his co-driver Lucas Cruz. But now the German car manufacturer is facing a heavy fine.
According to an official document from the world governing body, the FIA, Audi has been fined a total of 750,000 euros. The reason: in December last year, Audi “duly registered for the 2024 World Rally Raid Championship”, which includes four other events in addition to the Dakar.
However, Audi was not represented on the entry list for the most recent round in Abu Dhabi. As a result, a fine of 187,500 euros will be imposed. If Audi also fails to attend the next three events, the fine will be increased by three times this amount to 750,000 euros.
“We are appealing and will not comment further on the matter as it is an ongoing procedure.”
The FIA’s statement reads, among other things: “Team Audi Sport leads the current FIA World Rally Raid Championship for Manufacturers with only four manufacturers entered, and their absence from the next round of the World Championship is damaging to their reputation and the competition in the 2024 season.”
And further: “In accordance with Article V1 3.43. of the Sporting Regulations, a manufacturer undertakes to participate in all rallies of the World Championship with at least one vehicle that complies with the applicable technical regulations.”
According to the FIA, Audi has already violated this at least once by not competing in the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge (February 25 to March 2). This was “a serious breach of the terms of the entry agreement and the Sporting Regulations”.
