2023-06-22 08:41:16
Audi is taking the next step in the development of the power unit for its Formula 1 project by recruiting 39-year-old Swiss Neel Jani as a simulator driver. The brand with the rings is indeed preparing its arrival in F1 for 2026.
As a former test and reserve driver at Red Bull Racing, Neel Jani spent many hours in a Formula 1 simulator. As an endurance racing driver, he gained valuable experience in a car hybrid racing. As a member of the Porsche works team, he won the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) in 2016 as well as the famous Le Mans 24 hour race.
The ongoing design phase lays the foundation for the performance of the power unit for 2026, when new regulations foresee increasing electrification. The electric motor (MGU-K) will then provide practically the same power as the internal combustion engine. The highly efficient 1.6-litre turbo engines are powered by sustainable synthetic fuel.
The first hybrid power unit consisting of an internal combustion engine, an electric motor, a battery and an electronic control should pass on the bench before the end of the year and serve as the basis for the future concept of vehicle. Through open competition, Formula 1 serves as a technology laboratory for electromobility and sustainable biofuels.
Neel Jani “I am delighted to accompany Audi on the road to Formula 1. It is both an honor and a great responsibility to be involved in a project of this magnitude at an early stage. I am sure that with my experience of Formula 1 and LMP projects, I can forge good links between theory and practice”.
Oliver Hoffmann, Member of the Board of Directors for Technical Development of Audi AG “Just like in production development, simulation plays a major role in our Formula 1 project. Our simulator is an important tool for power unit development. It requires a development driver who, in addition to his mastery of technology, brings versatile experience to the project, especially in terms of energy management in racing conditions”.
Adam Baker, PDG d’Audi Formula Racing GmbH “Right now, we’re mainly focusing on the fundamental design issues that matter a lot to performance. However, to evaluate the various technical solutions, we do not rely solely on numerical methods. Know-how, experience and practical development are essential elements to draw the right conclusions from the simulation. With this combination, we can evaluate different operating strategies at an early stage and pave the way for efficient power unit energy management.”
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