13 replies to this topic

[WonderWoman61]

Not much info on it besides this. - https://www.unracedf...he-1985-season/

Make of it what you will.

I wonder if it evolved from the secret Volkswagen F1 project?

Be surprised if it didn't.

[WonderWoman61]

Was anyone else an avid reader of Motoring News in the 1980s?

(My 666th Post! Thank goodness it's happened on bonfire night and not Halloween!)

[dolomite]

I was a regular reader of MN back then and I remember that Audi story splashed as a big headline scoop on the front page with artist’s impression of the car. And then the whole thing mysteriously disappeared without trace and was never mentioned again.

[BRG]

I took MN every week although I really don't recall this front page story.  

 

But memory isn't what it was....

[AJCee]

Didn’t MN refer to it as a secret project by “Idua”? Or was that on an April 1 article?

[WonderWoman61]

Suppose the closest Audi got to F1 after 1985 was supplying the engine for the Williams-built 2009-2012 F2 car and Williams supplying the flywheel energy storage system for the Audi R18 e-tron Quattro....

[Ross Stonefeld]

I don't know that the F2 car was an Audi Sport project. I think it was more a Palmersport/Moutone endeavor.

[WonderWoman61]

I don't know that the F2 car was an Audi Sport project. I think it was more a Palmersport/Moutone endeavor.

It was a 1.8 Litre engine with Audi's name on it at least and Williams produced the car.

[dolomite]

Didn’t MN refer to it as a secret project by “Idua”? Or was that on an April 1 article?

It wasn’t April 1. I vaguely recall it was published around August/September time. 
I got rid of all my old copies of MN years ago so can’t retrieve it now unfortunately.

[WonderWoman61]

It wasn’t April 1. I vaguely recall it was published around August/September time. 
I got rid of all my old copies of MN years ago so can’t retrieve it now unfortunately.

Sounds like it was more likely intended for 1986.

[WonderWoman61]

I wonder if the remnants of this project indirectly led to the MIG F1 project of the early 1990s?
https://www.unracedf...otten-f1-dream/

[small block]

Not much info on it besides this. - https://www.unracedf...he-1985-season/

Make of it what you will.

I wonder if it evolved from the secret Volkswagen F1 project?

Be surprised if it didn't.

This seems to be another example of the dangers of relying solely on internet sources. I've checked every 1985 MN front page (and every page inside each issue) and there's no mention anywhere of an Audi F1 project, which would explain Unraced f1's difficulties!

In 1985 Audi Sport was fully committed to running a three car team in the World Rally Championship.

When I have time, I'll check the 1984 and 1986 issues (not too difficult as I have them scanned)

[AJCee]

Hmm, the story I remember would be some time between 1979 and 1983 I think. Sadly, I don’t have the MNs anymore

[WonderWoman61]

At least in 2026, Audi will enter F1 for real, taking over Sauber.