Audi to end GT3 factory involvement and race car production

Audi has announced it will pull the pin on its GT3 and other customer racing factory involvements, and will also stop its production and sale of race cars in 2024.

The German manufacturer will continue to provide operational support to race teams that purchase its cars prior to its ending race car production, as well as fulfilling existing orders, which means that the current Audi Factory will be able to continue operations.

The decision is by no means a shock with funds needed for its F1 infastructure its and push toward all electric road vehicles by 2030 to be a priority, with the future writing on the wall even in 2020 when it pulled out the WEC, IMSA, and DTM.

It’s 14 factory drivers will also be let go, which includes the likes of regular Australian GT visitor Christopher Mies, and rally drivers like Mattias Ekstrom and Carlos Sainz sr, as its primary involvements in series’ like the GT World Challenge, DTM, and Dakar come to an end.

Audi will cease production of its GT3, GT4, and TCR models in early 2024

The line of Audi racing vehicles such as its GT3, GT4, and TCR cars will end production after the first quarter of 2024. Currently there are over 1000 Audi cars racing across GT3, GT4 and TCR categories.

Its R8 LMS GT3 and other customer cars will continue to get operations support after that date, with its basic part supplies remaining open until 2032.

The move was largely said to have revolved around its Formula 1 commitment with Sauber which begins on track in the 2026 season, with the GT R8 road car also seeing its last model being made this year – its flagship road car since 2008.

With its vision to go fully electric by 2030, the continued production of the V10-engined GT3 car not suited the ethos of the manufacturer coming forward.

Audi’s entry into Formula 1 by 2026 and its need to clear the runway for F1 infastructure was one of the main driving forces behind the decision.

Rolf Michl, managing director of Audi Sport, explained that it didn’t mean a stop to Audi’s customer racing team involvement.

“Audi Sport customer racing will not be wound up or closed down, Audi Sport customer racing will still exist,” Michl said.

We’ve received approval for all scopes, i.e. both technical support, spare parts service also on site, and the entire customer support that has distinguished us for years.

“That is the very clear decision that, with the focus on Formula 1 entry in 2026, there will unfortunately no longer be any financial support for the field teams from our side from 2024. This relates specifically to the support of parts packages and Audi Sport drivers.

“We will ensure that our current vehicles can remain in operation in every respect. But strategic use has not been approved for us from 2024. We had to accept the decision from the Audi board with a heavy heart.”

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