Audi Sport have launched the new TT Cup series to run alongside the DTM in order to give drivers a leg up into the world of the four rings.
Officially called the Audi Sport TT Cup, the Ingolstadt based manufacturer will be using the newest version of the successful sports car launching in the same year as the series in 2015.
Based on the foundation laid by the R8 LMS Cup in Asia, Audi decided a similar championship focused around beginners and series-switching drivers would give drivers vital tin top racing experience.
The car is light – weighing just more than 1,000kg – and with a 310HP powering the TT it is guaranteed the action on track will be intense and with a push to pass function, which provides an extra 30HP, the series shouldn’t be short of overtaking.
Six rounds and twelve races are planned for 2015 with the cars all prepared by quattro GmbH to ensure entry into the series shouldn’t be too cost prohibitive especially for a driver just starting out in high level racing.
24 cars are to be prepared with six cars reserved for guest drivers on a round by round basis. The remaining 18 drivers can apply for a drive at: www.audi-motorsport.com from the time of publication with an almost Nissan GT Academy style application process being set up to choose the drivers for the inaugural series.
Indeed the drivers that do get through will receive driver coaching like no other. Markus Winkelhock, a man who has won the 24 Hours of Spa and the Nurburgring just this year, will be putting the Audi Sport TT Cup field through its paces.
Reading this you may think, well that’s all good what sort of prize is put up at the end of the season? Well the winner will become a part of Audi’s world beating GT3 programme with the opportunity for those with real potential placed on the radar for a chance to link up with WEC and DTM teams.
