Audi announces first development driver for F1 project
F1 News
Audi is actively pursuing their Formula 1 project. The German car brand will compete as a factory team from 2026, but also as an engine developer, and they have appointed their first development driver.
It involves former Red Bull protégé Neel Jani. The Swiss driver will step into the simulator to help develop the engines. Previously, the driver tested for Red Bull and Sauber. He also drove in Formula E and won the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2016.
Choosing Jani
Oliver Hoffmann, a Member of Audi's Technical Development Board, explains in a team press release why they chose Jani: "Our simulator is an important tool for the power unit development. It requires a development driver who, in addition, will grasp the technology, and bring versatile experience to the project, especially in terms of energy management in racing conditions."
'Both an honour and responsibility'
Jani himself is also very happy to help with the Audi project: "It is both an honour and a great responsibility to be involved in a project of this magnitude at an early stage. I am sure that with my experience from Formula 1 and LMP projects, I can forge good links between theory and practice."