Overview
- Audi says its new power unit first ran in the completed 2026 chassis on December 19 in Hinwil, verifying engine function and full-car systems integration.
- Project leads Mattia Binotto and Jonathan Wheatley called the fire-up a key milestone that energizes the team for the next development phases.
- Development is split across Neuburg for the power unit, Hinwil for the chassis, and a technology center in Bicester, whose coordination was validated by the test.
- Auto Motor und Sport reports Audi has reserved Barcelona for a January 9 shakedown, a short functionality run the team has not officially confirmed.
- A Berlin presentation on January 20 will show the final livery on a showcar with Nico Hülkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto, ahead of official Barcelona testing from January 26 to 30.