![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.asianexpress.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/A220989_x5001_22-1024x722.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nThis poses new challenges for Audi and its team partner Q Motorsport. For the first time, the RS Q e-tron has to prove itself permanently in temperatures that have not previously been encountered in the Dakar Rally. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Secondly, warmer sand is always softer as well. Combined with the long dune passages, this factor causes a significant increase in energy consumption. \u201cOur energy systems performed very well in January. The tasks in Abu Dhabi are a clear increase,\u201d says Peterhansel. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Another aspect: cars get stuck more easily in soft sand. On the often steep and long dune climbs, the Audi factory driver sees an advantage in the electric drive. \u201cThe dune crests are the most difficult: If you drive too slowly, you lose time or get stuck. If you\u2019re too fast, you risk jumping into the unknown,\u201d says Peterhansel. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWith conventional rally cars, you always have to decide on a gear and can make a mistake. The continuously variable drive of the Audi RS Q e-tron on the other hand is perfect, as is the high torque.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n The competition in Abu Dhabi differs significantly from the Dakar Rally in another important area: Navigation is traditionally easier. Co-driver Edouard Boulanger is spared the hidden \u201cwaypoint masqu\u00e9\u201d in the roadbook this time, which often take some trickery to find. Instead, these virtual terrain markers are clearly indicated in the organizer\u2019s navigation aids. But this also means: Navigational qualities, such as those that distinguish an accomplished co-driver like Edouard Boulanger, make less of a difference in Abu Dhabi.<\/p>\n\n\n\n St\u00e9phane Peterhansel and Edouard Boulanger will be competing in the Audi RS Q e-tron they already drove in January. Chassis number 104 remained on the Arabian Peninsula after the Dakar Rally. First, a detour to Dubai followed. <\/p>\n\n\n\n At the \u201cFlat 12\u201d event location the rally prototype met the freshly crowned winner of the Dubai 24 Hours, an Audi R8 LMS, in January. The RS Q e-tron then continued its journey to neighbouring Abu Dhabi. The objective for the second competition is ambitious. \u201cWe had a trouble-free second Dakar week in which we were able to set some nice highlights,\u201d says St\u00e9phane Peterhansel. \u201cNow we want to try and clinch our first podium result.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Fans around the world can once again look forward to comprehensive coverage. Following the great success in January, Audi is continuing its Inside Show on Facebook and audimedia.tv in Abu Dhabi as well. <\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" After its debut with four stage victories at the Dakar Rally in January, the Audi RS Q e-tron is facing its next challenge: From March 6 to 10, the innovative desert prototype with an electric drivetrain, a high-voltage battery and the highly efficient energy converter will contest the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge. Team Audi Sport […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":647,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[196],"tags":[352,353,354,355],"class_list":["post-7737","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-motors","tag-abu-dhabi","tag-dakar-rally","tag-rallye-dakar","tag-team-audi"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.asianexpress.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/A220987_x500_22-1024x722.jpg\")