Diesel Gate's Biggest Victim: Audi To Quit Le Mans And WEC; Shifts Focus To Formula E

German carmaker and Le Mans legend Audi has decided to quit the World Endurance championship in what could be the biggest cutback following Diesel Gate.

Published: Wednesday, October 26, 2016, 20:05 [IST]

Audi has decided to to hang up its racing boots in a sport many considered to be the German carmaker's domain, the World Endurance Championship (WEC).

Audi Quits Le Mans And World Endurance Championship; Will Focus On Formula E

In the past 18 years that Audi has raced at Le Mans (the most famous endurance race of them all) and in what has come to be known as the WEC, the German marque has graced the top step of the podium at Le Mans 13 times, only behind Porsche (another Volkswagen group brand) which has won Le Mans 18 times.

Audi departure from WEC and Le Mans does seem to be related to Volkswagen infamous Diesel Gate scandal. The Audi R18 uses a diesel hybrid powertrain and in the wake of the scandal, the VW group wants to shift away from showing off their diesel prowess.

Porsche on the other hand is expected to stay at Le Mans and the WEC as it uses a petrol electric hybrid powertrain.

Audi will shift its attention after the end to the 2016 Le WEC season to Formula E, the all-electric single seater racing series in which it already plays a part with ABT team.

Audi has supported the ABT Schaeffler Audi Sport Formula E team since 2014 and is now providing financial and technical support for the team as it races in the latest season of Formula E.