Audi F1 recruits Neel Jani as simulator driver

©Audi

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Audi has hired former Le Mans 24 Hours winner Neel Jani to help with the development of its future Formula 1 power unit.

Audi is now moving full steam ahead with its F1 efforts that will see the German manufacturer join the grid in 2026.

The Ingolstadt firm's entry into Grand Prix racing will coincide with the introduction in 2026 of F1's next generation engine regulations.

That leaves less than three years for its engineers to design and develop a top-flight F1 power unit that will power the future chassis designed by its strategic partner and future Audi subsidiary Sauber.

Last April, Audi revealed that it had been testing a single-cylinder engine since the end of 2022, with the first full hybrid drivetrain unit, consisting of the combustion engine, electric motor, battery and electronic control unit scheduled to run on its test bench before the end of this year.

©AudiGmbH

Jani, who tested in F1 with Sauber and Toro Rosso, and whose credentials include a season in Formula E with Porsche that followed his success with the German manufacturer's LMP1 team, believes his experience will serve Audi's interests as it moves its F1 project from the virtual to the real world.

"It is both an honour and a great responsibility to be involved in a project of this magnitude at an early stage," said the 39-year-old Swiss.

"I am sure that with my experience from Formula 1 and LMP projects I can forge good links between theory and practice."

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Audi technical development boss Oliver Hoffmann added: "Just like in production development, simulation plays a major role in our Formula 1 project.

"Our simulator is an important tool for the power unit development. It requires a development driver who in addition to a grasp of technology brings versatile experience to the project, especially in terms of energy management in racing conditions."

The build-up of Audi's F1 team at its dedicated facility in Neuburg is in full swing, with more than 260 specialists now on board.

Meanwhile, Sauber, which will likely run under its own name in F1 in 2024 and in 2025 as its commercial partner Alfa Romeo moves on, recently hired former McLaren technical director James Key to head its engineering department.

Audi currently holds a minority stake in the Sauber Group but will eventually become a majority shareholder of the Hinwil-based company.

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.