Ardenne Rally Festival Ardenne Rally Festival: the legendary Quattros are back!
In the early 1980s, rear-wheel-drive cars had long been the mainstay of rallying. However, German manufacturer Audi changed the landscape by introducing the Quattro, a revolutionary car built on four-wheel-drive technology. Iconic vehicles of that era included the Lancia Stratos, Opel Ascona 400, Renault 5 Turbo, Fiat 131 Abarth, Talbot Sunbeam Lotus, and Ford Escort RS. The turning point came at the Swedish Rally, where Hannu Mikkola showcased the power of the Quattro by winning with a two-minute lead over Ari Vatanen’s Ford Escort. The stage was set for Audi's dominance. That same year, Michèle Mouton took the win in the Sanremo Rally, and Mikkola triumphed once again in the legendary British RAC Rally.
In 1982, the Quattro was homologated in Group 4, helping Audi secure the manufacturer’s world championship title. The following year marked the beginning of the Group B era, during which Mikkola also won the world championship title in the drivers' category, a feat that Stig Blomqvist replicated in 1984. Audi further cemented its legacy by winning the manufacturers' championship title again.
While the spectacular Sport Quattro and Sport Quattro S1 did not capture more titles thereafter, Audi's brand left a lasting impression in the world of rallying. It is no surprise, then, that Audi is well represented on the – very – provisional entry list for the second edition of the Ardenne Rally Festival, taking place from Thursday, May 1st, to Saturday, May 3rd.
So far, ten cars bearing the Quattro logo have been confirmed for the festival. Among them is a genuine A1, with which Marc Duez and Willy Lux made their mark in 1980. The lineup also includes a few A2s, including a car previously driven by Harald Demuth and Willy Lux, several Sport Quattro S1 E1 and E2 models, and even a 200 Quattro Group A. Clearly, the 80s will be well represented at the event.
Additionally, the legacy of the legendary Walter Röhrl, who raced for Audi from 1984 to 1987, is still felt today. Four of the announced Quattro vehicles, all from Germany, will feature his iconic colours.
The passion for rallying is sure to be palpable from May 1st to 3rd in Vresse-sur-Semois, proving that the Ardenne Rally Festival is already a permanent fixture among the fans…
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