Footage exhibits Audi’s first-ever F1 automotive on observe in Barcelona

The Audi Components 1 group has put its first-ever grand prix automotive on circuit on Friday as a part of a shakedown on the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya.

The German engine producer will make its long-awaited F1 debut this season, because it takes to the grid having acquired the Sauber outfit in 2024.

Audi introduced earlier this week that it had a profitable fire-up of its first F1 engine late final 12 months, with it urgent on with plans to provide the R26 its observe debut this week in Barcelona.

Footage has now emerged from this shakedown, which additionally gives us with the primary glimpse of the brand new 2026 automotive rules in motion.

The 2026 season ushers in a radical technical revolution, with the bottom impact vehicles raced between 2022 and 2025 being changed.

The brand new vehicles have lively aerodynamics, are smaller and lighter than earlier than, and have engines with a higher emphasis on electrical energy.

There have been no particulars of Audi’s first observe check but, although below the rules, it has been confined to only 200km of working for a filming day.

On the Barcelona circuit, that equates to round 42 laps. The automotive may even run on totally different Pirelli tyres to what’s raced in F1.

The Sauber group beforehand ran as a Ferrari engine buyer between 2010 and final season, rebranding as Alfa Romeo between 2018 and 2023.

Forward of Audi’s takeover, it ran below the Stake F1 Group Kick Sauber banner.

The group completed second-to-last within the constructors’ standings on 70 factors, with solely Alpine beneath it.

Sauber fielded Nico Hulkenberg and rookie Gabriel Bortoleto final 12 months, with Hulkenberg scoring a shock podium on the British Grand Prix.

That line-up will stay unchanged for Audi’s first season in F1.

Audi’s season launch occasion will happen in Berlin on 20 January, earlier than it returns to Barcelona for 5 days of personal F1 testing between 26-30 January.