Audi launches one-make series for TT

Audi has announced a new one-make series, with the Audi Sport TT Cup set to feature on the DTM schedule in 2015. The one-make series, based on the new Audi TT, will replace the outgoing VW Scirocco R-Cup as Germany's entry-level touring series.

The front-wheel-drive Audi Sport TT Cup car will produce 310 horsepower with its two-liter TFSI engine – with an extra 30 horsepower available via push-to-pass – and will weigh 2480 pounds.

There will be 24 cars on the grid, 18 of which will be for regular series drivers and six of which will be reserved for VIP drivers, such as journalists, celebrities and retired professional drivers. The calendar will feature six DTM races, five of which will be in Germany, with a non-German race to be revealed after the DTM has confirmed its official 2015 schedule.

There will be two 30-minute races per weekend, and a total of two hours of track time including practice and qualifying, with seats priced at 99,000 euros [$127,000] for a season.

"The Audi TT Cup is a genuine race car, ideal for rookies, yet challenging to drive," said one-time Formula 1 driver Markus Winkelhock, who will act as a driver coach for the series. "You immediately feel that you're sitting in an Audi and recognize the close kinship with the brand's other racecars."

"Audi fully concentrated on top-flight racing for a long time," added head of Audi Motorsport Dr. Wolfgang Ullrich. "The Audi R8 LMS in 2008 was the first race car we specifically developed for use by customer teams. With the Audi Sport TT Cup, quattro GmbH now also offers the opportunity to enter racing with Audi."

Originally on Autosport.com