If you’ve ever wanted to drive a V10-powered 2019 Audi R8 around one of Australia’s most iconic racetracks, then Audi has just made the process a whole lot quicker and easier.
Instead of having to complete an entry-level driver training day with the likes of A, Q and S models, you can jump straight into the naturally aspirated, 449kW/560Nm Audi R8 V10 Plus at either Phillip Island or Sydney Motorsport Park.According to Audi Australia’s Corporate Communications Manager, Shaun Cleary, the new entry point is the $1250 Dynamic Driving Experience, which includes driver-training events and hot laps in Audi’s RS models.“We’ve pulled out the prerequisite section so that people get easier access to the higher levels of the program that they’d like to do. Obviously Audi Sport is a strong foundation of our brand on the performance side so we’re just making it easier for people to enable themselves to access these cars.”
However, the ticket you really want costs $3500. For that outlay you can spend an entire day at Phillip Island or Sydney Motorsport Park as part of the R8-only Audi Sport driving experience doing as many laps as time, or your body, permits.While the dollar figure might sound exorbitant, consider the fact you’ll be driving a supercar that can reach 100km/h in 3.2 seconds with tuition from an experienced instructor at an amazing circuit. The instructors include the likes of Bathurst 1000 winner Luke Youlden as well as Steven Johnson, Nathan Pretty, Chris Pither and Tony D’Alberto.
Audi’s chief driving instructor, Steve Pizzati, explains that Sport Pro cancels the morning’s driver-training events included in Dynamic for a track walk, with participants taking notes to create a race-day vibe with an emphasis on coaching.“The big thing is the one-on-one training – we sit with you”, Pizzati said.
With only 12 participants and four cars, you’re bound to get plenty of laps for your money, all the while being afforded the opportunity to hone your skills with an expert.
“The car basically doesn’t stop. It stops for fuel, a very quick lunch and then it just keeps going all day until you puke. It’s funny how people give up before the cars do.”
While the Sport Pro events are held at just Phillip Island and Sydney Motorsport Park, the lower-rung Dynamic program is also offered at the Mount Cotton Driving Centre in Queensland, Barbagallo Raceway in Western Australia and The Bend Motorsport Park in South Australia.
