The Audi Sport Seyffarth R8 LMS Cup makes its debut in Hockenheim this weekend. As part of the DTM race weekend, the iconic circuit near Heidelberg hosts the opening two rounds of the new one-make cup, which comprises twelve races in total and shares the bill with what is probably the most popular international touring car series. Up to 20 Audi R8 LMS will take their place on the grid in the GT4 series: At the wheel of the 495-hp, 1450-kilogram cars are a mixture of professionals, juniors and gentlemen drivers. The head of the series, Rüdiger Seyffarth, and his team have developed the new format within just four months. Premium tyre maker Hankook supplies the Audi Sport Seyffarth R8 LMS Cup with the Ventus Race tyre and supports the series with its technical expertise.
Hockenheim/Germany, 6th May 2018
Rüdiger Seyffarth has been involved in motorsport for 45 years, during which time he has enjoyed success as both a driver and a team principal. “We had top people like Formula 1 drivers Karl Wendlinger and Karun Chandhok, and won a lot of races in the Porsche Carrera Cup, the Super Cup and the Blancpain Endurance Series. However, from an organisational and team point of view, we have moved up into the champions league with the Audi Sport Seyffarth R8 LMS Cup. It is incredible to be able to start in the remarkable DTM environment. The first time our cars took to the track in Hockenheim, even I, an old hand, had goosebumps,” the team principal revealed.
Held on the support programme for the DTM, the Audi Sport Seyffarth R8 LMS Cup consists of six weekends, each featuring two qualifying sessions and two races. Twelve Audi R8 LMS will line up at the Hockenheimring. Seyffarth is keen to increase the size of the field to 20 cars at coming events. “We have professionals, juniors and gentlemen drivers at the wheel of our cars. Some of them still have to obtain the international licence they need to start, then we will be up to full strength.”
Audi Sport Seyffarth R8 LMS Cup, 1. + 2. Lauf Hockenheim 2018 – Foto: Gruppe C Photography
Seyffarth has been cooperating with Hankook for years. His son Jan has taken part in multiple tyre tests for the premium tyre maker. As such, the Ventus Race is the ideal partner for the team principal. “The Hankook race tyre is very durable and has a large optimal temperature window. Our drivers can rely entirely on the Ventus Race and focus on the race. As far as we are concerned, the Hankook tyre is unbeatable.”
Seyffarth also supports the drivers starting out in the series in his role as instructor. All driving data is analysed: steering, braking and acceleration – nothing gets past the motor racing specialist with his vast wealth of experience. “The drivers can learn a lot and earn their spurs in our new one-make cup. The Audi Sport Seyffarth R8 LMS Cup is the perfect introduction to motor racing. Together with Hankook, I want to offer the drivers the best support possible as they strive to make a career in motorsport.”
