Austrian extreme athlete Felix Baumgartner is set to start at the legendary Nordschleife of the Nürburgring into his next big adventure after jumping from the stratosphere. He acquired his racing licence and will go into the 24 hours race with the Audi race experience Team at the Nordschleife to be a race driver. INGOLSTADT (Germany) – Audi’s sportingly customers are helped to make their racing debut by the Audi race experience, but never before – Audi racing experience has been run since 2010 – such a prominent rider asked to be part. “It’s fantastic to have Felix Baumgartner in our rows this year,” Klaus Demmel, Head of Audi driving experience, commented. “As an extreme athlete, Felix Baumgartner counts millions of fans in the whole world, which were delighted by his reckless, adventurous and skilled activities. Now we help him to get to grips with our sport in a professional team and surroundings. We are excited and looking forward to this new challenge together.” Baumgartner took part in some Volkswagen group’s brand cups and made some racing experience during the last years. But the 2014 season will be different: The Audi R8 LMS ultra will be a pure GT3 race car, coming along with 419 kW (570HP). 44 year old Baumgartner will pass an extensive programme of preparation to be ready for the 24 hours race on 21st/22nd June. His team mates rank amongst the best of the Endurance sport: Frank Biela (GER) won Le Mans five times, Marco Werner (GER) three times. Furthermore Pierre Kaffer (GER) will be amongst the squad, who has a vast experience in GT and sports car racing. “This is an exciting task for me and I am looking forward to be racing a Audi,” said Felix Baumgartner. “At the first tests with a street spec Audi R8 I was able to gain some experience about the Nürburgring and also the Audi R8 LMS I took out to some rides. This challenge I count to the bigger ones in my life. I’ve got a perfect surrounding, there is a great atmosphere and I am feeling welcome in the Audi race experience. But one has to keep in mind: Basically I am starting from scratch, as this sport is new to me.” Former rally professional Josef “Sepp” Haider today is the sportive manager of the Audi racing experience and will act as Instructor for his fellow countryman from Austria. “Felix is approaching his new task as you would expect it from a pro,” Haider said. “He is eager to learn and curious, knows how to judge the physical conditions and is 100 per cent motivated to do well. All team members came to value with him during the first tests. I am looking forward to having a joint path in the future.” Baumgartner’s team will field a further second R8 LMS at the 24 hours race at the Nürburgring, whose riders also have been named already. As in last year’s edition Dominique Bastien (USA), Rahel Frey (CH) and Christian Bollrath (D) will form this squad, for the first time Christiaan Frankenhout (NL) will help the Audi race experience as a driver.]]>