Sardinia was the first time that two races in the all-electric SUV series were held in the space of a week
“My lap in the final was almost perfect and was really fun against guys like Sébastien (Loeb), Johan (Kristoffersson) and Carlos (Sainz),” said Al-Attiyah. Once again, ABT CUPRA XE had clearly won the GridPlay vote of the fans and in return was allowed to choose the best starting position for the final. “I took the lead, extended the gap and handed the car over in first place – unfortunately then the mistake happened that cost us the podium.” Nevertheless, the four-time Dakar winner also takes positives from Italy: “We know since today at the latest that we can win races in Extreme E if we have a zero-mistake day. The car was perfectly prepared and great to drive all week. All this gives us extra confidence for the rest of the season.”
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ABT Sportsline in Germany is the world’s largest tuner for vehicles of the VW Group, especially for Audi models. The product line ranges from more engine power to body kits, over suspensions and interior design, to an extensive collection of alloy wheels. The ABT Individual program allows even for exclusive tailor-made solutions. The Bavaria-based company also competes in racing activities at the highest international level: For example as a privateer team at the DTM (German Touring Car Masters) or also very successfully at the Formula E. The first steps in the electric racing series were already taken in 2014 and crowned with the championship title in 2017. But the topic of electromobility is also playing an increasingly important role elsewhere in the company. For example, the in-house ABT e-Line GmbH, whose roots go back more than a decade, is currently converting the VW T6.1 into an electric transporter for Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles.
At the cutting edge of technology since 1896 The roots of ABT Sportsline go back to a farrier’s shop which was founded in Kempten, Bavaria, in 1896. Their most innovative product: A carriage which, thanks to a clever folding mechanism, could be used as a sled. Soon after, the focus turned to motor vehicles: From approx. 1920 on, AUTO-ABT sold and repaired the former brands, which later gave birth to the Audi AG. This set the stage for the company’s situation today. In 1950, Johann Abt, the founder’s grandson, won his first car race and laid the foundation for the company’s racing activities. But he also enjoyed fast cars in everyday life. For this reason he founded ABT Tuning in 1967, in 1978 he tuned the first VW Golf and already in 1980 he brought the first chip tuning product to the market. After that, things went very quickly. Finally, in 1991, the new prestigious company headquarters, which also includes an own museum, were established in the “Johann Abt”-Street. In 2014, a motor sport center was added.
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