P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Audi Technical Director James Key has delivered a positive update on the team’s early evaluations of its R26 from this week’s F1 pre-season test in Barcelona.
Audi’s Technical Director James Key provided a positive update on the team’s evaluation of its R26 during this week’s Formula 1 pre-season test in Barcelona. The German squad tested its debut F1 car for the first time this week after an earlier shakedown at the same circuit. While Audi did not complete as many laps as its rivals, it made steady progress in developing its F1 powertrains. Key emphasized the importance of focusing on the fundamentals before diving into other areas of improvement. Audi is prioritizing reliability and basics to ensure readiness for its F1 debut. Despite some delays and a hydraulic leak, the team made progress on the second day of testing, moving a step forward. Audi will use the final day of the test before shifting focus to the official pre-season tests in Bahrain next month.
