“The Nürburgring-Nordschleife has presented difficult challenges as expected,” says Sven Smeets, Volkswagen Motorsport Director. “Based on the extensive computer simulations in advance, in this test we have worked on ensuring the ID. R is optimally adapted to this unique race track, particularly with regard to the chassis. The energy management is already functioning very well. As a result, we were able to work through the planned focal points of the test programme as scheduled, while also comparing various racing tyres from our partner Bridgestone.”
“It was a great moment to drive the ID. R on my favourite track for the first time,” said driver Romain Dumas. “The cornering speeds in the ID. R are much higher than I am used to in GT race cars. But I feel good in the cockpit and that is really important here. The Nürburgring-Nordschleife has larger and more numerous bumps than the race tracks on which we have tested so far. So, we have concentrated on adapting the shock absorbers and the ride height to suit the unique characteristics of this track.”
With the data from the first test on the Nürburgring-Nordschleife, the engineers from Volkswagen Motorsport will now work on continuing to fine-tune the ID. R before the electric race car takes to the circuit again. The record attempt by the ambassador for the future fully electric production vehicles from the Volkswagen ID. product family is planned for summer 2019.