Vivien Keszthelyi starts the challenging season with a brand new car
As the official contracted test pilot of the Formula 3 W Series, the 18-year-old Hungarian racing driver is facing greater challenges than ever before. There are series of endless tasks ahead if her in 2019. In addition to the tests and preparations, she also participates in various championships, which puts a lot of burdens on the young talent. To ease the pressure, Audi has already solved the travelling issue for its brand ambassador, who now only has to concentrate on doing what she does best: racing.
W Series, the new single seater championship for female drivers will begin in Hockenheim on the 3rd of May, but there was plenty of work to do for the participants before the opening weekend. At the end of the three-stage selection period, only 22 pilots were selected from more than 100 applicants from all over the word. Vivien Keszthelyi was among the chosen ones as one of the only four official, contracted test drivers of the series.
After qualification process, the burdensome trials continued. The first official three-day test was held in Lausitzring, Germany, where, on the basis of the latest test results, the series organizers narrowed down the number of test pilots to only two, who were among the 20 permanent members of the championship. They are the two drivers who compete with the other pilots on the race weekends and take part in the free practice sessions and other W Series activities. Vivien took the last test successfully, meaning that she can now prepare for the next big event, the opening race weekend.
However, the new challenge in Formula 3 involves more travel hours than in previous years – sometimes from one race to another – since a very exhausting season started at the beginning of the year. Vivien participates various championships in parallel, which means more off-track obligations as well. For the long hours on the road and the huge amount of packages, it is essential for the car to have a sporty look, be comfortable, have a trunk that meets every need, and provide the innovative solutions which suit Vivien. The ultimate embodiment of these features is the new Audi Q8 S Line, which was selected by Audi and Vivien for the three-time touring car champion after taking everything into consideration.
With its special design, the new SUV coupe reminds us of Vivien’s profession, racing car, and helps her to get to the locations where she is fighting to reach her goals every week. After just seeing the pictures, the inevitable feeling is that with the support of Audi and the personality of the Hungarian racing driver, this car and Vivien will form a unique partnership on the road.