Audi pilots (including Vivien Keszthelyi) have only been able to take part in testing different types of models in Germany, as it has been the unrivalled country in the region to have a track in the automotive industry, which met all the needs of the multinational company.

For the experiment of the latest models, Audi entrusts factory racing drivers who know and continuously test them, in order to provide the engineers with authentic feedback on possible improvements. These assessments can be especially important in manufacturing and fine-tuning.

Vivien Keszthelyi took both cars to their limits in Zalaegerszeg, proving that Audi can now think of another option when it considers performing extreme developing tests, with a highly qualified pilot and a world-class track available in Hungary.

Simulating extreme conditions with both the Audi A3 Sportback and the Audi RSQ8, the Hungarian racing driver tested the cars on three different track elements: the dynamic platform, the handling course and the braking platform (inaugurated in May). The bases of the tests, which were first carried out to the German manufacturer’s models at the Hungarian proving ground, were provided by AVL ZalaZONE’s professional programs.

“I have done these tests in Germany, at the racing academy of Audi, and I am extremely happy that now I have the opportunity to perform them in Hungary. Previously, under similar conditions, I was only able to perform such tests at Audi’s headquarters. Based on the knowledge I gained at the Audi Sports Racing Academy, I have tested many different models since I was 14 years old. Among them was the Audi R8, with which I also competed” – said Vivien, who became the Rookie Grand Touring champion in the international category with the race car version of the Audi R8 in the 2018 season, competing among identical cars, and earning her third championship title in the touring car category by the age of 17.

With the construction of the Hungarian automotive proving ground, the young race car driver will have the opportunity to test in Hungary, not only with regular models, but also with the prototypes developed by AVL.

“In addition to motorsport objectives, one of my long-term goals was to help the engineers’ work in the automotive industry as a development pilot. It’s unbelievable that I can do it at the age of 19!” – added Vivien.