Recent reports Road & Track have revealed a worrying situation involving the 2022 Audi RS Q E-Tron, a rally car that participated in the Dakar Rally and finished ninth. Instead of being celebrated, parts of this advanced hybrid vehicle were found dumped at an illegal waste site in Jiríkov, Czech Republic. This incident shows that even high-tech racing cars can end up in unfortunate situations.
Local authorities discovered the dumped Audi parts, which included brake discs, fiberglass components, and circuit boards. The German company Roth brought these items to the dump, calling them plastic waste and not acknowledging their real source.
Barbora Šišková, the mayor of Jiríkov, expressed her disbelief and concern about the matter. She noted the importance of the vehicle: “We found parts of a special car that took part in the 2022 Dakar Rally. We learned that it was a unique Audi hybrid, driven by Mattias Ekström and Emil Bergkvist, who finished ninth. The development of this car must have cost millions of euros.” This contrast between the car’s impressive racing background and its current state in a junkyard highlights a significant loss felt in the motorsport community.
The reason for this situation remains unknown. Audi confirmed that it is investigating the matter. The company emphasized its commitment to follow strict environmental rules for waste disposal, underlining the need for accountability in racing. “Audi management paid the German company Roth to dispose of the car, and it ended up with us,” Šišková said, suggesting that there may have been a mix-up or oversight in the disposal process.
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