At the Grand Prix Monaco Historique, formula racing cars from different eras come together in spectacular races. A special highlight: fans can look forward to a special race every day on the world-famous Formula 1 circuit. Audi will be at the start with an Auto Union Type C from 1936 and an Auto Union Type D from 1939. At the wheel of the Type C is Formula 1 and Le Mans icon Jacky Ickx. The Auto Union Type D will be driven by Audi Board Member for Development Prof. Dr. Ulrich Hackenberg.
The legendary Type C
The Auto Union Type C was the measure of all things in the 1936 racing season. The story of Auto Union's most successful driver - Bernd Rosemeyer - who became European champion that year, is therefore inextricably linked with the Type C. 520 hp from 16 cylinders propelled the Silver Arrow to a top speed of up to 340 kilometers per hour. The car developed by Ferdinand Porsche is considered the "grandfather" of today's Formula 1 racing cars. Its most important design feature is the 16-cylinder V-engine with a displacement of six liters, located behind the driver and in front of the rear axle. In 1936, the Auto Union Type C won three out of five Grand Prix races, half of the circuit races and all of the hill climbs.
With Jacky Ickx at the wheel
At the 2014 Monaco Historique Grand Prix, however, another motorsport icon will be behind the wheel of the Auto Union Type C: Jacky Ickx. The Belgian drove in Formula 1 for twelve years - at a time when drivers were still getting into the cockpit at constant risk of death. He was runner-up in the world championship twice and won the 24 Hours of Le Mans six times. Ickx is already looking forward to his appearance in the Auto Union Type C: "Driving such a car in such a place is a privilege."
And also the Type D twin-compressor
On Sunday, May 10, the Audi Board Member for Technical Development, Prof. Dr. Ulrich Hackenberg, will also climb into an Auto Union Type D Doppelkompressor. This car, considered to be the most beautiful Silver Arrow, represents the last development stage of the Auto Union racing department before the Second World War. In 1939, after a change in regulations from the 1938 season with a restriction to three liters of displacement, this car should have reached 485 hp again and the twelve cylinders should whip this Silver Arrow up to 330 km/h top speed. Prof. Dr. Ulrich Hackenberg: "I am very much looking forward to this encounter with the motorsport history of our brand."
