Audi’s team is itching to kick off the 2026 season, and they won’t have to wait long! Reports say a film day is set for Friday, January 9, where Audi will hit the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya to log some early miles with their 2026 car.
In 2026, Audi will debut as a factory team after acquiring the Swiss Sauber. With drivers Nico Hülkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto behind the wheel, they aim for a flying start, already achieving a “crucial milestone,” according to Audi team principal Jonathan Wheatley, last December.
Now, the next step is here: Audi is set for its first film day with their 2026 challenger on January 9, as multiple sources report. This makes them the first F1 team to take their 2026 car out on track. The film day will take place at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya in Spain, the same venue where the first test days will occur at the end of January. Audi will showcase their brand-new R26 – the provisional name for the F1 car – marking the unofficial start of the 2026 preseason.
Requirements
However, there are a few conditions for such a film day. The Audi car can only cover two hundred kilometers and must use specific tires for promotional purposes. But this Friday in Barcelona isn’t just a marketing checkbox for Audi; it also allows the team to gather valuable data before their competitors arrive at the Spanish circuit.
