Carlos Checa takes the Audi R8 onto the Nürburgring podium twice

•Spanish racer achieves two second places in the GT4 category at the wheel of an Audi R8

•Lap of honour on the new Panigale V4S before the 24 Hours Nürburgring

Borgo Panigale, Bologna/Nürburgring, 14 May 2018 – Carlos Checa, 2011 World Superbike Champion with Ducati, has just ended a fun yet immensely satisfying weekend after being invited by Audi Sport to the Nürburgring for the 24-hour Endurance weekend.

Carlos had been invited to drive as a “special guest” in the two Audi Sport R8 LMS Cup races. Racing in the GT4 category, behind the wheel of a specially prepared Audi R8 with personalised graphics, the 45-year-old Spaniard scored no less than two second places, demonstrating true grit and competitiveness even behind the wheel of a powerful Audi R8.

This spectacular, hard-fought Audi Cup race – held against the backdrop of the Endurance event – saw Checa on the starting grids of the two sprint races, one on Friday and the other on Saturday. He gave it his all, battling up front with the very best: while ultimate victory eluded him, he nevertheless came away with two stunning podium places.

Checa also played a starring role at Nürburgring during the lap of honour that preceded the start of the 24 Hours Endurance (around the historic Nordschleife route). Riding a Panigale V4S, he was given a rousing welcome by the public lining the “old Nürburgring” as they waited to watch the prestigious race.