The Four Rings brand establishes a key presence in the UK’s Motorsport Valley
The road toward Audi’s highly anticipated entry into Formula 1 continues to gain momentum. Sauber Motorsport, the team that will officially become the Audi works team in 2026, has taken a major step forward by inaugurating a new facility in Bicester, in the heart of the United Kingdom’s renowned Motorsport Valley. This move marks a pivotal milestone in the transition of Sauber into Audi F1 Team and underscores the German manufacturer’s commitment to establishing a strong competitive foundation ahead of its Formula 1 debut.
The announcement comes at a positive moment for Sauber on track as well. During the recent Austrian Grand Prix held at the Red Bull Ring, the team secured its first points of the 2025 Formula 1 season. Brazilian rookie Gabriel Bortoleto scored his maiden points in Formula 1, while experienced German driver Nico Hülkenberg delivered a remarkable drive, recovering from the very back of the grid to finish in ninth position. These results signal encouraging progress for the Hinwil-based team as it continues its evolution.
The new base at Bicester, located within Bicester Motion, will serve as a technical hub in the UK and will allow Audi to tap into the unique expertise available in the area. Motorsport Valley is home to some of the most talented engineers and cutting-edge companies in global motorsport, concentrated within just a few kilometers. Having a presence there is seen as essential by most Formula 1 operations to attract top-tier talent.
Mattia Binotto, project lead for Audi’s Formula 1 program and former Ferrari team principal, emphasized the strategic importance of the new headquarters:
“The opening of the Sauber Motorsport Technology Centre at Bicester Motion represents a fundamental milestone in preparing for Audi’s arrival in Formula 1,” said Mattia Binotto. “This facility will allow us to access the vast talent pool located within Motorsport Valley and to further strengthen our technical capabilities. Being part of a thriving innovation cluster at Bicester Motion – where motorsport truly lives and breathes – will provide vital support to our headquarters in Hinwil and be key to our long-term success.”
Daniel Geoghegan, Chief Executive Officer of Bicester Motion, also welcomed the news with enthusiasm:
“We warmly welcome Sauber Motorsport at what is a pivotal moment in its transformation into the Audi F1 Team ahead of the 2026 Formula 1 season,” Geoghegan said. “It is highly significant that Bicester Motion has been selected as the UK base to connect with Sauber’s operations in both Switzerland and Germany. This will help support their vision of combining sustainability, innovation, and top-level performance in global motorsport.”
He also noted the significance of the surrounding ecosystem:
“They now join a growing number of pioneering companies in the automotive and aerospace sectors here, alongside Motorsport UK – the governing body of this major industry – which is also headquartered at Bicester.”
This expansion strengthens Sauber’s presence on the international motorsport stage and positions Audi to integrate itself more deeply into the competitive and technical heart of Formula 1 before its official arrival as a manufacturer entry in 2026.
Leave a Reply