Audi has completed its first on-track running as a Formula 1 manufacturer, carrying out a filming day at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya. The private test marked the first time an Audi-built Formula 1 car has been driven on a circuit.

The run was held under the regulations for Promotional Events. These allow a maximum distance of 200 kilometres, which equals up to 42 laps of the Barcelona track. Audi’s 2026 car, known as the R26, ran on demonstration tyres supplied by Pirelli, which are different from the tyres used in official testing and race weekends.

Behind closed doors

The filming day took place behind closed doors, with no public access. Despite this, a short video from the test still appeared on social media, offering a brief glimpse of Audi’s first laps on track.

The 2026 season will be a major one for Audi. It will be the brand’s first full Formula 1 campaign and its first season competing with a power unit developed entirely in-house.