In the world of high–performance sports cars, power and precision are just the beginning. True mastery goes beyond the machine – it’s about the symbiotic connection between driver and vehicle that transforms speed into a sublime driving experience. The secret to unlocking this lies in professional driver training, a key that opens the door to not only the exhilarating speed these machines offer but also the art of navigating the road with confidence and finesse. Where luxury meets performance, driver training becomes essential – not just for safety, but to heighten the sheer joy of driving, turning every journey into something extraordinary.
Prestigious automotive brands like Audi, BMW, Jaguar and Mercedes–Benz understand this well. They offer sophisticated “driving experiences,” designed for those who seek more than just ownership – they seek mastery. I had the privilege of attending the Audi Driving Experience at the iconic Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit in Johannesburg on Friday, 27 September. This exclusive session, curated for motoring media and influencers, was a prelude to an even grander event for Audi’s elite clientele, held over the weekend of 28 to 29 September. The Audi Driving Experience is far more than a mere track day. It’s a premium, immersive, and performance–driven full–day programme, meticulously crafted to unleash the full potential of Audi’s advanced driving technology. Held quarterly, the experience allows participants to delve deep into the art of high–performance driving, immersing themselves in Audi’s world of speed, precision, and innovation.
In collaboration with the esteemed Audi driving experience centre in Germany, the programme provides enthusiasts the opportunity to refine their skills under the expert guidance of local racing legends like Philip Kekana, Gavin Cronje and John Simpson. These champions offer invaluable insights, elevating both the participant’s skill and the overall driving experience. During my session, I tackled a comprehensive curriculum, from perfecting cornering techniques and mastering braking and acceleration to understanding the ideal driving line and the impact of weight distribution.
For me, it felt like a welcome refresher, having participated in similar programmes with BMW in Germany and South Africa more than a decade ago. After having sampled the Audi RS 3 Sportback, RS 3 Sedan, RS 4 Avant, and RS 5 Sportback, I was particularly struck by the nimbleness of the RS 3. It was exhilarating to throw it around the corners of Kyalami, and I couldn’t help but envision the thrill of testing some of the rivals of RS models – like the BMW M135i, M2 Coupe, M3 Sedan, M4 Coupe, Mercedes–AMG A45 S 4MATIC, and C 63 S E Performance 4MATIC+. For those keen to embark on this memorable journey, the next Audi Driving Experience is set for 20 to 24 November. To reserve your spot, visit experience.audi.co.za– expect to invest around R16 100 for the full–day driving experience from 08:30 to 16:30.
