This was the moment for which the Volkswagen Motorsport team has put in months of hard work with the ID.R – countless test laps, modifications to the electronics systems, and adjustments to the chassis and aerodynamics. All leading to success.
On Monday, 3rd of June 2019, the wait is finally over. Romain Dumas guides the ID.R onto the 20.8-kilometre Nordschleife circuit. The Pikes Peak record holder triggers the timekeeping, then it is Dumas against the clock. Exactly 6:05.336 minutes later, the news everyone had been hoping for comes through: The ID.R has set the fastest lap ever by a fully-electric car on one of the most famous racetracks in the world. Dumas smashes the existing e-record by a full 40.564 seconds. It is the second-fastest officially announced time ever on the iconic circuit, which was inaugurated in 1927.
“For me, the Nordschleife is the best and most difficult racetrack in the world. I am incredibly proud to hold the E-record here,” said a jubilant Dumas at the finish. The Nordschleife is the Frenchman’s favourite circuit and he has won the famous 24-hour race there on four occasions. “The way the team upped its game consistently during the test phase and on the day of the record attempt was particularly impressive. Ideally, I would go straight back out for another attempt.”