German Car Forum

• Audi is partner of international top-class clubs in football
• Audi Q7 and Audi R8 are favourites of footie stars
• Vehicle handovers with Golf experience and Le Mans winner

Ronaldinho, Gianluca Zambrotta, Fabio Cannavaro, Rafael van der Vaart, Andrij Shevchenko or Ruud van Nistelroy – the family of Audi drivers has been expanded by prominent members galore these days. AUDI AG handed over the new “company cars” to the players of its partner clubs Real Madrid and AC Milan.

Since as early as 2003 AUDI AG has been the exclusive vehicle partner of the Spanish record champion Real Madrid and continuously adds new life to this partnership. This was again the case today: before the stars of the Spanish club received the keys to their new models, the players took part in a Golf experience at the “Ciudad Financiera” golf club in Boadilla del Monte. Playing in teams of two, each consisting of a seasoned and a rookie golfer, the players around newcomer Rafael van der Vaart relaxed on the putting green in Madrid.

When it came to choosing their cars, the football stars selected the sportiest models from the Audi range. While van der Vaart ordered an Audi S5 with a 4.2-litre FSI engine, his team-mates Pepe, Sergio Ramos, Fernando Gago and Holland’s super star Wesley Sneijder will be driving to their practice sessions in Audi R8 cars in future. Another favourite of the “Royals” is the Audi Q7. As many as nine players opted for this model as their new company car.




The players of AC Milan were able to freely choose from the line-up of Audi vehicles as well. With a total of 18 international titles, the Italians are regarded as the world’s most successful football team and – with the spectacular signing of Ronaldinho, who changed from Audi’s partner FC Barcelona to Italy – caused a sensation. Whether in Barcelona or Milan, the multiple “world footballer” will be driving a car badged with the four rings in future as well: he ordered an Audi Q7 with a 4.2-litre TDI engine. The same choice was made by 15 of his team-mates. Super star Kaká opted for an Audi R8.

The value of the partnership with Audi was expressed by Adriano Galliani during the vehicle handover in Monza. “I want to express the pride of our entire club: this prestigious automobile manufacturer selected our club to expand its presence in Italy in the area of football,” said the President of AC Milan. “This continues the connection between two brands which are known the world over. The red and black football jersey and the four rings are significant symbols everywhere. They stand for prestige, excellence and outstanding results.” Audi and AC Milan have been partners since 2007 and have extended their agreement up to and including 2010.

A person who has made a major contribution to these successes in motorsport took part in the vehicle handover event as well: Dindo Capello, who has won the legendary 24 Hours of Le Mans as many as three times – most recently last June together with Tom Kristensen and Allan McNish in the Audi R10 TDI. Whenever he’s not sitting in the cockpit, the Audi factory driver looks after his Audi Centre in Milan’s suburb Alessandria.

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