Audi sport boss reportedly headed to Bugatti

FRESHLY minted Audi Sport boss Stephan Winkelmann could soon depart the top job if reports out of the UK are to be believed, with the CEO poised to jump ship and move to Bugatti.

Winkelmann took over the role at Audi Sport in March last year, leaving the top job at Lamborghini after an 11 year stint to head up the German brand’s sports division.

During his tenure as Audi Sport boss, Winkelmann ushered in a number of significant changes, renaming the sub division from Audi Quattro GmbH to its current nomenclature.

He also oversaw the launch of important models such as the second-generation Audi R8 Spyder and RS5 Coupe, along with development of the yet-to-be-released rear-drive R8 and RS4 Avant.

If his move to Bugatti is made official, it is expected Winkelmann will be responsible for overseeing the development of rumoured projects such as the Chiron Grand Sport and Super Sport variants.

Winkelmann would take over the lead role from current Bugatti head Wolfgang Durheimer, who is reported to remain chairman of the company for now, although t is expected Winkelmann will ultimately replace Durheimer in all capacities.

Meanwhile, the same report claims Michael-Julius Renz has been tapped to replace Winkelmann, moving from his current job as the president of Audi’s China sales division.

The news comes on the back of a major restructure of the Audi boardroom, following continued fallout from the dieselgate scandal.

Last week it was announced that key longstanding board members - including its manager of finance, Axel Strotbek, production chief Hubert Waltl, human resources chief Thomas Sigi, and sales head Dietmar Voggenreiter – would be replaced.