Abandoned Audi RS Q e-tron from Dakar Rally Discovered in Czech Landfill

An illegally operated landfill in northern Czechia has revealed a surprising find—an Audi RS Q e-tron that previously competed in the Dakar Rally. The dumpsite, located near the town of Jiříkov, was investigated by local journalists, who uncovered not only the remains of the race car but also large quantities of hazardous industrial waste that pose a significant environmental threat.

What makes this discovery particularly remarkable is the fact that Audi officially terminated its electric rally car project last year and had reportedly scrapped all remaining prototypes. Among the debris, investigators found a chassis component marked with the number “224”, which belonged to the car driven by Swedish rally driver Mattias Ekström, who finished in ninth place at the Dakar Rally.

Beyond the Audi RS Q e-tron’s remains, the landfill is estimated to contain 230 tons of industrial waste, including automotive parts, batteries, circuit boards, as well as components from wind turbines and fiberglass materials. Jiříkov’s mayor described the discovered waste as a serious ecological hazard for the region.

A preliminary investigation by Czech authorities has revealed that the waste was illegally dumped by the German company Roth International, which allegedly misrepresented the materials as standard plastic waste. Audi has since confirmed that it had collaborated with the firm, entrusting it with the disposal of electric racing prototypes.

Audi has now launched an internal investigation, which could result in multi-million euro fines for both the automaker and all parties involved in the illegal waste disposal operation.

📸 A photo of the discarded Audi remains at the landfill can be seen here: