In what will be a sad swansong for all Audi enthusiasts, the Touring Car Grand Prix of Macau will be the last time that Audi’s superior quattro all-wheel drive touring cars will be factory-backed.

Audi quattro, the technology that cut a shining swathe through the global touring car community, has been gradually stamped out by fierce lobbying from its competitors due to its technological superiority on the racetrack and the rally circuit.

Both Audi A4 quattros will run at 1040 kg - minus the usual 30 kg weight penalty associated with the vehicles.

Audi Sport Australia was approached by Germany several months ago to represent the factory and supply vehicles and teams’ support for the spectacular and challenging Macau race, according to team boss, Mr Kim Jones.

"The opportunity to represent the factory is a feather in our cap in recognition of what we have achieved this year," said Audi Sport Australia’s Kim Jones.

"The last time we competed in the Macau Grand Prix was in 1996 when Frank Biela won the race and Bradley (Jones) came second.

"At the time, Biela was accompanied by 10 engineers from Germany. This year, the factory will send only its star driver, giving its seal of approval to the professionalism and competency of our own support crew," added Jones.

Biela is keen to contest the Macau Grand Prix in the same car that he drove in spectacular style in the British Touring Car Championship in 1997, finishing second.

"This race is a very special challenge. There are a few incredibly tight places on the circuit through the city and many corners are actually blind.

You simply cannot see what awaits you. It’s an incredibly demanding course and takes a huge amount of courage," said Frank Biela.

"You cannot afford the slightest mistake if you want to win," added Biela.