246kph in an Audi R8 with Melinda Price.

The day started under overcast Phillip Island skies. A fine mist was just enough to keep things moistp, and the air was full of sticky anticipation.

The circuit is 4.2km long, and rises and falls into gradual bends punctuated by sharp curves. To add to the experience, wild life frequently wanders across the track.

For a full list of specifications CLICK HERE:  2020 Audi R8 Specifications Guide-36fe58e1d9c54111a16b9e31873a0fe2

Audi Driving Experience Days details CLICK HERE

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R8 engineering deep within the snarling V10, hides 449kw/560Nm of instant power. The 1595kg coupe gets to 100 in 3.2 seconds.

Above: This Week’s VIDEO Car Review -2021 Audi R8 V10 QUATTRO Performance – with Melinda Price

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ABOVE: 246kph in an Audi R8 at Phillip Island

We started with a briefing. The day was periodically damp, and a moist track can be a challenge. Steve Pizzati  introduced his drivers, including Melinda Price.

After each of the 5 R/RS models had been driven, and skid pan slaloms complete, Melinda and I headed out for a hot lap.

A wise man acknowledges his shortcoming, and handing a lethal weapon over to a professional is best.

As we rolled onto the track, Melinda smiled, like a cat about to swat a mouse. And with that, we were off. A quick warm up lap was followed by 2 quick laps, with a top speed of 246kph in the straight. This is far below the limit of the R8, but well above my limits. I’ve only once travelled faster than this at ground speed and that was in a train.

About Melinda Price

Like most of our drivers, Melinda started as a kart racer at a very young age and was immediately hooked. Since the late 90s Melinda has been behind the wheel of one race car after the other, forging an enviable career across multiple teams and categories including V8 Supercars. As well as being an incredible driver, she’s also a true inspiration. She fought and overcame breast cancer whilst pregnant in 2011 before returning to the track in 2014. Then in 2018 she took another year off driving to complete her degree. A member of the Audi driving experience team since 2018 Melinda is a true force of nature.