Also, we have to remember that as recently as 2013, Audi were running on a budget less than half of what they're spending now (75 million Euros, or about $85 million USD at the current exchange rate).
The rise in cost is in response to the increased incentive to use hybrid technology. In that way, the ACO/FIA screwed up if they didn't expect at least Toyota and Porsche to jump for as high as they can get as quick as they could get there.
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