Audi Sport said in a statement: "Daniel Abt did not drive his car in qualifying and the race at the fifth event of the Race at Home Challenge on May 23 himself, but let a professional Sim-Racer do so. 

"He directly apologised for this on the following day and accepted the disqualification. 

"Integrity, transparency and consistent compliance with applicable rules are top priorities for Audi – this applies to all activities the brand is involved in without exception. 

"For this reason, Audi Sport has decided to suspend Daniel Abt with immediate effect."