Is this normal for an Audi TT?

[Burnerman]

I'm looking after one of these for a friend, while she's overseas for a year (by that I mean start it up and move it every couple of weeks - its in a garage).
I noticed yesterday that when stationary, the engine won't rev higher than 2500 RPM......its obviously electronically restricted.
Is this the norm? I haven't come across this before. I can see the reasoning behind this, but I'm wondering how it can get through the full bore emissions test.
The car is an Audi TT, 61 plate, 170 BHP diesel quattro.
John

 

[Belle427]

It is a safety feature but i believe if you turn off the esp it will rev higher.
Does work on some vag group cars.