Reports: Volkswagen thinking of F1, to supply engines first

Reports: Volkswagen thinking of F1, to supply engines first

This is not something we’ve heard of the first time, but Volkswagen is considering joining Formula 1, according to a report from Germany. Apparently, VW’s motor sport representative Wolfgang Durheimer told prominent business mag Wirtschaftswoche that he has come up with a preliminary plan for the future, which includes F1.

“Later this year I will put forward proposals to the executive group for (involvement in) not only the racing series that we do already,” he said. “It is true, in America, Asia and the Middle East, we are not sufficiently represented in motor sport,” added Durheimer.

Wirtschaftswoche cited sources in saying the first step for VW in the premier four-wheel racing series is to be an engine supplier. The VW badge is already seen in F1, as the brand is linked commercially with the Red Bull rookie team Toro Rosso.

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Danny Tan

Danny Tan loves driving as much as he loves a certain herbal meat soup, and sweet engine music as much as drum beats. He has been in the auto industry since 2006, previously filling the pages of two motoring magazines before joining this website. Enjoys detailing the experience more than the technical details.

 

Comments

  • This would be very interesting …

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  • Good idea to be an engine supplier.

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  • bobdbilder on Jan 30, 2012 at 12:38 pm

    If I remember correctly, last year the Audi guy said the LeMans Series was more relevant with their Diesel LMP cars. Now after Pugs announcing they’re leaving LMS, they’re shifting focus to F1.

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    • Yes you remembered correctly. That’s Audi and this is Volkswagen. Although under the same corporate umbrella, they are 2 different brands!

      Audi’s PR represents Audi only, not Bugatti, Lamborghini, Bentley, Skoda, Seat, VW etc which are all brands under the same conglomerate.

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  • Fantastic news! I would love to see a Volkswagen team though. Maybe they can do what Renault and Ferrari are doing and have their own team and at the same time supply engines.

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    • Diablo on Jan 30, 2012 at 4:46 pm

      I think they are taking the smarter route which is to supply engines. Having your own team is a huge expense and with quite a bit of liability. There is no Renault team in F1 right now. Renault is only an engine supplier in F1

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      • Oh no doubt this is a cheaper and smarter option for them. It’s just that I used to own a Volkswagen and even though I don’t own one anymore, I still love Volkswagen cars. So the little boy in me just wants to see my favourite car have their own team :)

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  • pelam on Jan 30, 2012 at 3:17 pm

    -das auto-

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