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Volkswagen group reportedly considering entering F1
Formula 3 Dallara-Volkswagen
Automakers appear to be pulling out of Formula One en masse. Jaguar and Ford withdrew a few years ago already, Honda canceled its participation at the end of last season, BMW is leaving at the end of this one, and both Toyota and Renault are reportedly considering canceling their programs as well. But one major automaker is now reported to be closely considering entering the fray: the Volkswagen group.
Soon-to-be the world's largest automaker, VW stands as one of the largest automakers having never participated in the sport. Auto Union competed in pre-war grands prix, Porsche participated briefly back in the '60s, and Lamborghini provided engines to a handful of teams a couple of decades ago. But that's about the extent of it.
As budgets constrict with each passing season, however, a senior VW executive in the Far East has reportedly indicated that the company is considering entering the sport, but that budgets would have to fall even further to make it financially viable for the German auto group. If it did, however, the conglomerate's participation – whether as a constructor or engine supplier – could be branded as Volkswagen, Audi or Porsche.
[Source: F1-Live]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Arkz 8:36AM (10/09/2009)
Is this Volkswagen week? I've never seen so many posts about one gar group in one week since the GM ordeal.
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Arkz 2:03PM (10/09/2009)
Damn, I must really be dyslexic, meant to say "car".
Temple 8:42AM (10/09/2009)
Reading the article and the original quote, its they will "consider" entering F1 when costs have come down. They aren't considering it now, or even thinking of it, but they will consider it if competitive F1 entry becomes affordable enough.
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WOB-GTI 9:00AM (10/09/2009)
IIRC Porsche supplied engines, via TAG, to McLaren in the mid 80s when Lauda and Prost were racking up World Championships.
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JayP 9:56AM (10/09/2009)
Also supplied to Arrows in the early 90's- probably better forgotten.
nagmashot 11:03AM (10/09/2009)
that´s correct Porsche has won several F1 world championships as engine supplier together with McLaren, the engine were sponsort by Tag Heuer
monet 9:01AM (10/09/2009)
I think VW is questioning how much value its getting from the Lemans series. Audi has all but pulled out of the American Lemans and I'm not sure they are racing in Europe this year except maybe for Lemans in June. They may be looking for a better way to brand themselves now with Porsche under the family tree
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Visnick 9:01AM (10/09/2009)
I can just imagine the announcer in future races:
"And the VW has dropped out due to some sort of electrical malfunction!"
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Big Daddy 9:30AM (10/09/2009)
As a past owner of a 2002 Jetta 1.8T and a 2004.5 Jetaa GLI, I had to laugh at your comment. Fun cars to drive but the electrical gremlins and service issues made me even happier when those cars were gone from my garage.
Casper 9:38AM (10/09/2009)
It'll be funny when the windows on the thing just drop through the door panels and the coil packs go pop.
*crosses fingers that his windows don't drop on his 03 20th ae gti*
(yes i know f1 cars dont have door panels....)
SHANE FROM AUSTRALIA 9:37AM (10/09/2009)
att : Autoblog.com ... your article above states "soon to be the world's largest auto maker" with reference to the VW group yet what undisputable evidance or 100% assurance do you base your comment upon.
While i agree the VW group is booming because it is undenibaly amoung the finest automative manufactuers in the world today, i wonder however were the editor / publisher to this particular article gets-off by passing such a statement.
Too bad if the VW group ever only makes it as far as No.2 but never No.1
Try displaying a little bit more professionalism in your journalism in the future will you.
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hyundaifans.com 10:01AM (10/09/2009)
I wouldn't mind seeing Audi or Porsche in F1.
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Kyle 2:54PM (10/09/2009)
Idk why Lambo isn't a viable option too. Would provide a great enthusiast base competitive to the Fiat-Ferreri deal as a VW-Lambo team. Plus they would be able to charge premiums on their Italian gear
JZeke 10:22AM (10/09/2009)
There is only one brand in the VW stable that makes any sense racing in F1, a brand with a storied history of Grand Prix past -
Bugatti.
Type 35 2011 anyone? In French Blue, please.
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Ssco 10:48AM (10/09/2009)
Personally, I'd love to see a Škoda win a GP!
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montana3253 12:12PM (10/09/2009)
Hahahaa.... LOL
kepone 12:30PM (10/09/2009)
The first ever F1 car with a check engine light in 3,2,1....
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