Volkswagen contemplates entering F1

If sources are to be believed, the second largest carmaker in the world, Volkswagen is studying the prospects of entering Formula 1. It is rumoured that ex-Ferrari team principal Stefano Domenicali, who was hired by VW's Audi brand earlier this year is conducting this research.

If it is deemed feasible for the brand to enter Formula One for VW, the differences between company’s head of supervisory board Ferdinand Piech and F1 commercial boss Bernie Ecclestone might turn out to be a roadblock. This would make it mandatory for a management change at VW or F1 which is not an easy task.

"The Volkswagen Audi Group is the second biggest car maker in the world and as such it needs to be in Formula 1. But it will not enter it while the sport remains under the control of Bernie Ecclestone, who VAG boss Ferdinand Piech dislikes on a personal and professional basis. Martin Winterkorn - the chairman of the board of management of Volkswagen - is being groomed as Piech's successor and he has always believed that F1 is a great platform for the group's brands."

Despite being one of the car manufacturers that decided the new turbo hybrid engine rules introduced in F1 this year VW decided not to enter then. Officially the company still holds that stand on F1, but it seems like the top honchos in the company now consider the pinnacle of motorsports to be a more effective global promotional tool than their current motorsport engagements.

Volkswagen Motorsport, the company’s rally team is doing exceedingly well since 2013 with the introduction of the Polo Rally car. The company holds the manufacturers' title there, however, the visibility of F1 is much higher than WRC and it seems like that’s what motivated the company officials to study the prospects of entering F1.

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