VW to enter F1?

Automakers appear to be pulling out of Formula One en masse. Honda cancelled 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 cancelling their programs as well.

But one major automaker is now reported to be closely considering entering the F1: 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.

An official of the German luxury car brand Audi has hinted that parent group Volkswagen might enter formula one if the costs continue to come down.

Reinhold Carl, Managing Director of Audi Singapore said that while budgets are dropping, teams still need to fork out "well over a hundred million euros" for an annual F1 programme. "If the cost is lower, it will be more manageable," he said.

He also admitted that the gains from being on the grand prix grid remain vague. But get this: if VW decides to field a team, it would be branded either Porsche, Audi or even Volkswagen. No Lamborghini is mentioned at all.

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