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Ferrari Has Encouraged Many Carmakers to Join Formula 1

Ferrari’s president Sergio Marchionne has recently said that he has always encouraged Volkswagen to join Formula 1 and it’s still a curiosity for him why such a large company has never competed in this series.
Ferrari Formula 1 1 photo
Photo: Ferrari
There was speculation on Volkswagen coming to F1 as Red Bull’s engine supplier but, until now, nothing materialized. Recently, everything became even more uncertain, mainly because of the Dieselgate scandal.

Although it’s not the German company’s best period, Volkswagen is maintaining its existing motorsport programs, including having three cars in the World Rally Championship, despite the enormous cost of the scandal’s penalties.

Meanwhile, other German carmakers such as Audi or Porsche have reduced their Le Mans 24Hours presence from three entries to two, according to Autosport.

Marchionne also dismantled the rumors saying that other manufacturers were discouraged and were not joining the Formula 1 because of the recent struggles that Honda experienced on its return alongside McLaren.

Ferrari is experiencing one of its blackest periods since it started competing in this legendary series. Because of the rules that are expected to be imposed by FIA’s president Jean Todt and Formula 1 Group CEO Bernie Ecclestone, the Scuderia has warned it could leave F1 after 65 years and 907 starts in this series.

Sergio Marchionne commented about this situation as well, saying that Ferrari cannot be put into a corner on its knees and asked to be quiet.

Maybe now it wouldn’t be a good idea for Volkswagen to join F1 and increase its annual expenses, but in the near future, everything is possible.

It would be too much to handle for the German carmaker, but for sure this move would jeopardize its WRC results, where Volkswagen Motorsport dominates many rankings with Sebastien Ogier and Jullien Ingrassia. In the World Rally Championship, the all-star team has had some pretty impressive results, such as 31 podium finishes after 39 events, 22 out of 39 power stages won and 308 out of 717 special stages won.
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