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Volkswagen Could Enter F1 with Audi or Porsche Brands

Volkswagen’s possible entry into Formula 1 could be done by using the Audi or Porsche brands, recent reports say. Europe’s largest carmaker is becoming more and more interested in motorsport, with the German giant considering an F1 adventure.

Volkswagen has already expressed interest in being the supplier of the next-generation F1 engines, if the project overcomes the current teams’ opposition. The “world engine” could be introduced in 2013 and could switch from eight to four cylinders and adopt turbocharging plus an upgraded KERS energy-recovery system. This engine could be used in different states of tune in up to 10 racing categories around the world.

Volkswagen has stated that if it were to invest in a Formula One operation it will not choose the Mercedes or BMW way of developing a factory team, but it will supply engines to an existing team. If VW makes that decision, the most natural choice would be Red Bull’s two F1 teams.

Volkswagen has a strong relationship with the Austrian company, with the two supporting each other in a variety of motorsport categories, including the Dakar Rally.

Asked by the Brisbane Times if the engine would be branded as a VW, Nissed answered: “It’s a good question to ask but I’m not the right person to ask. I’m in charge of the motorsport for the brand Volkswagen. And I’m not in charge of the strategy for the group… Within the group, for sure, it could be Audi, it could be Porsche and might also be Volkswagen. I think it would not suit so well Skoda or Seat or Bentley.
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