F1: Volkswagen/Audi Considering Porsche F1 Entry

PORSCHE HAS BEEN LINKED with a return to Formula 1 after a VW/Audi executive revealed the manufacturer would consider competing in the category should costs reduce further.

The FIA has been working to cut expenses associated with running an F1 team. It attempted to introduce a mandatory £40 million budget cap before reaching agreement on less-stringent cost-cutting measures with the Formula 1 Teams Association.

[caption id="attachment_44290" align="aligncenter" width="550" caption="The Porsche-powered McLaren MP4/2"][/caption]

But Audi Singapore Managing Director Reinhold Carl told the Straits Times that costs would need to continue to fall for the company to seriously reflect on the possibility of entering Formula 1, most likely under the Porsche banner.

“Today, it costs well over a hundred million Euros to take part in F1,” he said.

“If the cost is lower, it will be more manageable. I think it would be [under the name of] Porsche, now that Porsche belongs to the group, or Audi – or even Volkswagen.

“We are still in the positive, while many others are in the negative. In Singapore, our sales are up seven per cent from last year, and despite these difficult times our dealer is building a new showroom.”

Meanwhile, an FIA representative says he is encouraged by the progress made by Formula 1 newcomers USF1 at its Charlotte base.

FIA Deputy President for Sport, Nick Craw said the team had made significant headway at its North American factory and is on track for its debut next season.

He told Autosport: "I personally visited the US F1 Team in August as well as this week, and I am impressed with the progress made by the organization since the Concorde Agreement was signed in late July.

"It has all come together very quickly for the team, and we welcome them into Formula 1 competition in 2010."