Volkswagen to reach decision by year end on Formula One

[Dinesh]

News that there could be a Volkswagen lining up on the Formula One grid has been circulating for a while now, this though, we have a timeline.

The latest reports mention that Hans-Joachim Stuck, Volkswagen’s motorsports chief and former grand prix driver as well as Le Mans winner, has indicate about a decision being made by the end of this year about entering Formula One in 2013.

Furthermore, if it does happen, it could very well be some other label under the VW umbrella. Audi does spring to mind but their success in the Le Mans program could ensure they stay focused on the Circuit de la Sarthe for some time more.

Porsche seems to be the next logical choice, having supplied engines to McLaren in the 80’s and not to forget their vast experience in a range of motorsports series. Even a Volkswagen-branded team itself shouldn’t be ruled out although any other brand from the group would seem like a longshot.

If the group does decide to enter Formula One, they could just buy over an existing team and build from there instead of starting from scratch. Rumour has it that Sauber, HRT and Toro Rosso are looking for a buyer. Another option would be to just get in bed with a current team such as Williams, and share tech.

No matter the speculation, we’ll only know come November this year if Volkswagen or any of the brands under its control will be entering the pinnacle of motorsports.



Source: Racers Republic

 

[6UE5t]

I hope Porsche comes back to F1.

 

[papagoines]

Diesels for Formula One? Bring it on hehehehe

 

[6UE5t]

I think the latest engine proposal for F1 is still normal gasoline engine but smaller displacement with turbocharging, so like back in the 80s.

 

[LotusDiablo]

I think it is likely that they would come back in 2013 as an engine supplier only to a team and then come in as a team. I think the bosses indicated in earlier reports that they are likely to use the Audi or Porsche brand. Not sure if Lambo brand would be sensible business-wise.

Would be nice to see the Porsche brand back in F1.

For them to come in as a full F1 team, I think they would only do so when they are confident that they can run near the front.

 

[6UE5t]

Yea, they surely don't want to be another embarrassing attempt like Toyota & Jaguar!

 

[yeehau86]

in additional VolkWagen is pushing for female drivers into Formula 1 in the future:

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Volkswagen supports women in motorsport

Volkswagen Motorsport has joined forces with the FIA’s Women & Motor Sport Commission to help develop new female talent in the sport. Working in association with the FIA’s National Sporting Authorities (ASNs), Volkswagen Motorsport will provide a car for a full season for a young woman to contest the 2011 Scirocco R-Cup.

Michèle Mouton, President of the Women & Motor Sport Commission, said: “We are delighted to be working with such an important manufacturer as Volkswagen. This is a great opportunity and what I hope is the first of a number of initiatives that will help promote women in motor sport.”

In keeping with its philosophy of supporting aspiring young drivers, Volkswagen Motorsport will assess the ability of a group of talented female racers nominated by their ASNs on 2nd November at the Oschersleben circuit in Germany. This will not only include an assessment of their racing potential, but also classroom theory.

Kris Nissen, Volkswagen Motorsport Director, said: “The promotion of young talent in motor sport has a high priority at Volkswagen and female racers should not continue to be exceptions from our point of view. The Scirocco R-Cup is considered the epitome of touring car schools and offers participants the opportunity to learn a lot and to prepare themselves for professional motor sport. We are delighted to be able to support the FIA in its talent initiative.”

The drivers nominated to compete in the evaluation process are:

Name Age Country
Maiken Rasmussen 20 Denmark
Laura Koivuluoma 21 Finland
Chiara Poletto 18 Italy
Priscilla Speelman 21 Netherlands
Ayla Agren 17 Norway
Senica Klavdija 20 Slovenia
Charlotte Haegermark 19 Sweden
Sarah Moore 16 United Kingdom
Jade Paveley 17 United Kingdom
Louise Richardson 17 United Kingdom

At the end of the process, one talented young woman will be selected to contest the Scirocco Junior Cup classification, which is part of the nine-race 2011 Scirocco R-Cup - one of the world’s most eco-conscious one-make series. The youngster will be pitted against a grid of other young racers competing for the title of Scirocco Junior R-Cup Champion as well as professional drivers and racing legends from such series as Formula 1, WRC and Le Mans.

Throughout the season, the driver will receive guidance and advice from members of the Women & Motor Sport Commission and, should she finish within the top five of the Scirocco Junior Cup classification at the end of the season, Volkswagen undertakes to extend her contract up to and including 2012. If the young female is then classified within the top three in the Junior Cup in 2012, Volkswagen will make its best endeavours to help the driver compete in one of its brands in an international series or FIA Championship.

Source: Volkswagen supports women in motorsport

 

[6UE5t]

I heard De Silvestro is quite good, and quicker than Danica.