Audi, VW, Porsche: Joining Formula One?

Wednesday, July 09, 2008

Audi, VW, Porsche: Joining Formula One?

This rumor comes up every few months and is usually denied very quickly by all officials, but now a "big guy" is joining the rumorsphere claiming that VW, Audi and Porsche are seriously considering joining the Formula One: Mario Theissen, head of motorsports at BMW.

Although Formula One presents a lackluster case for American automakers, many of the world's leading foreign manufacturers participate in the sport, including BMW, Renault, Mercedes-Benz, Fiat, Honda and Toyota. So who does that leave? Theissen says Volkswagen/Audi/Porsche are closely considering entering F1, along with several unnamed Asian automakers. Although its sister company Renault already runs a team, Nissan has been touted as a possible entry. More likely, however, is that Hyundai/Kia will seek the prominence and the technology to go with its rise in the ranks by joining the fray.