Volkswagen is reportedly in the midst of conducting a feasibility study, on whether to enter its Audi brand in Formula One to challenge rival, Mercedes-Benz.
According to the BBC, ousted Ferrari team boss Stefano Domenicali, who joined Audi in November, is conducting the study.
Audi is said to be ‘seriously’ looking to join Formula One, in 2016 or 2017.
This however could prove difficult for the team as FIA Chief Bernie Ecclestone and Volkswagen chairman, Ferdinand Piech have long had a difficult relationship. According to reports, either one of them would have to leave their position first before a VW Group brand could enter Formula One.
VW CEO, Martin Winterkorn, who is being groomed as Piech’s successor, favours Audi joining F1, in a bid to emulate the global marketing success achieved by new F1 champion, Mercedes. Sources close to Winterkorn say he has always believed that F1 is a great platform for the group’s brands.
The BBC report also noted that Audi would likely enter F1 with its own team based in Germany, refuting earlier reports linking a potential VW Group return with the Austrian Red Bull team.
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