F1 VW considering F1 engine supply

[bmer]

By Diego Mejia
Friday, November 27th 2009, 08:10 GMT


Volkswagen is seriously evaluating a move into Formula 1 as an engine supplier from 2012, when new power unit regulations due to be introduced could make the sport attractive enough for the German car maker to get involved.

Although F1 has been rocked by the withdrawal of three manufacturers in the last 12 months - with Honda, BMW and Toyota all quitting the sport - the Volkswagen Group believes that the sport is actually becoming more attractive with the way rules are heading.

The German car manufacturer's representative Hans-Joachim Stuck says his company would not be interested in becoming a partner with a team - as was rumoured several years ago when it was linked with a deal to buy into Red Bull Racing - but would be up for supplying engines.

However, Stuck has made it clear that the possibility to supply power units to a number of outfits, especially if there was a 'world engine', would be enough to attract Volkswagen into F1.

"If you're the world's largest manufacturer is natural that we're thinking about [Formula 1], but not before 2012," Stuck told AUTOSPORT about Volkswagen's F1 ambitions.

"We're looking for innovative things, and Formula 1 is the pinnacle of motorsport. Two years ago there was some talk that Volkswagen is going to buy the Red Bull F1 team, which we didn't need to buy. Why should we stick with one team if we can give our engines to more teams?

"If you buy Red Bull and Adrian Newey wants to go flying or fishing, the team is not successful any more. Look at BMW. They bought this multi-million dollar wind tunnel and a supercomputer and they now close the doors. Building an engine and providing it to a team is the best way."

Stuck claims Formula 1's return to expanded grids, and low-cost regulations, has put the sport firmly on Volkswagen's radar.

Full article: autosport.com - F1 News: VW considering F1 engine supply

 

[Bartek S.]

VW Group ponders F1 entry

Volkswagen Group is still open to entering Formula One from 2013, should the sport make some fundamental changes.
VW’s motorsport chief Kris Nissen wants the sport to improve its image, drive down costs and improve its stability before the group commits itself to F1. This, Nissen believes, is the responsibility of the new FIA president Jean Todt and the exisiting teams.
“Formula 1 is facing one of the most difficult situations it has had for many years," Nissen told autosport.com.
“They need to handle that, and I really believe that Todt and the teams will do that. I think that for manufacturers to come back, or for new manufacturers to enter Formula 1, you need to have stability, you need to have a slightly different image, and you need to bring the costs down.”

More: autocar

 

[Centurion]

VAG are an engine giant. Their entry into F1 is inevitable. But right now the sport is too unstable. Maybe in 1-3 when the politics have settled.

 

[Giannis]

The can sell the Veyron engine. It's much better than any F1 engine

 

[bmer]

The can sell the Veyron engine. It's much better than any F1 engine

Actually, they are looking the other way.

The German car manufacturer revealed at the end of last year that it was evaluating the potential benefits of moving into grand prix racing when new engine regulations are introduced from the start of 2013.

autosport.com - F1 News: Volkswagen: F1 needs to change

The Wolfsburg based marque's motor racing representative Hans-Joachim Stuck said recently the possible introduction of a 'world engine' would signal an affordable and reliable route onto the grid.

...

"There's been no concrete decision (on F1) but we are developing a global 2.0-litre engine for different racing categories," said Hackenburghas.

VW chief plays down F1 foray reports

 

[Wolfgang]

Norbert Haug -- tz-online.de

Mercedes AMG Petronas GP would welcome VW's entry in Formula 1
quoting Norbert Haug in the recent press.

 

[Deckhook]

The sport as a whole needs more engine suppliers not just VW.

 

[Giannis]

So, apart from half the european automotive industry, we're gonna see the TSI badge on a Formula 1 car, too...

 

[Beemer B773ER]

So, apart from half the european automotive industry, we're gonna see the TSI badge on a Formula 1 car, too...

I share your sentiment buddy.

I wonder if they'll badge it as an Audi engine since it is their more mainstream 'premium' brand ?

 

[Wolfgang]

Recent rumors point to Zuffenhausen?

 

[Centurion]

The sport as a whole needs more engine suppliers not just VW.

There is oly room for so many engine suppliers, maximum 4. Even Cosworth is struggling now that Caterham have dumped them for Renault engines.

 

[Deckhook]

There is oly room for so many engine suppliers, maximum 4. Even Cosworth is struggling now that Caterham have dumped them for Renault engines.

I think a total of 6 maybe 7 would be just right.

Renault
Ferrari
Mercedes
Cosworth
VW (either under it's brand or it's other brands)
BMW (would be great to see a return)

and possibly a return of Toyota, Honda or even Yamaha and who knows one of the Korena's might consider it in the near future.

I think if they do get the costs down to a more acceptable level more companies will see the sport as something worthwhile entering.

 

[Centurion]

Yeah costs are at the heart of engine development and its seriously expensive business which is why you don't see many team supplying their own engines. Ferrari is one of the few teams that are able to absorb the costs. Other engine manufacturers wold only enter if they can supply to enough teams for it to be profitable and off course smaller teams can only afford cheap engines.