Volkswagen To Enter Formula One?

News has emerged from F1.live.com that German car manufacturer Volkswagen may be looking to enter Formula One, some time in the future. At the moment though, the company feels that, while costs are lower, costs of around $100 million per season is still too high to be worth the expenditure.

Recently though, teams like Brawn GP have proven that an F1 team can be successful on a tight budget.

The VW Group has been very successful in many other forms of motorsport, including dominating at Le Mans under the Audi banner.

VW even won Le Mans under the Bentley badge in 2003.

Rienhold Carl, managing director of Audi Singapore, has been quoted on the matter.

"If costs are lower, then it will be more manageable".

A manufacturer like VW can gain many commercial advantages from being involved in F1. Technology can filter down into their road cars, providing safer, more rewarding driving experiences, particularly in "Halo" models.

It would also build badge appeal, making the VW badge more prestigious by association.

VW is also bidding to become Germany's Green Champion's at the moment by being involved in a technology race with BMW and Mercedes to create much more economical cars.

A test bed like F1 would not only allow the company to promote their actions, but to develop them from within the sport.

VW recently pioneered diesel technology in Le Mans with the Audi R10 Le Mans car. French company Peugeot have followed suit.

Carl has said that IF the company decides to enter F1, it may be under the Audi banner, Porsche, or VW itself.