Audi could enter F1 as early as 2016
While it has dominated Endurance for fifteen years, Audi might withdraw and enter Formula 1 by 2016.
Could Audi abandon Endurance and DTM to focus on Formula 1? This is the hypothesis put forward by *Auto Express* on its website. The British publication claims that the Volkswagen Group, which owns the four-ringed brand, has decided to abandon the German touring car championship and the World Endurance Championship in this regard.
Internal sources claim that the budgets for the DTM and WEC, along with a partnership with Red Bull – which has collaborated with VW in several areas, notably in DTM and rally – could be combined for Audi to attempt to conquer one of the only territories it has never ventured into: the Formula 1 World Championship.
Auto Express indicates that numerous sources have confirmed that Audi is under internal pressure to leave Endurance racing and make way for Porsche, a brand also owned by Volkswagen.
Audi has reportedly been working since the beginning of 2014 on a turbo hybrid V6 engine. In 2010, Audi is said to have significantly influenced the decision of the top-tier discipline’s authorities to switch to a four-cylinder engine. However, as the German brand reversed course, F1 eventually turned to the current power unit.
The manufacturer is reportedly planning to take over an existing team, at least its facilities, to avoid starting from scratch. The links with Red Bull through its owner Dietrich Mateschitz, and notably Toro Rosso via Volkswagen – a partner of the Faenza-based team – would lead Audi to consider this solution.
The hypothesis of the arrival of the brand with rings in F1 would be reinforced by the recent recruitment of Stefano Domenicali – former director of Scuderia Ferrari – who has no experience in Endurance or Touring, the two preferred areas of his new employer.
At the same time, Auto Express indicates that Fernando Alonso would be a prime target for Audi. The Spaniard, linked for several months with McLaren-Honda for 2015, or even with Mercedes for 2016, might just as well take a sabbatical year next season. Rumors suggest, in this regard, a possible stint in Endurance racing, a field in which Audi or Porsche could be ideal host structures before returning to F1.
Audi succeeded Auto Union after the Second World War. Before the conflict, Mercedes and Auto Union battled at the top of motorsport and displayed their dominance across Europe. However, in this 2014 season, the star-branded company finally conquered the Formula 1 title, becoming the first German manufacturer to win this title. Will this further provoke Audi?
The brand with the rings has been regularly mentioned for many years as a possible entrant in Formula 1. Time will tell if the rumor is founded this time…
