VWF1?

[MoFo]

Autoblog have posted a story sourced from Sport Bild that the VW Group may once again be considering entering F1 with Sauber: http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/20/volk ... 1-in-2015/

Probably not true, but still, it's a fun idea to ponder. Porsche chassis? Lamborghini engine? Audi suspension? Bugatti styling? Could be a heck of a contender if they throw all their resources at it. The story does suggest it would be a Porsche association, but really, VW has a lot of brands that could tie in nicely with an F1 partnership.

[Shunter]

It would be nice if the VW group would come into F1, they certainly have brands that would go hand in hand with the marketing from F1.....oh to dream.

[Bigasshammm]

I've seen this before with the engine changes in 14. I thought they were comin in with the Audi name. Either way could be a good addition. Only time will tell though.

[JamesB]

Then they might/pought/should buy HRT's license, cheaper and easier for them!!

[Obi-Jiff]

I was going to suggest that, James!

Also, if they use a holding company to buy the remnants of HRT and run it for the first year while they prepare for a full entry in 2014, they can get a season's worth of experience with no expectation (at least from the general public - it'd only be enthusiasts like us who'd know who they really were).

[drledford93]

I was going to suggest that, James!

Also, if they use a holding company to buy the remnants of HRT and run it for the first year while they prepare for a full entry in 2014, they can get a season's worth of experience with no expectation (at least from the general public - it'd only be enthusiasts like us who'd know who they really were).

Is this what Merc did with Brawn in '09? Or was it a "true" independent?

[Obi-Jiff]

A very interesting question, and a point of view I'd not considered before.

[drledford93]

That was the first question that popped into my mind when I read your post. I've always wondered how an "independent" DOMINATED in '09, aside from the double diffuser rule. Just the funding issue would be hard, if not impossible.

[JamesB]

Well, pulling the question back towards BRAWN, I'd say (even at risk of repeating something said lots of times by others ) that it was past and not future boosting Brawn: it was the millions invested by Honda that produced output in 2009.

[drledford93]

Well, pulling the question back towards BRAWN, I'd say (even at risk of repeating something said lots of times by others ) that it was past and not future boosting Brawn: it was the millions invested by Honda that produced output in 2009.

So Honda had already developed the '09 car when they left? What about the day-to-day operational costs since there were virtually no sponsors? That's what I was more concerned about.