Categories: F1 News, Reports and Race ResultsFormula 1

VW not interested in F1 given the sport's uncertainty

VW Group motorsport boss Wolfgang Dürheimer believes the German manufacturer would never consider entering Formula 1 as long as uncertainty surrounding both its ownership and regulations prevails.

VW currently competes in the World Rally Championship, but last year there was speculation that affiliate Audi could step up to Grand Prix racing in association with Red Bull.

Those discussions may have been killed off however following the revelation of VW's emissions scandal.

"Formula 1 is not on our agenda right now," Dürheimer told Autocar. "The situation is not predictable enough to make the kind of investment required.

"On the regulations front, there are a lot of rumours around the engine side and the supporting technology side.

"Before you commit the kind of money needed you must see five years of rules stability - there can't be the possibility of rules changes, of more or less engine cylinders coming in, or the hybrid system changing away from technology you are developing on road cars.

"On the ownership side, there are also big questions the sport must answer. If you are a big business making a big investment you expect to have some influence on the set-up, with an assurance the present ownership will last.

"In F1, it seems the owners will not be there forever and that creates some instability."

Interestingly, Dürheimer said that the group's involvement in the World Endurance Championship with Porsche and Audi, required a bigger investment than racing in F1.

"The technology is greater than that in F1 and the levels of investment are therefore greater," he said.

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.