Could Formula 1's recent change of ownership help reverse Volkswagen's stance on the pinnacle of motorsport?
It's perhaps more a case of wishful thinking on the part of those who wish the German manufacturer would take the plunge and get involved with one of its premium brands such as Audi, Lamborghini or.. Bentley.
A year ago, Wolfgang Dürheimer, chairman and CEO of Bentley Motors and Bugatti, and VW's former motorsport boss, said loud and clear that Formula 1 was not on the company's agenda, criticizing the sport's governance at the time and its lack of regulation clarity with regard to the future.
Volkswagen's emissions scandal has undoubtedly taken its toll on the brand's goodwill and reputation however, and repairing its image is certainly at the forefront of its priorities.
Could the mission to rebuild of its reputation coupled with Formula 1's structural changes entice Volkswagen to consider Formula 1?
Wolfgang Dürheimer is apparently not ruling it out, offering few comments to the German media on the subject yesterday.
“From my point of view, the whole topic is currently being reviewed. It is an absolute new beginning."
“If such a new start is to be recognised, then one must, of course, also put the previous decisions to the test and re-evaluate them."
A green Formula 1 Bentley would certainly beef up the grid quite nicely. Everyone needs a bit of fantasy.
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