Volkswagen says no to F1 – again

UPDATE This rumor is upgraded to 'fact' today. A Volkswagen official has apparently confirmed reports that the German auto giant is not going to enter formula one. The news follows Tuesday's report in the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung newspaper that said VW chairman Ferdinand Piech had decided against approving a F1 foray with Audi or Porsche branding. The DPA news agency cites an official at Volkswagen's Wolfsburg headquarters as responding: "There are no concrete plans (for F1)."

11/02/10 (GMM) The Volkswagen group is not going to enter formula one.

That is the conclusion on Tuesday of a report in the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung newspaper.

Last month, following speculation the German giant was considering entering F1 with Audi or Porsche branding, it emerged that VW would discuss the possibility during a meeting in early November.

The FAZ newspaper, citing definite but unnamed sources, now says Volkswagen chairman Ferdinand Piech has decided the marque will not be entering F1.

Interestingly, the report said Red Bull and McLaren had expressed their interest in being supplied engines by Volkswagen.

FAZ said VW is still interested in entering the world rally championship, as well as operating two programs – with Porsche and Audi – at Le Mans.