Volkswagen still thinks about F1

Volkswagen, for several months now, has often been cited as wishing to join the Formula 1 by 2012 or 2013 as an engine manufacturer, under the VW or Audi banner. But Kris Nissen, boss of VW Motorsport, does not want to move forward until the engine regulations for the 2013 season are defined. Indeed, it is in two and a half years that F1 will take an important turn, with engines which will change technical standards. For the moment, the current trend is 4-liter 1,5-cylinder engines, supercharged by a twin turbo. While waiting to know the final position of the FIA, Volkswagen is patient.

« All I can say at the moment is that no one knows about the new F1 engine regulations, says Kris Nissen to the Brisban Times. Until this is defined, I don't think anyone, including Volkswagen, can comment on its interest (in F1). We first need to get the FIA ​​to communicate exactly the regulations for 2013 or 2014. And we also need F1 to get its act together a bit. »

If Kris Nissen recognizes that F1 is very interesting, he also finds that it has succumbed to certain excesses, even if things are improving. The boss of VW Motorsport does not want the German manufacturer to pay a high price for the risk of joining the premier single-seater discipline. “ F1 has gone through a crisis. It was very expensive, builders left. Then there were a lot of stories and politics? It?s a real shame because I think F1 is the best in motorsport. F1 is very attractive for everyone. »

« I think every major manufacturer must have a good motorsport programHe says. Second point, I think he has to measure whether involvement in Formula 1 is possible or interesting because it's the place where you find the greatest exposure in the world. But it is also the most expensive. This is where, if you don't succeed, you can convey a bad image. So you are taking a risk. »