VW and Skoda deny F1 rumour

[barryf1fan]

I thought this would have been a great way for VW to get the Audi name into F1.
This is from F1-Live (March 4, 2002):

According to reports in the Observer on Sunday, Skoda, the Czech firm owned by the Volkswagen company, were making plans to enter Formula One. In fact the newspaper stated that Skoda could be on the grid as early as the Malaysian Grand Prix in two weeks time in its guise as the motor racing arm of its German parent company. This was because it was Volkswagen who were the power behind British businessman Charles Nickerson's Phoenix Finance acquisition of Prost Grand Prix. However Volkswagen have now denied these reports.

This is not the first time that reports have surfaced that the Germany company was keen on competing in Formula One, and most probably will not be the last. But once again Volkswagen have stated quite clearly that they will not be entering the sport now or any time in the near future, if at all.

A spokesman for the company, Kurt Rippholz said: “We have already said it, but let us repeat it: Volkswagen does not intend to enter into Formula One.”

 

[Jordan]

I would love to see Audi in F1, they could do great with so much financial backing. I'm sure they will eventually...

 

[Macka]

Originally posted by Jordan
I would love to see Audi in F1, they could do great with so much financial backing. I'm sure they will eventually...

Mmmm, they're doing so well in sportscars, I would have to agree. What I mean is, they've pretty much done it, what with 1-2 at LeMans, so what's next?

But it is a major decision, and brings a commitment of hundreds of millions of $$$.

If they do enter F1, I don't think they'd do it half-arsed.

Macka

PS I finally saw an Audi commercial in which they mentioned their success at LeMans. Showed race footage, rear end change in the pits, and finish...thought I'd see something a bit sooner

 

[Jordan]

Yeah, they have had tremendous success in sports car racing...and that may be because they aren't in F1. F1 is so competitive and expensive, they can spend almost as much money on their prototypes and virtually guarantee a win in the various Le Mans series and the 24 hour race itself (and still be very popular with racing fans). So, that may be the reason...

PS I finally saw an Audi commercial in which they mentioned their success at LeMans. Showed race footage, rear end change in the pits, and finish...thought I'd see something a bit sooner

Well, considering the average American doesn't even know what the 24 Hours of Le Mans is (in my experience, anyway), I doubt they were in a hurry to boast about it over here.

 

[Macka]

Originally posted by Jordan

Well, considering the average American doesn't even know what the 24 Hours of Le Mans is (in my experience, anyway), I doubt they were in a hurry to boast about it over here.

Sad but true. I think I'm the only person I know who's into racing, not counting Nascar (except for you guys) Coworkers know the difference between F1 and CART? Nope. Never heard of it. Family members know what Lemans is? Uh-uh. Best friends aware that slick new WRX across the street is rally-bred and won the WRC last year? "What's WRC?"

Grrr, frustrating to love something the average person knows absolutely nothing about

 

[Deathhawk]

The lines between KART an F1 are ever being blurred...

Audi does have some F1 Cars built however... If you check out EVO issue 33 they have a review of an audi f1 experience...

 

[GilesGuthrie]

The Prost thing is more likely to herald an entry from GM, since the people behind it do all Holden Special Vehicles, and also a lot of work on Saab cars.