Report: Porsche looking to LeMans, not F1

Sorry Formula One fans, it looks like Porsche won't be throwing its hat into your ring anytime soon. Instead, the German manufacturer is more likely to back a factory team at Le Mans, at least according to ESPN. CEO Matthias Mueller said that while F1 has some attractive aspects, it's also very expensive. Throw in the fact that success is a good sight less predictable than in other racing theaters and you can begin to understand why Porsche is a little skittish about diving into the deep end of the motorsports pool.

Instead, Mueller says that there's a stronger possibility that we could see Porsche return to Le Mans. If you're thinking that Audi just might have a thing or two to say about having to go fender-to-fender with its corporate cousin, you're probably right. Still, the minds at Porsche seem to think that having two teams parented by Volkswagen gunning for the checkered flag is better than just one. For now, this is all just speculation. Mueller said that he wants all Volkwagen Group companies to come together to discuss a cohesive motorsports plan in the near future.

Gallery:
http://www.autoblog.com/photos/porsc...rsr-1/#3767159

http://www.autoblog.com/2011/01/21/r...lemans-not-f1/

It would be nice to see VW/Audi at least become an F1 engine supplier begining 2013.
With new engine formula I think VW/Audi would fit the bill perfectly. A company that emphasizes on turbo charged small displacement engine would benefit greatly from R&D invovled in F1. FIA's Jean Todt is pushing individual teams and factory teams to develop so that their F1 technologies can trickle down to road cars. Also with new F1 budget limit, I think VW/Audi as well as Honda and Toyota can jump back in the game. Apparently the cost is reduced by 50%. This sucks for prestigious teams with cash flow but this will give backmarkers a chance to compete with limited budget.

I think this is a very good thing for Porsche. They've never had any real success in any form of open wheel racing. But they do have a long and storied history at LeMans, and GT/prototype racing in general.

Providing engines for F1? Maybe, but I doubt it. Not sure how the flat-4 they're working on fits into the new F1 guidelines. Anythings possible though...

Porsche competing against Audi at LeMans? I see it as a non-issue. Audi's focus is on the LMP class. A factory team running the 918 will be running in GT1, competing in class against Corvette, Ferrari, Aston, etc... Not directly with sibling Audi who's main rival right now is Peugeot. And with all the 911's running in GT2 (though no 'factory' team), a sweep of all three classes would be quite an accomplishment for VW, and very possible.

Haha, imagine VW/Audi entering F1 and... making diesel F1's

return of the silver arrows. Benz is back to F1...next is Audi (Auto Union)

agreed. Porsche competing against Audi in Le Mans is not an issue for VW.

I'd really like to see VW/Audi brand enter F1.