Volkswagen Group mulling making foray into F1

Germany car making company the Volkswagen Group is reportedly conducting a possibility study into a potential Formula One entry.

Sources have revealed that former Ferrari team principal Stefano Domenicali, who was hired by Volkswagen's Audi brand earlier this year, is conducting the review. Its interest is being piqued by the global marketing success achieved by rivals and new Formula One champions Mercedes.

However, any entry would depend on management changes at Volkswagen or Formula One. Ferdinand Piech, the head of the supervisory board of the Volkswagen Group, and Formula One commercial boss Bernie Ecclestone have long had a difficult relationship, The BBC reported.

At least one of them would reportedly need to leave their current position before a Volkswagen Group brand could enter Formula One.

Volkswagen, world's second biggest car maker, was on the working group of car manufacturers that decided on the new turbo hybrid engine rules introduced into this Formula One season, but decided against entering at that time and, publicly, has not changed its stance since.

But sources have revealed that some senior board members now believe that the motor racing sport would be a more effective global promotional tool than its existing motorsport programmes.