Volkswagen Waive Away F1 Entry Claims

May 10, 2012

German automobile manufacturer Volkswagen has denied claims they will enter Formula One in the near future as either an engine supplier or a full constructor.

Volkswagen revealed three years ago that they were considering entering the sport in 2014 when the engine rules will change.

But new motorsport director Jost Capito said on Thursday that this was “not on the radar,” as its focus was instead fully on its entry in the World Rally Championship with the new Polo R WRC next year.

When asked whether a future Grand Prix entry was under consideration, Capito said: “Definitely not. At the moment we don’t even think about it because we’re thinking WRC.

“I’ve got my hands full with the WRC right now and we have to focus on that. This is the very much the main motorsport programme for us and the board is watching it very closely. I think that’s what we have to deliver.”

VW currently fields a pair of S2000-spec Skodas in the WRC in order to gain its team experience of the championship, ahead of its first full-time campaign with a World Rally Car next year.