Audi pours cold water on F1 rumours

Editor

Audi has no plans to enter Formula 1 any time soon, according to a spokesman for the German manufacturer.

There has been much speculation that Audi would look to add Formula 1 to its motor racing portfolio which currently includes the German Touring Car series, annual endurance event the Le Mans, and Formula E which features electric cars.

Red Bull have expressed great interest in teaming up with Audi, and have hinted that the have broached the topic with the German giants, but it appears that the Milton Keynes outfit –  and the entire F1 fraternity – are set for disappointment.

"This is not a topic for us," a spokesman has been quoted as saying by Reuters.

Audi Chief Executive Rupert Stadler was last week quoted as telling British publication Auto Express that the company, which is owned by the Volkswagen Group, would be keeping their options open.

However, Stadler appears to have changed his tune, with the 52-year-old no longer eager to come to the aid of Red Bull or F1.

"Formula One needs to solve its problems on its own," Stadler told Handelsblatt.

What this means for Red Bull remains to be seen, with questions about the former World Champions' future in the sport sure to arise considering that team advisor Dr Helmut Marko stated earlier in the month that "if we don't have a competitive engine in the near future, then either Audi is coming or we are out".