Audi Rumoured To Be Preparing For A Switch To Formula 1 In 2016

Audi is rumoured to be considering a switch to Formula 1 in 2016, ditching the DTM series and the FIA World Endurance Championship.

According to Auto Express, the German manufacturer could be set to ditch touring cars and endurance racing for a F1 power-unit programme.

Citing insiders and “multiple sources”, Auto Express claims Audi is under pressure from its parent company VW to leave Le Mans and the FIA WEC to its sister brand Porsche.

The report suggests that Audi could combine its DTM and WEC budgets to enter F1 in 2016, possibly joining forces with a top team like Red Bull Racing or its sister outfit Toro Rosso.

Audi, then known as Auto Union, was a major motor racing team prior to World War II. However, it has never competed in the FIA Formula 1 World Championship, which started in 1950.

The report suggests Fernando Alonso could be part of Audi’s F1 plans, should he not sign for McLaren Honda for next season and instead take a sabbatical. Stefano Domenicali, Alonso’s former team principal at Ferrari, is thought to have recently been hired by Audi.

The Audi to F1 rumour seems to appear pretty much every year, but could this one lead to something? We will have to wait and see.