Porsche considers Formula 1 role
Legendary car titan Porsche is presently considering a role in Formula 1 racing, Autocar has revealed. At the Paris Motor Show, chairman Matthias Mueller confirmed that the company was perusing their chances
of making a mark on the world’s most famous motor sport.
Under the guidance of parent company Volkswagen, Porsche will work alongside Audi to continue the long line of high-end sportscars, as well as engineering a vehicle suitable for LMP1 and/or F1. Audi has
been competing in the Le Mans prototype class for over a decade, and is busy manufacturing the R8 for its 2011 season. As a world class car maker, it too shows promise of being a competitive avenue for F1.
“With LMP1, there are two classes and two brands – Audi and Porsche,” stated Mueller. But when faced with the possibility of turning the two teams into rivals, he insisted, “We do not like to both go into
LMP1 [against each other]; that is not so funny. So therefore we have to discuss whether it makes better sense for one of the [two] brands to go into LMP1, and the other brand into F1. So we will have a round-table to discuss the pros and cons.”
Porsche, the world’s biggest race car manufacturer, boasts a majestic legacy in the history of motorsport, having more than 28,000 victories to its name. A prolific producer, Porsche built around 275 race
cars in 2007 alone, featuring the likes of the 7 RS Spyder LMP2 prototypes, 37 GT2 spec 911 GT3-RSRs, and 231 911 GT3 Cup vehicles. The company participates in several Gran Turismo events per year, including the Le Mans series, Grand American Sportscar Series,
and the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup.
If the company ultimately decides to drive into the F1 playing field as a competitor, critics believe it would likely serve as engine supplier rather than a team, and enter in the 2013 season when the
new engine regulations are implemented.
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