Porsche announces possible return to F1

[WhiteBlue]

Nice try at cop out. There is no such thing as a pyramid scheme in hostile take overs. The reality is that a more profitable company usually wins a hostile take over because the share holders like a return for their investment. Piech interfered with Porsche for a long time so in the end Wiedeking took the plunge to take VW group and his power base away from him.

Under normal circumstances that would have been a walk in the park. Unfortunately the banking crisis played havoc with that financial operation. Piech got lucky that the financial markets went belly up and panic pushed interest rate up for Porsche.

The real issue with regard to Porsche going back into F1 is the profitability of the company. Wiedeking did so fantastically good on Porsche that it will take some time for even a moron to wreck his work. Porsche today has only half the profitability it had in the best days under Wiedeking but that is still way better than VAG and any other automotive company.

One of the issues here is whether Porsche can afford to run an expensive LMP1 or F1 program. The answer obviously is YES, if the program is going to do what it needs to do in terms of increasing brand awareness and stimulation of sales. Only time will tell if that is possible and going to happen.

The real question here is whether they can

• get the regulations done to their preferences (world engine)
• develop a leading engine
• put it into at least one competitive chassis
• and get the car raced by a competent team with top drivers

[segedunum]

What preceded was a gigantic hedge fund house of cards involving VW shares that made Porsche look far stronger financially than it really was to the ignorant. On no planet was this ever not going to go belly up.

The company is in trouble and VW needs to work out what to do with it over the next year. I know a F1 engine project sounds exciting, but it just isn't going to happen no matter how far people go to try and say it's perfectly sensible.

However, when you're emotionally invested I'm sure you can see many things the way you want. Blood is thicker than water, and it appears to be going on in this thread......

[WhiteBlue]

Bernie about a possible Porsche come back to F1.

It sounds absolutely great. Whatever I can do to make it happen, I will.

[andrew]

Bernie about a possible Porsche come back to F1.

It sounds absolutely great. Whatever I can do to make it happen, I will.

Well that's a given isn't it?! If it was Kia, ZiL or whatever Bernie would support them. It'll make him more cash.

[xpensive]

Bernie about a possible Porsche come back to F1.

It sounds absolutely great. Whatever I can do to make it happen, I will.

Perhaps, but MrE has never forgiven BMW for supplying his Brabhams with rotten engines, making him lose interest in the team.

[andrew]

I'm still not convinced that Porsche will be in F1. it seems strange that they are pushing for the 1.6 L turbo engines - bit small by Porsche's standards.

I am convinced that it will be a VW (or possibly and Audi) badge on the engine. Bit closer and more relevant to a road going VW/Audi engine than a Porsche.

[strad]

What I do't understand is the passion the idea evokes...I really could not care less if the join or under what name...I think some might want to watch those overly high expectations.

[JohnsonsEvilTwin]

I'm still not convinced that Porsche will be in F1. it seems strange that they are pushing for the 1.6 L turbo engines - bit small by Porsche's standards.

I am convinced that it will be a VW (or possibly and Audi) badge on the engine. Bit closer and more relevant to a road going VW/Audi engine than a Porsche.

Andrew,

Small capacity turbos are the engine of the "future". For the next 10-15 years at least anyway.
So F1 is trying to become more worldly aware by adopting this format.

Secondly, If VW AG decided to enter, it could design one engine and enter 5 brands if it chose to. Audi, VW, Porsche, Bentley, Skoda and SEAT.
Unlikely, but 2 brands entering isnt unforseeable...
Not bad exposure for the "group" eh?

[Steven]

For the healthiness of some people around here, I'm going to lock this thread (temporarily). The last two pages have brought nothing new, apart from mentions related to hairdriers and the possibility here for VW to enter 5 brands at once.

Anyway... for completeness: Porsche say no to F1 return