» Porsche keeps backpedalling

Carmaker Porsche has continued to distance itself from an earlier apparent interest to enter Formula 1 in the near future.

We reported late last year that the German carmaker – led by parent company Volkswagen – was a likely branding candidate for an entry into Formula 1, but Porsche CEO Matthias Mueller believes there are “drawbacks” to entering Formula 1 that may not exist in other racing series.

“There are undoubtedly some attractive aspects [of F1],” he told Swiss newspaper Automobil Revue.

“But there are other sides to it as well. Formula one is very expensive, while success is far less predictable (than in other series),” he added.

Meuller has instead forecast a tilt at the Le Mans Series in the frontline LMP1 class was a more likely prospect.

“We would not necessarily have to line up against Audi, but we would do it if we need to and it would mean there are two of the (VW) group’s brands fighting in the races,” he continued.

“The likelihood that the group wins would therefore obviously be increased,” he added.

Meuller has also encouraged key figures in Volkswagen and all of its subsidiaries to meet and “agree on a motorsport strategy for the coming years.”