Sheva Milan fan

Sheva Milan fan · 11-03-2002, 05:55

VW: F1 is not on the agenda for at least five years 11 Mar 2002

Future Volkswagen Group boss Bernd Pischetsrieder has reiterated that VW are not planning an entry into the FIA Formula 1™ World Championship, following a resurrection of rumours that the automobile manufacturer planned to invest in the sport last week.
Pischetsrieder, who takes over from incumbent company head Ferdinand Piëch in April, has firmly stated that VW will not compete in F1 for at least five years, should they decide to race at all. It had been speculated that they were behind the acquisition of the Prost team's liquidated assets, using their Skoda brand, until Charles Nickerson's Phoenix Group stepped forward.

"Formula One is not an issue for us," he was reported as saying by German publication Welt am Sonntag. "It is not on our agenda, at least for the five next years. Such a commitment costs a lot of money and requires significant capacities in terms of management and engineers. Believe me, I know what I am talking about."

Pischetsrieder had been at BMW when they were preparing to enter the sport as engine partner to the Williams team, and this combined with his passion for Formula One has fuelled several rumours that VW were considering investing in the series over the past year.

Both Skoda and Audi have been speculated as possible brands that could be used to launch VW's entry, despite the company's repeated denials that they are planning to set up their own team.

"F1 is not part of our actual priorities, due to the time and cost needed," Pischetsrieder said in December. "On the other hand, with a lower investment and better chances of success in a highly-publicised competition, we will again be present at the next Le Mans 24-hours for a third straight win for Audi in 2002.

"Automobile competition is an important thing to consider," he continued. "For us, we will benefit from a better co-ordination. I believe strongly in co-ordination between the different marques to rationalise the investments and improve effectiveness."

Arrows boss Tom Walkinshaw, who is involved with the Phoenix Group's efforts to piece together a new team from Prost's former assets, has said that he expects the outfit to take part in this year's championship. However, it is believed that an official entry is yet to be lodged and no formal announcement has revealed when a twelfth team can be expected on the grid.

11-03-2002, 05:55	#11
Sheva Milan fan Registered User Join Date: 11 2001 Location: Sweden Fave Players: Sheva	VW: F1 is not on the agenda for at least five years 11 Mar 2002 Future Volkswagen Group boss Bernd Pischetsrieder has reiterated that VW are not planning an entry into the FIA Formula 1™ World Championship, following a resurrection of rumours that the automobile manufacturer planned to invest in the sport last week. Pischetsrieder, who takes over from incumbent company head Ferdinand Piëch in April, has firmly stated that VW will not compete in F1 for at least five years, should they decide to race at all. It had been speculated that they were behind the acquisition of the Prost team's liquidated assets, using their Skoda brand, until Charles Nickerson's Phoenix Group stepped forward. "Formula One is not an issue for us," he was reported as saying by German publication Welt am Sonntag. "It is not on our agenda, at least for the five next years. Such a commitment costs a lot of money and requires significant capacities in terms of management and engineers. Believe me, I know what I am talking about." Pischetsrieder had been at BMW when they were preparing to enter the sport as engine partner to the Williams team, and this combined with his passion for Formula One has fuelled several rumours that VW were considering investing in the series over the past year. Both Skoda and Audi have been speculated as possible brands that could be used to launch VW's entry, despite the company's repeated denials that they are planning to set up their own team. "F1 is not part of our actual priorities, due to the time and cost needed," Pischetsrieder said in December. "On the other hand, with a lower investment and better chances of success in a highly-publicised competition, we will again be present at the next Le Mans 24-hours for a third straight win for Audi in 2002. "Automobile competition is an important thing to consider," he continued. "For us, we will benefit from a better co-ordination. I believe strongly in co-ordination between the different marques to rationalise the investments and improve effectiveness." Arrows boss Tom Walkinshaw, who is involved with the Phoenix Group's efforts to piece together a new team from Prost's former assets, has said that he expects the outfit to take part in this year's championship. However, it is believed that an official entry is yet to be lodged and no formal announcement has revealed when a twelfth team can be expected on the grid. __________________ ”Lottermo fino alla morte, innalzando i nostri color é la canzone che viene dal cuor: alé alé Ac Milan alé,alé Ac milan alé” Verae amicitiae sempiternae sunt(Cicero) FORZA MILAN!