Red Bull Volkswagen?

Red Bull Racing may have a deal to run Ferrari engines at the moment, but Dietrich Mateschitz's motorsport interests are becoming increasingly aligned to the German Volkswagen group. Could we see Red Bull Volkswagen in the future?

Volkswagen is the only large German carmaker without a presence in F1. The Volkswagen group is made up of Audi, Bentley, Bugatti, Lamborghini, Seat, Skoda & VW.

Skoda last week announced its withdrawal from the World Rally Championship, although in reality, they are merely transferring to a Red Bull team. Skoda will still provide cars, development and engineers for the Austrian based BRR team which is financed by Red Bull

It is clear from this that Red Bull has what amounts to a works deal in all but name and that its money is being used to build up Skoda's challenge in the WRC with the possibility that later, if the team is successful. Skoda will return as a factory team – probably still with Red Bull backing.

Red Bull also provide backing to the VW Entry in the Dakar Rally, The SEAT World Touring Car, and the Audi DTM car. VW have often been touted as the most likely manufacturer to enter F1, and the Red Bull links would be the obvious route.

Red Bull would be keen on similar partnership with Volkswagen in F1 which would allow VW to enter F1 using Red Bull money and then take over the program if all went well, while keeping Red Bull on as a sponsor. Sportnetwork