VW, again, in F1 link

German carmaker Volkswagen, with the Audi brand, could be planning to enter formula one, a newspaper in Munich has reported.

'TZ' wrote on Saturday that 'VW' may be considering a collaboration with Red Bull to first be an engine supplier in 2008 before later launching a full works outfit.

The newspaper said 'Audi' – in 2009 or 2010 – could be built out of Red Bull's newly acquired Minardi junior team, which was recently renamed 'Squadra Toro Rosso' for next year.

For the F1 foray, Audi would withdraw from DTM (German touring cars) and the Dakar Rally, freeing up the funds to partly finance the operation.

Predictably, there was no comment at Volkswagen or Audi, while Red Bull's Dr Helmut Marko brushed the media speculation – now almost an annual tradition – aside. ''I can't imagine Volkswagen wanting to go into formula one,'' said the 'advisor'.

VW boss Bernd Pischetsrieder, involved in BMW's decision to return to the sport, is an unabashed fan of grands prix racing.

'TZ' also linked former BMW man and ex-F1 driver Gerhard Berger with the Audi/VW project.