Audi pulling out of Le Mans and DTM... in order to join Formula 1 in 2016? Possible Red Bull Racing purchase

[Sticky]

This would be a major change and somewhat unfortunate. Audi finally has a challenge in Le Mans with the LMP-1 efforts from Toyota and Porsche. Additionally, their DTM program is doing well and with BMW in the mix along with Mercedes DTM action is the most competitive it has been in years.

Le Mans and DTM do not have the glitz and glamor of Formula 1 though. Additionally, Audi may be bored with Le Mans having won 13 out of the last 15 races but the motorsports world expected them to try to break Porsche's record of 16 total victories at the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

Audi is reportedly examining the possibility of acquiring Red Bull Racing or Scuderia Toro Rosso. Further evidence to support Audi's Formula 1 entry is that Audi hired the former Ferrari F1 director Stefano Domenicali who stepped down this year.

Volkswagen apparently wants Porsche to handle the endurance racing leaving Audi available for Formula 1 competition. It makes sense to not spend resources so siblings duke it out in the same arena. If Audi combines its DTM and Le Mans budgets Formula 1 will not be a problem.

The real blow comes to DTM as with the loss of Audi it will only have Mercedes and BMW competing and therefore the series becomes less exciting. We will have to wait for official word from Audi confirming Formula 1 intentions but things are pointing in that direction.

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[bobS]

I hope audi does enter f1 but doesn't drop out of lemans or dtm. It does make sense to not fight their sibling, porsche, I guess we'll have to wait and see. I really want BMW to enter F1.

[Sticky]

BMW would sooner enter an advertisement design competition than Formula 1.

[bobS]

I"m hoping their recent turbo M cars force them into it. AMG is cleaning up in F1 this year...actually makes me want to test drive a Merc when i'm ready for my next toy.