2009 Official Formula 1 thread

[coolmazda5]

Volkswagen group reportedly considering entering F1

Automakers appear to be pulling out of Formula One en masse. Jaguar and Ford withdrew a few years ago already, Honda canceled its participation at the end of last season, BMW is leaving at the end of this one, and both Toyota and Renault are reportedly considering canceling their programs as well. But one major automaker is now reported to be closely considering entering the fray: the Volkswagen group.

Soon-to-be the world's largest automaker, VW stands as one of the largest automakers having never participated in the sport. Auto Union competed in pre-war grands prix, Porsche participated briefly back in the '60s, and Lamborghini provided engines to a handful of teams a couple of decades ago. But that's about the extent of it.

As budgets constrict with each passing season, however, a senior VW executive in the Far East has reportedly indicated that the company is considering entering the sport, but that budgets would have to fall even further to make it financially viable for the German auto group. If it did, however, the conglomerate's participation whether as a constructor or engine supplier could be branded as Volkswagen, Audi or Porsche.


[Autoblog]

 

[coolmazda5]

We may actually see a modded Vocho beating up Ferraris soon, right tiagotiago? LOL

 

[tiagotiago]

We may actually see a modded Vocho beating up Ferraris soon, right tiagotiago? LOL

LOL It would be far more entertaining than the processional races we are sometimes treated with...and if the car broke down it is highly likely some random marshall could get it back running!

 

[Shadow102]

HE'S BACCCCKKKKKKK!!!!!!

http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/23/hes-back-schumacher-signs-with-mercedes-benz-f1-for-2010/

 

[Keno1542]

HE'S BACCCCKKKKKKK!!!!!!

http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/23/hes-back-schumacher-signs-with-mercedes-benz-f1-for-2010/

I think everyone saw that coming after he couldnt fill in for Massa 'because of his neck' and left Ferrari at the end of the season. You knew he was talking to another team because Ferrari wouldnt give him a ride in 2010. If only USF1 could have gotten him...where is Peter Windsor when you need him?? haha

 

[Lewis7789]

Wow. I'm baffled. And Schumi is going to be driving a Mercedes-Benz? It will be so weird not to see him in Ferrari red...

 

[aMaff]

You know, the thing I fear is that he's going to do the Michael Jordan thing. Retire when you're on top, then come back and not really do much. He did the right thing retiring as a legend. I hope he proves me wrong, but more often than not, that's not the case.

 

[coolmazda5]

^^ Yeah, beat me to it, but at least Schumacher is not moving into baseball... oops, sorry, Nascar, MotoGP or WRC

 

[coolmazda5]

VIDEO: BBC interviews Schumacher about his return to Mercedes-Benz F1

Let the rumors rest -- Michael Schumacher is back. As we reported earlier this morning, it appeared he was all set to sign with Mercedes-Benz, and now the deal is done. The newly named Mercedes GP Petronas team (nee Brawn GP) finally announced that they have signed the soon-to-be-41-year-old, seven-time World Champion to drive for the Silver Arrows team in 2010, and the BBC has already tracked him down for an extensive interview. Although most closely associated with Ferrari for returning that legendary marque to the winners circle following a decades-old drought, Schumacher does have a history with Mercedes having started his top level driving career via their junior program back in 1990 competing in Group C and DTM racing.

Besides being reunited with Ross Brawn the man who brought him every one of his seven championships Michael brings just a bit more experience to the Mercedes F1 team with his 248 starts, 91 wins, 154 podiums, and 68 pole positions. And even after a three-year layoff, the consensus seems to be that he hasn't missed a step. As you may remember, Michael almost made his comeback for Ferrari last year following Felipe Massa's unfortunate accident in Hungary, but he was sidelined due to neck problems related to a motorcycle racing crash. Schui has been tuning up with some karting action, most recently in Las Vegas, where he was competing against some of the best racers in the world, including fellow F1 pilots Nelson Piquet, Jr. and Sebastien Buemi.

MS will be joining fellow German Nico Rosberg at Mercedes, making the team an all-German affair. The F1 driving contract is said to be worth nearly $9.9 million to Schumi for 2010. Michael, for his part, says he has high hopes for returning to the podium right away and in fact plans to grab another championship trophy next year. Why else would he bother, right? It should be a fascinating season. Click through to the jump to watch the BBC interview Schumacher talking about his decision to return to racing and read the official statement from Mercedes GP.

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[Autoblog]

 

[JC-MP5]

Where's Jenson Button going in all this? I'm a little lost...

 

[Shadow102]

Where's Jenson Button going in all this? I'm a little lost...

he is already signed and ready to go with mclaren teaming with hamilton

 

[JC-MP5]

Ahh ok.