2016 F1 'Clash of Titans', Alonso to head new Audi challenge to Merc?

[John S]

Now that's more exciting news ain't it?              

http://master.motorsport.com/f1/news/2016-audi-f1-program-with-alonso-rumored-to-be-in-the-works

[cosworth151]

I wondered how long VW Group would support two competing endurance racing teams. Porsche does seem to be the more natural fit for that series. I just wonder how Audi will fit in with F1's more restrictive and arguably lower tech rules than LMP1.  It seems to go against Audi's high tech image.

[Dare]

Audi answers?You never know what the
truth is when it comes to F1......guess it's the
Bernie equation

http://www.planetf1.com/driver/18227/9537299/Audi-deny-F1-interest

[Willy]

I would love to see VW enter F1 as they do have the pockets for it being the largest car manufacturer on Earth.
Under the AUDI flag they would have a great name with a solid affordable road car connection unlike Ferrari.
With Toyota and Honda out of F1 there is not a brand marquis other then Merc that fans can cheer for and then walk to and drive home in.
People want to feel a part of something and without a team racing in a car that has the same name on it that the fan sees each day on his steering wheel, he can't really get connected.

[cosworth151]

From Marshall Pruett:

http://www.racer.com/more/viewpoints/item/110547-pruett-inside-the-audi-f1-rumors

[Monty]

I would love to see Audi come into F1 although I have to admit, I do not understand why any Manufacturer wants to splash hundreds of millions of dollars into single-seater or prototype motor sport (I am very grateful that they do, but I don't understand).
Clearly I recognise the global TV coverage and of course I understand brand endorsement but just how many people buy a Mercedes because they are in F1, or select an Audi A3 because Audi competed in LeMans?
Having no such involvement doesn't seem to impair BMW.
Part of me wonders if F1 would actually be better if it was operated by race teams using bespoke race chassis and bespoke race engines possibly from a single supplier.
A friend of mine argues a different logic, he thinks F1 cars should use engines only from production cars with limited modifications allowed.
I just hope some successful formula can be found to save F1 because at the moment I can see the business resulting in a race series with only 15 cars from just 5 teams.

[cosworth151]

The mantra for decades has been, "win on Sunday, sell on Monday."

[Monty]

I understand the mantra when what wins on Sunday looks like what you buy on Monday.
It has worked for Motorcycles for years, and for any level of touring cars and other Silhouette race cars.
Manufacturers involvement in drag racing saw funny cars and pro-modified cars modelled on the latest cars available in the showrooms.
But how does that work for F1 or prototypes? I'm sure some slick suited marketing guy could make a case but I would bet that if Mercedes took the $500million out of F1 their profits would increase by about $450million!!! However, I really hope they do not try to find out!

[Jericoke]

I understand the mantra when what wins on Sunday looks like what you buy on Monday.
It has worked for Motorcycles for years, and for any level of touring cars and other Silhouette race cars.
Manufacturers involvement in drag racing saw funny cars and pro-modified cars modelled on the latest cars available in the showrooms.
But how does that work for F1 or prototypes? I'm sure some slick suited marketing guy could make a case but I would bet that if Mercedes took the $500million out of F1 their profits would increase by about $450million!!! However, I really hope they do not try to find out!

Much of the new research indicates that people actually research the cars they buy. They read reviews, analyse price points for features they like.  Compare safety records, theft reports, efficiency estimates. 

The number of people who buy a car because they saw it win a race is dropping quickly.

However, this is true in American car shopping.  I can't speak for the 'emerging markets' that both F1 and Mercedes (amongst others) are aiming for. 

We all know that Ferrari's cachet is largely based on their history in sports.  If Mercedes (or others) wants that sort of cachet, it's going to take decades to build.

[cosworth151]

The number of people who buy a car because they saw it win a race is dropping quickly.

That's what the clique of non-car execs at Ford seem to think. They don't explain why, every time FoMoCo cuts back on racing, their sales drop.