VAG to pull out of Motorsport post 2016

[stefanvv]

WEC has nothing more to offer to AUDI in terms of hybrid technology development (same, and even more with diesel ones). So is WRC for VW in terms of new technologies. If they're really taking course for newer ones, sadly this quit is the way to do it probably and seems logical. Plus now VW can benefit of selling customer cars in rallying, instead of spending hundred of mils each year.

[Mirek]

Both WEC and Formula-E are some of the very few motorsport activities which have some actual impact on the production cars as the technologies there are relatively new. WRC on the other hand is pure marketing tool. Nothing for stock production is being developed or tested there. Those days are gone.

[stefanvv]

WRC on the other hand is pure marketing tool. Nothing for stock production is being developed or tested there. Those days are gone.

May be VW (and as well Toyota) have had hopes things to change in 2017?

[Mirek]

Why? Every carmaker comes to WRC for marketing reasons. There is no need for developing any stock technologies in there. Really, nobody needs WRC as some sort of testing ground. It has other purpose and everybody involved knows it. 2017 rules change nothing about that. If they went electric or hybrid it would be different but still it would not be the primary purpose, just a secondary useful atribute.

[stefanvv]

Why? Every carmaker comes to WRC for marketing reasons.

Initially yes, but probably after diesel-gate politics changed?!?

2017 rules change nothing about that.

Now that they're a fact, no. But is there a possibility they had adopted different ones, in terms of technology?!?

[Mirek]

That was agreed for next rule change in another 5-6 years. For rallying specifics it would be too early and too expensive.

[giu canbera]

They answered me with a:
"Hello, there are currently no plans for either the existing vehicles or the new ones to be used for customer sport in the WRC"

I asked if "no plans" means "WE WILL NOT GIVE OUR CARS FOR ANYBODY" or "No plans but if RedBull brings the cash for the '17 Polos they'll be on track" - Still waiting for the answer

[EightGear]

They answered me with a:
"Hello, there are currently no plans for either the existing vehicles or the new ones to be used for customer sport in the WRC"

I asked if "no plans" means "WE WILL NOT GIVE OUR CARS FOR ANYBODY" or "No plans but if RedBull brings the cash for the '17 Polos they'll be on track" - Still waiting for the answer

Why are you wasting your time on this?

[giu canbera]

I believe Renault could drop its F1 program by 2019, cuz they are investing in F-E and are looking into WorldRX too.
Motorsport is entering this new era... TBH, I dont believe autoracing will survive having these "Global Series" with Manufacturers onboard. Look at Indycar, BritishRX, BTCC, V8SC... The manufacturers doesnt have their big team beating everybody y'know... This "customer & privateer" teams only could be the best solution for motorsport IMO. ANd lets not forget, we are this close from a new economic crisis. Probably bigger than 2008

[giu canbera]

Why are you wasting your time on this?

I'm unemployed