Quote Originally Posted by Simmi View Post
No unfortunately there is a misconception that Audi chose FE over WEC which was brought about by the press release. Effectively Audi trying to save a bit of face and imply they are remaining in global motorsport. The decision for them to support Formula E was made before and independently of the WEC exit. They even put out a press release weeks ago, explaining the move to FE would not have any impact on Audi's current motorsport programmes. The FE stuff is absolutely tiny in comparison to the Le Mans effort. Really it's just a branding exercise.(...)
They wouldn’t be promising to keep Audi Sport work force just for PR purposes...everyone suspected Audi would leave LM/WEC before 2018, most likely because of group brand competition with Porsche, like you’ve mentioned. If they’re keeping their motorsport arm and decided to quit LM/WEC earlier it makes sense they’ll use the free time to prepare a full scale entry in other motorsport series. They’re saying its FE, why should we doubt?

Btw, today’s rumor is essentially the same BS story since dieselgate’s day after: VW will pull out motorsport due to the emissions scandal ‘financial burden’. Why can't people realize VW is one of the richest and most profitable industrial groups around? If they decide to leave motorsport they’ll do it for political pressures – there’s a strong eco lobby in Germany - not by financial needs.

Still, fingers crossed…