Porsche denies preparing for F1 foray

Oct.17 (GMM) Porsche has denied rumours it is preparing to enter Formula One.

#77 Team Felbermayr-Proton Porsche 911 RSR: Richard Lietz, Marc Lieb

Photo by: James M. Holland

Germany's Auto Motor und Sport reported this week that while the VW brand is open about its Le Mans return plans, sports cars may merely be "a warm-up" for F1.

The magazine said Porsche is busily signing up personnel with F1 experience, including Fritz Enzinger, Alex Hitzinger, Mike Krack and recent Sauber engineer Urs Kuratle.

The well-known road car brand is also establishing its Weissach facility as a state of the art motor sport factory complete with wind tunnel, while the marque's drivers are reportedly having hours booked in the industry-leading McLaren simulator.

But Porsche motor sport spokesman Oliver Hilger said on Wednesday: "This is pure speculation. We have no ambitions for Formula One.

"Our intention is to do Le Mans and the world sports car championship; nothing has changed," he told SID news agency.

Hilger also said nothing should be read into the fact that it has recently signed up staff with F1 experience.

"For our sporting ambitions we need new staff from the top of motor sport. And if you need good people, of course you have to look around also in Formula One," he insisted.