Audi is open to the possibility of an F1 project as rumours it will join forces with Red Bull gain traction.
Speculation about a Red Bull/Audi partnership has existed for several years, but looks more relevant than ever as Red Bull's patience wears thin with current engine supplier Renault. The VW Group, which owns the Audi brand, is also in a state of change after its chairman Ferdinand Piech, long viewed as the reason it has not entered F1, stepped down last month.
Audi competes in the World Endurance Championship and its cars have won 13 of the last 15 Le Mans 24 Hours. It currently leads the WEC standings ahead of rival VW Group-brand Porsche, but despite its success in LMP1, Audi chairman Rupert Stadler has not ruled out an F1 project.
"In life you must keep things open," he told Auto Express. "We're already well stuffed with successful motorsport projects.
"But with F1, wait and see. It's an option for Audi. Not at this moment, perhaps. But it is still an option."
Red Bull's current contract with Renault runs until the end of 2016, with both sides holding their cards close to their chests over a renewal. This Thursday Red Bull will be among teams on the F1 Strategy Group discussing a possible change to F1's regulations for 2017, which could provide the perfect opportunity for a new manufacturer to enter the sport.