Volkswagen Group considering future Formula 1 entry

Sources say the review is being conducted by ex-Ferrari team principal Stefano Domenicali, who was hired by VW's Audi brand earlier this year.

Its interest is being piqued by the global marketing success achieved by rivals and new F1 champions Mercedes.

But any entry would depend on management changes at VW or F1.

Ferdinand Piech, the head of the supervisory board of the VW Group, and F1 commercial boss Bernie Ecclestone have long had a difficult relationship.

At least one of them would need to leave their current position before a VW Group brand could enter F1.

VW was on the working group of car manufacturers that decided on the new turbo hybrid engine rules introduced into F1 this season, but decided against entering at that time - and, publicly, has not changed its stance since.

But sources say that some senior board members now believe F1 would be a more effective global promotional tool than its existing motorsport programmes.