Audi Ponders F1 Entry

Audi AG is studying the feasibility of campaigning a Formula One racing team, sources tell BBC News.

The assessment is being led by former Ferrari F1 team principal Stefano Domenicali. He resigned at Ferrari in April and joined Audi on Nov. 1. Audi says he will work on "new business and mobility services" but has not clarified what that means.

Media reports speculate Audi may be weighing the relative marketing benefit of F1 compared with the brand's involvement in the DTM and World Endurance Championship racing series.

Last month Audi flatly denied rampant rumors that Domenicali would lead an Audi F1 team in 2016 that included former Ferrari driver Fernando Alonso. The Spanish two-time world champion says he will join McLaren in 2015.

Observers point out that VW Chairman Ferdinand Piech and F1 boss Bernie Ecclestone dislike each other intensely, making an Audi entry unlikely until one of the executives leaves his post.