Audi F1 deal with McLaren unlikely, report says

HAMBURG -- An agreement for Volkswagen Group's Audi to join Formula One by investing in British sports-car maker McLaren is becoming increasingly unlikely, a person familiar with the project said.

"The price expectations are too far apart," the person told Reuters on Thursday.

While the project had not yet failed, its prospects are now close to zero, the source said.

Meanwhile, talks with Swiss-based Sauber, which runs the Ferrari-powered Alfa Romeo team, and Williams are continuing, the person said.

Williams and Aston Martin, both currently powered by Mercedes engines, have said they would be interested in future ties with Audi.

"I think for any team who has not a manufacturer on his side, it's super appealing to have this possibility," Aston Martin team boss Mike Krack told reporters at last month's Emilia Romagna Grand Prix.

Williams team principal Jost Capito is a previous head of Volkswagen Motorsport.

Both Audi and VW Group declined to comment.

Manager Magazin reported earlier on Thursday that talks with McLaren were close to failing after months of negotiations.

VW Group has not previously been involved in F1 but has worked with Red Bull, notably in the World Rally Championship.

On Monday, VW Group CEO Herbert Diess said that Audi and Porsche would join F1, after convincing the group that the move would bring in more money than it would cost.

"According to both premium brands, Formula One is the most important lever to boost brand value," Diess said. "With the plans for a bigger presence in China and the U.S., the attraction as the biggest motor-racing spectacle is only going to grow."

Both Porsche and Audi have started work on F1 engines, Diess said.

A source had told Reuters in March that Audi was ready to offer about 500 million euros ($556.3 million) for McLaren as a means to enter.

Porsche intends to establish a partnership with F1 racing team Red Bull.

Bloomberg contributed to this report