The Volkswagen Group is reportedly conducting a feasibility study to evaluate whether they should submit an entry to Formula 1 in the future.
The world's second-largest car manufacturer, which includes brands such as Audi, Porsche and Seat, has had success in the World Endurance Championship, German Touring Car Championship and World Rally Championship in recent years, but is not currently represented of the F1 grid.
According to BBC Sport, former Ferrari team principal Stefano Domenicali, who now works for Audi, is conducting the study in the wake of Mercedes's success since their return to the sport in 2010.
The group's chairman recently said in an interview with the German media that the brand was in a "really good position" within motorsport.