Volkswagen Volkswagen may consider joining Formula 1 in seven years' time, the car maker's head of motorsports Wolfgang Duerheimer has said.

"I could imagine involvement in Formula 1 in 2018, when the company is at the forefront of the industry," Duerheimer told Auto Motor und Sport magazine. "We have enough brands that could do that."

The carmaker had said last year that Formula 1 would need more stability and a better image before the company considered joining the sport. That came after Volkswagen revealed in 2009 that it was evaluating the potential benefits of F1 when new engine regulations are introduced from the start of 2014.

Volkswagen's lineup of brands include Audi, Lamborghini, Porsche, Skoda, Bugatti and SEAT.