Volkswagen Has Announced It Will No Longer Participate In Motorsports

In preparation to shift focus towards electric vehicles and the electric platform, largely in part of its Dieselgate settlement, Volkwagen is shaking things up and cutting costs across the board. The biggest change that the automaker announced is that it will be discontinuing the brand’s involvement in motorsport activities, racing included.

“The Volkswagen brand is on the way to becoming the leading provider for sustainable e-mobility. To this end, we are pooling our strengths and have decided to terminate the Volkswagen brand’s own motorsport activities. The motorsport workforce will be integrated in Volkswagen AG. The deep technical expertise of the motorsport employees and the know-how gained from the ID.R project will remain with the company and will help us put further efficient models from the ID. family on the road”, said Dr. Frank Welsch, Member of the Board of Management with responsibility for the Development Division.

The change comes after the announcement last year that VW would be stopping all non-electric motorsports programs. Fortunately, the 169 employees based in Volkswagen Motorsport GmbH will be integrated into Volkswagen AG.

While production of the Polo GTI R5 rally car will end this year, VW has made it clear that the long-term supply of parts for both Polo and Golf GTI race cars is “secure” so enthusiasts have no need to panic. This also means VW vehicles will be able to participate in events for at least a few more years.

So for all you VW-branded race car fans out there, this seems to be the end of the road.