Translate Porsche 'F1 Project' Article

[CurtEgerer]

Can someone translate this 1981 German article. Not word-by-word, but just a general summary. It has something to do with a Formula 1 project. What is the relevance of the car pictured? Thanks.


Shot at 2007-07-12


Shot at 2007-07-12

[911T1971]

Printed october 1981
Baron Karl Freiher von Wendt wanted, together with Porsche, build a Formula 1 Team. Not enough financial assets did stop this german project.

During the 24hours le Mans grand prix, Porsche CEO Peter Schutz did announce : "yes, Porsche is interested in Formula 1 participation....in the upcoming weeks we will decide."

Rumours talked about a secret meeting with Niki Lauda or Dan Gurney would buy Ensign and Porsche would collaborate. Toleman sponsor Candy would join them too. Other rumours talked about a team ready for 1982, organised by KF von Wendt, who drove, sometimes together with W.Kausen, Porsche cars in the 60ies. Later he tried to build a german racing track, together with his partner Michael Kranefuss. (later boss of Ford Motorsport in the US).
Wendt still drives Porsche cars; the photo captures driving him the legendary "Bergspyder" on august 15/16 during the annual "Oldtimer grand prix" at the Nurburgring.

But at that day, Porsche announced they would abandon their Formula 1 project with von Wendt. 10Billions DM ("zehn Millionen Mark") was calculated for each of three projected years but only 4Billions DM ("vier Milllionen Mark") could be organised. Some sponsor money was promised but never secured.

Manfred Jantke, Boss of Porsche Motorsport, told the press: "Since 9 years I work for Porsche and 9 times we had requests for a participation. But there was never enough money around.."
Porsche calculated 3 years to build a car from scratch until participation with a championship winning car. "We are interested in a technical development program. We are not interested in a factory owned Formula 1 car."

In reality, this would mean Porsche would spent the first year to develop the construction of a new motor, either in turbo or regular spec. Second year would be used for tests on racing circuits etc.. Only in the third year would be a participation on an actual race. "If we speak on participation, we speak on a 100% new construction."

The text goes on that over the years many clients approached Porsche for Formula 1 participation..always very discreet.
The text then asked why, beside finacial problems, the project with von Wendt did not go trough.
"Maybe von Wendt was to direct and talked to early about his secret project with Porsche, which they did not like because nothing was yet decided."
Peter W. Schutz was probably enthousiastic about this request since it was his personal ambition to join again motorsport with Porsche. He was probably rather interested in using the Weissach centre for racing research than for developments of increasing serial car production. However, he was probably less experienced dealing with potential F1 clients than CEO Fuhrmann before him.

Instead it was decided to focus on group C cars and that by 1983 this program would be available also for private clients..until then clients have to accept running on 924GTR or projected group B 944 versions only.

"Maybe this programm has not the glamour of a Formula 1 program but its still good to know Porsche increases again his motorsport program. Its even good to know a german car manufactor is ready to join Formula 1 again. Only, money has to be secured first."

[CurtEgerer]

Excellent. Thanks!