There has been loads of talk surrounding the possibility that Audi (and indeed Porsche) could soon join the greatest motorsport spectacle on the planet: Formula 1. This possibility only exists because of rule changes in the sport that could suit the two German automakers, and with the future of the sport embracing so-called e-fuels (synthetic fuels), Porsche could have a preliminary advantage. That's all good news, but what we really want is some sort of commitment from either company. Fortunately, Audi has now told the FIA that it intends to confirm its entry to F1 early next year. Is Audi about to dominate yet another form of motorsport? Only time will tell.

Audi board members Markus Duesmann and Oliver Hoffmann sent a letter to F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali and outgoing FIA president Jean Todt on Tuesday, saying that they feel that proposed regulation changes - including a cost cap for power units - offer a fair compromise for existing competitors and newcomers alike. Interestingly, Audi used the opportunity to open the letter with an apparent swipe at compatriot rivals Mercedes, congratulating the FIA on what the automaker called a fair conclusion to the 2021 F1 season, specifically the controversial last lap. Audi will make its intentions clear by committing one way or the other early next year - likely as soon as the full engine regulation updates are confirmed - and it seems that if Ingolstadt's finest decides to join the party, it will come in with all guns blazing.

Audi has been dominant in just about every form of motorsport it has ever thrown its weight behind, and we as the car-buying consumers benefitted from many spectacular cars as a result. There would be no five-cylinder Audi RS3 were it not for the fire-breathing quattro monsters of the Eighties, and although the next Audi R8 will be electric, a new opportunity for an F1-inspired range of special editions could become a reality, just as Aston Martin very quickly capitalized on its safety car contract. Sure, Audi may only become an engine (power unit) supplier, but that could eventually evolve into a full works team. Exciting times lie ahead, and we can't wait to see what they hold.