McLaren denies it's been snapped up by Audi
Both Audi and BMW are reportedly eager to buy British supercar-maker McLaren and its F1 teamMcLaren Group has been forced to issue a statement that denies rumours it has been bought by Audi.
Over the weekend there were reports that both Audi and BMW were eyeing a takeover of the cash-strapped UK-based car-maker.
One report suggested a deal that would see McLaren split into two, with BMW making off with the supercar brand and Audi taking over the reins of the Formula 1 team.
Further reports suggested that the entire McLaren Group might have been bought by Audi, with a deal claimed to be already in place with the Bahrain sovereign wealth fund that currently owns the British brand.
Commenting publicly, McLaren said the rumours of its sale were "wholly inaccurate".
In a statement, McLaren said: "McLaren's technology strategy has always involved ongoing discussions and collaboration with relevant partners and suppliers, including other car-makers, however, there has been no change in the ownership structure of the McLaren Group."
Audi, meanwhile, said it would not comment on the specific case of McLaren but said it regularly considers different co-operation opportunities.
Germany's Automobilwoche – one of outlets that broke the story that BMW was about to hold talks with the Bahrain sovereign wealth fund next month – was later told by a BMW spokesman that the article was "wrong".
In July, McLaren was forced to raise £550 million ($A1b) from existing investors and a further $US620 million ($A840m) by issuing bonds to keep its head above water.
Last month, long-standing CEO Mike Flewitt also resigned after eight years at the helm.
Audi is seen as a likely bidder for McLaren as it would give the Volkswagen Group direct access to an existing F1 team that could help sibling brand Porsche re-enter the pinnacle of motorsport.
The McLaren supercar brand, meanwhile, could help share the high cost of developing the next Audi R8, Lamborghini Huracan and Aventador replacement, while benefiting directly from the Bugatti-Rimac tie-up.
Other rumours suggest Porsche is set to team up with Red Bull Racing as a powertrain partner.
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