Porsche chairman Matthias Mueller has revealed that his company is considering returning to F1, possibly in 2013 when the new engine regulations are due to be released.

Although it ended its highly successful works sportscar programme in 1998, it has since produced customer cars. On the other hand, 'sister' manufacturer Audi, which has long been linked with a return to F1, is still prominent in sportscar racing.

"With LMP1, there are two classes and two brands - Audi and Porsche," Mueller told Autocar at the Paris Motor Show. "We do not like to both go into LMP1, that is not so funny.

"So therefore we have to discuss whether it makes better sense for one of the brands to go into LMP1, and the other brand into F1. So we will have a round-table to discuss the pros and cons."

The Stuttgart manufacturer, which along with Audi, Bentley, Bugatti, Lamborghini and SEAT forms part of the Volkswagen Group, is legendary in motorsport having won - and dominated in almost all disciplines. However, in terms of F1, other than its involvement in the highly successful TAG turbo engine project with McLaren, as a constructor it only contested two season (1961 and 1962) though it had previously taken part in world championship Grands Prix, albeit to F2 regulations.

Should the Stuttgart manufacturer opt to return to F1 however, it is thought that this would be as an engine supplier as opposed to entering as a fully fledged constructor. No doubt some are wondering whether McLaren might be interested is renewing what was a very successful 'marriage'.