Dietrich Mateschitz hopes Red Bull is in pole position should Volkswagen decide to enter formula one.

"Our companies are relatively close together already," the Austrian billionaire said in an interview with Sport Bild.

The VW Group, with brands including Audi and Porsche, has been making noises recently about entering F1 when the new engine formula debuts in 2013.

And Red Bull, the reigning drivers’ and constructors’ champions, are openly less than happy with its current engine relationship with Renault, with main rivals Mercedes and Ferrari punching more power.

As for VW, "there are partnerships (with Red Bull) not only in DTM but also the Dakar rally, and also in some other areas", the energy drink’s owner added.

Mateschitz insisted however that "talks with VW about a collaboration (in F1) would be interesting not only for ourselves but for every other non-factory team in F1".