If there's one rumor that's rounded the mill more than any other, it's the notion of Volkswagen getting into Formula One. After all, it is one of the largest automakers that isn't in the sport now or didn't recently shutter its program. But while reports over the past year speculated on the possibility, the last one we ran with seemed to have put the issue to rest as the German automaker ruled out the possibility. Or did it?

According to reports coming in from the paddock, Volkswagen is encouraged by the new formula approved by the FIA for 2013 that will replace the current V8 engines with a new breed of turbo fours joined again with KERS hybrid braking systems.

The company's racing chief Hans-Joachim Stuck (pictured) stopped short of committing, but domestic publications have quoted the former grand prix driver as saying things like "The engine rules are a good starting point for Volkswagen in Formula One", and "The conditions for a possible entrance of the Volkswagen group have been created". If that isn't opening the door again, we don't know what is.

Click the title for the source