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Ferrari president Sergio Marchionne says he has "always encouraged" German manufacturer Volkswagen to enter Formula 1.

There was speculation that VW could enter the series as Red Bull's engine supplier but nothing has come to fruition as yet.

The discussion was then shelved when VW became embroiled in the emissions test scandal with its road cars.

"In spite of the problems Volkswagen is having, I have always encouraged the past managing director of Volkswagen to join F1," he said.

"That such a large company was not in F1 was always very strange to me.

"I also encouraged General Motors, I always try to encourage all of them to join.

"That would be good for the sport, for them and for us."

The VW group has maintained its existing motorsport programmes despite the cost of the scandal penalties, continuing its three-car World Rally Championship effort.

But partner brands Audi and Porsche have reduced their Le Mans 24 Hours presence from three entries to two.

There have been suggestions Honda's struggles on its return to F1 with McLaren may have discouraged other manufacturers from following suit.

Marchionne thinks this should not be the case.

"Honda could do great things and could go back to wins," he said.

"We need more manufacturers in Formula 1."