Porsche had already built a concept Formula 1 engine before pulling plans to enter the sport from 2021, it has been revealed.

The German manufacturer was one of the several parties interested in efforts to alter the current power unit structure and create a simpler, less expensive design, including the removal of the MGU-H.

However, as they were slowly nixed by the four current suppliers, Porsche's superiors at the Volkswagen Group also then changed path.

"It was really close," motorsport boss Fritz Enzinger recalled with SpeedWeek.

"When the Group Executive Board commissioned a highly efficient racing engine in 2017, Porsche had not only already designed it, it was already built!

"We were involved in the regulatory discussions between the FIA and the F1 promoter Liberty Media.

"However, in the construction phase, the group favoured an e-mobility motorsport policy, but the 1.6-litre V6 engine was already on the test bench."

Having chosen to enter Formula E instead, the German manufacturer joined the grid for Season 6 and surprised everyone by standing on the podium in Saudi Arabia.

"The expectation was to reach podium places during the season," Enzinger admits.

"It was really a surprise that we would finish second in the first race and it was important because our path was courageous - we couldn't build on an existing team like BMW did with Andretti or Mercedes with HWA.

"So we needed experience, which is why [Andre] Lotterer, who drove in the best team for two years [DS Techeetah], was hired and was the reference for us.

"After his verdict in the first test in August, we knew we were doing really well."