The route on the opening day of the rally took the competitors from about 1

,800 to 2,800 metres above sea level. With temperatures around the 30-degree mark, the organisers threw in the first real toughie of the rally in the form of the 44.03-kilometre “El Chocolate” special stage, which the drivers had to tackle twice. After eleven of 22 stages, Volkswagen has 17 top-three times, an impressive eight of which produced stage wins.

The Mexican debut of Andreas Mikkelsen/Mikko Markkula (N/FIN) in the third Polo R WRC came to a premature end on day one of the rally. Lying second overall, the duo skidded off the road on the third special stage, damaging the suspension on their World Rally Car in the process. Mikkelsen/Markkula will return to action on Saturday under Rally2 regulations.

Quotes after day one of the Rally Mexico
Sébastien Ogier, Volkswagen Polo R WRC #1
“The day went much better than expected. I thought it would be much more difficult due to our early, and thus unfavourable, starting position. The gravel is extremely slippery, plus it is very hot in the cockpit – it is very easy to make mistakes. First place is more than we could possibly have expected, and puts us in a great position to win here again. However, I think we will have an exciting battle with Mads Østberg and my team-mate Jari-Matti Latvala from now on. Compliments to the guys in our engine department: we were at almost 2,800 metres above sea level today, and the turbo engine in the Polo R WRC is in a class of its own – just as it was last year.”
Jari-Matti Latvala, Volkswagen Polo R WRC #2
“To be honest, third place is a pleasant surprise. Opening the stages today was anything but a stroll in the park. In particular, the 44-kilometre ‘El Chocolate’ special stage was extremely soft and slippery, so there was a real risk of making a mistake with far-reaching consequences. We tried to drive in a fast and focussed manner, in order to stay in with a good chance for the rest of the rally. That paid dividends. We will have a much better starting position tomorrow. Then it will be someone else’s turn to sweep the streets, just as we had to today. However, there is still a long way to go to get on that podium. I will definitely also be trying to put some pressure on the guys ahead of me.”

Andreas Mikkelsen, Volkswagen Polo R WRC #9
“I was actually feeling good and had a good rhythm. Everything was going well. But then came a left-hander that got a little tighter than I expected. I made the mistake two days ago during the Recce. My pace notes for this point were probably a bit too optimistic. I skidded, found myself sideways on and hit a stone with the rear-right of the car. That was enough to take the wheel clean off, and that was that for today. Crashes like that make you realise that there is no substitute for experience. We found that out the hard way on our Mexico debut. It is a shame, but we will be back in business tomorrow under Rally2 regulations. We now want to gain as much experience as possible, in order to be able to push hard again here next year.”

Jost Capito, Volkswagen Motorsport Director
“Today, I would like to pay several huge compliments. Sébastien Ogier and Julien Ingrassia were in a league of their own, although they were faced with the disadvantage of being one of the first out onto the route. The same compliment goes to Jari-Matti Latvala and Miikka Anttila, who also made the most of their situation. First and third is a superb result. And we also have our engine department to thank for the success. They did a fantastic job of adjusting the Polo R WRC to cope with the high altitude and came up with an intelligent engine control unit. I take my hat off to them.”

And then there was …
… the air pressure of 742.1 millibars. The Polo R WRC recorded this figure on the “roof of the WRC”. Friday’s “El Chocolate” special stage took the drivers to 2,781 metres above sea level. This anomaly threw up a technological challenge for the engine engineers. The higher you get, the lower the air pressure sinks – in the case of “El Chocolate”, as low as 70% of the normal pressure. Taking into consideration the low oxygen continent of the air, high temperatures and low cooling efficiency, the key was to use the options remaining to perfectly calibrate the engine control unit to cope with the conditions and thus guarantee maximum performance. For comparison: while the Polo R WRC generates 315 hp at the rally in Sweden, only 220 of these remain at 2,781 metres.

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“While the focus was more on driving ability at the first two WRC rallies of the year in Monte Carlo and Sweden, the material will be put to a bigger test this time around in Mexico,” said Volkswagen Motorsport Director Jost Capito. “Adjusting the engine management system to cope with the extreme altitude is a fiddly job for the engineers, who must find the right balance between reliability and losing as little performance as possible. Furthermore, our driver/co-driver pairings have a Herculean task ahead of them. Their positions at the top of the World Championship mean they may – or must – open the route. Despite this huge handicap, I firmly believe that Jari-Matti Latvala, Sébastien Ogier and Andreas Mikkelsen will provide the odd bit of magic here and there, and hopefully surprise everyone.”

Who is quicker than Speedy Gonzales? – Small miracle needed on day one

With every World Rally Car that passes, more and more of the thick layer of gravel is cleared from the special stages. This effect even continues into the second loop of special stages at the Rally Mexico. This is a clear disadvantage for those opening the route. As such, even more pressure is on the drivers and co-drivers in the Volkswagen team. The works duos will be looking to limit damage on day one of the rally with a flawless job and perfectly calculated risks. Jari-Matti Latvala/Miikka Anttila top the Driver and Co-Driver standings with 40 points. As such, they will be first out onto the special stages on the opening day. Their team-mates Sébastien Ogier/Julien Ingrassia will follow two minutes later. With 35 points to their name, they are currently second in the World Championship. Another four minutes later, it is the turn of Andreas Mikkelsen/Mikko Markkula (24 points, fourth place in the World Championship) to hit the road.

The rules regarding the starting order in the WRC were revamped ahead of the season. The first day of the rally is now always run in the same order as the World Championship standings. The order on the remaining days is according to the overall standings at the end of the previous day’s rallying. Unlike in previous years, there will be no qualifying ahead of the start of the rally.

Like jogging with a snorkel – engines toil in thin air

The performance of the 1.6-litre turbo engines in the World Rally Championship is limited using an air restrictor, in accordance with WRC regulations. The effect is similar to breathing through a snorkel whilst jogging. With altitudes of around 2,800 metres above sea level in the Sierra de Lobos and Sierra de Guanajuato mountains, this effect is compounded at the Rally Mexico. The higher you get, the lower the oxygen content in the air, resulting in less efficient combustion. Furthermore, the air resistance for the turbo charger is also reduced. This increases the revolution speed in this component, and only by making adjustments with the engine management system is it possible to avoid a mechanical overload. The engines consequently generate 28 to 30 per cent less power than they do at the Rally Sweden.

“The altitude at the Rally Mexico affects the engine more than any other part of the Polo R WRC,” said Dr. Donatus Wichelhaus, Head of Engine Development at Volkswagen Motorsport. “On the one hand, the air pressure drops the higher you get, which in turns results in lower oxygen content in the air. On the other hand, the air resistance in the turbo charger is also reduced. As a result, this component achieves higher revolution speeds than at any other rally. In order to guarantee stability, but still lose as little performance as possible, we used various simulations even before last year to prepare for Mexico.”

In the heart of Mexico: mine shafts, winding roads, and “El Chocolate”

The extremes at the Rally Mexico provide a distinctive, contrasting programme for drivers, co-drivers and fans alike. The pop concert feeling of the “Guanajuato Street Stage” with 80,000 adoring fans is in stark contrast with the solitude of the highlands. A short special stage of just over one kilometre is more than offset by a 56-kilometre boneshaker. The Rally Mexico is one of the most multifaceted on the WRC calendar. Three special stages are worth particular mention, purely because of their length: “El Chocolate” on Friday at 44 kilometres, the 54-kilometre “Otates” on Saturday, and “Guanajuatito” with about 56 kilometres against the clock.

The most popular spectator point comes on the “Derramadero” special stage. Among the exquisite ingredients that combine to make the final, televised Power Stage so mouth-watering are the ultra-quick winding roads, a descent of about 200 metres within just 2.5 kilometres, and the “El Brinco” jump, which sees the World Rally Cars fly through the air in spectacular fashion. And all that just four kilometres from Cerro del Cubilete, at the top of which a 30-metre tall statue of Christ marks the geographic centre of Mexico.

Quotes ahead of the Rally Mexico

Sébastien Ogier, Volkswagen Polo R WRC #1
“I like the Rally Mexico. The goal for this year is obviously to repeat last season’s victory. The special stages in Mexico, some of which are very long, are always a big challenge for us. As the second car out, we start in the knowledge that the road conditions will improve with each car. My starting position is definitely better than that of my team-mate Jari-Matti Latvala, but the guys behind us will have even better conditions. As such, we will have to perform as well as possible on the opening day, in order not to throw away any hopes of victory early on. One of our strengths last year was the engine in the Polo R WRC. We had fewer problems with the conditions, the thin air and the ensuing loss of performance than our rivals did. However, we all start from scratch again in 2014.”

Jari-Matti Latvala, Volkswagen Polo R WRC #2
“The win in Sweden was a special moment for me, and has obviously given me an extra dose of confidence. We used tests in Spain to prepare meticulously for the forthcoming gravel rally in Mexico and the difficult conditions we will encounter there. The scrapping of qualifying means I, as the championship leader, have to be first out onto the route in Mexico. It goes without saying that this is a handicap. However, rules are rules. This is definitely outweighed by the pleasure of travelling to Mexico as the leader in the World Championship. I will be sporting about it and do my best whatever the circumstances. If everything goes perfectly to plan, it could still even be possible to win. However, that is not my main goal. We want at least to finish in the points. A place on the podium would be great.”

Andreas Mikkelsen, Volkswagen Polo R WRC #9
“Sweden was a perfect weekend. We were in contention to win the rally, and second place was ultimately a fantastic result for Mikko and me. Once you have made it onto the podium, you obviously want to do it again. However, you cannot lose your sense of reality. We are now looking forward to Mexico, which is completely new territory for us. It will not be easy for us, as I have never actually competed at this rally. I was able to take part in the ‘Recce’ last season, which allowed me to gain an initial impression. My goal is the top five. I am definitely physically and mentally fresh going into the rally weekend. After Sweden, I went home and spent some time with my family and friends. I also went to New York for a weekend to relax a little. I’m ready to go again now though!”

Three questions for … Martin Hassenpflug

You are the Car Chief for World Champion Sébastien Ogier’s Polo R WRC. In order to be successful, there has to be absolute trust between  the Car Chief and the driver. How long did it take you both to build up that level of trust?
Martin Hassenpflug: “It actually happened relatively quickly, as we are both about the same age. It was obviously also an advantage that we had contested the entire 2012 season together with the Škoda Fabia. Since then, there has been a blind understanding between us and we have cooperated absolutely seamlessly. That obviously pays dividends on hectic rally weekends.”

You have worked with many drivers. Can you tell us what makes Sébastien Ogier so special, and what makes him stand out from the other drivers?
Martin Hassenpflug: “Sébastien is definitely determined to win all the time. Ok, nearly all the drivers have that, but it is really extreme in his case. (laughs) When it is all or nothing and the rally is underway, he switches into winner mode – and away we go!”

You and your team pamper and look after the Ogier Polo several times every day. When was the last time you washed your wife’s car?
Martin Hassenpflug: “Actually, that happens very rarely. Every so often I will take it to the car wash, or vacuum the seats and floor at the petrol station. But that is about it. However, I have yet to hear any complaints that I have only been cleaning Séb’s Polo and not her car. After all, that is my work, while her car is private – as such, they are two completely different beasts.”

The number for the Rally Mexico: 3

Volkswagen have their sights set on win number three of 2014 in the third round of the World Rally Championship (WRC). The team from Wolfsburg, and its three driving duos, also travel to León and the surrounding area as defending champions and leaders in all three classifications (Driver, Co-Driver and Manufacturer). Last year, Sébastien Ogier not only claimed overall victory on Volkswagen’s third appearance in the World Rally Championship, but also picked up three bonus points for winning the Power Stage.

Jari-Matti Latvala and Miikka Anttila claimed their third Rally Sweden victory today, taking the win by 53.6 seconds over Volkswagen team-mates Andreas Mikkelsen and Mikko Markkula. Third position was taken by the Citroën DS3 crew of Mads Østberg and Jonas Andersson.

In the FIA World Rally Championship for Drivers, Latvala’s victory and additional points in the Power Stage see the Finn head the leaderboard, five points ahead of team-mate and reigning World Champion Sébastien Ogier. Mads Østberg rounds off the top three, another five points adrift. In the Manufacturers’ Championship, wins in Monte-Carlo and Sweden put Volkswagen Motorsport in the lead, the German marque 16 points ahead of the Citroën Total Abu Dhabi World Rally Team.

Today’s final day of competition took in two identical loops of four stages covering 142.16 competitive kilometres. The rally was rounded off with the televised Power Stage, in which all-important points are awarded to the fastest three drivers through this single stage. Here, Østberg, Latvala and Mikko Hirvonen collected the extra points. Latvala started the day in control of the field and a clean sweep of fastest times in the opening loop helped the Finn extend his advantage. This afternoon he was able to control the field to notch up his first WRC victory since Greece last year. Mikkelsen has driven a fine event, the Norwegian always in the frame for his first-ever WRC victory. Today he went off in the second stage and damaged the suspension, but otherwise escaped unscathed to secure his maiden WRC podium. Mads Østberg won two of this afternoon’s stage and finished a deserved third overall.

Mikko Hirvonen finished a more distant fourth, just over 30 seconds ahead of Ott Tanak in a similar Fiesta RS WRC. After going off the road yesterday, Sébastien Ogier managed to climb up to sixth, overhauling reigning Junior WRC Champion Pontus Tidemand and Henning Solberg. Craig Breen finished ninth and Kris Meeke 10th after losing time stuck in a snow bank this morning. Robert Kubica endured a difficult rally and went off again today; he nevertheless gained valuable experience of all the stages and finished 24th overall.

The FIA World Rally Championship contenders now head across the Atlantic for the first full gravel event of the season, Rally Guanajuato Mexico (6-9 March).

Rally Sweden – Final Unofficial Results (subject to scrutineering)

1. Jari-Matti Latvala/Miikka Anttila
2. Andreas Mikkelsen/Mikko Markkula
3. Mads Østberg/Jonas Andersson
4. Mikko Hirvonen/Jarmo Lehtinen
5. Ott Tanak/Raigo Molder
6. Sébastien Ogier/Julien Ingrassia
7. Henning Solberg/Ilka Minor
8. Pontus Tidemand/Ola Fløene
9. Craig Breen/Scott Martin
10. Kris Meeke/Paul Nagle
Volkswagen Polo R WRC
Volkswagen Polo R WRC
Citroën DS3 WRC
Ford Fiesta RS WRC
Ford Fiesta RS WRC
Volkswagen Polo R WRC
Ford Fiesta RS WRC
Ford Fiesta RS WRC
Ford Fiesta RS WRC
Citroën DS3 WRC
3hr 00min 31.1sec
3hr 01min 24.7sec
3hr 01min 30.6sec
3hr 02min 58.0sec
3hr 03min 31.6sec
3hr 05min 01.0sec
3hr 05min 18.6sec
3hr 06min 09.3sec
3hr 09min 26.5sec
3hr 11min 49.1sec
FIA World Rally Championship for Drivers (after 2 of 13 rounds)

Jari-Matti Latvala (FIN)
Sébastien Ogier (FRA)
Mads Østberg (NOR)
Andreas Mikkelsen (NOR)
Bryan Bouffier (FRA)
Kris Meeke (GBR)
Mikko Hirvonen (FIN)
Ott Tanak (EST)
Elfyn Evans (GBR)
Henning Solberg
Jaroslav Melicharek (SVK)
Pontus Tidemand (SWE)
Matteo Gamba (ITA)
Craig Breen (IRL)
Yuriy Protasov (UKR)
40 points
35 points
30 points
24 points
18 points
17 points
13 points
10 points
8 points
6 points
4 points
4 points
2 points
2 points
1 point

FIA World Rally Championship for Manufacturers (after 2 of 13 rounds)

Volkswagen Motorsport
Citroën Total Abu Dhabi World Rally Team
Volkswagen Motorsport II
M-Sport World Rally Team
Hyundai Motorsport
RK M-Sport World Rally Team
72 points
56 points
26 points
22 points
8 points
4 points

Quotes after day one of the Rally Sweden
Sébastien Ogier, Volkswagen Polo R WRC #1
“That’s rallying! We skidded into a snow wall twelve kilometres into the first special stage of the day. It was a slow corner, which is perhaps why I lost my concentration a little. I missed the entry to the corner and next thing we knew we were stuck. A stupid mistake, but these things happen. Thank you to all the fans who helped us out. We obviously have nothing to lose now. The conditions are not easy, but we will do our best to still pick up valuable points towards the World Championship. The realistic goal for Julien and me is now sixth place. However, I hope for the sake of our team that Andreas and Jari-Matti top the standings come the end of the rally.”

Jari-Matti Latvala, Volkswagen Polo R WRC #2
“It is obviously a great feeling to lead the Rally Sweden. At the same time, we still have a lot of work ahead of us: Saturday is the longest day, and it will be all about looking after the studded tyres as well as possible, right up until the finish ramp in Karlstad. The spikes break very quickly on gravel, and you lose an awful lot of grip then. Today was very good for long periods and we were able to open up a small gap ahead of our team-mates. However, we then lost a lot of time on the penultimate stage. That just goes to show that the rally is still very open. We will continue our battle with Andreas Mikkelsen tomorrow. It would be awesome to win the Rally Sweden for a third time.”

Andreas Mikkelsen, Volkswagen Polo R WRC #9
“A fantastic day for us, and I am very happy with the way the Rally Sweden is panning out for me. I am yet to stand on the podium in the World Rally Championship, and that is exactly where I would dearly love to end this rally. However, I am a born-and-bred rally driver, and victory is within my grasp. I tried to keep up the pressure on my team-mate Jari-Matti Latvala, but without taking too many risks. That was a real balancing act, which we pulled off really well. Tomorrow is another long day of rallying, and we want to go about our work calmly and intelligently.”

Jost Capito, Volkswagen Motorsport Director
“It is great fun watching the battle between Jari-Matti Latvala and Andreas Mikkelsen develop. Both have been outstanding and are driving both extremely sensibly and quickly at the same time. There are no team orders at Volkswagen. They are both free to fight for the victory. It is a shame that Sébastien Ogier slipped up today, and is no longer in contention as a result. However, he reacted the right way to his mishap, bouncing back in impressive style to set the fastest time on six special stages. All in all, we are extremely happy with day two of the rally in Sweden. Let’s hope it continues this way.”

And then there was …
… snow graffiti. Five hours of work and 50 cans of spray paint – prior to the Rally Sweden, the Volkswagen Polo R WRC was ‘immortalised’ on a snow wall by graffiti artist Robert “Super-G” Forsberg in his home town of Karlstad. There is just one catch: the onset of spring is threatening to destroy the impressively realistic work of art – by melting it.

ends

Hagfors (Swe

Sébastien Ogier/Julien Ingrassia (F/F), in a Polo R WRC. A Volkswagen Motorsports photo

den), 6 Feb 2014: On course for gold, silver and bronze at the rallying world’s Winter Games – Volkswagen ended the first day of the Rally Sweden in first, second and third. Just with their noses in front are Sébastien Ogier and Julien Ingrassia (F/F). Over the course of the first seven of 24 special stages, the World Champions were involved in a thrilling internal duel at the top of the standings with fellow Volkswagen pair Andreas Mikkelsen/Mikko Markkula (N/FIN). A mere 5.8 seconds separate Ogier and Mikkelsen, who both have three stage wins to their name. And team-mates Jari-Matti Latvala/Miikka Anttila (FIN/FIN) are not to be forgotten either. They are a further 6.4 seconds behind Mikkelsen/Markkula in third place – well within striking distance of the leaders, a Volkswagen press release said.

Quotes after day one of the Rally Sweden
Sébastien Ogier, Volkswagen Polo R WRC #1
“To be first onto the route at a winter rally in Sweden is always difficult. As such, I was not sure what position we would find ourselves in come the evening. Anything in the top three would have been great. I am really extremely happy that we are actually leading the rally. The conditions were remarkably good, and better than we had expected. I am very happy with my own performance. It was a perfect day for us, and to have won three special stages from this starting position is a dream result. We now go into day two full of optimism.”

Jari-Matti Latvala, Volkswagen Polo R WRC #2
“I coped very well with the fast, flowing sections today. However, I unfortunately lost too much time on the short, winding stages. I had problems finding enough grip and a good rhythm on them. Séb and Andreas really set fantastic times. Andreas, in particular, was virtually unbeatable in his native Norway. Tomorrow is a new day, and I start from a good position in third. Maybe I can mix things up a bit at the top of the standings.”

Andreas Mikkelsen, Volkswagen Polo R WRC #9
“That was definitely the best day I have had since I joined Volkswagen. I won three stages and led the rally – and all on my own doorstep. Then there were the many Norwegian flags, my family and friends who came here to cheer me on. You obviously want to put on a particularly good show with all that support. The conditions were not easy today. I actually held a slender lead going into the final special stage of the day, but decided to save my tyres for tomorrow morning. As such, I lost a bit of time. My goal remains a podium finish. I will certainly not risk everything, but anything is possible.”

Jost Capito, Volkswagen Motorsport Director
“The job of Volkswagen Motorsport Director is a dream job – especially today. One, two and three – it just doesn’t get any better than this. I am extremely proud of the entire team: the drivers and co-drivers, engineers and mechanics. However, I am particularly proud of Andreas Mikkelsen and Mikko Markkula. They produced an outstanding display today, going head-to-head with the World Champions and leading the rally for a while. I am delighted for them both. However, Sébastien Ogier and Julien Ingrassia took full advantage of their opportunities today, even though they were first out onto the route. Last, but definitely not least: Jari-Matti Latvala and Miikka Anttila in third place, who still have a good chance of winning and were in no way inferior to their team-mates. They rounded off the most successful day of rallying to date for Volkswagen.”

And then there was …
… the unofficial Rally Norway – won today by Volkswagen. And by a Norwegian. The “Kirkener” and “Finnskogen” special stages, each of which was tackled twice, were held just over the border between Sweden and Norway. The only Volkswagen driver in the top three on all four stages: Andreas Mikkelsen.

ends

“Thank you. What a perfect start to the season! The team did a fantastic job. I am overjoyed. It is an amazing feeling to win the Rally Monte Carlo in these difficult conditions – particularly as the ‘Monte’ is now back on the World Championship calendar. And when you look at the last couple of days, we really deserved our win: the fightback in that extreme rain and then the snow chaos on the Col de Turini.”

There will be even more snow on the special stages in Sweden. How do you like this rally?
“The Rally Sweden is one of my favourite rallies on the calendar. Last year, we claimed the first win for Volkswagen here, following a great duel with Sébastien Loeb. That was probably the best rally of my career so far. Like Loeb, we pushed ourselves to the very limit the entire time, and had to give 100 per cent every minute. It paid off in the end though, as we emerged from that extreme challenge victorious.”

All in all it was an outstanding effort from you, Julien Ingrassia and Volkswagen to win all the World Championship titles in your very first year. Did you see that coming?
“If anyone had told us before the start of the season that Julien and I would end the year with nine wins and the World Championship title, we would probably have sent them straight to the team doctor. Before the start of the season, you never really know how good the car is compared to the opposition. Particularly when you have developed a completely new car, as we had with the Polo R WRC. After the early wins in Sweden, Mexico and Portugal it very soon became apparent to me that our overall package was a good one – and we have got off to another good start again this year!”

Do you feel more pressure as World Champion than you did in 2013?
“The overwhelming feeling is pride. Nobody can take that World Championship title away from us. This year’s goal is obviously to defend the title. Volkswagen won ten of the 13 rallies last year. That will be hard to beat – but we will do our best.”

Looking back at last season, what was the best and most emotional moment for you?
“Without a doubt, securing the World Championship title in France! The moment when Julien and I crossed the finish line on the Power Stage and knew: ‘We have done it, we are World Champions!’ A dream came true for us in that moment – one that we had been working towards for a long time. Everyone congratulates and hugs you – the emotions are overwhelming in that moment.”

Did you also have one particular moment in the World Championship-winning car, the Polo R WRC, that really stands out in your memory?
“We had a bizarre situation on the ‘Oates’ special stage in Mexico last year. 32 kilometres into the stage we suddenly had to perform an emergency stop, because a closed gate was blocking our way. We looked at each other for a fraction of a second, then Julien leapt out of the Polo R WRC, opened the gate, and off we went again. Thankfully the stewards gave us back the 37 seconds we lost.”

Who do you see as your toughest rival this year?
“My team-mate Jari-Matti Latvala, for a start. Besides him, I am curious to see how Thierry Neuville and the Hyundai team get on in Sweden, after they were so unlucky at the ‘Monte’. You can never underestimate Citroën. They are a very strong team, and have two good drivers in Mads Østberg and Kris Meeke. And I am obviously also keeping an eye on Robert Kubica, particularly after his display on day one of the Rally Monte Carlo. He is incredibly quick on asphalt. His Formula One past is there for all to see on that surface. It is a shame he crashed and had to retire at the ‘Monte’.”

Kubica is not the first Formula One driver to switch to the rally scene …
“It is fantastic for rallying that he has opted for our sport. Robert is definitely a big plus for the World Championship – as a driver and a person. I am looking forward to driving against him. And I am intrigued to see how he performs in the remaining twelve rounds of the World Championship season – especially on the ice and snow in Sweden.”

In your opinion, what makes rallying so special?
“We drive at 13 rallies per season, and each one is in different conditions – from the heat of Australia to the cold in Sweden. We drive on snow and ice, gravel and asphalt – through mountains, towns and the countryside. Then you have the many fans who flock to the route. Another hugely important aspect is that behind every success for a driver/co-driver pairing there is a great team. Rallying is a team sport. Races on racetracks are definitely also challenging and have their own appeal, but at the moment I would not swap the Polo R WRC for love nor money.”

How do you stay motivated all year? Do you ever get bored?
“I am on the road for about 250 days of the year. When I am at home, I actually look forward to relaxing on my sofa, or heading out into the countryside for a bit of exercise, like jogging or mountain biking. There is hardly enough time to be bored.” (laughing).

ends

From fourth to first – Sébastien Ogier/Julien Ingrassia (F/F) produced a courageous comeback to take the lead at the end of day two of the Rally Monte Carlo.

Jari-Matti Latvala/Miikka Anttila (FIN/FIN) ended the second day of the “Monte” in fifth place. However, the Volkswagen duo could easily fill a special supplement with the story of their day. Having already fought their way through the field from 17th to sixth yesterday, they found themselves back in eighth place after a puncture on day two. However, the duo hit back immediately and even clocked the fastest time in the dark on the final stage of the day. The charging Finnish pair benefitted from the misfortune that befell their team-mates Andreas Mikkelsen/Mikko Markkula (N/FIN) in the third Polo R WRC. The young duo, on slick tyres, slid slowly off the road on a particularly slippery section. However, they were able to continue and go into Saturday’s final four special stages in eighth place overall.

Quotes, day two of the Rally Monte Carlo

Sébastien Ogier, Volkswagen Polo R WRC #1
“Thankfully we made an intelligent tyre choice today. However, the heavy rain meant conditions were once again extremely difficult. In particular, the spots with fresh bitumen were almost like ice. There is a good reason why we drivers call those conditions ‘Black Ice’. On the whole, we are happy with the second day. After all, we not only reduced the deficit but are actually ahead of Bryan Bouffier going into the final day.”

Jari-Matti Latvala, Volkswagen Polo R WRC #2
“Another ‘Monte’ day that once again had its highs and lows, but also a nice finish. The morning’s loop was very slippery and difficult. The sheer quantity of rain had made the patches of bitumen particularly tricky. Unfortunately we suffered a puncture after the midday service, and lost a lot of time as a result. Winning the final stage of the day and climbing back up to fifth place has given us plenty of motivation ahead of the final day. A top-five finish was our goal right from the start, and we are still on course to achieve that.”

Andreas Mikkelsen, Volkswagen Polo R WRC #9
“It is no coincidence that the Rally Monte is regarded as the most difficult rally on the WRC calendar. It is incredibly hard to make the right tyre selection. It is almost impossible to judge the conditions out on the route correctly. A lot of grip here, standing water or icy sections there – it all changes dramatically from one metre to the next. We felt the effect of that on the first special stage of the afternoon. On slicks, we had no chance of avoiding sliding on a slippery spot in a very slow curve. Fortunately we could continue, but we lost a lot of time. On top of that, I had to let my team-mate Jari-Matti Latvala through, as he was flying on different tyres. We were ultra-cautious on the final special stage in the dark. I am pleased to have arrived in Monaco. Tomorrow we tackle the legendary stages on the Col de Turini – a first for me.”

Jost Capito, Volkswagen Motorsport Director
“Top class. That is probably the best way to describe the performance of Sébastien Ogier and Julien Ingrassia. They came from almost 50 seconds behind to end the day with a 50-second lead. They fully deserve to lead the ‘Monte’. Jari-Matti Latvala and Andreas Mikkelsen’s two incidents showed just how quickly the rally can be over. It was only thanks to a good portion of luck that they were able to continue and are still in the points. The ‘Monte’ is still far from over. Despite the fact that there are only 80 kilometres of special stage tomorrow, there are still some hard nuts to crack. Tomorrow’s itinerary features the legendary Col de Turini – that will once again be pure ‘Monte’. The entire team will have to stay fully focussed.”

And then there were …

… the day’s other 348 kilometres. For the crews servicing the World Rally Cars, the end of the midday service signalled the start of their very own race against time. Overnight, the Service Park for the Rally Monte Carlo moves from Gap to Monaco. The Alpine scenery is replaced with a view of the harbour. As soon as Sébastien Ogier and Julien Ingrassia’s Polo R WRC was sent back on its way in Gap, the crew set about dismantling everything. The Volkswagen team’s trucks reached Monaco late in the evening. There was no chance for a breather, however, as they immediately set about assembling the Service Park in order to be ready for the fifth service of the “Monte” on Saturday. The Rally Monte Carlo is the only round of the WRC, at which the Service Park is moved from one location to another.

Fastest time in his old “playground” – Volkswagen driver Sébastien Ogier and his co-driver Julien Ingrassia clocked the best time in the Shakedown ahead of the “Monte”, which took place on the outskirts of his birthplace of Gap. The opening round of the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC) is the legendary Rally Monte Carlo (14 – 19 January 2014), which starts in Gap and ends in Monaco, and team-mates Jari-Matti Latvala/Miikka Anttila and Andreas Mikkelsen/Mikko Markkula in the third Polo R WRC also took the opportunity to familiarise themselves with conditions on the 3.52-kilometre section. Although this year’s Rally Monte Carlo begins in his home town of Gap, the special stages are as new to Sébastien Ogier as they are to his rivals, as the stages are making their first appearance on the “Monte” route.

Slip slidin’ away – WRC drivers and co-drivers go head to head in ice karts

Driver and co-driver form an inseparable unit working in tandem to achieve success in the World Rally Championship. At the Rally Monte Carlo, this relationship was put to the test in a completely different manner on Wednesday evening. The WRC duos went up against the clock in individual time trials in an ice kart. The times of the driver and co-driver were then added together to determine the final result. The ice kart race was held in the Alp’Arena in Gap. Sébastien Ogier and Julien Ingrassia finished third.

“From Nought to World Champion” – the book of the WRC year

World Rally Champions at the first attempt: Volkswagen, Sébastien Ogier and Julien Ingrassia go into the 2014 season as title holders in the Manufacturer, Driver and Co-driver competitions. More than enough reason to recognise the incredible motorsport fairy tale that played out last year – in a book. “From Nought to World Champion” tells the story of Volkswagen’s first season in the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC) in 192 pages – from the first sketches right through to winning the title. Author Christian Schön, top photographers form the Kräling and McKlein photo agencies, Daniel Roeseler and Richárd Bálint offer exclusive insights into what goes on behind the scenes. “From Nought to World Champion” is available in book shops from 16th January – just in time for the Rally Monte Carlo.

NB: Visitors should not that this piece talks only about Volkswagen as it is a Press Release from VW

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From the hunter to the hunted: Volkswagen’s mission to defend its titles in the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC) opens with a genuine motorsport classic at the Rally Monte Carlo, as the “Monte” is the oldest rally in the world. From 14 to 19 January, the French pairing of Sébastien Ogier and Julien Ingrassia will line up for the first time as defending World Champions in both the Driver and Co-Driver competitions. Together with team-mates Jari-Matti Latvala/Miikka Anttila (FIN/FIN), they are the team to beat in the Manufacturers’ Championship, in which they can also count on able assistance from Andreas Mikkelsen/Mikko Markkula (N/FIN). The first of the 13 rallies on the 2014 calendar is immediately one of the hardest nuts to crack in the WRC. Virtually unpredictable conditions and 15 testing special stages on asphalt, ice and snow in the French Maritime Alps, not to mention night stages and temperatures well below freezing – the Rally Monte Carlo is one of the greatest challenges in motorsport, a Volkswagen release said

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“We line up at the Rally Monte Carlo with start number 1 on one of our Polo R WRCs for the first time,” said Volkswagen Motorsport Director Jost Capito. “This honour is reserved for the World Champion, and is something we are very proud of. However, this does not mean that we will be arrogant or complacent this season – particularly not at the iconic ‘Monte’. We will approach it with the greatest respect, maximum concentration, and absolute commitment. It is easier to win a World Championship title than it is to defend it. And that is our goal. The 2014 ‘Monte’ will give us the first indication of where we stand compared to the new-look opposition. We are looking forward to it.”

Victory at the “Monte” – a question of prestige

Formula One Grand Prix in Monaco, the Le Mans 24 Hours, the Indianapolis 500, the Rally Dakar and the Rally Monte Carlo – they are the five most prestigious motorsport competitions in the world. This year’s “Monte”, as the mother of all WRC rallies is affectionately known by fans, features four former winners. Sébastien Ogier/Julien Ingrassia, now driving for Volkswagen, won in 2009. They were followed in 2010 by Mikko Hirvonen/Jarmo Lehtinen, who will race for Ford in 2014, and fellow Ford pairing Bryan Bouffier/Xavier Panseri who triumphed in 2011. However, all three of these duos are missing the icing on the cake – their victories all came in the IRC (Intercontinental Rally Challenge) in a car complying with the Super 2000 regulations. A “Monte” win in the World Rally Championship? Only old hand François Delecour from France – also in action for Ford in 2014 – can boast one of those.

New rules, new challenge

A new sporting format and a new challenger – the 2014 World Rally Championship season has a number of new features for fans and competitors alike. The previous qualifying procedure at gravel rallies is omitted. Instead, the starting order will now be based on the current World Championship standings. Detailed amendments have also been made to the rules allowing competitors to return under Rally2 regulations. Over the course of the season, the itineraries for the rounds of the World Rally Championship will be standardised. In the future, the rallies will all begin with the start ceremony on Thursday and end with Sunday’s final stage at about midday. The final special stage will always form the so-called Power Stage, in which bonus points are up for grabs in the Drivers’ and Co-Drivers’ Championship for the first three cars. However, the “Monte” is an exception to the rule when it comes to the itinerary: it ends with the final special stage – “Sospel – Breil-sur-Roya” – in the dark on Saturday evening.

Home race for Sébastien Ogier – Gap hosts “Monte” start

Home banker? Well, there can certainly be no doubting that this is a home race for one man. The Rally Monte Carlo begins in the birthplace of the reigning World Rally Champion – in Gap. The town, with a population of 40,000, hosts the opening two days of the Rally, before the WRC circus heads to Monaco. For Sébastien Ogier, this means both an extra incentive and a little extra pressure. Scores of friends and family are expected in his home town to support the Volkswagen works driver at the start of the “Monte”.

Ice spies and tyre tactics – skill and flair are the order of the day in the Alps

Rain in the Service Park, dry conditions at the start of the stage, snow in the middle and ice at the end – the standard madness at the Rally Monte Carlo. Selecting the right tyres for a loop consisting of three special stages is a real gamble. Winter tyres with and without spikes, soft and super-soft slicks are available to the drivers, who can call on the detailed information they receive from their trusted ice spies. Nowhere in the World Rally Championship is it more important for the weather crew to be perfectly coordinated and communicate clearly than at the legendary “Monte”.

15 special stages, over 380 kilometres, two Service Parks

The Rally Monte Carlo traditionally winds its way through the French Maritime Alps and thus through the hinterland of the principality. The mother of all the stages on the 2014 rally promises to be the special stage between Vitrolles and Faye. At 49.03 kilometres, it is one of the longest on the WRC calendar. The final stage, from Sospel to Breil-sur-Roya, will also play a crucial role. Its 16.55 kilometres form the Power Stage. The fastest three cars here will earn bonus points towards the championship. The anomaly: starting at just after nine o’clock in the evening, the Power Stage at the “Monte” will take place in the dark. The Service Parks are another anomaly: the cars will be maintained in Gap on the opening two days of the Rally, with the harbour in Monaco – a stone’s throw from the famous Rascasse corner from the Formula One Grand Prix – providing the backdrop to the second Service Park on the final two days.

Quotes ahead of the Rally Monte Carlo

Sébastien Ogier, Volkswagen Polo R WRC #1
“Our main goal is obviously to defend the title. It is never easy to win a title, but successfully defending it is even more difficult. I am certain that the other teams will put us under pressure. However, I am confident about the new season on the back of such a successful 2013. We have made small improvements to the Polo R WRC. For example, it is now even more reliable. A new manufacturer is joining the series in 2014, in the form of Hyundai, and this will make the competition even fiercer. That is what I am really looking forward to in Monte Carlo. I am also pleased that the ‘Monte’ will start from my home town of Gap this year. That is an extra incentive for me to be the fastest come the end of the rally.”

Jari-Matti Latvala, Volkswagen Polo R WRC #2
“For me, the start of the new season is a completely different situation to one year ago. Back then, both the team and the car were new to us. We are now familiar with everything. However, the first rally of the season in Monte Carlo is always a challenge. I will try to finish in the top five at the ‘Monte’. The Rally Monte Carlo is an extremely unusual rally. Tyres will play a major role, as the Service Park is not located in the mountains. As such, you have to speculate on what the weather will be like up there. The ‘Monte’ features 30-kilometre special stages, on which you are driving on dry asphalt for 20 kilometres and ice for the remaining ten. 20 kilometres of asphalt on spikes is just as awkward as 10 kilometres of ice on slicks. Choosing the right tyre is the biggest challenge. Do you opt for snow tyres with spikes, snow tyres without spikes, super-soft slicks or soft slicks? You have to find the perfect compromise between these four options.”

Andreas Mikkelsen, Volkswagen Polo R WRC #9
“The main goal is to claim the odd podium finish in 2014. This is only my second ‘Monte’. I lined up there in 2011 and crashed out on the first special stage. This means the ‘Monte’ is a completely new experience for me. As such, I will not put all my eggs in one basket, but will take a rather cautious approach. My goal is to complete the rally and finish in the points. I did not race at the ‘Monte’ last year, so my expectations there are not as high as the rallies I drove in 2013. I would be happy to get through the Rally Monte Carlo without any mistakes this year.”

Did you know …

… the Polo R WRC completed the first special stage in its World Championship history at the Rally Monte Carlo? Sébastien Ogier caused quite a shock in winning last year’s opening stage, “Le Moulinon”.

…the Rally Monte Carlo was not originally planned as a motorsport event? Back at the start of the 20th century, the residents of Monaco were looking to attract tourists to the Côte d’Azur in the winter months. It was for this reason that Prince Albert I gave the green light for the inaugural “Monte” in 1911.

… the first “Monte” in 1911 started from Paris? 23 cars started out from the French capital, crossing the finish line in Monte Carlo 1,020 kilometres later.

… the first winner of the “Monte” was Henri Rougier (F)? The cyclist, pilot and racing driver from Marseille crossed the line first in his Turcat-Méry 24CV.

… the first Rally Monte Carlo was not just about speed? Besides the time spent driving, a jury was also on hand to judge the elegance and comfort of the cars, as well as their condition when they reached the finish.

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