Category: WRC, Rally

6 Oct 2013: The crowning of the new World Champions* at their home event, a magnificent thriller of a rally, and a big step for Volkswagen: the Rally France will go down as one of the greatest in the history of rallying.

The events as they happened: on Thursday, Volkswagen duo Sébastien Ogier/Julien Ingrassia (F/F) won the Drivers’ and Co-Drivers’ titles in the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC) in their Polo R WRC. By Saturday, the race for victory at the Rally France had developed into potentially the most exciting showdown in the history of the WRC. And on Sunday, Volkswagen increased their lead in the Manufacturers’ Championship to 80 points courtesy of a seventh victory of the season for Ogier/Ingrassia and third place for Jari-Matti Latvala/Miikka Anttila (FIN/FIN). A maximum 86 points are still up for grabs in this important championship at the final two rallies in Spain and Great Britain. Andreas Mikkelsen/Paul Nagle (N/IRL) finished the Rally France seventh in the third Polo R WRC.

The coronation – Ogier/Ingrassia crowned World Rally Champions* with Volkswagen

It was already clear that Sébastien Ogier/Julien Ingrassia would be crowned the new World Champions* in the Drivers’ and Co-Drivers’ Championships after the opening stage of the Rally France. Following the result of the Power Stage, in which bonus points are on offer to the first three cars, Ogier/Ingrassia could no longer be caught at the top of the overall standings by their last remaining rivals, Thierry Neuville/Nicolas Gilsoul (Ford). As such, Ogier/Ingrassia dethroned record World Champions Sébastien Loeb/Daniel Elena (Citroën) at their home rally to claim the title for the first time in their careers. And there was another first: ever in the history of the WRC had a driver/co-driver pairing won the World Championship at the first attempt with a manufacturer making its debut in the World Rally Championship.

Volkswagen Board Member for Technical Development, Dr. Heinz-Jakob Neusser, and his predecessor Dr. Ulrich Hackenberg, father of Volkswagen’s WRC project and Audi Board Member for Technical Development since July, were in Strasbourg to witness the moment the title was won. “This is an incredibly emotional moment for me,” said Dr. Neusser. “I am pleased to be here today to see Sébastien Ogier claim the first title for Volkswagen in our debut year in the World Rally Championship. I would like to thank the outstanding team, which has performed perfectly all year.”

“I am proud that our WRC project, which we launched over two years ago, has already yielded a title today,” said Dr. Ulrich Hackenberg. “I am particularly pleased that Volkswagen has become the first manufacturer in the history of the World Rally Championship to claim its maiden WRC title in its debut season. In my current role as Audi Board Member, I would also like to congratulate the entire Volkswagen team on behalf of Audi. With Audi winning the DTM on last weekend and the WRC title this weekend, this is the perfect end to what, for me personally, has been my most successful week in motorsport to date. I would like to thank the team behind this success from the bottom of my heart. They have done an outstanding job.”

Long live rallying – four-way battle a great advertisement for the WRC

With the Drivers’ Championship in the bag, Sébastien Ogier was given permission by Volkswagen to go all out to win his home rally. Day one as World Champions* saw Ogier/Ingrassia take a cautious approach to the Rally France, coming home fifth overall at the end of the first 120.63 kilometres. However, Saturday was all about the World Champions*: Ogier/Ingrassia won five of the seven special stages. In doing so, the Volkswagen pair climbed to within 1.5 seconds of their team-mates at the top of the overall standings, Latvala/Anttila. Going into the final day, four pairs – two for Volkswagen and two for Citroën – were separated by just five seconds. An ideal situation for both Volkswagen duos with regard to the Manufacturers’ Championship.

The big step towards the Manufacturers’ title followed on Sunday: first and third – Volkswagen scored 40 points towards the Manufacturers’ Championship, meaning they can now wrap up the title at the next round in Spain, regardless of what their opponents do.

Mister Reliable: Jari-Matti Latvala guarantees Manufacturers’ points

Jari-Matti Latvala/Miikka Anttila lined up at the eleventh WRC rally of the season charged with the task of securing as many points as possible towards the Manufacturers’ Championship. Right from the word go, the Finnish duo played their role perfectly: they led going into the final day of the rally, which had been made particularly difficult by heavy rain overnight. Steering clear of any risks, the pair went on to finish third overall. In total, Latvala/Anttila claimed top-three finishes on twelve of the 20 special stages.

Volkswagen ends Citroën’s winning run on asphalt

Victory at the Rally France saw Sébastien Ogier bring an end to Citroën’s long winning run on asphalt. Citroën’s asphalt era began 2,961 days ago with success for Loeb/Elena at the 2005 Rally Germany. Before today, the last non-Citroën driver to win a purely asphalt round of the World Rally Championship was Markko Märtin (Ford) at the 2004 Rally Spain. Volkswagen so far has eight wins to its name in 2013: seven for Ogier/Ingrassia, and one for Latvala/Anttila.

Learning process: patient and mature display from Mikkelsen/Nagle

Andreas Mikkelsen/Paul Nagle (N/IRL) ended their asphalt debut with the Polo R WRC in seventh place. The Rally France was a learning process for both driver and co-driver. After a strong start, a shower cost the pair a better position on Friday. On Saturday, Mikkelsen/Nagle struggled with the set-up of their 315-hp World Rally Car. In particularly difficult conditions on Sunday, Mikkelsen/Nagle improved to seventh place. The pair finished in the top five on four special stages.

Quotes after day four of the Rally France
Jari-Matti Latvala, Volkswagen Polo R WRC #7
“Congratulations to Sébastien Ogier and Julien Ingrassia. They were the best this weekend and fully deserved both their win and the World Championship title. They have proven this season that they are outstanding in all conditions and on all surfaces. I am very happy with third place. We produced a flawless display and were consistently quick. That gives me a lot of confidence for the forthcoming rallies. We achieved our goal of scoring important points in the Manufacturers’ Championship. The title is now within touching distance for the team. The poor run over the last three rallies was difficult, and I am glad to have come out the other end. It is a shame for that Sébastien Loeb crashed out on his last rally. However, that in no way detracts from all his incredible performances in recent years.”

Sébastien Ogier, Volkswagen Polo R WRC #8
“That is definitely the most amazing rally weekend of my career: first the World Championship title and now victory at my home rally – absolutely fantastic! What an extremely difficult final day. This morning was so incredibly slippery, but my gravel crew did a fantastic job. I obviously feel for Sébastien Loeb, but he was going all out to win, and that sort of thing can happen in such difficult conditions. It could have happened to anyone today. Today is the highlight of our season, and I am absolutely overjoyed. I would like to thank my guys. We have done a great job all season. I am really proud of what we have achieved.”

Andreas Mikkelsen, Volkswagen Polo R WRC #9
“The Rally France was my first asphalt rally with the Polo R WRC. We certainly could not assume that we would immediately be up there with the front-runners. However, I was expecting a little bit more. However, we now know what we have to work on in order to come back stronger in the future. I particularly learned a thing or two about the set-up of the car. We had to be patient, particularlyon Saturday, in order to get the best of our material. In the end, it was all about gaining as much experience as possible in difficult conditions. Sunday was much better for us, when the road conditions were particularly hard to judge.”

Jost Capito, Volkswagen Motorsport Director
“The Rally France was a great success. On the one hand for rallying in general, and on the other hand for Volkswagen. It does not get any more exciting than the last four days. Ahead of the final day, any one of four drivers could have won. In the end, the new World Champions* – Sébastien Ogier and Julien Ingrassia – came out on top. Jari-Matti Latvala and Miikka Anttila scored valuable points towards the Manufacturers’ Championship. Volkswagen now has every chance of winning this title too in Spain. As Volkswagen Motorsport Director, you cannot ask for more. This weekend we claimed the title in the Drivers’ and Co-Drivers’ Championships, won the rally, and took a big step forward. There will be some celebrating this evening.”

And then there was …
… the record after 200 special stages. By the time the final special stage of the Rally France had drawn to a close, the Volkswagen Polo R WRC had 119 stage wins to its name. In achieving this outstanding record, Volkswagen showed a love of milestones: Sébastien Ogier won the World Rally Car from Wolfsburg’s 50th (Mexico) and 100th (Greece) special stages, while the 150th (Germany) went to Jari-Matti Latvala. The Finn narrowly missed out on another stage win by just 0.6 seconds on the Polo R WRC’s 200th stage.

ends

The crowning moment – Sébastien Ogier and Julien Ingrassia are 2013 World Rally c

hampions*. The result of the opening stage – for a change the Power Stage – of their home event, the Rally France, means the Volkswagen works duo can no longer be caught at the top of the table in the premier league of rallying. And still with more than two rounds to go until the end of the season. The win is, however, subject to confirmation and official publication of results by FIA, the world governing body of Motorsports.

The success sees Ogier/Ingrassia make motorsport history on several fronts at the wheel of their Polo R WRC. For them personally, this is their maiden Driver and Co-Driver title in the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC). Not only that, but it is the first time a new pairing have conquered the pinnacle of rallying, the WRC, for just short of a decade. At the same time, no driver or co-driver had ever been crowned World Champions whilst driving for a manufacturer making its debut in the World Rally Championship. With the Polo R WRC, Volkswagen is making its first appearance in the WRC in 2013, and has already exceeded all expectations in its rookie season. Volkswagen also leads the Manufacturers’ Championship with three races to go, a Volkswagen release said.

Volkswagen Board Member for Technical Development, Dr. Heinz-Jakob Neusser, and his predecessor Dr. Ulrich Hackenberg, father of Volkswagen’s WRC project and Audi Board Member for Technical Development since July, were in Strasbourg to witness the moment the title was won. “This is an incredibly emotional moment for me,” said Dr. Neusser. “I am pleased to be here today to see Sébastien Ogier claim the first title for Volkswagen in our debut year in the World Rally Championship. I would like to thank the outstanding team, which has performed perfectly all year.”

“I am proud that our WRC project, which we launched over two years ago, has already yielded a title today,” said Dr. Ulrich Hackenberg. “I am particularly pleased that Volkswagen has become the first manufacturer in the history of the World Rally Championship to claim its maiden WRC title in its debut season. In my current role as Audi Board Member, I would also like to congratulate the entire Volkswagen team on behalf of Audi. With Audi winning the DTM on Sunday and the WRC title today, this is the perfect end to what, for me personally, has been my most successful week in motorsport to date.”

Championship win confirmed on Power Stage at the Rally France

The Power Stage, on which bonus points are awarded to the top three drivers, opened the Rally France on Thursdayevening, and promptly produced the deciding moment in the World Rally Championship. Ogier/Ingrassia crowned a dominant season so far by finishing third to clinch the title in front of their home crowd. Their only remaining rivals for the title coming into the rally, Thierry Neuville/Nicolas Gilsoul (B/B, Ford), came home second and are therefore no longer able to catch the French duo. Having completed ten rallies, Ogier/Ingrassia currently have six wins and two second places to their name. Ogier/Ingrassia had already scored 25 points on Power Stages this season alone prior to today’s stage – as many points as are awarded for winning a rally. In winning the title, Ogier/Ingrassia succeed record World Championship winners Sébastien Loeb/Daniel Elena (F/MC, Citroën), who had won the previous nine World Rally Championships.

The remaining Volkswagen drivers also got off to a good start at the Rally France. Jari-Matti Latvala/Miikka Anttila (FIN/FIN) ended Thursday’s sprint in sixth. Andreas Mikkelsen/Paul Nagle (N/IRL) in the third Volkswagen Polo R WRC will start day two from fifth place.

Quotes after day one of the Rally France
Jari-Matti Latvala, Volkswagen Polo R WRC #7
“To be crowned World Champion at the first attempt with a new team, and a new car, is a performance that cannot be described in words. My most heartfelt congratulations to my team-mates Sébastien Ogier, who thoroughly deserve to be celebrating the title today. It must be a great feeling for them to be crowned champions in front of their home crowd. My goal is to be in contention among the front-runners, as there are valuable points up for grabs for Volkswagen in the Manufacturers’ Championship. I want to do my bit for the team, and that is all I am concentrating on now.”

Sébastien Ogier, Volkswagen Polo R WRC #8
“I am absolutely overjoyed! I could give everyone in the world a big hug. The feeling is impossible to describe. To have won the World Championship title in France is an absolute dream come true. For the last few days I have been trying not to think too much about it, in order to avoid making any mistakes. The relief now is immense. As a little boy, I used to marvel at the cars and top drivers at the Rally Monte Carlo with my father in my home town of Gap – and now Julien and I are World Rally Champions. It is crazy. However, I am also well aware that rallying is a team sport. This success would never have been possible without our fantastic team at Volkswagen. Whether trucker, mechanic or race engineer, I have to thank everyone. One thing is for sure – we will celebrate in style now!”

Julien Ingrassia, Volkswagen Polo R WRC #8
“It is possibly the best day of my life – and definitely of my career! If anyone had told me at the start of the year that Séb and I would already be World Champions with so much of the season still to go, I would immediately have told them they are mad. We were so close in Australia three weeks ago, but now the title win is a reality.”

Andreas Mikkelsen, Volkswagen Polo R WRC #9
“I am absolutely delighted for my team-mates Sébastien Ogier and Julien Ingrassia. Today is their big day. They are more than worthy World Champions and I am proud to line up alongside them for Volkswagen. The entire team has done an outstanding job. This rally, which is so important for Volkswagen, has started with a bang – just as we had hoped. I am looking forward to the next few days, as this is my first time on asphalt with the Polo R WRC. My goal is to improve bit by bit and help Volkswagen as much as possible in the fight for the Manufacturers’ title by scoring some good results.”

Jost Capito, Volkswagen Motorsport Director
“Sébastien and Julien have spent almost two years working very hard for this success. They took a step back last year, and have subsequently performed fantastically at this season’s rallies. They fully deserve to be the new World Champions. At the same time, this is also the greatest sporting success in the history of Volkswagen Motorsport. Our team succeeded at the first attempt in developing a winning car – the Polo R WRC – and defeating opposition with far greater experience.”

And then there was …
… the only thing that managed to stop Sébastien Ogier and Julien Ingrassia. A few metres into this morning’s Shakedown, which took place ahead of the Power Stage, the eventual World Champions were confronted with a dastardly obstacle. On their first run, a hydraulic barrier, usually used to stop everyday traffic, started to rise out of the road directly in front of them. Ogier/Ingrassia were forced to wait for the barrier to be lowered again before they were able to continue.

A brief profile of the World Rally Champions*
Sébastien Ogier
Date/place of birth: 17 December 1983 in Gap (F)

The Frenchman comes from the small town of Gap, not far from the special stages that form the iconic Rally Monte Carlo. It was here that he started watching the greats of rallying as a young boy. Former World Champion Ari Vatanen is one of his heroes. And the two rally legends still enjoy a close relationship: Ari’s son Kim Vatanen has been Ogier’s manager for years. However, his passion for motorsport goes further than just rallying: he and his father François share an admiration for Formula One icon Ayrton Senna. Sébastien started pulling his first drifts at the ripe old age of eight, when he was given a crosskart and promptly set about ensuring that no country lane around Gap was safe. He has always had a thing for speed, firstly as a ski instructor – a job that ran parallel to his school education in the French Alps. Ogier then trained as a mechanic, before winning the “Rally Jeunes”, a competition for juniors run by the French motorsport federation the FFSA. This formed the basis for a rally career that began in the Peugeot 206 Cup (2006: 6th; 2007: 1st).

After winning the World Junior Championship in 2008, Ogier lined up for the Citroën works team as the team-mate of compatriot Sébastien Loeb. His first WRC victory followed in Portugal in 2010. In 2011 he claimed five wins – as many as Loeb – on his way to third place in the World Championship. At the end of the season Ogier switched to Volkswagen, where he contested the entire 2012 season in a Škoda Fabia S2000 in preparation for the Wolfsburg-based manufacturer’s WRC debut the following year. Whilst driving the S2000 car, Ogier also played a role in developing the Polo R WRC alongside test drivers Carlos Sainz and Dieter Depping. The German World Rally Car’s incredible record in its first season is evidence of the perfect job he did. In February, Ogier became only the second driver from outside of Scandinavia to win the Rally Sweden. In total, Ogier and co-driver Julien Ingrassia currently have six wins to their name in 2013; the latest victory in Australia was the 13th of their illustrious careers, and their most dominant performance of the season.

Ogier’s Hobbies: “Any sport you can do outdoors”. The Frenchman, who lives near Geneva, loves being out in the countryside: skiing, mountain biking, mountain climbing, and jogging are among his hobbies. And he loves his mother Chantal’s French cooking.

Julien Ingrassia
Date/place of birth: 26 November 1979 in Aix-en-Provence (F)

During the rally, the key figure for Ogier is his co-driver Julien Ingrassia, with whom he has shared the cockpit since the start of his career. 34-year-old Ingrassia’s first experience as a co-driver came as a youngster in a Peugeot 205 GTI prepared by a schoolmate. He then went on to compete in junior competitions throughout France. The Business Studies graduate became aware of the name Sébastien Ogier at the 2005 “Rally Jeunes”. He applied to Peugeot to be his co-driver, and the two met up to get to know each other a little while later. Between 2006 and now they have formed a rally dream team together.

In the cockpit, Ingrassia is the calming influence that offsets Ogier’s more fiery temperament – perfectly organised, and like Swiss clockwork when it comes to his procedures. Outside his office in the Polo R WRC, the permanently good-humoured Frenchman also knows how much he owes to the fans. As such, he often turns up as “Mister Mysterio”, dressed in a Mexican wrestling mask. As a self-confessed rock fan, he also plays a mean AC/DC solo on air guitar. Among his hallmarks are the surprising songs he entertains people with via his MP3 player at every press conference. Ingrassia shares a love of nature with his driver, and is particularly fond of wildlife.

ends

Coffs Harbour (NSW), 15 Sept 2013: The Volkswagen Motorsport crew of Sébastien Ogier and Julien Ingrassia came within moments of sealing the FIA World Rally Championship title in Australia today, denied the crown as Thierry Neuville/Nicolas Gilsoul climbed into second position in the final stage when Mikko Hirvonen/Jarmo Lehtinen had a puncture and dropped to third, providing one of the most thrilling finishes this season, an FIA release said.

In the FIA World Rally Championship for Drivers, Ogier has missed claiming the title by just one point, setting the scene for an epic battle on the next round in France when fellow countryman and reigning World Champion Sébastien Loeb will be back in the seat of the Citroën DS3 WRC. The fight for the FIA World Rally Championship for Manufacturers also continues but Volkswagen Motorsport has increased its lead over the Citroën Total Abu Dhabi World Rally Team following the retirement of Kris Meeke after the final stage this afternoon.

Today’s competition took in two identical loops of three stages covering 125.14 competitive kilometres, the final run through ‘Shipmans’ counting as the Power Stage where additional Championship points are awarded to the fastest three drivers in this single stage. And it was here that the drama unfolded, and it was Neuville’s second position in the rally as well as the Power Stage that denied Ogier of his first world title. The Frenchman nevertheless claimed his 13th World Rally victory and sixth this season. Behind the dramatic turn of events in the final stage, fourth was claimed by Jari-Matti Latvala, the Finn also losing time with a puncture in the final stage, and fifth was taken by Mads Østberg, the Norwegian moving ahead of Andreas Mikkelsen in the first stage of the day. Evgeny Novikov finished seventh ahead of local hero Nathan Quinn. Kris Meeke, who rolled on Saturday, restarted this morning under Rally 2 regulations but damaged rear suspension in the final stage saw him ultimately unable to return to the finish in Coffs Harbour.

The 11th round of the FIA World Rally Championship takes the contenders back to Europe for Rallye de France Alsace (3-6 October). Here, nine-time World Rally Champions Sébastien Loeb and Daniel Elena will re-join the series for their final outing in the Championship.

Rally Australia – Final Unofficial Classification (subject to scrutineering)

FIA World Rally Championship for Drivers (after 10 of 13 rounds)

FIA World Rally Championship for Manufacturers (after 10 of 13 rounds)

New South Wales, 13 Sept 2013: Eight special stages, seven best times – the Volkswagen factory duo Sébastien Ogier/Julien Ingrassia (F/F) have made their mark on round ten of the FIA World Rally Championship in Australia. The pair, who are leading the WRC Drivers’ and Co-Drivers’ Championship, won almost every single Special Stage on Friday, giving them a 20.0-second lead over their closest rival, Mikko Hirvonen (Citroën), who has won the Rally Australia three times. Volkswagen’s Jari-Matti Latvala/Miikka Anttila (FIN/FIN) have secured fifth place in the overall standings one third of the way into the event, despite starting from an unfavourable position. As one of the first World Rally Cars to tackle the Special Stages, they cleared all the loose dust and gravel off the track. Andreas Mikkelsen/Paul Nagle (N/IRL) finished the first 94.54 kilometres of 352.36-kilometre time trials in seventh position in the overall standings, according to a Volkswagen Press Release.

Saturday is the longest day at the Rally Australia. The teams will cover another 132.68 kilometres in the course of six Stages, including completing “Nambucca” twice which, at 49.90 kilometres, is the longest Special Stage in round ten.

Quotes following day two of the Rally Australia

Jari-Matti Latvala, Volkswagen Polo R WRC #7
“We’ve set ourselves the goal of playing it safe and primarily collecting points for the Manufacturers’ Championship and we’re on course to do that at the moment. Our early starting position this morning certainly didn’t give us an advantage – it was very slippery and we had to clear the track for the cars behind us. The afternoon went better; we worked our way up from eight to fifth position, which will give us a better starting position on Saturday. Saturday could prove crucial for the rally: the Nambucca Stage is almost 50 kilometres long, so everyone will have to pay close attention to their tyres.”

Sébastien Ogier, Volkswagen Polo R WRC #8
“It was a perfect day for us – a really good start to the rally. This morning’s Stages were incredibly slippery, so we had to be really careful. There was a lot of loose gravel on the tracks, which made it difficult to find a good line. That’s why we didn’t go all out to attack because we really didn’t want to crash out of the rally early on because of some stupid mistake. The grip level was much better this afternoon, so Julien and I had loads of fun in the Polo R WRC. I’d like to say a special thank-you to the organisers for extending the starting interval to four minutes because the rally cars in front were throwing up an incredible amount of dust. All bets are off tomorrow because the weather experts are forecasting rain tonight.”

Andreas Mikkelsen, Volkswagen Polo R WRC #9
“It was a really eventful day for us. Things went very well on the loop this morning until we came to a point where our pace notes were too optimistic. The track went over a blind crest then into a left-hand bend which tightened – more so than I expected. Luckily, there was a lane branching off so I could turn off towards the emergency exit. Then we sat there, virtually blinded by dust. We had to wait for it to clear before we could keep going. This afternoon brought another scary moment, when I broadsided a bank. After that, it felt like the car had a slow puncture. Luckily, it didn’t. All in all, we’re nevertheless pleased with what we achieved. But the rally is far from over.”

Jost Capito, Volkswagen Motorsport Director
“It was a good, very successful day for Volkswagen at the Rally Australia. Sébastien Ogier and Julien Ingrassia were on top form today – they couldn’t have been better. Jari-Matti Latvala and Miikka Anttila also made the most of their opportunities, although they had to cope with clearing the track as one of the first World Rally Cars today after a disappointing qualifying. With that in mind, fifth place in the overall standings is a really good result. Andreas Mikkelsen and Paul Nagle also performed well in the Special Stages today. All in all, we’re satisfied with the first third of the event Down Under. But all of the competitors will face tough challenges in the next two days. We need absolute concentration right to the very end and the whole team will have to work hard without making any mistakes.”

And then there was …
… Miikka Anttila’s first-ever Rally Australia – with a Volkswagen Polo made in Hanover. In 1999, Anttila – now Jari-Matti Latvala’s co-driver – competed alongside his compatriot Janne Tuohino in a Group N Polo with just 120 hp. The Polo was built as a customer car at the site in Ikarusallee where Volkswagen Motorsport GmbH is now based. Unfortunately, this first overseas event ended early for Tuohino/Anttila. The Polo found a new home and went to a new owner in Australia after the rally.

Coffs Harbour, (NSW, Australia), 12 Sept 2013: Volkswagen has started the Rally Australia with best times in the first two Special Stages. The three factory duos from Wolfsburg claimed leading positions with the Polo R WRC Down Under following two spectacular sprints. The drivers completed the Super Special Stage through the middle of Coffs Harbour city twice. Andreas Mikkelsen/Paul Nagle (N/IRL) won SS 01. Sébastien Ogier/Julien Ingrassia (F/F) – who are currently leading the WRC Drivers’ and Co-Drivers’ Championship – put in the second best time. Andreas Mikkelsen goes into day two at the top of the standings, while Sébastien Ogier will start Friday in fourth place. Just ahead of him are Jari-Matti Latvala/Miikka Anttila (FIN/FIN) in third, according to a Volkswagen Motorsport press release.

The Rally Australia is being held within an approximately 50-kilometre radius of Coffs Harbour. Spring in New South Wales provides the perfect conditions for rallying: the contestants can look forward to glorious sunshine and mild temperatures on Friday.

Quotes following day one of the Rally Australia

Jari-Matti Latvala, Volkswagen Polo R WRC #7
“The Super Special Stages in Coffs Harbour were a brief warm-up. As of tomorrow, we will face three very different, demanding days – starting with tight, technically challenging routes, followed by fast, flowing sections, then narrow tracks through the forests. Qualifying didn’t go as well as I’d hoped: I was obviously too cautious with the softer tyres, meaning I have to tackle the stages early on. All is not lost though because the rally is expected to be really tricky for everyone. I wasn’t happy with my performance in the last two rallies in Finland and Germany, so I really hope that I can finish well again here and collect as many points as possible for the Manufacturers’ Championship.”

Sébastien Ogier, Volkswagen Polo R WRC #8
“Having crashed out of the Rally Germany early on, I’m aiming for another podium finish in Australia. It goes without saying that I want to win here and bag more important points to help me secure the title of World Champion. Qualifying wasn’t 100% perfect, but I’m satisfied with how it went. Although Kris Meeke surprised us with his impressive time, we’ve got a good starting position for the slippery gravel conditions here in Coffs Harbour. After all, what really matters is the rally as a whole, and it only really gets goingtomorrow. I’m really looking forward to the Special Stages. The recce showed that some of the Special Stages here are extremely fast, and that’s what I enjoy the most. On top of that, the scenery here in Down Under is absolutely fascinating. The only thing I’m a bit worried about is the snakes out in the bush – so I’m glad I’m in a car.”

Andreas Mikkelsen, Volkswagen Polo R WRC #9
“Two short test days, two lots of free practice and the two Super Special Stages today – that’s pretty much all the competitive driving I’ve done with Paul Nagle as my co-driver as yet. So it’s just as well that we’ve proven to be a great team so far. But the next three days of rallying will be the real test. They’re like three rallies rolled into one: narrow and technical on Friday, an open landscapeon Saturday and full speed through the forests on Sunday. The surroundings are simply stunning too – I’m looking forward to the next few days. And if there is anything I can do to help Volkswagen or Sébastien Ogier secure the World Championship title, I’ll be happy to do it. With that in mind, it’s good news that day one went so well for us with first and second place in the Super Special Stages.”

Jost Capito, Volkswagen Motorsport Director
“The two Super Special Stages today made for a fantastic start to the Rally Australia. That said, they aren’t all that meaningful in sporting terms. They only help us to go into the next few days in a positive frame of mind, because that is when things will really get serious. The Rally Australia is extremely challenging – both for drivers and co-drivers and for the cars. Complete concentration is essential. But the drivers and co-drivers in our team have shown that they’re right on the ball from the outset.”

And then there was …

… the rally in Oz that is something of a home event. How can that be? Back in 1847, the waterside town of Coffs Harbour on the eastern coast of Australia in scenic New South Wales was named after John Korff. His father, John Conrad Korff, emigrated to Australia from Germany – Brunswick, to be precise. And Brunswick is between Volkswagen’s headquarters in Wolfsburg and the Motorsport department in Hanover. Reason enough to feel just a little bit at home on the other side of the world.