Volkswagen has carried its domination of the World Rally Championship (WRC) into the 2015 season with a one-two-three sweep at Rally Monte Carlo, earning a one-two-three finish with drivers Sébastien Ogier/Julien Ingrassia, Jari-Matti Latvala/Miikka Anttila and Andreas Mikkelsen/Ola Fløene. Volkswagen has becomes the fifth manufacturer ever to achieve a one-two-three sweep at “Monte” that includes such notables as Renault-Alpine, Lancia, Audi and Citroën.
Drivers Ogier/Ingrassia and Latvala/Anttila made their debut in all-new Volkswagen Polo R WRC and its 318 horsepower and all-new hydraulic transmission, Mikkelsen/Fløene piloted its predecessor.
Sébastien Ogier, driver of the #1 Polo R WRC, was ecstatic on his performance, saying:
“What a fantastic start to the new season! I’m over the moon. Getting a win at the Rally Monte Carlo is special for any driver, but words can’t describe what a win here means to me – this is my home. Friends, family and fans give me so much support and self-confidence here. The atmosphere was magical. I’m grateful that I can give something back with my joy. This 83rd staging of the ‘Monte’ is one of the most difficult rallies I can remember, as far as the conditions are concerned. Selecting the tyres was particularly difficult at the start. Then there was the exciting battle with Sébastien Loeb, who was producing spectacular times on Thursday. Big thanks go to our team and my ice spies. It goes without saying that I am also delighted with the great overall result for Volkswagen; as long as I’m at the top, Jari-Matti and Andreas are my favourite people to share the podium with.”
The closing Power Stage at the Rally Monte Carlo marked the 500th special stage for the Volkswagen Polo R WRC in the World Rally Championship since its debut at the 2013 “Monte.” Since then, the Polo R WRC has established itself as the car with the highest win ratio ever in the World Rally Championship. Not only have 85.2 percent of all possible victories gone to VW, but the brand has also won 347 of the 500 special stages.
Stay tuned to Motrolix as we bring you continued results of Volkswagen’s racing performance in the 2015 WRC.
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