Volkswagen driver quotes ahead of the Rally Great Britain 22.10.2016: FIA WORLD RALLY CHAMPIONSHIP (WRC) RALLY GREAT BRITAIN Sébastien Ogier, Volkswagen Polo R WRC #1

FIA WORLD RALLY CHAMPIONSHIP (WRC) RALLY GREAT BRITAIN



Sébastien Ogier, Volkswagen Polo R WRC #1


“I am very happy to travel to the Rally Great Britain as world champion. However, I remain just as motivated, as we also want to defend the Manufacturers’ title for Volkswagen.


The Wales Rally GB is one of the rallies that is the most steeped in history. It took me a while to find my feet in Wales. The learning process was probably longer here than at any other rally. I have won here three times since joining Volkswagen.



After everything I’ve been through in Wales, I can now say that I feel right at home here. An important factor is, as it is every year, the weather. If no rain is predicted in the weather forecasts, you can actually still count on there being rain.



I expect very wet and foggy routes, which are very typical for this time of year there. The fans are absolutely crazy, as thousands of spectators turned out to cheer us on every year, despite the poor weather. I am particularly looking forward to that.”





Jari-Matti Latvala, Volkswagen Polo R WRC #2


“The rally in Wales is one of my very favourite rallies. As I was really quick on the gravel stages in Spain last time out, I will also be quick in Wales. I have no doubt about that. However, the season has been really difficult for me so far.



As such, I hope I can finish strongly at the final two rounds of the season and make it into the top three in the Drivers’ Championship come the end of the year. The surface can be very tricky in Wales.



If it has rained heavily overnight, the tracks can be very greasy and slippery for the cars starting further down the order. That is typical for Wales.



However, this year’s rally starts two weeks earlier than in recent years, so I hope it will not rain quite as much. I drove my first rally there in 2002, so have greater experience in Wales than at any other rally – I am certain that I can challenge for victory there.”




Andreas Mikkelsen, Volkswagen Polo R WRC #9


“I particularly like the layout of the special stages at the Rally Great Britain. I always enjoy driving there. Driving the Polo at the limit on the muddy, slippery surface is very tricky. Like every year, we will have to be prepared for rain and difficult conditions in Wales.


The crash in Spain meant I dropped valuable points in the championship and my friend Thierry Neuville has drawn level on points with me in the Drivers’ Championship. It is going to be a tough battle with him for second place.


My goal is obviously to be second come the end of the season. Anders and I will focus solely on our own performance and try to get the maximum out of the final two races.



We have already had a few great battles with Thierry this season, and Wales will be no different.”
 



Sven Smeets, Volkswagen Motorsport Director


“After Sébastien Ogier and Julien Ingrassia’s fantastic success in the Drivers’ and Co-Drivers’ Championship, we are now in a position to wrap up the Manufacturers’ title in the World Rally Championship at the Rally Great Britain, regardless of other results.



That is unquestionably our goal. As such, we are very motivated and confident that we can win the title in Wales. To do so, everyone in the team must go about their work in a focused and conscientious manner.



Andreas Mikkelsen and Jari-Matti Latvala can both still finish runner-up in the Drivers’ Championship – we will also be working hard to achieve this goal. Both have fond memories of this classic, and both launched their careers here.”





Andre Dietzel, Ingo Roersch, photo Volkswagen