Mikkelsen: “Appears to be the best solution to replace Ogier”

Between Andreas Mikkelsen and the WRC, the story is not over. Now a test driver for Pirelli, exclusive tire supplier from next year, the Norwegian wants to return to the World Rally Championship.

Si Sébastien Ogier devait prendre sa retraite à la fin de l’année, la crise sanitaire a chamboulé les plans de tout le monde y compris ceux d’Andreas Mikkelsen. Prétendant au volant du Français chez Toyota, le pilote d’essai Pirelli se tourne désormais vers 2022 et son probable retour en WRC comme il l’a confié à AUTOhebdo après le rally from Sardinia.

« What I especially want is to arrive at the end of the 2021 season and appear as the best solution to replace Ogier (at Toyota. Editor’s note). I have to compete in as many rounds as possible behind the wheel of a Rally1 ».

And to prepare for a full return in 2022, Andreas Mikkelsen could take part in different rounds of the 2021 season. But with which car? The Saniteloc Citroën C3 used for Pirelli tests? The Norwegian is not so sure. He particularly fears a lack of performance.

« It's a possibility, but I don't know if it's the best. There is no longer a manufacturer to develop this car. Where would we be in terms of performance? I have a bit of the same reasoning regarding the Fiesta. The latest rallies have shown that it is now a notch behind ».

Pour revenir en forme, l’homme aux trois victoires en WRC espère pouvoir profiter d’une Hyundai ou une Toyota pour « demonstrate that I am still competitive ". Passed message.

Find the full interview with Andreas Mikkelsen in issue 2282 of AUTOhebdo, available in digital version and on sale at newsstands.