Mikkelsen and Ogier gave Volkswagen a good finish

Volkswagen Motorsport has withdrawn from WRC by signing a final double at Rally of Australia with the victory of Andreas Mikkelsen ahead Sébastien Ogier. The Norwegian acquired his first success in the Australian event by taking advantage of an error by the four-time world champion in the last stage.

« What a fantastic weekend and what a wonderful result for the end of the season, rejoiced the winner of the Rally Australia. This stage was special since it was the team's last appearance. I wanted this victory so much for Volkswagen, it's great to get it. »

“Volkswagen gave me the chance to drive at the top of the WRC, recalled Andreas Mikkelsen. They believed in me and they will always have a special place in my heart. Everything worked perfectly on this rally, it was the highlight of these four seasons in the WRC. It's just a shame to narrowly miss 2nd place in the Championship (against Thierry Neuville, 3rd in the event), but it's not that important. If I had had the choice between finishing vice-champion and winning this event, I would have chosen to win. »

Sébastien Ogier also wanted to score a 7th victory this season to mark the end of his adventure with Volkswagen, but the Frenchman's mistake made the task impossible for him.

“I went a little wide in a left turn at the end of the Wedding Bells stage and spun, explained Sébastien Ogier. It took me a little while to find my way back with all the cloud of dust and I lost almost 20 seconds. I don't regret anything because we gave everything with Julien (Ingrassia, his co-driver) this weekend and we were having a superb fight with Andreas until this moment. »

“The most important thing is that the team ends its WRC commitment with a victory, added Sébastien Ogier. It's a special moment because Volkswagen Motorsport has been like family to Julien and me. I made a lot of friends and I will never forget the wonderful times I had over the last few years. »

Jari-Matti Latvala was only able to secure a 9th place after damaging his suspension in the first stage.

In four seasons, Volkswagen has won 43 victories, 87 podiums and 640 stage wins in 52 rallies with the Polo R WRC. Without obviously forgetting the four Drivers and Manufacturers titles.

Find the full report and analysis of the Rally Australia, produced by our special correspondent, in issue 2090 of AUTOhebdo, available tomorrow evening in digital version, and from this Wednesday on newsstands.