Volkswagen plans to return to victory

After Hayden Paddon's victory in Argentina and Kris Meeke's success in Portugal, Volkswagen Motorsport missed the first step of the podium since the Rally from Sweden where Sébastien Ogier won last February.

The people's manufacturer plans to return to success next week in Sardinia where the three-time world champion has three consecutive victories.

“The Sardinia Rally is one of the most difficult events on the calendar”, assures Jost Capito, the sporting director of Volkswagen. “The dust, the heat and the long stages such as Monte Lerno have made its reputation. In addition, our competitors are particularly competitive. there have been four drivers and three manufacturers victorious in five rallies. For different reasons we haven't won the last two, but we know we will be able to do it in Italy. »

If Sébastien Ogier will be the favorite given his track record, the Frenchman does not feel comfortable in this event and he could miss the start if his wife Andrea were to give birth.

“I'm very confident going into Italy because the season has been fantastic so far,” comments the reigning world champion. “Julien (Ingrassia, his co-driver) and I have been on the podium every time this year and we want to continue this series. Even though the Sardinia Rally is not one of my favorite events, I have learned to appreciate it. The roads are no longer as narrow and rough as in the past. I prefer courses where we are not constantly trying to preserve the car. »

Jari-Matti Latvala seems to have enjoyed the Italian event more even though the Finn was only able to take fifth place in 2015.

“The Sardinia Rally is fantastic”, insists the Nordic pilot. “This is where I celebrated my first victory on earth (in 2009). I'm still waiting for the moment to come back to Sardinia, even if things haven't gone very well in recent seasons. I've had punctures a lot lately in Sardinia, maybe because I'm too close to the limit. I made the resolution this year to better preserve my tires. My goal is to finish on the podium again. The surface in Sardinia is often very slippery in the first pass and my position on the road could be an advantage. »

Andreas Mikkelsen fears this event more, even if he is confident after his good results.

“My second place in Portugal was almost a victory, that’s why I’m confident before Italy”, admits the Norwegian. “But we are aware that the breakable surface of this event makes it one of the most complicated meetings of the season, where anything can happen at any time. Unfortunately, we were able to realize this last year. In addition, we will be in second position on the road, just behind Sébastien Ogier, which will not make things easier because the surface will still be very rough. »