WRC – Volkswagen well placed in Finland

Sébastien Ogier hopes to gain the advantage over Mikko Hirvonen by starting just in front of the Finn who achieved the scratch in the qualifying special for the Rally Finland. After failing just two tenths behind the local driver, the Championship leader seems confident as he aims for victory to become the third Frenchman after Didier Auriol and Sébastien Loeb to impose itself on the Rally of the 1000 Lakes. “My goal was to finish in the top three, so I'm more than happy to have achieved the second fastest time. The car seems to be handling well and the tests carried out last week in Finland paid off. Whatever happens, spectators can expect an exciting rally as the gaps at the front are very small. I am also happy that my co-driver Julien Ingrassia has recovered from his broken collarbone and the operation that followed. »

Jari-Matti Latvala was slightly behind his teammate by failing half a second behind the first Polo R WRC, just ahead of Andreas Mikkelsen. If the Finn will have a less clean road than the Frenchman, the winner of the 2010 edition remains optimistic for the first stage. “We have prepared meticulously and my Polo seems to be very efficient. I'm really confident. I was a little too careful during qualifying, but the fifth time remains a very good basis. The times were very close and spectators can expect an exciting event. Riding at home is very special for me and I am 100% motivated to achieve a good result. Fifth place (tenth position in the starting order) in Finland is not a big disadvantage as it might be elsewhere because the effect of sweeping is not as great. »