WRC – Volkswagen now favorite in Monte-Carlo

Volkswagen Motorsport quickly revealed its potential at Rally Monte Carlo, Sébastien Ogier having won second place after a duel with Sébastien Loeb. The German team now arrives as the big favorite after dominating the 2013 season with the Drivers' and Manufacturers' titles and ten Polo R victories. WRC in 13 rallies. “We will line up for the Monte-Carlo Rally with the number 1 in one of our Polo R WRCs for the first time”, recalls Jost Capito, director of Volkswagen Motorsport. “ This honor is reserved for the world champion and it is something we are very proud of. However, that doesn't mean we're arrogant or complacent this season, certainly not on the famous "Monte". We will approach it with the greatest respect, maximum concentration and absolute commitment. It is easier to win a world title than to keep it. This is our goal. The 2014 “Monte” will give us a first indication of our level in the face of the new competition. »

Sébastien Ogier will have another chance to add the Monte-Carlo Rally to his record, his victory in 2009 having been won in the IRC Series. François Delecour will be the only former winner at world level entered this season, Mikko Hirvonen (2010) and Bryan Bouffier (2011) having also won in the IRC. “Our main objective will be to defend our title,” comments the Wolfsburg star. “It’s never easy to win a title, but it’s even harder to keep it. I am convinced that the other teams will put pressure on us. However, I am confident for this new season after our success last year. We have slightly improved the Polo R WRC. For example, we made it even more reliable than it was before. A new manufacturer joins us with Hyundai, which will make the competition even tougher and that's what I'm really looking forward to in Monte-Carlo. I am also delighted that the “Monte” will begin in my town of Gap this year. »

Jari-Matti Latvala did not experience the same success as his teammate last year, but the Finn has arguments to make following a season where he discovered the Polo R WRC after several years at the wheel of Ford's M-Sport. “This start of the season offers a completely different situation compared to last year. We are now used to everything. However, the Monte-Carlo Rally still offers an immense challenge. I will try to finish in the top five there. It is a very special test. Tires play a major role and the service park is not located in the mountains. You have to predict the weather once you get up there... Should we take snow tires with or without studs, super soft or soft slicks? You have to find the perfect compromise between the four options. »

Andreas Mikkelsen will complete the squad of the people's manufacturer for the first time at the Monte-Carlo Rally. The Norwegian has bad memories of his only participation in the event at the wheel of a Skoda Fabia S2000. “The goal for 2014 is to get on the podium. This is only my second “Monte”. I entered it in 2011 and I crashed on the first stage, so it's a completely new experience for me. However, I am not going to put all my eggs in one basket, but I am going to take a more cautious approach. My goal is to finish the rally and finish in the points. I didn't ride at the Monte last year and my expectations are not as high as in 2013. I will be satisfied if I don't make any mistakes. »