A sensational result. Only the second outing for the Polo R WRC produced the first victory in the World Rally Championship for Volkswagen Motorsport. Sbastien Ogier and co-driver Julien Ingrassia won the Rally Sweden. The two Frenchmen moved into the lead after two of the 22 special stages, and refused to surrender this position. In hanging on to their lead, they did a wonderful job of fending off the best attempts of world champion Sbastien Loeb (Citroen), who was the only other driver who looked capable of matching the pace of the Volkswagen pair. Ogier and Ingrassia came home 41.8 seconds ahead of Loeb. A perfect weekend, beamed Ogier at the end of the final special stage. Sbastien Loeb put us under pressure for three days, but he could not force a mistake from us.
The icing on the cake for Ogier came in the form of victory on the closing Power Stage, which earned him bonus points towards the World Championship. These points mean Sebastien Ogier now moves to the top of the Drivers Championship, ahead of Loeb.
Fourth place went to Jari-Matti Latvala and his co-driver Miikka Anttila, who picked up two additional World Championship points, courtesy of second place on the Power Stage. Sbastien and Juliens win proves just how good the Polo R WRC is, said Latvala. The fact that we were not right up there with the front-runners was down solely to me. The Polo R WRC and I are not 100 per cent a unit. I will have to change my driving style a little to achieve that. Latvalas next opportunity comes at the third round of the World Championship, the Rally Mexico, which takes place from 7th to 10th March.
We were screaming with joy in the car.Statements from the Volkswagen team.
Sbastien Ogier, Volkswagen Polo R WRC #8:That is an indescribable feeling! We were screaming with joy in the car. It is simply incredible to claim the first victory for Volkswagen and the team at only our second rally. This is probably the greatest moment of my career. The Polo R WRC was perfect the entire time. The guys did a fantastic job of preparing the car. So much can happen in Sweden. The conditions in the snow are so difficult winning here, as only the second central European and ahead of the best rally driver of all time, makes me enormously proud. We had to give 100 per cent, right down to the final day, because Sbastien Loeb was really going for it right through to the finish. I feared that he would make up more time this morning, particularly on the opening Mitandersfors stage. However, that was not the case. Now I am just overjoyed.
Jari-Matti Latvala, Volkswagen Polo R WRC #7:I am delighted for the entire Volkswagen team. To win a race so early in a debut season is something very special. I would have liked to finish on the podium myself. That was certainly possible here at the Rally Sweden with the Polo R WRC. However, I must still adapt my driving style a bit. Huge compliments go to my team-mate Sbastien Ogier, who showed just what was possible. He was really impressive all weekend. I will do everything in my power to get on a par with him at the forthcoming rallies.
Jost Capito, Volkswagen Motorsport Director:This is a big day for Volkswagen in motorsport. To win the second round of the World Championship under our own steam is a real milestone. The Rally Sweden is one of a kind. The Polo R WRC worked perfectly in these conditions, and Sbastien Ogier took full advantage. He was in a class of his own here. However, Jari-Matti Latvala also performed well. Within the team, all the cogs fit into place perfectly. Today I am just very proud of the guys.
Statement from rally legend Per Eklund:
"Who would have thought it: Ogier wins the Rally Sweden! In the Polo R WRC! Fantastic! I think Ogier is the new Loeb. He has everything under control. However, we should not underestimate Latvala. His time will come. He still has to get used to the Polo. You could see on teh final special stage just how strong Latvala is - when there were extra points up for grabs."
