The character of the World Rally Championship changes dramatically with the Rally Germany. The calendar throws up an all-asphalt rally for the first time in the 2014 season. As such, the World Rally Cars will line up with a completely different rally set-up to the six previous gravel rallies. The set-ups for the asphalt and gravel versions of the Polo R WRC differ greatly, including the ground clearance, which is adjusted by exactly 95 millimetres. The grooved Michelin tyres typically used on gravel, on 15-inch wheels with 215-mm treads, are replaced with 18-inch wheels with 235-mm treads. The chassis is also adapted to the specific demands of driving on asphalt and is given a far more rigid set-up. Considerably larger brake discs and callipers are also fitted on the Polo R WRC, allowing extremely late braking. The Rally Germany represents the first direct comparison between the four manufacturers – Citroën, M-Sport Ford, Hyundai and Volkswagen – in these conditions. The weather could also play a key role: the end of August could see extremely high temperatures soar above the 30-degree mark, but is also well capable of producing continuous heavy rainfall.
Match points for all three WRC titles – an added incentive
The German team is even more motivated by the possibility of being able to secure all three WRC titles. With 305 points in the manufacturers’ standings, Volkswagen are already 175 points ahead of their direct rivals Citroën. If they manage to keep the gap at at least 172 at the Rally Germany, just like last year Volkswagen will win the manufacturers’ world championship. The works duos could also secure the drivers’ and co-drivers’ standings at the Rally Germany. If WRC leader Sébastien Ogier manages to keep 112 points of his current 121 point advantage over Mads Østberg (N, Citroën), only one of the three Volkswagen drivers will finish as world champion.
