The Volkswagen Polo R WRC is just a matter of days away from its much-anticipated competitive debut on gravel in the FIA World Rally Championship. The 315 hp four-wheel drive powerhouse from Wolfsburg will take on very specific conditions when it rolls down the starting ramp at the third round of the season, the Rally Mexico, from 7th to 10th March. Reaching altitudes of up to 2,700 metres above sea level, the special stages are the highest the teams will face all season – a true challenge for both driver and technology. However, for thousands of rally fans, this is the biggest fiesta of the season. Flying the flag for Volkswagen: Jari-Matti Latvala and Miikka Anttila (FIN/FIN), and Rally Sweden winners Sébastien Ogier and Julien Ingrassia (F/F).
“The first three rallies of the season are all a bit special. After the iconic and unpredictable ‘Monte’, and the extreme cold of Sweden, we now face soaring temperatures at over 2,000 metres above sea level,” said Volkswagen Motorsport Director Jost Capito. “The thin air and temperatures of above 30 degrees have a real impact – on both driver and co-driver, as well as the technology. The Rally Mexico is also the first round of the season on gravel. We are yet to compete under these conditions with the Polo R WRC. As such, we are obviously very excited to see how competitive the Polo is in Mexico.”
