Through the vineyards around Trier at rally speed: Volkswagen enjoyed a perfect final preparation for the Rally Germany, clocking the fastest times in the Shakedown ahead of its home rally. In “Free Practice” for the ninth round of the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC), Jari-Matti Latvala/Miikka Anttila (FIN/FIN), at the wheel of the Polo R WRC, were the fastest pair on the “Konz” stage – recording an average speed of 115.84 km/h. Their Volkswagen team-mates Andreas Mikkelsen/Ola Fløene (N/N) and Sébastien Ogier/Julien Ingrassia (F/F) also successfully made the switch from gravel to asphalt mode, ending the Shakedown in second and fourth place respectively.
The Rally Germany is the home event for the Polo R WRC and, of all things, is the only WRC rally that the 318-hp World Rally Car is yet to win. The three driver/co-driver pairings now go into the weekend determined to complete the CV of the most successful car in the history of the World Rally Championship. The Porta Nigra in Trier will provide the backdrop to the ceremonial start on Thursday evening, before the 21 special stages, featuring 374.43 kilometres against the clock, are scheduled for Friday, Saturday and Sunday. The Rally Germany is the first genuine asphalt rally of the year and, after six gravel events, represents a dramatic change in the characteristics of the route.
Shakedown result:
1. Jari-Matti Latvala (Polo R WRC #2) 2m 21.4s
2. Andreas Mikkelsen (Polo R WRC #9) 2m 21.6s
3. Kris Meeke (Citroën) 2m 22.1s
4. Sébastien Ogier (Polo R WRC #1) 2m 22.1s
5. Robert Kubica (Ford) 2m 23.0s
