Ogier/Ingrassia wins in Monte Carlo as VW creates history

The podium lockout by Volkswagen in Monte Carlo is the eleventh time the manufacturer has had more than one car on the podium since it joined the series in 2013 which is only the sixth ever done by any manufacturer at the “Monte”. Since 1973, Volkswagen became only the fifth manufacturer to record a one, two, three finish and thus joins the ranks of such legendary rally manufacturers as Renault-Alpine, Lancia, Audi and Citroën. It’s also the 25^th time Ogier/Ingrassia stood at the top step of the podium at the Monte Carlo rally and 2^nd time in a row in 2014 and 2015. This puts Ogier level with WRC legend Colin McRae in the all-time list of WRC wins.

Black Ice, Snow, Slush and plenty of grip from sort of wet/dry asphalt with constant changes in conditions at every kilometre made tyre selection immensely tricky. This was a nightmare for the teams but was brilliant to watch both “Sebs” battle it out between each other for at least the first two days. Sébastien Ogier in the Polo R WRC and out of retirement Sébastien Loeb in a Citroën were embroiled in a thrilling battle for the lead. Ogier had moved into an eight-second lead at the halfway point of the rally when Loeb, making his WRC comeback, lost a huge amount of time and dropped well down the overall standings.

Second and third places for Jari-Matti Latvala/Miikka Anttila and Andreas Mikkelsen/Ola Fløene respectively were their best results to date at the Rally Monte Carlo. Latvala/Anttila moved into second place on the seventh special stage, and held onto the runner-up spot right through to the end of a rally held in typically difficult conditions of the stage. Mikkelsen/Fløene also climbed into third place on the very same stage. Jari-Matti Latvala and Miikka Anttila also clocked the third fastest time on the closing Power Stage. 

Sebastian Ogier expressed his emotions after the race as he said; “What a fantastic start to the new season! I'm over the moon.  Getting a win at the Rally Monte Carlo is special for any driver, but words can't describe what a win here means to me – this is my home.  Friends, family and fans give me so much support and self-confidence here.  The atmosphere was magical. I'm grateful that I can give something back with my joy.  This 83rd staging of the 'Monte' is one of the most difficult rallies I can remember, as far as the conditions are concerned.  Selecting the tyres was particularly difficult at the start.  Then there was the exciting battle with Sébastien Loeb, who was producing spectacular times on Thursday.  Big thanks go to our team and my ice spies.  It goes without saying that I am also delighted with the great overall result for Volkswagen; as long as I'm at the top, Jari-Matti and Andreas are my favourite people to share the podium with.”