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Sebastien Ogier will contest the full 2012 WRC schedule in a Skoda

Sebastien Ogier will contest every round of the 2012 World Rally Championship in a Skoda Fabia S2000

Having confirmed he would be leaving Citroen for Volkswagen earlier this week, it was suggested he may have to sit out next year's championship as VW develops its car ahead of an assault in 2013.

In an exclusive Q & A with AUTOSPORT VW's motorsport chief Kris Nissen said that he expected Ogier to be at all WRC events next year, and the five-time rally winner has now confirmed that he will contest the full 2012 calendar in a Skoda.

Ogier also hinted that, should VW's testing programme for its Polo prove successful, the car could make its WRC bow as early as next season.

"Taking part in the 2012 WRC will enable me to stay match fit and familiarise myself with those events that I don't know so well," said Ogier.

"The test work will help me follow the Polo's development from A to Z. That's a very exciting challenge. I'm not ruling out the possibility of competing in the Polo towards the end of the year if the team believes we are sufficiently ready."

Ogier also revealed that VW's long-term stability in the sport had helped tip the balance when it came to deciding between the German manufacturer and Ford.

"We looked at both opportunities," Ogier revealed. "However, Ford's future in the sport wasn't as certain as that of VW. When I added together all the pluses and minuses, Volkswagen emerged as the best choice."

Having joined VW immediately, Ogier's first appearance as a works driver will be at the Race of Champions in Dusseldorf on December 3-4.

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