Monte Carlo Rally: Volkswagen's strong start a relief for team
Volkswagen Motorsport team principal Jost Capito said the pace of the new Polo R WRC on the opening loop of Monte Carlo Rally stages came as a relief
VW's Sebastien Ogier posted the fastest time on Wednesday morning's opening test, claiming a debut stage win for the car which has been under development in Hannover for the last 18 months. He remains second behind Sebastien Loeb.
"I can't say I am surprised - not in a negative way or in a positive way - I didn't know what to expect because we had no benchmark for the car," Capito told AUTOSPORT.
"But of course, I am relieved to see both of the cars back in service."
Click here for AUTOSPORT's full analysis of VW's 2013 WRC chances
Capito added that the team would not be getting carried away with having held the early lead of the opening WRC round of 2013.
"It's good for the team and for everybody who has worked so hard back in Germany," said Capito, "but this is one stage. Having said that, for the first time we are competing, it doesn't get better than beating Sebastien Loeb on such a difficult stage.
"This shows the potential for the car and it shows we have done our recent work on the car right."
Asked if he had been nervous ahead of the start, Capito replied: "Yes, I was nervous. But then if I wasn't nervous this morning then I was definitely in the wrong job..."
Previous article
Sebastien Loeb moves into Monte Carlo Rally lead
Next article
Timing issues leave WRC teams in the dark on Monte Carlo Rally
About this article
| Series | WRC |
| Author | David Evans |
Why the casualty of rallying's evolution should still be cherished
The WRC's support categories are in a process of streamlining that will spell the end of a formalised 2WD world championship-level category. While its relevance to the top level has been questioned for some time, that doesn't mean it should be swept quietly under the carpet
Why WRC's hybrid path could leave it at a crossroads
With all three major manufacturers committing to the World Rally Championship’s hybrid era from 2022, the future of the series is assured for now, but it could lead to trickier twists and turns further down the road
How Tanak froze out the competition at the Arctic Rally
Ott Tanak made up for a disastrous Monte Carlo Rally by leading all the way on the snow-kissed stages of the Arctic Rally Finland and in the process hit back at an event Toyota had been expected to dominate
What to expect from the WRC's venture to the Arctic
This week's Arctic Rally Finland will bring the World Rally Championship into new territory. And, almost without exception, the service park can't wait for the subzero challenge to commence
How Ogier achieved a fitting Monte Carlo farewell
Against pandemic-shaped odds, the World Rally Championship season opener went ahead in Monte Carlo last weekend as a familiar face again took top spot. But for an emotional Sebastien Ogier, his record-breaking eighth win meant more than most
What to look out for in the 2021 WRC
As the 2021 World Rally Championship prepares to launch amid tight COVID-19 restrictions in Monte Carlo, here are the eight things unrelated to the pandemic that you should keep an eye on this year
Evans on the talking points of WRC 2021
He came close to the title last year, and now Toyota's Elfyn Evans gives his verdict on what to expect from 2021 as the World Rally Championship prepares to reconvene for the Monte Carlo season opener
Why Britain's continued WRC absence is a wake-up call
OPINION: With Rally GB dropping off the World Rally Championship calendar for the second year in a row, one of Britain's best-attended sporting events faces an uncertain future. It's an unfortunate situation that points to troubling times ahead
