The rally world championship run in Trier was dominated by the number three. Volkswagen won the Rally Germany on the third attempt, filling all three places on the podium. Sébastien Ogier left his teammates Jari-Matti Latvala 23 seconds behind and Andreas Mikkelsen in the third Polo R WRC (+ 1: 56,6).
As close as this weekend - in front of more than 200 visitors in the vineyards on the Moselle - it was seldom at the head of the field. If you only look at the VW Polos when looking at the WRC results. Sébastien Ogier and Jari-Matti Latvala fought a razor-sharp duel on the narrow asphalt slopes right at the beginning of Friday. After the first four special stages and around 000 kilometers, Sébastien Ogier and Jari-Matti Latvala were separated by only a tenth of a second - the blink of an eye. The rest of the WRC participants followed with a respectable distance. In the further course the reigning world champion from France pulled away a bit, but the Finn always stayed within striking distance. The result of the first day of the rally was rounded off by Volkswagen number three, Andreas Mikkelsen, who gave the Wolfsburg team a triple lead.
The highlight of the rally was waiting for the participants on Saturday at the Baumholder military training area. The “Panzerplatte” special stage is notorious among the drivers and a spectacular attraction for around 50 spectators, only on this special stage. A short special stage was driven three times and the longest stage of the rally over 000 kilometers twice - a spectacle for the fans, accompanied by glaring sunshine. While the three Volkswagen crews dueled each other, the competition capitulated at the Wolfsburg pace. The lead of the Polo R WRC over the rest of the field on Saturday evening: more than two minutes.
An unusual amount for an asphalt rally.
The spell that VW has on the Rally Germany was finally broken. In Australia, the door to defending the title of World Champion Sébastien Ogier is wide open. In addition, it is now certain that the title will only be held among Volkswagen drivers.
There was not much to get for the competition from Volkswagen in Germany this year. Dani Sordo in the best Hyundai was around two and a half minutes behind the leader. Ford and Citroen were back about three minutes.
(ampnet / tw) By Tim Westermann