Fast and
under 30:
meet
Volkswagen's
WRC attack

Volkswagen’s drivers for the 2013 FIA World Rally Championship are all under 30. Ogier is the oldest at 28 with Latvala 27 and Mikkelsen the youngest at 23.

But what the trio might lack in age, they certainly don’t lack when it comes to experience. Latvala has contested 117 WRC events, Ogier 58 and Mikkelsen 30.

They’ve also achieved plenty of success along the way with Latvala and Ogier winning seven events apiece and all three claiming fastest stage times with Latvala’s tally standing at an impressive 264 heading into the new campaign.

Ogier, who will be co-driven by fellow Frenchman Julien Ingrassia in 2013, said: “After over a year and a half of preparations, I can hardly wait to pull up to the start of the Monte with the Polo R WRC and see where we stand compared to the opposition.

Finn Latvala, who continues with long-term navigator Miikka Anttila next season said: “For me, Volkswagen is the best option as I strive to close in on my personal goal: the world championship title. The team has impressed me with its determination and the pleasant way in which everyone treats each other. Every individual is absolutely committed to helping the whole team be successful. I am really excited about the Monte.”

Norwegian Mikkelsen will link up with Finn Mikko Markkula when he begins his 10-event programme on Vodafone Rally de Portugal in April.

“Volkswagen is a very goal-oriented team, which has developed beyond measure during the preparations for the WRC,” said Mikkelsen. “The team left nothing to chance during the Dakar project, and demonstrated the right approach to motorsport. I can learn a lot here and achieve a lot in the future.”

Did you know? Andreas Mikkelsen set two records in 2008 when the became the WRC’s youngest point scorer and stage winner.