Saturday | 27 Sep 2014

VW promises title thriller in France

Volkswagen Motorsport director Jost Capito has predicted a fierce duel for victory between Sebastien Ogier and Jari-Matti Latvala at the Rally de France Alsace (02–05 October) when the 2014 title battle reaches a critical stage.

Polo R pilot Ogier and his co-driver Julien Ingrassia have the chance to seal both drivers’ titles at home in France, while team-mates Latvala and Miikka Anttila are the only crew able to prolong the title race.

While victory on the asphalt roads through Alsace could be enough for Ogier and Ingrassia to wrap up the titles with two rounds to spare, Latvala and Anttila will be pushing hard for a landmark win, which would keep their title hopes alive.

“The fans can look forward to another thrilling episode of the duel between the champ and the challenger,” said Capito. “Both have shown recently that they are in a league of their own on asphalt, although they lacked the necessary luck to convert their leads into a win at the Rally Germany.

Latvala [left] and Ogier are free to fight each other for victory in France

“Both are capable of beating each other. Having won the Manufacturers’ Championship, we at Volkswagen can now focus fully on this truly extraordinary duel, which has been the story of the season. The Rally France promises to be another highlight of the WRC season. And there is really no need to worry about whether our drivers are hungry for the win.”

With only three rounds remaining this year, the WRC points permutations in France are straightforward. For Ogier and Ingrassia to secure the title, they must score six points more than Latvala and Anttila. Victory and at least second place on the Power Stage would be enough to wrap things up, regardless of other results.

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