Hello, Steemers!
It's official. The most successful team in last four seasons quits the WRC. Why? Official statement is that they're putting all their focuses on important future technologies. Unofficial reason is THE DIESEL GATE that made company losses counted in billions of US$.
They won 42 of the 51 WRC events since they joined WRC in 2013. Ogier won 4 WRC titles, also VW team won 4 manufacturers titles. What's gonna happen with driver's lineup? We don't have to be worried about champion Sebastien Ogier? He will for sure find new job. He posted on Twitter:
"I feel so sorry for my fantastic team-We had 4 outstanding years!
Thanks for their passion&support!
Don't worry about me, we'll see us again."
https://twitter.com/sebogier/status/793778817055744000
Ogier won in Walles last weekend
Andreas Mikkelsen is in fight for 2nd position in championship. It's unknown where will he go for the moment but Toyota and M-Sport are possibilities. His statement on Twitter:
"Thx to all my friends at @VolkswagenRally so
sorry it has to stop after this season. But first,
let's finish off with a Rally Australia win!"
https://twitter.com/AMikkelsenRally/status/793790469033627648?s=09
A. Mikkelsen
J. M. Latvala will probably finish in new all Finnish Toyota squad.
All-new Polo R WRC built for next season will not be used.
Lots of wasted money invested in 2017 WRC development
WRC 2017 prototype in testing
From now the future of Volkswagen Racing is focused on customer racing. They will have Golf GTI TCR in circuit racing and the Beetle GRC in rallycross. They will also develop a new R5 Polo available for customers from 2018.
Show must go on!
Cheers!