Volkswagen Motorsport have announced they will be sticking with their winning combination of Sébastien Ogier, Jari-Matti Latvala and Andreas Mikkelsen who between them have 20 victories and an additional 18 podiums from just 24 rallies to date.
The trio of drivers currently occupy the top three places in the FIA World Rally Championship so makes perfect sense for the German marque to continue with their current line-up.
“We currently have the three best rally drivers in the world on our books,” said Volkswagen Motorsport Director Jost Capito.
“Continuity is an important factor in any success in motorsport, and I am delighted to have been able to extend our cooperation with Sébastien Ogier, Jari-Matti Latvala and Andreas Mikkelsen.
“Together with their co-drivers, all three are an essential part of Volkswagen’s overwhelming success in the World Rally Championship, and we are sure that we will enjoy much more success in the coming years with this team.”
Sébastien Ogier and his co-driver Julein Ingrassia have taken a total of 15 victories from the 24 rallies they have started for Volkswagen, taking the drivers and co-drivers championship in their first season with the team.
“Renewing the contract with Volkswagen is a completely logical step.” said Ogier. “The best team with the best car – there was no reason for me and Julien to want anything but what is far and away the best opportunity to battle for wins and World Championship titles.
“I am very pleased that we will continue to work with this team, in which we feel so comfortable and with whom we have enjoyed our greatest successes.”
A delighted Latvala added “At Volkswagen I have everything I need to challenge for wins and titles, and I am very happy that the team continues to put its faith in us.”
Mikkelsen has been getting better and better as the season goes on and in eleven rallies has already claimed five podiums for the team with co-driver Ola Fløene.
“To start alongside Sébastien and Jari-Matti for Volkswagen again in 2015, there is no better opportunity out there in rallying” said Mikkelsen.
“You can learn from the best and, at the same time, compare yourself against them in the same car. I can look back on two extremely exciting years and a steep learning curve with Volkswagen. I am sure we will continue to develop together.”
