WRC - Mikkelsen grateful for learning opportunity

Norway’s Andreas Mikkelsen says he is not sure how often he will get to drive the Volkswagen Motorsport Skoda Fabia S2000 this year - but that it is one of the best opportunities for learning that he has ever experienced.

Volkswagen has committed to running Mikkelsen in a second car alongside lead driver Sebastien Ogier for a number of events this year, but it is not known how many. Mikkelsen will share the second seat with Kevin Abbring, and possibly some other drivers, as Volkswagen evaluates its driver line-up for the 2013 FIA World Rally Championship.

After Abbring drove the car in Monte Carlo, Mikkelsen is making the most of the opportunity in Sweden. He ends the second day 12th overall, with Ogier only just in front of him.

“It’s a fantastic experience being here in a factory team like Volkswagen: it’s a huge organisation and you learn so much from it,” said the 22-year-old. “It’s been great working with Sebastien Ogier too: he has been absolutely fantastic with me and we have a very good relationship.

"I don’t know what the future holds for me with Volkswagen, but I just want to make the most of the chance that I have now.”

Mikkelsen already has plenty of experience of the Skoda Fabia S2000 through his contract with Skoda UK. He previously drove for Volkswagen on Rally Finland last year.