Andreas Mikkelsen commits long-term future to Volkswagen in the WRC

Andreas Mikkelsen will continue to drive for Volkswagen in the World Rally Championship. The Wolfsburg-based automobile manufacturer, works driver Andreas Mikkelsen and co-driver Ola Fløene have agreed to extend their contract for several years beyond 2015. The Norwegian duo has been driving the third Polo R WRC in the WRC since 2014, alongside Sébastien Ogier/Julien Ingrassia (F/F) and Jari-Matti Latvala/Miikka Anttila (FIN/FIN), who also possess long-term contracts with Volkswagen. Mikkelsen/Fløene are currently third in the driver and co-driver competitions within the pinnacle of rallying.

"Andreas Mikkelsen and Ola Fløene’s contract extension is very good news for the Volkswagen rally family," said Volkswagen Motorsport Director Jost Capito. "We have enjoyed a lot of success together in the last two years, and this season, and are confident that it is only a matter of time until Andreas and Ola claim their first win. We are impressed by Andreas’ talent and the analytical and tactical way he goes about things. We are delighted to have wrapped up this contract extension. With two-time world champion Sébastien Ogier, last year’s runner-up Jari-Matti Latvala and the third-placed driver in last year’s World Championship, Andreas Mikkelsen, Volkswagen has the best driver line-up you could imagine on the rally scene."

Andreas Mikkelsen, who turns 26 today: "I am incredibly happy to have extended my contract with Volkswagen. It is a great feeling to know that the team is happy with me and my performance, and that they want to continue working with me. I am thankful for this opportunity to continue to develop in this great team. It confirms that we are on the right track and gives us an extra boost for the future."

Mikkelsen remains part of the Volkswagen family after five years

Andreas Mikkelsen and Ola Fløene have been part of the Volkswagen family since 2011. Their first contract to drive with a works team came courtesy of Škoda, which is part of the Volkswagen group. Mikkelsen and Fløene won the Intercontinental Rally Challenge (IRC) in 2011 and 2012, and were also involved in Volkswagen’s preparations for the World Rally Championship at the same time. In 2013, Mikkelsen switched to the Polo R WRC and has contested all but one round of the WRC since the Rally Portugal of that year. In 2014 – still with co-driver Mikko Markkula at that time – Mikkelsen claimed his first podium in Sweden. A further eight podium finishes were to follow after Mikkelsen and Fløene were reunited one year ago, and the pair ended the 2014 Drivers’ Championship in third place. In 2015, Mikkelsen/Fløene have finished on the podium at four of the season’s six rounds so far.