Mikkelsen makes history in Germany

Andreas Mikkelsen made history on ADAC Rallye Deutschland on Sunday when he became the first driver to score a bonus point on an FIA World Rally Championship Power Stage in a Super 2000 car.

Mikkelsen was third quickest through the Circus Maximus test in Trier in his Volkswagen Motorsport Skoda Fabia Super 2000. Although his car gives out less power than the headlining World Rally Cars, the 23-year-old capitalised on his natural talent and stage pedigree - he was fastest around the Porta Nigra UNESCO Heritage Site in 2008.

“It was a good way to end the rally, I really enjoyed that stage,” said the Norwgian, who finished seventh on the all-asphalt event, one place behind team-mate Sebastien Ogier. “My first stage victory in a World Rally Car was on this stage in 2008 so it’s good fun to come back and get a [bonus] point. It’s been a fantastic weekend for our team - sixth and seventh on home soil - and I am so happy to be here with them. We struggled a bit with the set-up but I am happy with my performance.”

Ogier, who is combining a programme of WRC events in a Skoda S2000 alongside developing Volkswagen’s Polo R World Rally Car ahead of its competition debut next season, marked his best result of the year to date in sixth.

“This is one of the most difficult Tarmac events on the calendar but I found an almost perfect rhythm,” said the Frenchman. “A bit more power would have been nice, that’s why I can’t wait to return here next year with the Polo.”