Premiere for Ogier as Volkswagen factory driver at Monte

The starting signal will be given at the iconic event: Sébastien Ogier (28) and co-driver Julien Ingrassia (32) are contesting their first rally run for Volkswagen from 18–22 January – and right at the legendary Rallye Monte Carlo.

The rally that has been held since 1911 is part of the FIA WRC calendar for the first time in three years, marking the opening event for this year’s season consisting of a total of 13 rounds. Alongside the Frenchman Ogier the Volkswagen factory team is competing with the Dutch junior driver Kevin Abbring (22) and his co-driver Lara Vanneste (21).

In 2012 Volkswagen is contesting the entire WRC in the smaller SWRC class with two Fabia S2000 cars of the Group’s Škoda brand. The runs serve as preparation for the 2013 season in which Volkswagen will compete in the top class of rally racing with the Polo R WRC.

“After Sébastien’s impressive victory in December as a Volkswagen factory driver at the Race Of Champions we are very much looking forward to finally contesting our first joint rally,” says Volkswagen Motorsport Director Kris Nissen. “‘Monte’ is the mother of all rallies in general, which makes it a great place for this premiere. With its changeable conditions of asphalt, ice and snow, it’s one of the most challenging events on the calendar. And even though we’re not competing for championship points this season we’ll naturally be giving our best at each run.”

The 80th Monte running with 18 special stages covers a total distance of 433 kilometres. On his first showing there in 2009 Sébastien Ogier immediately secured overall victory.

“Monte is a legend and a very special rally,” says Ogier, who finished last year’s WRC in third place. “I’m happy to see it back on the WRC calendar and about being able to contest my first rally there with the Volkswagen team. For us, this year will primarily be about gathering experience and concurrently developing the Polo in order to compete with a strong and competitive package in 2013.”