Q&A: Andreas Mikkelsen

You’re the first driver to win back-to-back IRC titles. What does that mean to you?

“Nobody has ever done this before so it’s a nice record to achieve. The aim from the start of the year has been to try to win the championship again and that’s what we’ve done. These have been the best two years of my life in the IRC with ŠKODA UK Motorsport and it’s an amazing feeling to be champion again. I have to thank ŠKODA for giving me the chance to return to international rallying and giving me the best available car to help me develop as a driver.”

How do the two titles compare?

“It’s two very different seasons. It was much more entertaining last year because we were fighting to catch up and fighting against five drivers on the final round. This year has also been great but we won the title really before the last round and the target has been different this year. Last year was flat out all the time, this year we’ve been trying to finish every event with as many points as possible, being safe but pushing at the same time.”

What will you take away from your time in the IRC?

“Doing the IRC has been a big, big opportunity for me but the biggest thing I’ve learned was how to work with a big manufacturer. Before I was always a privateer, thinking about myself and the result I wanted. With ŠKODA UK I have the whole brand behind me and I have to look at the bigger picture. My two years with ŠKODA UK will be very valuable for my career.”

Did you ever imagine you’d achieve the success that you did?

“It started very badly in Monte-Carlo last year when we finished after a few corners and we’ve had many ups and downs since then. It was a big move for ŠKODA UK to give me this chance and there were a lot of critics because they were hiring a Norwegian and not helping one of their own. It was a bad start but we never gave up and they never stopped believing in my talents and what I was capable for doing with Ola [Fløene, my co-driver]. By winning two titles I hope we’ve paid them back.”

What’s your best memory since you made your IRC debut in 2010?

“The IRC has been great for me and I have many big, big memories but winning the title for the first time in Cyprus last was very special. There were five drivers on the rally who could win the rally and whoever won the title would win the rally. I always remember this moment because it was the best day of my life.”

And what’s next for Andreas Mikkelsen?

“The plan is to do the world championship with Volkswagen and to drive the Polo World Rally Car. The deal is not signed but it’s very, very close.”