Volkswagen Motorsport has wrapped up the first test of the new Polo GTI R5 which will mark its return to the World Rally Championship in the WRC2 class.

Volkswagen development driver Dieter Depping and 2017 WRC2 champion Pontus Tidemand shared the car for three days of testing in Southern France.

The first day of running was completed on a 2.4-mile asphalt route, before further set-up work focused on the chassis, dampers, and suspension on the four-wheel drive car was undertaken on gravel.

The test also offers the first image of the customer car in action.

“A successful first test is a good sign and great motivation,” said Volkswagen motorsport director Sven Smeets.

“After the many hours and weeks spent working on our latest customer racing project on the computer, in the design process and in the workshop, the Polo GTI R5 can now finally show what it is capable of out on the road, and we can gain valuable data for the further development of the car.”

Volkswagen is not expected to run a factory team with its new R5 car, but will provide customers with technical support.