Organisers expect Volkswagen drivers ‘to make a statement’ at Rally Australia as the trio search for new seats in 2017 following the German marque’s sudden WRC exit.
The Coffs Harbour event will be Volkswagen’s last, ending its stranglehold on the championship which has seen the manufacturer claim four consecutive drivers’ and constructors’ titles.
Determined to go out on a high, Volkswagen will be favourites to continue its winning streak in Australia with newly crowned world champion Sebsatien Ogier targeting his fourth Rally Australia victory.
Volkswagen’s WRC departure has left Ogier and team-mates Jari-Matti Latvala and Andreas Mikkelsen without drives for 2017.
“The announcement from Volkswagen sees a couple of drivers that have found themselves on the market that probably were not expecting to be there,” Rally Australia chairman Ben Rainsford told Speedcafe.com.
“I think all three drivers will use the event as a chance to make a bit of a statement.”
Volkswagen’s Mikkelsen says emotions are running in the team but the operation remains focussed on ending its WRC tenure with a victory.
“The feeling in the Volkswagen team is good and were are all here to finish off in style,” said Mikkelsen, who is unsure of his 2017 future.
“For sure it is very emotional you can see it in all the mechanics eyes. To see it come to an end is really sad.”
However, Volkswagen is likely to face a strong challenge in its final event with Ogier and Mikkelsen set to struggle due to their road position in the first two days.
First to tackle the stages, the Frenchman will act as a sweeper on the gravel roads which is set to hand an advantage to his rivals.
“I think with the current running order rule it will make it hard for Sebastian Ogier on the first couple of days to build up a lead,” Rainsford added.
“It wouldn’t surprise me to see someone like Hayden Paddon or one of the Ford drivers capitalise on the road position during the first two days and builds up a buffer for the final day.
“I think if Hayden is in the top four or five on Sunday morning he will have a real chance to win this rally.”
The first competitive stages begin this morning with passes through Utungen (7.88km), Bakers Creek (16.75km) and Northbank (8.42km).
This year’s event will welcome two new super special stages to the schedule including a 1.27km arena test situated on Coffs Harbour Jetty, which will be run on Friday and Saturday evening.
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