First, fifth and sixth for the Volkswagen drivers
“Free practice” on ice and snow whets the appetite for round two of the WRC
Volkswagen finished first, fifth and sixth fastest in the Shakedown ahead of the Rally Sweden. Sébastien Ogier/Julien Ingrassia (F/F) were the fastest duo on the 4.30-kilometre “Råda” stage, which was used for the FIA World Rally Championship’s (WRC) free practice. They were followed by Robert Kubica (M-Sport-Ford), Mads Østberg and Kris Meeke (Citroën), as well as Volkswagen team-mates Andreas Mikkelsen/Ola Fløene (N/N) and Jari-Matti Latvala/Miikka Anttila (FIN/FIN). Without having to look after the so-called Sweden spikes, the top drivers completed at least four runs – sometimes up to seven – with every attempt quicker than the previous run. On the whole, conditions improved with every World Rally Car, as they swept the snow and slush from what at the start of the day were icy, snow-covered roads.
The Rally Sweden is the second round of the season in the 2015 World Rally Championship. The only rally on the calendar to be held entirely on snow and ice officially gets underway this evening with a 1.90-kilometre stage on the racecourse in Karlstad.
Quotes after the Shakedown at the Rally Sweden
Jari-Matti Latvala, Volkswagen Polo R WRC #2
“The Shakedown went perfectly. Our Polo feels good and the conditions are top-class, despite the rise in temperature. The competition will be fierce. Not just from our own team. You cannot afford to underestimate anyone, particularly Mats Østberg and Ott Tänak. And it goes without saying that you have to take the starting order into account. Winning here for the fourth time would certainly be very special for me. However, we have a long way to go before then.”
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