Polo R WRC begins testing

Volkswagen Motorsport has begun testing the Polo R WRC, ahead of its entry into the 2013 World Rally Championship.

A 1.7 mile (2.8 kilometre) tarmac circuit around the vineyards of Veldenz near Trier - which will be familiar to spectators of the ADAC Rallye Deutschland - was the venue chosen for the car’s first runs. Behind the wheel was Carlos Sainz, two-times World Rally Champion and, more recently, winner of the Dakar Rally driving a Volkswagen Touareg.

Volkswagen Polo R WRC 2013 (Prototype) Front Side 1
Volkswagen Polo R WRC 2013 (Prototype) Rear SideVolkswagen Polo R WRC 2013 (Prototype) Front Side 2

Dr Ulrich Hackenberg, Member of the Volkswagen Board of Management for Technology, also got to have a go (a very nice perk of the job). He later said: ‘The first test with the new Polo R WRC is a special moment and marks an important milestone in the preparations for our entry in the WRC.

‘We’re well on schedule and are now able to start testing our concepts and developments in reality. The WRC is the top category in rally sport and a great challenge for the team, the drivers and the technology. We’re taking on this challenge and will be making efficient use of the time before we start into our first competition.’


The initial testing session covered around 60 miles (100 kilometres), and it was completed without a hitch. Nevertheless, the team acknowledges that the project is still at a very early stage, and a comprehensive development programme is planned that will evaluate different engine, transmission and suspension configurations.

Also on the agenda are assessments on various surfaces including snow, mud and gravel in preparation for the Polo R WRC’s competition debut.

Volkswagen Polo R WRC 2013 (Concept) Front Side 2Volkswagen Polo R WRC 2013 (Concept) Rear Side

Related post:
Volkswagen to enter WRC

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