Volkswagen Polo R WRC to Make Competitive Debut at Monte Carlo
Volkswagen’s Polo R WRC, developed over 17 months and 20,000 km of testing, will contest its first World Rally Championship event at the 2013 Monte Carlo Rally.
Volkswagen will enter the World Rally Championship as a full factory team for the first time with the debut of the Polo R WRC at the 2013 Monte Carlo Rally, starting 16 January. The German manufacturer confirmed two cars will run in the season opener, marking the end of a 17-month development programme for its new rally challenger.
The Polo R WRC is Volkswagen’s first top-level rally car in decades. Built to WRC regulations, it features a 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder TSI engine producing 300 hp and 350 Nm, paired with a six-speed sequential gearbox and all-wheel drive. The car’s minimum weight is 1,200 kg, achieved through extensive use of carbon-kevlar for the doors, wheel arches and tailgate, as well as a stripped interior.
Volkswagen says the Polo R WRC is 138 mm wider than the standard Polo, with a total width of 1,820 mm. The car has completed around 20,000 km of testing across various surfaces in preparation for its championship debut. Development focused on reliability and performance over a range of rally conditions, with the team targeting immediate competitiveness against established rivals.
Driver line-up and team strategy
Volkswagen’s factory entry will field two cars in Monte Carlo. The number 8 Polo R WRC will be driven by Sébastien Ogier, partnered by co-driver Julien Ingrassia. Jari-Matti Latvala, joined by Miikka Anttila, will pilot the number 7 car. Both drivers bring extensive WRC experience, with Ogier already a rally winner and Latvala a proven contender. The team aims to gather points and data during its first full season, while testing the car’s pace against Citroën, Ford and other established teams.
Volkswagen’s WRC programme brings the Polo nameplate to the highest level of rallying, following the reveal of the Polo R WRC road car and R-Line models at previous motor shows. The Monte Carlo event is known for its unpredictable conditions, making it a challenging debut for any new car. The team’s long-term goal is to fight for wins and championships after an initial learning phase. For more on the Polo R WRC’s development and previous reveals, seeVolkswagen Unveils Polo R WRC and R-Line at Frankfurt.
Technical highlights of the Polo R WRC
| Engine | 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder TSI |
|---|---|
| Power | 300 hp (224 kW) |
| Torque | 350 Nm |
| Transmission | Six-speed sequential |
| Drivetrain | All-wheel drive |
| Minimum weight | 1,200 kg |
| Width | 1,820 mm (138 mm wider than standard Polo) |
| Bodywork | Carbon-kevlar panels |
The Polo R WRC’s entry at Monte Carlo marks the start of Volkswagen’s campaign to challenge for rally honours at the highest level. The team’s performance in the opening round will be closely watched by rivals and fans alike.
