Highly rated World Rally Championship (WRC) driver Sebastien Ogier has joined Volkswagen after exiting the sport’s top team Citroen. The Frenchman, who was a strong and competitive teammate to 2011 champ and living legend Seb Loeb, will be replaced by Finn Mikko Hirvonen at Citroen.
Ogier, who left Citroen with a year remaining on his contract, is joining Volkswagen effective immediately. The 27-year-old ex Junior World Rally Championship champion will now be helping the development of the Polo R WRC for VW’s planned 2013 entry. This means that we won’t see him in action next season.
“Volkswagen is the number one in Europe and will soon be number one in the world. I’m sure that they’re going to compete with the goal of clinching the WRC title. And I’m happy to be part of this from the outset,” Ogier said.
“We are proud that such a successful and quick duo as Sebastian Ogier and his co-driver Julien Ingrassia have decided to join Volkswagen. The aim of putting a competitive Polo R WRC on the road for them as quickly as possible will additionally drive our team. We look forward to working with them and are hoping for many victories and titles in the future,” said Volkswagen Motorsport Director Kris Nissen.
VW confirmed its 2013 WRC entry and previewed the Polo R WRC back in May. Click here to view a video of it.
© 2011 Paul Tan's Automotive News. All Rights Reserved.
This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Thu, 24 Nov 11 09:58:48 +0000.
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