Volkswagen Motorsport is set to test
it's new Polo R WRC in the high altitude environment of Mexico this
week in what could prove a vital test for the new car.
With testing outside Europe banned for
registered WRC teams, VW Motorsport are choosing to get this test
completed before they register for next year's WRC. With two rallies
taking place in high altitudes, this expensive test will not only
give the team valuable data for low-oxygen events, it'll give their
drivers some prior experience of their new car in Mexico.
Team leader Sebastian Ogier understands
the benefits of testing in Mexico, even with the costs and logistical
nightmare involved, he says that finding conditions that mimic Mexico
are hard to come by.
“Normally we are not allowed to [test
outside of Europe] when we are in the championship so we take the
opportunity to do it now. It’s really difficult to find the Mexico
conditions out of Mexico so basically to have the altitude and the
temperature in the same place means we must go there so that’s why
we decide to test in Mexico. It will be expensive and will take a lot
of time but I am sure, at the end, it will help us to perform there.”
he said.
VW's well documented testing programme,
which included testing on all surfaces and in lots of different
countries, which included Finland, Portugal and Norway, is a
precursor to the firm's unwavering commitment to the WRC.
“If you see what is here, what is
built up here and what is coming, then it’s difficult to believe
it’s going to be for just three years. VW does things on a
long-term and strategic basis, it doesn’t go in and out of
[programmes] easily.” said Jost Capito, VW Motorsport boss.
Ogier added: “I knew from the
beginning that I have no doubts on this aspect and am sure Volkswagen
is doing the best for that. It’s not easy to organise completely a
new team coming from a new competition.”
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