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Home , 1971 in sports, 2008 Acropolis Rally, 2009 Dakar Rally, Anton Marklund, Bruno Saby, Carlos Sainz

Motorsport Information

Information Package 50 Years of Contents 02

Contents

Gallery 03

Introduction 08 Time Bar

Interview 13 Background and 21 Formula 3

Background One-Make Cup 28

Background 33 Endurance Races

Background Rally 39

Background 45 WRC

Background 51 History 57 Facts and Figures

Volkswagen Motorsport For Media 60 Gallery 03

Formula Vee “Born in the USA” – and in , from 1966 Gallery 04

Touring “The crazy seventies”: Willi Bergmeister puts pedal to the metal in the Scirocco Gallery 05

Formula 3 was not the only person to benefit from Volkswagen’s promotion of youngsters Gallery 06

Dakar Rally A hat-trick of wins at the toughest rally in the world: Volkswagen makes its mark in the desert Gallery 07

WRC Volkswagen’s most successful motorsport project to date: nine titles in three years Introduction – Time Bar 08

Milestones

11 July 1966 is founded in Munich – under the name Formel V Europa e.V. Ulf von Malberg General Secretary, 1966–1968 Anton Konrad Historic Formula Vee race on the General Secretary, 1968–1972 Nürburgring-Nordschleife: Helmut Marko 1969 wins the six-lap race with an average speed of 137.4 km/h, finishing ahead of .

1971 More power – with the start of . Seen here at the wheel Klaus-Peter Rosorius Sporting Director, 1972–1995 of a Kaimann: Germany’s .

1973 Move to Hannover.

1975 wins the German Formula Super Vee championship in a Kaimann Volkswagen.

Inaugural Volkswagen 1976 One-Make Cup: the VW Junior Cup lines up in Hockenheim – with identical, 105-hp Scirocco.

1976 Name change to “Formel V Europa – Volkswagen Motorsport e.V.”.

1977 The I GTI replaces the Scirocco as the cup .

1978 Klaus-Joachim “Jochi” Kleint wins the Estering Cup and claims the title in the unofficial German Rallycross Championship at the wheel of a Golf GTI 1600. The driver from Hamburg also enters the FIA European Rallycross Championship with Volkswagen in the same year. Introduction – Time Bar 09

1979 Entry into Formula 3 as engine manufacturer.

1980 A Volkswagen Iltis flexes its muscles in the desert! and Gerd Löffelmann claim Volkswagen’s first overall victory at the .

1981 Name change to “Volkswagen Motorsport e.V.”.

The bright-green Golf I GTI – 1980 known as “Rheila-Frosch” (Rheila Frog) – wins the German Rally Championship. At the wheel: Alfons Stock/Paul Schmuck.

1982 Denmark’s John Nielsen wins the German Formula 3 Championship with Volkswagen. 1983 Green light for the Polo Cup.

1984 Maiden triumph in Macau! Nielsen wins the unofficial Formula 3 World Championship.

1985 The “World Record Polo”: Volkswagen sets a new 24-hour speed record of 208.1 km/h with a Polo G40 at the test site in Ehra-Lessien.

1986 Swedish driver is crowned World Rally Champion in A with the II GTI. Introduction – Time Bar 10

1990 Michael Schumacher wins with Volkswagen the German Formula 3 Championship and the World Final in Macau.

1991 • Victory in the German Rally Championship. At the wheel of the 282-hp Golf G60: Erwin Weber and Manfred Hiemer.

Andre van der Watt • is crowned German Formula 3 Champion, Sporting Director, 1995–2002 “powered by Volkswagen”.

1997 Volkswagen enters Formula König as engine supplier.

1998 First race of the ADAC Volkswagen Touring Junior Cup with the Lupo – the birth of the Touring Car School. 9 March 2000 VW Motorsport GmbH founded.

6 April 2000 Renamed Volkswagen Racing GmbH.

Rudolf-Helmut Strozyk Sporting Director, 2002–2003 Motorsport Director, 2003–2012

2003 Return to the Dakar Rally with the Volkswagen Tarek.

20 December 2004 Renamed Volkswagen Motorsport GmbH.

2004 The Polo Cup replaces the Lupo Cup.

2005 and Michel Périn win the FIA Marathon Rally World Cup with the Volkswagen Race Touareg. Introduction – Time Bar 11

2007 Class victory for the Golf GTI at the 24-hour race at the Nürburgring. The 300-hp, 2.0-litre TSI car with front wheel drive wins the SP3T class. At the wheel: René Rast, Jimmy Johansson, Florian Gruber and Dieter Depping.

2008 Volkswagen Power for future stars: the ADAC Formula Masters is launched.

2009

Volkswagen becomes the first winner of the “Dakar” with diesel technology! One-two at the classic rally, courtesy of / and /Ralph Pitchford.

2010 • One-two-three at the Dakar Rally! • New star at Touring / win, ahead Car School: the of Nasser Al-Attiyah/ Scirocco replaces and Miller/Pitchford. the Polo.

2011 Flawless Dakar hat-trick! This time, victory goes to Al-Attiyah/Gottschalk, followed by de Villiers/von Zitzewitz and Sainz/Cruz. Introduction – Time Bar 12

2011 Big announcement in May: Volkswagen will join the FIA in 2013. The first driveable prototype of the Polo R WRC is presented at the International Motor Show (IAA) in Frankfurt.

2012 Test phase: Volkswagen Motorsport enters the World Rally Championship with the Škoda Fabia S2000. Jost Capito Motorsport Director, 2012–today

2013 • Maiden victory in the FIA World Rally Championship! Sébastien Ogier/ win the second round in Sweden.

• Ogier/Ingrassia claim the Driver/Co-Driver title at their home rally in in October. Volkswagen is crowned world champion manufacturer at the following rally in .

2014 Manufacturer title successfully defended with a one-two-three in . Ogier and Ingrassia defend their Driver/Co-Driver title with victory at the Rally Spain.

2015 Hat-trick! Ogier, Ingrassia and Volkswagen are crowned World Rally Champions for the third time in Australia. Interview – Jost Capito 13

“We want to be successful in everything we do”

Volkswagen Motorsport Director Jost Capito in an interview about developments since 1966, the impact of his predecessors and the anniversary year. Interview – Jost Capito 14

Enough to put a smile on anyone’s face: Jost Capito has been Volkswagen Motorsport Director since May 2012. Since then, there have been nine WRC title wins in three years

You were around eight years old When did you discover your race. I didn’t see anything, but when Volkswagen Motorsport ­passion for motorsport? I heard it – and I liked what I was founded in 1966. What are heard. (laughs) your memories of the early years It was actually even before with Formula Vee? ­Formula Vee, when my mother You went on to be actively was expecting me and attended involved in motorsport yourself I’ve always been interested in the Isle of Man TT and took part in the Dakar Rally. motorsport and Formula Vee was the best thing ever for me back then. Looking back, I remember There was the drivers in particular – names also a Volkswagen such as Keke Rosberg, Jochen Iltis parked in Rindt etc. The Formula Vee of the garage at that era is comparable with the Capito family today’s Formula 3. Drivers who home wanted to work their way up to and be a success started their careers in Formula Vee. Interview – Jost Capito 15

Well done, Jari-Matti: Capito is always in the thick of it at the service park had been watching it keenly any easier or more challenging at in the preceding years. Freddy any particular time. To win, you ­Kottulinsky’s victory in the Iltis have to be the best at that par- was obviously sensational. We ticular point in time – and that’s It all started with motorcycle always had off-road vehicles at never easy. If anyone today did sport for me. I started going to home because my father used to what was done in motorsport ten events at the age of three go hunting. And at that time, we years ago, it wouldn’t be classed and I knew that when I turned 16 had an Iltis – it’s quite something as professional – but it was and had a driving licence I would to have such a model parked in professional back then. Times take part in enduro and moto- the garage at home. change and you have to keep up cross races. with the times.

The first overall win in the Dakar How professional was motor- Rally for a Volkswagen came in sport back then compared to Much of the current team has 1980. What do you remember of today? been working together since the that triumph? Dakar Rally factory involvement Motorsport has always been in the years 2003 to 2011. Has Obviously, I remember the professional and at a high level. that been the key to success? Volkswagen Iltis from 1980. My The technology used has been father entered the Dakar Rally advanced since then. But that’s In the Dakar Rally, you learn for the first time in 1981, so we not to say that motorsport was about and experience all the Interview – Jost Capito 16

Historic home victory: the Volkswagen team scored a three- way win at Rally Germany in 2015

Having an experienced You are the seventh Volkswagen Motorsport Director. What part “Dakar” team was the did your predecessors play in the perfect starting point and current development? also a welcome luxury. Some excellent decisions were made, including to go to Han- nover, to enter the Dakar Rally and the World Rally Champion- ship, and to create the infrastruc- ture required for this. We still have many facets of motorsport, You joined the team in May 2012. team members who worked on no matter what area you are Did you already know some of the Golf II in the WRC. And their involved in. Those who achieve the team members? experience is worth its weight in success in the “Dakar” can also gold. All of my predecessors’ deci- be successful in other areas. No, I was only familiar with my sions and activities have helped ­Having an experienced “Dakar” predecessor Kris Nissen. On my me to achieve success with the team upon which other motor- first day, I had to use my satnav team. I took something on that sport activities could then be to direct me to Ikarusallee in was clearly shaped by my prede- built up was the perfect starting Hannover as I didn’t know where cessors. Our success would not point and also a welcome luxury. it was. (laughs) otherwise have been possible. Interview – Jost Capito 17

In your opinion, what are the performance just once a year to It’s quite extraordinary for a manu­ areas in which the team has producing exactly the same level facturer to enter one of the top improved the most? of commitment in 13 individual motorsport series and to estab- rallies throughout the year. This is lish itself by winning three world The team has improved across a transition which is usually diffi- championships in a row right of the board, including in the areas cult to achieve. But as a team, we the bat. It’s something that’s never of technology, infrastructure, and admirably rose to this challenge. been seen before in an automobile marketing and communications – With the addition of China, we world championship in this form. among other things to keep will be competing in another new apace with the requirements. rally this year. And I am confident After Volkswagen won the Dakar that we will tackle this with ease What influence do these suc- Rally three times in a row from too. cesses have on the position of 2009 to 2011, the team suc- Volkswagen in the international ceeded in delivering an entirely motorsport arena? different kind of motorsport in Nine World Rally Championship the World Rally Championship titles for the Polo R WRC in the Volkswagen has become firmly right from the start. It moved past three years – what’s your established in the international away from delivering a focused assessment of this success? motorsport arena thanks to its

The whole team got together for a group photo after winning its second World Rally Championship title in 2014 Interview – Jost Capito 18

involvement in the World Rally Unlike other manufacturers, This results in quick decision Championship. The WRC means Volkswagen puts its own factory making procedures and flat hier- we are travelling all over the team into events, rather than archies, and is therefore highly world from January to November using an outsourced team for effective. When you outsource every year. The production-based event appearances. What differ- something, you may find there ­vehicles can be purchased around ence does this make? are various different interests the world and offer great poten- tial for identification with the Volkswagen brand. With the Jost Capito and his team have had plenty of reasons to celebrate over the past three years exception of in the USA, the Polo is Volkswagen’s most distributed car around the world. As such, our taking part in the World Rally Championship with the Polo R WRC makes perfect sense. When Volkswagen moved into the area of SUVs in the early and launched the Touareg, entering the Dakar Rally was obviously the best thing for the company to do – in spite of the fact that the interna- tional perception of the brand was naturally less pronounced when there was only one event a year.

To what extent can success in the World Rally Championship be planned?

You can’t plan success. But you can plan when a car is used, how reliable it is and how it performs. And this can then serve as the basis for success. It obviously also depends on who you’re up against as well as numerous other factors. And if one of these factors isn’t right, you won’t be successful. Interview – Jost Capito 19

and philosophies. Outsourcing Jost Capito can certainly work too – take our with Scott partnership with Andretti Auto- Speed after he won the 2015 sport, for example. We share Global Rallycross exactly the same interests and Championship philosophy. We adopt both of with the these approaches at ­ GRC Motorsport – we take part in the WRC ourselves and we are involved in Global Rallycross together with a partner.

which has racked up numerous The Golf TCR will now be hitting Volkswagen’s success here successes in the past. Andretti the racetrack in 2016. What do speaks for itself: Scott Speed and Volkswagen have identical you hope to achieve with this won the title in 2015 with mindsets and ideas regarding involvement in customer sport? the Beetle GRC. What makes how to engage in motorsport. Volkswagen’s partnership with We are also a good fit in terms We hope to enable interested so success- of spirit – we both have a desire customers to use a Volkswagen ful? to win and will do everything to engage in motorsport rela- to do so. And this is ultimately tively inexpensively at various Andretti Autosport is an estab- what clinched it for us in the levels. There are national and lished motorsport company 2015 season. international championships, for example in the Benelux coun- tries and in Asia. A team can take Starting in the 2016 season, Volkswagen is offering the part in various series with a Golf Golf TCR for use in customer sport TCR, improve and expand its involvement from the national to the international level – with the same car and the same ­technology.

In the last 50 years, drivers such as Niki Lauda, Michael ­Schumacher and Tom Kristensen have started their careers with Volkswagen power in the rear. And most recently, Max Verstap- Interview – Jost Capito 20

pen managed to move straight up What do you wish for in Formula 3, and we are mov- to Formula One. What sets apart ­Volkswagen Motorsport as it ing into customer sport with the Volkswagen’s endeavours to reaches this milestone birthday? Golf TCR. The TCR is also getting ­promote up-and-coming drivers? bigger and bigger, with dozens of We want to be successful in championships springing up. And Volkswagen’s endeavours in everything we do. As ­Volkswagen we are well established in Rally- this area are set apart by their Motorsport turns 50, it is in a cross – a modern, up-and-com- authenticity. We’re not looking better position in motorsport ing sports discipline – in the for puppets, but for independ- than ever before. It also boasts USA. As such, Volkswagen has a ent personalities. So we offer a well-rounded programme: it future-proof and forward-looking up-and-coming drivers competi­ is active globally with the World motorsport set-up. // tive materials and the freedom Rally Championship, which con- they need to evolve. Only then tinues to grow – there’s a new can talented motorsport indi­ rally being held in China in 2016 viduals develop in both areas – and is set to join as a as a driver on the racetrack and manufacturer in 2017. On the also as a personality. racetrack, we promote new talent The boss takes a dip: welcome refreshment after the 2014 Rally Italy win Background – Formula Vee and Formula 3 21

How it all began – Formula Vee kick-started a success story

From Germany to the USA and back again. From Formula Vee to Formula 3. An international playground for beginners, and for aspiring drivers. This is how the motorsport era began for Volkswagen. A retrospective. Background – Formula Vee and Formula 3 22

Slim, light,

swift: the iki Lauda, trademark of the Keke Ros- Formula Vee berg and race car Rolf StommelenN in Formula Vee; Michael Schumacher, Tom Kristensen and Bernd Schnei- der in Formula 3 – the history for the Wolfsburg carmaker the know-how associated with of Volkswagen in motorsport is throughout more than 50 years the brand in the USA was vital closely linked with these famous of involvement in motorsport. to the establishment of what names. The development of proved to be the wildest junior young talent has been a prior­ Even before Volkswagen officially racing class: Formula Vee. Stock ity, and an ongoing success story became involved in motorsport, parts of the VW Beetle, such as

The thinker and the driver: Kaimann team lead Kurt Bergmann with driver Dieter Quester in 1966 Background – Formula Vee and Formula 3 23

the front suspension, , transmission and of course the Interest in the Formula Vee 1.2 litre 40-hp motor made this the ideal vehicle to be used as spread like wildfire around the the basis for the construction of affordable racing cars. globe. In addition to national championships and challenge The first Formula Vee race in the USA took place at the ­Daytona races between the USA and Speedway in 1963. In no time at all, the series became the . most popular motor racing class nationwide. When Dr. Ferry ­ and sporting director Fritz Huschke von Hanstein first heard of these VW runabouts in 1964, they shipped twelve car kits to Germany with the enthusi- Formula Super Vee: more races between the USA and astic support of Dr. , the power for young drivers Europe, there was also an un­­ CEO of Volkswagen America and official world championship. later member of the Executive Interest in this unique ­racing Volkswagen Motorsport was Board. A press statement by von class spread like wildfire around founded on 11 July 1966 – as Hanstein explained: “We want the globe. In addition to national the European Formula Vee to do something for young Ger- championships and challenge Association (Verband Formel V man drivers and Formula Vee will provide these youngsters with an affordable option for getting started.”

A full starting grid for the Formula Super Vee race at the Nürburgring in 1974 Background – Formula Vee and Formula 3 24

Amateurs? No way!

ace director Wilhelm Herz Rwanted to show the two ­amateur racing drivers the black flag. Anton Konrad and Manfred Jantke used to enter Formula Vee races every now and again, as was Start of the Formula 3 race at the in 1992 – Volkswagen has only the case in Hockenheim in 1969. been absent for a short time after joining the junior series in 1979 However, nobody had reckoned on this happening: in a field littered Europa e.V.) – and continued to for Formula 3, continuing the with exceptionally talented drivers, act as a first-class talent factory talent factory tradition. By 1994, the two amateurs qualified on the for Formula Vee. Volkswagen had powered drivers front row of the grid. Herz pointed to 92 individual victories, claim- to a fault in the timing equipment. Formula Super Vee started in ing seven overall titles. The most He spoke to Konrad and Jantke and 1971 with more powerful 120-hp famous names in this list are requested that they should move engines and launched a produc- Michael Schumacher, who went to the side at the start of the race tion line of drivers who went on on to become the record Formula and let their fellow drivers through. to taste success in other compe- One world champion, Le Mans He even threatened them with dis- titions, such as Dakar Rally win- series winner Tom Kristensen or qualification. What followed caused ner Freddy Kottulinsky and For- DTM legend Bernd Schneider. quite a sensation: the pair pulled mula One world champion Keke away from the rest of the field Rosberg. After 17 years in this It is not just the drivers who profit at the start, with Konrad eventu­ series, Volkswagen withdrew to from Volkswagen’s expertise. ally winning ahead of Jantke. It seek new challenges elsewhere. The technical staff – race engin­ is worth mentioning that Jantke, eers and mechanics – also have who was a journalist at the time, the opportunity to work on the later made his name as Director of From one talent factory to development­ of Formula vehicles ­Racing at Porsche. Konrad was also the next and make a name for themselves heavily involved in the motorsport in the world of motorsport. After scene at that time: as coordin­ In 1979, Volkswagen moved to taking a long break from Formula ator of Volkswagen’s Formula Vee circuit racing as a constructor 3, Volkswagen returned to the ­activities. » Background – Formula Vee and Formula 3 25

» Konrad is only too happy to joke about his move to Volkswagen AG in 1972, where he was employed as Communications Director: “I did such a poor job that headquarters called me up.” Formula Vee was the starting point for everything that followed at Volkswagen ­Motorsport, including a hat-trick of titles at the “Dakar” and in the World Rally Championship. Konrad can undoubtedly be considered the

Volkswagen on the podium: Edoardo Mortara won the father of motorsport at ­Volkswagen. European Formula 3 title in 2010 – he is currently driving for “Volkswagen made something fan- in the DTM tastic out of it,” said Konrad. “We can proudly say that it all started with the seed that was Formula grid in 2007, on three fronts at also entered the British Formula 3 Vee.” once. In addition to the European Championship and the German

Formula 3 series, Volkswagen ATS Formula 3 Cup. Volkswagen also supports and develops talented young mechanics Background – Formula Vee and Formula 3 26

Edoardo Mortara enjoyed most important junior racing particu­lar success in this period. series in Europe. The new gener­ The Italian won the unofficial ation of 225-hp motors ­delivered Formula 3 world championship improved performance and amidst the crash barriers of greater driveability. Their use in Really, they Macau in 2009 and 2010. 2010 the 2015 season also brought started for also saw the Italian claim the title success for the young drivers: in the European Formula 3 series, Max Verstappen moved up to Volkswagen? which ran from 2003 to 2012. Formula One directly after the 2014 season. The teenager made a big impression in the top flight Jochen Rindt From Formula 3 to the in 2015, named as “Rookie of the top flight “powered by Year” by the world motor racing Volkswagen” governing body FIA.

In 2014, Volkswagen introduced Throughout the long history of a new engine to the FIA Formula Volkswagen, young drivers had 3 European Championship, the used Formula Vee or Formula 3

Edoardo Mortara (pictured in 2010) twice won Back then … the Formula 3 Grand Prix of Macau … Rindt was one of the original Formula Vee drivers in 1966. Later … … the popular Austrian was posthumously crowned 1970 Formula One World Champion.

Keke Rosberg Back then … … winner of the 1973 European Formula Vee 1300 cup. Later … … the Finn became 1982 Formula One World Champion. » Background – Formula Vee and Formula 3 27

» Niki Lauda Back then … … the Austrian lined up in Formula Vee. In a Kaimann run by compatriot Kurt “Master” Bergmann. Later … … Lauda became a triple Formula One World Champion.

Michael Schumacher Max Verstappen drove for Volkswagen in the 2014 Formula 3 season, Back then … and has been making waves in Formula One since 2015 … “Schumi” was German as a springboard to a professional Formula 3 career – powered by the mighty champion engines from Wolfsburg. It is and won these engines that remain the Smoke signals: the World Final in Macau with Tom Blomqvist driving force behind the stars of Volkswagen. and Max Verstappen tomorrow. // battle it out Later … for the lead in … he was record Formula One World in 2014 Champion, with seven titles.

Tom Kristensen Back then … … the Dane won the German Formula 3 Championship “powered by Volkswagen” in 1991. Later … … he earned the nickname “Mister Le Mans”: with nine overall wins to his name, Kristensen holds the record at the 24-hour classic. Background – One-Make Cup 28 A school for life

On the timetable from 1998 to 2014: a one-make touring car cup to promote talented young drivers, “powered by Volkswagen”. Background – One-Make Cup 29

reasonably priced alter- native to FormulaA 3? Volkswagen had the answer at the end of the 90s: the touring car school. It was here, that countless talented young- Lupo royal: sters were given a route into Prince Albert von motorsport between 1998 and Thurn und Taxis 2014. Many of the young drivers takes a sideways learned far more than just the The goal: equal approach basics of motorsport. The touring car school was also about learn- opportunity and ing for life. a reasonably

The ADAC Volkswagen Touring priced route into Junior Cup was launched in 1998. The Wolfsburg-based manu­ professional touring facturer organised ten races, car racing. with the Lupo – brand-new at the time – the car of choice. The goal: equal opportunity and a reasonably priced route into pro- fessional . In 1999, Volkswagen’s touring car school was renamed the ADAC ance. He not only gave them tips from the outset, the Lupo was ­Volkswagen Lupo Cup. on how to get round the circuit equipped with a solid roll cage, fastest in the racing version of a fire extinguisher and a racing Experienced touring car driver the Lupo, but also laid down the harness. In order to ensure equal Kris Nissen, who went on to law – where necessary – if the opportunity, all the models used become Volkswagen Motorsport young guns got carried away out over the years were maintained Director, was on hand to offer on the track. Safety was always a and run centrally by auto tuning the students advice and guid- priority in the junior series. Right company . Background – One-Make Cup 30

Lupo, Polo and Scirocco: the the star of the Volkswagen tour- stars of the touring car school ing school – now known as the R-Cup. The ADAC Volkswagen Lupo Cup provided Volkswagen with The Push-to-Pass system, which “Panik Udo” a spectacular stage, on which was developed in cooperation to showcase its products. The with series partner Bosch, added on crash Lupo, for example, only went another tactical element, with course on sale in dealerships about drivers having access to an addi- half a year after the start of the tional 50 hp for a limited period racing series. That obviously of time. This could be used to caused quite a stir. In 2004, launch, or fend off, overtaking the ADAC Volkswagen Lupo manoeuvres. Cup was replaced by the ADAC ­ Cup. From 2010 There were plenty of lively to 2014, the 235-hp Scirocco was exchanges in one-make series

Theory and practical lessons: talented motorsport juniors were taught the ins and outs of motor racing in the Volkswagen touring car school emarkable scenes in the VW RJunior Cup in 1976. Rock star Udo Lindenberg lined up as a guest starter in the race at the airfield on Sylt. And “Panik Udo” really did live up to his name. He took it easy in practice, finishing a full 45 seconds behind the slowest regular driver. In the race, Udo Lindenberg, who swapped his hat for a helmet for a change, really went for it. Starting from the back of the field, he spun his Scirocco like a spinning top on the opening lap. This completely disorientated “Panik Udo”. Bravely, he drove straight at his colleagues who were hurtling towards him, and only saved himself at the last min- ute by pulling onto the grass with a sideways manoeuvre. Background – One-Make Cup 31

around the world. Drivers from pic ski-jumping gold medallist Japan, South and India Sven Hannawald and strato- travelled to Germany to gain sphere diver Felix Baumgartner. experience. Extra spice was added by the many legendary Auto tuning company Abt “The crazy seventies”: racing drivers, who lined up as Sportsline (top right) not only took the birth of the guest starters over the years – care of the Sciroccos driven by Volkswagen one-make cup from Formula One world cham- guest starters like Johnny Herbert, pion and World Cup Martin Brundle, Derek Bell, Mark Blundell (top left) and Damon Hill winner Andreas Brehme to Olym- (bottom right), but also helped Mikaela Åhlin-Kottulinsky achieve the first race win by a lady in the touring school (bottom left)

he tradition of the Volkswagen Tone-make cup stretches back to the seventies. It all started with the VW-Junior-Cup in 1976. All the drivers took to the track in identical, 105-hp Sciroccos. This guaranteed absolute equal opportunity and wheel-to-wheel battles – perfect for the “crazy seventies”. The first race was won by future Formula One driver – in front of a crowd of 80,000 spec- tators packed into the Motodrom in Hocken­heim. The legendary Willi Bergmeister claimed the title in 1976. The Golf I GTI replaced the Scirocco in 1977. The Golf Cup, which was also advertised in the USA at the time, was held until the 1982 season. The Golf then went on to make a name for itself on the rally stages of this world, while the Polo Coupé GT took its place in the Volkswagen one-make cup. Background – One-Make Cup 32

2014, the final season: another none other than the highlight of first, courtesy of Mikaela Åhlin- the season at the Norisring to Kottulinsky achieve her feat.

The racetrack also witnessed its Despite Åhlin-Kottulinsky’s fair share of girl power. 2014 saw best efforts, the final title in four flying ladies put their male the ­Scirocco R-Cup went to one counterparts under plenty of of her male colleagues: South pressure: Doreen Seidel, Mikaela ­Africa’s Jordan Lee Pepper. When Jordan Lee Pepper (centre) Åhlin-Kottulinsky, Lucile Cypriano the curtain fell on the 2014 sea- won the final championship in the and Jasmin Preisig. 21-year-old son in Hockenheim, the final Volkswagen touring car school Swedish driver Åhlin-Kottulin- group of graduates were sent sky made a name for herself as into the world of motorsport with the first and only woman to win a top-class education – and the Five-time Le Mans winner and a race in the 17-year history of Volkswagen touring car school ex Formula One driver Emanuele the touring school, choosing was closed for business. // Pirro also went wheel-to-wheel with the youngsters in the Volkswagen Scirocco R-Cup Background – Endurance Races 33

24 hours in the “Green Hell”

Volkswagen Motorsport made its mark on the classic endurance race at the Nürburgring. We look back at the highs and lows, and the return of a legend. Background – Endurance Races 34

The evolution of the Golf: 1997 (top) and on its comeback in 2007 (bottom) / Ex Formula One drivers Johnny Herbert and Mark Blundell (centre) drove for Volkswagen in the “Green Hell” in 2011

he conditions? 1997: Unforgiving! sporty, economical – The weather? successful Unpredictable!T The layout? Ludi- crous! That is the Nordschleife Sportiness and economy: for you. 25.378 kilometres, 33 those were the keywords when left-handers and 40 right-hand- Volkswagen tested the innova- ers, which put man and machine tive turbo-diesel direct injection to the ultimate test. And for how engine in the Golf TDI in 1997 – long? 24 gruelling hours! the same engine as was used in the production car. The ensuing There is no question about it: success proved the men from the circuit in the Eifel region of Wolfsburg right. The diesel car Germany is probably the tough- left many more powerful cars in est racetrack in the world. Or, to its wake to finish an outstanding quote a certain Jackie Stewart: the second overall. “Green Hell”. As demanding as it may be, the 24 hours on the Nord- schleife allows car manu­facturers 2007: to put their material through the GTI causes a sensation its paces in the toughest of all tests. Volkswagen Motorsport is Despite the success, it was just one of those to have taken another ten years before advantage of the stage provided Volkswagen returned to the by one of the most demanding, Eifel with another works team. and therefore popular, races in the This time, however, they were world. And the Wolfsburg-based back to stay. 2007 heralded a manufacturer certainly left its new era on the Nordschleife, mark in the Eifel – starting with in which the Wolfsburg-based its first outing in 1997. manufacturer primarily set its Background – Endurance Races 35

sights on the class for two-litre 2008: turbo engines (SP3T). a legend returns

Once again it was the Golf that The itinerary for 2008 was as bold was charged with continuing the as it was strange, as Volkswagen Dieter Depping success story. René Rast, Jimmy Motorsport embarked on a new and the “coolest Johansson, Florian Gruber and chapter on the Nordschleife. In racetrack in the world” Dieter Depping caused quite a the lead role: the Scirocco – the stir with the GTI, guiding the return of a legend. Even before Golf “R-Line” to eighth place it was launched on the European overall. Once again, many more market, the new car appeared in powerful cars could do nothing front of the motorsport world at but watch from behind. It goes the Nürburgring marathon. without saying that the men from Lower Saxony also won the The driver line-up for the three SP3T class. factory-run racing versions of

You were involved in the project Nothing can keep it down: Volkswagen introduced from the outset, raced in the Golf the Scirocco GT24 to the 24-hour classic in 2008 GTI in 2007, and lined up in a ­Scirocco GT24 in 2008 and 2009. How did it all start, and what was the key to the good results? The decision to compete in the 24-hour race at the Nürburgring was relatively spontaneous. As such, the development work on the Golf only lasted three quarters of a year. Despite this, we were as well pre- pared as we could be, and it proved to be an extremely successful out- ing for the entire team: we finished eighth overall and won the SP3T class. It obviously came as a big sur- prise to finish ahead of many more powerful cars. We came through the full 24 hours without a single technical problem, and we drivers » Background – Endurance Races 36

the Scirocco was also rather 2009 and 2010: » did not make any mistakes. The eye-catching in 2008. Among EcoFuel is the new green unsettled weather conditions also those at the wheel of the played into our hands. That helped ­Scirocco GT24 on its maiden What started in 2008 with us finish so far up the field. ­voyage were Hans-Joachim the natural gas-powered Golf Stuck and Carlos Sainz. continued the following year. The fascination of the Nord- ­Volkswagen lined up with five schleife – in three words? Stuck was in action in two cars Scirocco, two of which were Coolest racetrack in the world. and clinched victory in the SP3T equipped with innovative Eco- class alongside Jimmy Johans- Fuel technology. As in 1997, Five words – okay, we’ll let you son, Florian Gruber and Thomas Volkswagen demonstrated that get away with that. Which bizarre Mutsch. Second place also went economy and sportiness can go scenes from that time do you to the three-time overall winner hand in hand. Vanina Ickx, Peter remember particularly well? of the 24-hour race. Stuck, Carlos Terting, and A contact with Hans-Joachim Stuck. Sainz, Giniel de Villiers and Dieter Thomas Klenke won their class That was in 2009, when “Strietzel” Depping came home second to and finished a notable 17th over- was driving an Audi R8. It was night complete a very special one-two. all in the Scirocco GT24-CNG. and I was coming over the jump ahead of the Döttinger Höhe in my Scirocco. He overtook me during the The one-two in the SP3T class in 2008 jump. In doing so, he touched me was celebrated in style on the podium and pushed me to the side. I didn’t » Background – Endurance Races 37

» recognise who it was, but made a note of the livery on the car. Fortu- nately nothing happened – but I was so mad that I came into the pits two laps later and wanted to know who it was. We thrashed it out between us. Tempers soon calmed down, however – just one year prior to that we had both stood on the podium together for Volkswagen.

You were also born in 1966. Do you have any particular wishes for Volkswagen Motorsport or yourself on your 50th birthdays? I hope that Volkswagen Motorsport will remain as successful as it has been in recent years. I have been involved for over ten years now, and we have experienced a lot together and enjoyed some great success. For me personally, I hope I stay healthy. You cannot take that for Top: René Rast, current Audi granted when you reach my age. I works driver, in the spotlight in 2007 / Bottom: The Golf GTI with also hope I can continue like this for Jimmy Johansson, Florian Gruber, its anniversary message in 2011 another ten years. Only then would I and Martin Karlhofer like to retire. fared even better. They lined up in a petrol-driven Scirocco and three in the AT class (alternative claimed a third successive victory fuels), whilst achieving 100 per in the SP3T class for the men and cent reliability with 80 per cent women from Wolfsburg. less CO2.

The automobile group took another step forward in 2010. 2011: Volkswagen sent three natural­ highs and lows gas-powered sports coupés into the fray. All three finished Volkswagen Motorsport’s Nord- the race and finished one-two- schleife programme had started Background – Endurance Races 38 with a Golf, and it ended with The Scirocco the same model. The Wolfs- burg-based manufacturer lined was once up with the Golf GTI in 2011. Although the three 450-hp Golf again a perfect Golf and Bora GTI failed to finish the race, they example of were certainly eye-catching and get the popular with the fans. reliability at ball rolling

The Scirocco was once again a the endurance perfect example of reliability at classic. uccessful premiere: a 170-hp the endurance classic in 2011. SGolf with a 1.9-litre TDI engine As in the preceding years, the wrote the first chapter in the story sports coupé ran like clockwork of Volkswagen at the Nürburgring and claimed another one-two in 24 Hours in 1997. And it did so in the AT class, courtesy of tour- style! The Volkswagen works team, ing car legend Klaus Niedzwiedz consisting of eventual Motorsport and “Dakar” aces Carlos Sainz, Director Kris Nissen, Christian Abt Nasser Al-Attiyah and Giniel de and Jürgen Hohenester, finished

Villiers. A worthy conclusion to a Thumbs up for two second overall at the first attempt. ­Volkswagen era at the Nürburg­ motorsport legends: The trio was in contention for long ring 24 Hours. // Hans-Joachim Stuck periods of the race until an unfortu­ and Carlos Sainz teamed nate tyre selection in unsettled up for the 24-hour conditions late on robbed them of race in 2008 the chance to claim a historic first overall victory for a diesel car. Two years later, another model made its debut on the Nordschleife: the Bora R-TDI. Early on in the race, Nissen, Jean-Francois Hemroulle, Raimund Baumschlager and Jörg Seidel were among the front-runners. Unfortu­ nately, however, the Bora’s first outing in the “Green Hell” was not to end in victory. However, despite dropping back through the field following difficulties, the team did manage to finish fourth in the S2 class (diesel and alternative fuels). Background – Dakar Rally 39

Victories and pioneering achievements in adventure land

Volkswagen was unbeatable at the Dakar Rally between 2009 and 2011. And ushered in a new era that is still ongoing. Background – Dakar Rally 40

t is regarded as the greatest challenge in motorsport: the DakarI Rally. No other discip­ Either you line is as multi-dimensional as wear down the desert classic; in no other motor­sport genre are so many your rivals and ­par­ameters equally crucial for “Dakar”. Or success and failure. Uncomprom­ ising technology that withstands The desert classic the exertions of 5000 kilometres they wear is a dusty affair for man of varying terrain, endurance, and machine you down. precision and full concentra- tion from the drivers, accurate navi­gators, cleverly organised logistics and a perfectly choreo­ graphed service team are the minimum requirements for being that gets everywhere, relentless successful here. All this for two blistering heat, biting-exfoli- weeks non-stop in fine dust ating sandstorms and a - mal amount of sleep – either you wear down your rivals and “Dakar”. Or they wear you down. Volkswagen has competed in the toughest test in motorsport with the Race Touareg since 2004. It took five years for the team to become unbeatable.

The Volkswagen Race Touareg 2: the dominant car at the Dakar Rally from 2009 to 2011 Background – Dakar Rally 41

In the beginning: Iltis and Tarek

ith respect, things looked Wa little clumsy at times as he jumped over the dunes in the desert. But on 23 January 1980 he was the star: The Volkswagen Iltis. Freddy Kottulinsky and his co-driver Gerd Löffelmann made sure that Volkswagen were added to the list of Lifting the cup: Giniel de Villiers and his navigator winners of the “Rally Oasis” for the Dirk von Zitzewitz after victory in 2009 first time; that was the name of the Dakar Rally back then. The Volkswa- gen group brand Audi looked after 2009–2011: ’s Giniel de Villiers the four-wheel drive off-road vehi- victory parade in South and his German navigator Dirk cle at that time. 23 years after this America von Zitzewitz achieved an historic victory, in 2003, came Volkswagen’s victory in 2009. It was the first first works involvement in the most Volkswagen and the Race time an African had ever won difficult rally in the world. Under the ­Touareg’s success story started the desert classic – and ironically new motorsport director, Kris Nissen, when the Dakar Rally moved the first ever “Dakar” not to be three Volkswagen Tarek were sent from Africa to in held on his home continent. It into the desert. Stéphane Henrard 2009. The challenge was multi- was also Volkswagen’s first ever and Bobby Willis finished sixth to plied when the organisers A.S.O. win. And thereby: the first win secure a respectable debut for the (Amaury Sport Organisation) made for a diesel car in the history of red buggy. Volkswagen Motorsport this decision: the mighty Andes this sport. And a one-two win at fielded a Race Touareg for the first instead of the Moroccan Atlas that: America’s Mark Miller and time starting in 2004 and the rest, as Mountains, the his South African co-driver Ralph they say, is history. instead of Saharan sand, the vast- Pitchford finished second in the ness of the Pampa instead of the Race Touareg. barren Mauretania. After 30 years in Africa, a new era started for the A one-two-three victory fol- “Dakar” in and . lowed in 2010. Spain’s ­Carlos The Volkswagen era. Sainz and Lucas Cruz won the Background – Dakar Rally 42

closest ever Dakar Rally to After the 2011 “Dakar” and three date – with a lead of just two wins in a row as a pioneer with minutes and twelve seconds diesel technology, Volkswagen in a 47-hour race against the withdraws from the project. To clock. That is the equivalent of date, the diesel technology in Sausage-related drama 3.339 metres and 65 centimetres South America is unbeaten in the after almost 4,300 kilometres car standings of the Dakar Rally. over scree, mountain passes, ­dizzying heights, towering dunes and descents almost into free 2004–2008: fall. The defeated: Qatar’s Nas- development in Africa ser Al-Attiyah and his German co-driver Timo Gottschalk, who The three victories in South would get revenge successfully in America built on Volkswagen’s 2011. Third place went to Miller/ step-by-step development pro- Pitchford. cess in world-class motorsport, which started in 2004. The team Feeding 85 team members in the Al-Attiyah/Gottschalk are supe- was formed under then motor- desert is more than sweat-inducing. rior in 2011, win by being almost sport director Kris Nissen, work- But things got even hotter for team 50 minutes ahead of de Villiers/ ing processes were established chef Helmut Grassegger in 2009. von Zitzewitz and Sainz/Cruz. and construction of the cars, Since it is not actually allowed to bring food into Argentina, the tins of “Frankfurter” sausages had to be Signing autographs: Nasser Al-Attiyah and co-driver Timo Gottschalk searched. It took a lot of persuasion – 2011 overall winners – take time for the fans to move the veterinary inspection office. “So we were granted a ‘saus­ age permit’ with six stamps and seven signatures,” remembered Grassegger. But all of the sausages still had to be eaten within two days since the onward transport to Chile was prohibited.

Reaching limits

Marc-Christian Bertram couldn’t believe his eyes when he saw him. It was at the 2010 Dakar Rally, in » Background – Dakar Rally 43

logistics, team management and » the morning at the border on quality assurance started with a the way from Chile to Argentina: A clean sheet. These days, Sébas- ­border guard came rushing towards tien Ogier and Co. in the WRC the head of electronics and the benefit from what ­Volkswagen two team vehicles. “With a weapon Motorsport learnt during this in his hand,” said Bertram, “and time. Around half the team wearing just a towel around his on-site in Dakar are still part of hips – and that was in temperatures the experienced team that has around freezing.” Communication grown significantly. was difficult, “he couldn’t speak any English and we couldn’t speak At the first “Dakar” in 2004, both any Spanish.” The border guard The “Dakar” sees even Race Touareg reached the ­finish didn’t want to let them continue. rally veteran Carlos Sainz line. At the wheel back then: break into a sweat Not even the argument that 400 Bruno Saby/Matthew ­Stevenson cars would soon show up and also and /­Fabrizia cross the border helped. When the Pons, who finished the ­marathon border guard returned to his post rally prototype’s first adventure shivering to get dressed, the team – indeed its first ever rally – in made an on-the-spot decision to At night the service sixth and 21st place. The next speed things up and bypassed the park turns into a big milestone came in 2005: the campsite – Nasser barrier by going off-road. Bertram: Al-Attiyah helps feed ”He came after us swearing, but we the team were already gone.” Background – Dakar Rally 44

Powered to the peak: even difficult dune passages are no problem for the 310 hp Race Touareg 2

first podium finish for the die- sel underdog, secured by Jutta Kleinschmidt and . Giniel de Villiers/Tina Thörner improved the result with the second generation of the Race Touareg in 2006 and finished a its own strength for the first time first half of the rally. The Dakar sensational second. The Race in 2007. But the ­ Rally was cancelled in 2008. Touareg 2 was ­capable of beating that were well in the lead retired At the fifth attempt – in South the long-standing power base in due to engine problems, or America in 2009 – Volkswagen is ­marathon , ­Mitsubishi, by dropped down the field after the unbeatable. //

Sweat, dust, victories: the Dakar Rally demands everything from every single team member Background – WRC 45 A motorsport fairy tale

Nine World Rally Championship titles in three years. A dream start to a new motorsport era for Volkswagen, prepared in minute detail since withdrawing from the Dakar Rally. Background – WRC 46

Time for bed: the Volkswagen mechanics tuck in the Polo R WRC every evening in the service park

he FIA proportion of wins and the long- the Polo R WRC. The next suc- World Rally est sequence of victories. cesses were an unexpected first Champion­ podium finish in Monte Carlo and ship (WRC)T is regarded as the a maiden victory in Sweden. The biggest test of driving and tech- 2013–2015: World Rally Championship sea- nical skills in motorsport: the 13 the motorsport fairy tale son as a whole was a huge sur- (14 in 2016) races in the season prise for all concerned – no-one take place on four continents; It started with a best time on had reckoned on Volkswagen on gravel, asphalt, ice and snow; the very first special stage for victories, let alone a title win in in all weathers and in temper- atures ranging from minus 20 to plus 40 degrees Celsius. The Routine: the World Rally Cars have to be real Volkswagen team all-rounders. And the one made gathers for a in Wolfsburg is just that: the pep talk before Volkswagen Polo R WRC has every shakedown been victorious at least once in at a rally each location, and in each of its first three years in competition. It is also the most successful model in rally history – thanks to the Background – WRC 47

Only flying can top this: Sébastien Ogier at 2013 the very first year for the World opposition such as M-Sport-Ford. champions in the very first year Rally Car from Wolfsburg. In Sébastien Ogier/Julien Ingrassia with the Polo R WRC. total, Volkswagen claimed ten provided nine of these ten wins, of 13 possible wins, and eight with Jari-Matti Latvala/Miikka The longest sequence of victories more podium finishes ahead of Anttila contributing the tenth. in World Rally Championship his- the world championship winning Ogier/Ingrassia fulfilled a long- tory continued into the next sea- team and experienced held dream, becoming world son, and more victories than any

Three reasons to celebrate in 2015: after his first World Rally Championship victory in Spain with girlfriend Margrethe (upper left), Jost Capito with the three drivers after VfL Wolfsburg lifted the German FA Cup (lower left) and the Volkswagen team after a home victory at Rally Germany (right) Background – WRC 48

And let’s not forget …

Drift it like Seb: Ogier at Rally Spain 2015 constructor had ever recorded Volkswagen made history once in a single season: the number again in 2015, becoming the twelve twice had special signific­ fifth constructor to win three … ance for Volkswagen in 2014. The titles in a row. After Rally Aus- here is snow instead of sand team introduced the next gener­ tralia, Volkswagen, ­Sébastien Tin Sweden. The Polo R WRC ation of the Polo R WRC, with Ogier and Julien Ingrassia were only uses one bit of kit from the improved reliability and stability. confirmed as reigning and Volkswagen Race Touareg that Sébastien Ogier/Julien Ingrassia future world champions in the ­triumphed at the Dakar Rally – and chalked up nine wins to defend driver and co-driver standings. this is only used at : their title, while Jari-Matti Lat- But that was not all: this was a pair of shovels. Giniel de Villiers, vala and were close the first time that a team had Carlos Sainz and Nasser Al-Attiyah behind in second place. Andreas claimed all world championship have all used the ultra-light tools Mikkelsen und Ola Fløene put titles so early in the season. For to help them get out of tricky situ­ the icing on the cake in this out- the ­second time in succession, ations in the desert, and then to standing year, claiming third the three Volkswagen driver/ win the legendary Dakar Rally for place in the final standings in co-driver teams racked up Volkswagen. The shovel has a simi­ the third Polo R WRC – thanks to twelve victories from a possible lar use in Sweden – if need be, the their first podium finishes in the 13 to make this a very special Volkswagen drivers can use it to dig World Rally Championship. season for all concerned. themselves out of a snow bank. » Background – WRC 49

» … he (un-)usual suspects at Rally TAustralia 2015. Right after the opening ceremony in downtown Coffs Harbour on Thursday evening, Andreas Mikkelsen had to make an unscheduled stop in his Polo R WRC as he was on his way back to the service park. The local police pulled the Norwegian over for an alcohol test. Mikkelsen passed with flying colours. “I was just under the limit”, he joked later – the blood alcohol limit in Australia is 0.01 grams per 100 millilitres. Everyone’s happy: Latvala, Capito and Ogier at the press conference for Rally Germany 2015

The Polo R WRC was the key to A new transmission with a ­paddle this success. Almost every detail gearshift made the drivers’ job of the championship-winning car easier. More set-up options from 2013 and 2014 was exam- ensured that the Polo R WRC ined using the SLS (“simple, light, could be matched more closely stable”) principle, to reveal areas to the driving styles of Ogier, with potential for improvement. ­Latvala and Mikkelsen.

Full throttle down under: … Jari-Matti Latvala at 2015 promotional trip at Rally AMonte Carlo 2015. The Volkswagen mechanics had to solve an exceptionally tough problem with the car of Jari-Matti Latvala and Miikka Anttila on Friday night. Two slices of cake – a gift from local bakers to all competitors – had gone missing during Friday’s afternoon loop. The technical team finally found the baked goods under the driver’s . Background – WRC 50

2011 and 2012: trials, concentrating on develop­ groundwork ment of the Polo R WRC and the parallel deployment of two Volkswagen leaves nothing to vehicles from the Škoda brand chance in Hannover and Wolfs- in the S2000 category. Service On three wheels burg during preparations for park processes were worked out if need be: the World Rally Championship. and established, Sébastien Ogier Golf II GTI claims the Development­ of the Polo R WRC and Julien Ingrassia remained in world title lasted 17 months before the car’s rally mode after their switch from first start at Rally Monte Carlo. ­Citroën to Volkswagen,­ junior The new World Rally Champion­ teams were tested and Andreas fter the vehicles ship team trained itself, using Mikkelsen joined as the third Polo Acaused such a furore at the extensive experience gained at R WRC driver for the world cham- World Rally Championships between the Dakar rally. 2012 was a year of pionship season. // 1982 and 1986, Group A cars stepped into the breach. Volkswagen entered this category in 1986 with the 193HP Golf II GTI. This move was a successful one: three class wins, Volkswagen leaves nothing four second-place finishes and two to chance in Hannover and third places ensured overall victory for Sweden’s Kenneth Eriksson and Wolfsburg during preparations for his German co-driver Peter Diek- mann – and Volkswagen triumphed the World Rally Championship. in the world rally championship for touring cars. The four-wheel-drive vehicles of the other teams were supported by up technical teams up to 100 strong – Volkswagen had just 15 mechanics. Another taster? At the in 1986, the right rear suspension broke on the Golf and the support van was some distance away. But Eriksson refused to throw in the towel, driving on three wheels along the Greek gravel stages at 160 km/h until he reached the service team. The repair was In Australia in 2015, Volkswagen claimed the constructors’ title in the World completed quickly and the GTI went Rally Championship for the third time – the drivers answered all questions afterwards on to finish in second place. Background – Rallycross 51 Rally action at the racetrack

Wheel-to-wheel battles, victories and titles. Volkswagen’s involvement in Rallycross: a success story. Background – Rallycross 52

One day in November

cott Speed driver and claim the climbs out title. The two ­Beetle, fielded by of his 560- Volkswagen of America and given hp VolkswagenS Beetle GRC and an overhaul after each race by raises his arms to the rainy night Andretti Autosport, were virtually sky over Las Vegas. He wrapped unbeatable in the second half of up overall victory in the Red the 2015 season, winning four Bull Global Rallycross (GRC) on rounds. Going into the season 4 November 2015. Third place at finale in Las Vegas, the title was the season finale proved sufficient guaranteed to go to one of the to stave off fellow ­Volkswagen two Volkswagen drivers.

Done it! Scott Speed after winning the title in The Andretti duo picked up five Las Vegas in 2015 victories in the 12 Rallycross events that made up the 2015 season, which saw the GRC elite do battle in Fort Lauderdale, Daytona, New River, Detroit, Washington, Los Angeles, Barba- dos and Las Vegas. Fascination Rallycross: the races are held at racetracks – on both gravel and asphalt. Spectacular jumps and regular contact in countless explosive wheel-to-wheel battles thrill fans, both at the circuit and watching on television. And the two Volkswagen Beetle GRC were in the thick of the action. But how did it all come about? Background – Rallycross 53

The title in 2015 was the crowning glory of the cooperation between Andretti Autosport and Volkswagen Motorsport

sis with the catchy title “#000”. At the wheel was experienced racing driver Jordi Gené. In the meantime, Volkswagen was busy testing in Portugal and Sweden with two Polo RX Supercar from the 2013 season, in cooper­ ation with the Swedish Marklund Motor­sport team, which lines up in the FIA World Rallycross Championship. This allowed Speed, Foust and to make valuable findings ahead Beetle goes America – how it for the first time at the Chicago of the debut season in 2014. all began Auto Show in February 2014.

Retrospective: the decision Four Beetle bodyshells arrived at Happy ending: modifications to to enter the Global Rallycross Seat in February the Beetle GRC pay dividends Championship was made on 2014 and were assembled over 28 October 2013. Volkswagen the next four months. On 13 June The season began with a bang: Motorsport Director Jost Capito­ 2014, Spanish Abrera hosted Speed won the opening round and Technical Director Willy the maiden journey of the chas- in Barbados with the Polo RX Rampf gave the order to join the series in the name of ­Volkswagen of America. As Volkswagen Piecework: Motorsport­ was already work- the four Beetle ing at full capacity, due to its bodyshells were involvement in the World Rally assembled in four Champion­ship (WRC), the search months began for a development partner for the Beetle GRC. Volkswagen subsidiary Seat was given the nod. Volkswagen presented a Beetle GRC show car to the public Background – Rallycross 54

Supercar. The American then repeated the feat at the second During the winter break, race weekend in Austin. Foust added another success in race many areas of the four of the season. Foust even- tually lined up with the Beetle Beetle GRC were given GRC at the seventh and eighth an overhaul. race weekend, a double-header in Los Angeles. Right from the word go, fast lap times proved the enormous potential of the Rallycross powerhouse. Speed, who was in contention for the the undercarriage, the ballast cess: Foust claimed the maiden title for much of the season, options, and the kinematic and victory with the Beetle GRC at switched to the Beetle for the damper area of the chassis were only the car’s second race week- season finale. modified. Regulations meant that end. The American triumphed on changes also had to be made to the Saturday of the double-header During the winter break, many the cage and chassis area. The in Daytona. The rest, as they areas of the Beetle GRC were Beetle was prepared meticu- say, is history: Speed raising his given an overhaul. Among other lously for the 2015 season at fists to the ­heavens on that rainy things, the front-end package, the Volkswagen test facility in November day was the crown- the intercooling and fresh-air Ehra-Lessien and at the Estering ing moment of the “Beetle goes intake, the front and rear of in Buxtehude. And with great suc- America” project. //

Scott Speed was still driving the Polo RX Supercar in 2014 Background – Rallycross 55

Volkswagen and Marklund: successful partners in World Championship

he partner- ship between Volkswagen and MarklundT Motorsport was in the Volkswagen Polo RX Supercar in Italy, 2015 not solely focussed on the Global Rallycross Championship. In cooperation with the Swedish Rallycross Championship since 2014 saw former Finnish Rally- team, whose headquarters are 2014. Volkswagen also works cross champion Toomas “Topi” in Boliden, the Wolfsburg-based together with Volkswagen Heikkinen narrowly miss out group has lined up with two Polo Team Sweden, which fields the on the title in Volkswagen’s RX Supercar in the FIA World Polo R WRX. rookie season. Sweden’s Anton

Joint celebrations off the track and fierce battles on it: Toomas “Topi” Heikkinen and guest starter Tanner Foust Background – Rallycross 56

Both and Volkswagen Team Sweden lined up in the World Rallycross Championship again in 2015.

I did it: Tommy Rustad won the title in the 2015 European Rallycross Championship

Marklund finished sixth overall. places and two thirds on his way wegian Tommy Rustad was the In total, Marklund Motorsport to third place overall, thus prov- dominant man, winning three of won two races, with one of these ing that the Polo R WRX has what the season’s five rounds to take victories coming courtesy of it takes to be competitive at the the title. In 2016, Volkswagen Tanner Foust, who made three top international level. will embark on a new chapter in guest appearances in the World its Rallycross history: Marklund Championship. Both Marklund Marklund Motorsport expanded and ­Volkswagen Team Sweden Motorsport and Volkswagen its commitment in 2015, com- have merged and will field two Team Sweden lined up in the peting in both the World Cham- Volkswagen Polo RX Supercar in World Rallycross Championship pionship and the European the World Rallycross Champion- again in 2015. Johan Kristoffers- Rallycross Championship at the ship under the name Volkswagen son claimed one win, two second same time. With success: Nor- RX Sweden. //

The rising sport of Rallycross thrills fans with racetrack and off-road action History – Facts and Figures 57

And then there was …

… two debuts for … a special photo shoot for the family the price of one. album.

ermany hosted a ith one car that had already been crowned world round of the World champion and – although nobody could have envis- GRally Championship Waged it in November 2012 – one that was destined for the first time in 2002. In the to be world champion. The Golf II GTI, with which Sweden’s Kenneth same year, Volkswagen sent two Eriksson won the 1986 Group A rally championship, and the Polo R Polo into action for WRC that Sébastien Ogier guided to the World Championship title in the first time. Jutta Kleinschmidt/ 2013 were simply radiant on this day. Two generations – both with Fabrizia Pons and Dieter Dep- their own place in Volkswagen Motorsport history. ping/Timo Gottschalk were the crews in the two 215-hp Polo, which were used as zero cars. These not only won the hearts of the spectators at Volkswagen’s home event, but also survived the 22 special stages, amounting to 393 kilometres against the clock, without any problems. “We produced an impressive overall performance,” was the positive conclusion of Rudolf-Helmut Strozyk, Sporting Director at Volkswagen Racing at the time. History – Facts and Figures 58

Facts and Figures

A first-generation Formula Vee race 10,000 car, affectionately known as the “rocket with a Beetle engine”, was yours for around 10,000 DM. This was the recommended retail price at the time, and it was the most affordable way to get started in motorsport.

Formula 3 as a springboard, 9,024.61 and the development of 33 young talent by Volkswagen – They reached the finish line after 15 days, travelling through the Michael Schumacher, Tom Kristensen and other illustrious names in the world of motorsport have desert along a 9,024.61-kilometre shown the way. One 33-race season “powered by route. Volkswagen claimed victory Volkswagen” – and Max Verstappen was already on in the – the his way up to Formula One. The teenager started first constructor to use diesel the 2014 European Formula 3 Championship technology. Two years later it was season with Van Amersfoort Racing. And what a clear that the Volkswagen one- start it was! Verstappen’s performances impressed two for Giniel de Villiers/Dirk von the bosses at Toro Rosso so much that they offered Zitzewitz and Mark Miller/Ralph the then 17-year-old a driver’s seat in the pinnacle Pitchford was just the beginning … of motorsport for the 2015 season. And since then, Verstappen has been making waves in Formula One – especially with his trademark overtaking manoeuvres.

Jimmy Johansson from Gothenburg racked up 512 512 points in just ten ADAC Volkswagen Polo Cup races during the 2006 season – a record that has not been bettered in 17 years by anyone else in the Volkswagen Touring Car School. History – Facts and Figures 59

Facts and Figures

The Scirocco R-Cup, held between 2010 and 2014, was the world’s only constructors’ cup in which the competing vehicles were powered by natural gas, combining sporting entertainment with green credentials. By the way, the natural gas tank in the 235-hp racing version of the Scirocco 22 weighed in at 22 kilograms. The current Volkswagen team includes employees from over 20 nations – including Australia, Belgium, 650 Germany, England, Finland, France, Ireland, Formula Vee competitions Italy, , , Netherlands, Norway, were being held in Poland, Portugal, Russia, 14 European countries Sweden, Switzerland, Slovenia, by mid-1967. Around 650 Spain, and Hungary. Formula Vee drivers were 20 registered in Europe. At WVWZZZ6RZCWP00036 the time, Sweden boasted the largest number of A very special chassis: The internal “17” with chassis number WVWZZZ6RZCWP00036. At the Rally France in 2013, this Polo R licenses (205), followed WRC drove Sébastien Ogier and Julien Ingrassia to victory, and by 160 in Germany, and to the first world championship title. If you take a look at the 60 Formula Vee cars in bodywork in the right light, you can still see the shallow dents in the roof left by the dancing feet of the celebrating Frenchmen Belgium. after they reached the finish line.

The 318-hp Volkswagen engine allows the Polo R WRC to accelerate from zero to 100 kilometres per hour in just 3,9 3.9 seconds. Volkswagen Motorsport – For Media 60

Volkswagen Service for journalists www.volkswagen-motorsport.com Volkswagen’s Content & Media Pool offers:

• An up-to-date infor­ • Basic texts and mation service on rounds information on of the Formula 3 and • Information rally­cross series, as well as every aspect of packages as a outings in the FIA World Volkswagen’s PDF document, Rally Championship with motorsport available for the Volkswagen Polo R commitment download WRC – it also provides news, results, the latest standings and high-reso- • Latest TV footage in various qual- lution photo material ities – ready to be broadcast, for mobile devices and the internet • Sending of media information in German or English • Portraits of all Volkswagen works drivers Links

www.volkswagen-motorsport.com (official motorsport website and Content & Media Pool)

www.facebook.com/VolkswagenMotorsport (Facebook fan page)

www.twitter.com/VolkswagenRally (Twitter channel for the WRC)

www.youtube.com/VolkswagenRally (Youtube channel for the WRC)

www.fiaf3europe.com

www.redbullglobalrallycross.com, www.fiaworldrallycross.com

www.wrc.com (official website of the FIA World Rally Championship) Volkswagen Motorsport – For Media 61

Media contact

Volkswagen Motorsport GmbH Communications Ikarusallee 7a D-30179 Hannover Phone +49 511 67494-0 Fax +49 511 67494-753 [email protected] www.volkswagen-motorsport.com

Andre Dietzel Head of Communications and Marketing Mobile +49 175 7234689 E-mail [email protected]

Ingo Roersch Communications Mobile +49 172 1499157 E-mail [email protected]

Marc Hecht Communications Mobile +49 152 54528780 E-mail [email protected]

On-site driver appointments

#1 Ogier/Ingrassia Ingo Roersch +49 172 1499157 #2 Latvala/Anttila Marc Hecht +49 152 54528780 #9 Mikkelsen/Jæger Helge Gerdes +49 175 5223111