It looks like the work of the International Automobile Federation (FIA) to reduce the cost of motorsports is beginning to bear fruit - World Rally Championship is getting more interesting and rich. Rally of Sardinia their official return to the WRC team celebrated Mini, and just before the start of the Italian stage of the higher ranks of Volkswagen shared future of his racing program. Yes, it will be WRC! Rumors about this went a long time, which is not surprising - the Germans for three consecutive years won the legendary marathon Dakar and lost interest in the rally-raid. The more wins they were given without much competition from rivals - the fate of the honorary trophy is always solved within the team. VW Motorsport officially announced that it will not appear in the "Dakar-2012", although it stands ready to support private owners if they wish to get the Race Touareg 3.
Now, Volkswagen will be much tighter contest. The first full-time clash with rivals is scheduled for 2013 - then on the rally route will be a new Polo R WRC. Car, incidentally, is also shown. A little Dark Weider from sensational advertising of the new Passat pulled the veil from car. True, the dark side of Polo R WRC were just tight tinted windows - demonstrated something we mock. And for the team there are only 20 months to fully prepare for the start of Polo and conduct full tests. But there is a VW trump card up his sleeve.
Of course, Skoda Motorsport, which has long and closely involved in the rally, has experience in the world championship and crush all opponents in a series of IRC. Germans will work closely with the Czechs. And probably next year VW test many solutions for the future Polo under the banner of Skoda. Overall, VW program is designed for 5 years - it includes training and direct three full racing season in the WRC (2013-2015). And then everything will depend on the results, and technical regulations.
Chief VW Motorsport, Chris Nissen, especially stressed that the decision was influenced by concern bosses change rules in the WRC - VW has long been low volume manufactures turbo and gained good experience in their creation. A part in the rally will test new technologies on the battlefield. However, so far unknown, which way will VW - under the rules of the Germans may be based on a serial unit volume of 1.6 liters, or use another one, satisfying the rules. In any case, even with the 33 mm restrictor at the inlet to the engine will develop around 300 hp and 350-380 Nm of torque. Transmission, of course, all-wheel drive.
Of course, too early to talk about the pilots and Volkswagen. At the event there were three crew who won the Dakar in 2009-2011, but it's obvious that the role of the current WRC drivers are suitable only Nasser Al-Attiyah. Nasser Al-Attiyah, by the way, this year stands in the category SWRC. But while his account is still no single point.
Second candidate for a seat on Volkswagen, many stubbornly called Petter Solberg. Probably, these rumors have reason - a world champion in 2003 is still in great shape and almost equal fights with pilots factory teams Citroen and Ford, speaking at his own technique. But, somehow, in a stock of Petter and will be at least next season. We only know that the legendary "Matador," Carlos Sainz, VW Motorsport will remain as a consultant, right-hand Kris Nissen.
However, no matter who played for the VW and whatever the results, for the World Rally Championship is already a big and bold plus. The fourth manufacturer, so even a large, - a sure sign of recovery WRC. Sure and Mini, and VW join in the fight for titles and unbeaten seven-time champion Sebastien Loeb was thinking hang hat on a nail. The fans will only benefit - in 2013 the struggle in the championship should escalate to the limit!
