Red Bull pledges to remain with ousted Volkswagen drivers for at least another top-flight season
Red Bull has confirmed it will continue to back Volkswagen’s three drivers and its commitment to the promotion of the World Rally Championship continues unaffected by the German firm’s withdrawal.
Sebastien Ogier, Jari-matti Latvala and Andreas Mikkelsen will not only benefit from their Volkswagen salary next season, but also continued support from Red Bull – providing they drive for a team acceptable to the Austrian energy drink firm.
Head of international motorsport for Red Bull, Thomas Ueberall, said: “Red Bull regrets the decision [of Volkswagen] but we support our drivers as they look for another suitable team. They will keep their personal sponsorship.”
The question of the funding used for Volkswagen was less clear with Ueberall adding: “There is no immediate decision on this, right now there is nothing planned to go with another team.”
Volkswagen’s first full WRC programme is launched in Sardinia, with news that the Polo R WRC will be testing before the end of the season.
November 23, 2011
Volkswagen announces Sebastien Ogier as its lead driver for the next three years.
January 18, 2012
Volkswagen Motorsport is back in the WRC for the first time since 1990. The Hannover team enters Monte Carlo with two Skoda Fabia R5s for Sebastien Ogier and Kevin Abbring.
October, 2012
Sebastien Ogier scores Volkswagen’s first stage win – in a Skoda – at Rally d’italia.
December, 2012
Volkswagen Polo R WRC launched to the world’s media in Casino Square, Monte Carlo.
January 16, 2013
The Polo takes on its first stage (the 23-mile Monte opener Le Moulinon-antraigues) in the World Rally Championship… and goes fastest with Ogier.
January 19, 2013
Jari-matti Latvala becomes the first driver to crash a Polo, while second-placed Ogier takes the team’s first ever WRC podium in a World Rally Car.
February 10, 2013
Ogier scores the team’s first victory in Sweden.
August, 2013
There’s no Polo on the podium for the first time in 2013...in Germany.
October 4, 2013
Ogier takes his drivers’ title at his home event in France. He wins nine from 13 rallies.
October 27, 2013
VW clinches its first manufacturers’ title at the Rally of Spain, winning 10 from 13. Ogier takes first WRC win in Monte Carlo for Volkswagen
June, 2014
Volkswagen board signs off on WRC future until 2019
September, 2014
Volkswagen celebrates its first podium lock-out in Australia – which is enough to confirm the German firm’s second manufacturers’ title. Volkswagen only loses one rally in 2014.
October, 2014
Ogier seals his second straight drivers’ title with a round to spare in Spain.
August, 2015
VW begins testing its 2017 World Rally Car.
September, 2015
With wins on eight from nine rallies, VW is confirmed champion again and Ogier does the double down under, sealing his hat-trick with a seventh win of 2015. The diesel emissions scandal breaks…
November, 2015
VW board is persuaded to remain in the WRC with Jost Capito cutting the team’s budget by almost a third.
October, 2016
Ogier takes fourth title in Spain. The board meets in Germany, prompting the end of VW’S WRC adventure.