Andreas Mikkelsen wins Rally Poland

Heading in to the final day, many thought the fight for a win were over, but Andreas Mikkelsen and his codriver Anders Jaeger had not given up. Even though Estonian Ott Tanak were leading with 20 seconds ahead of the last 4 stages, they guys would not give up. In stead they gave us a thrilling finale. Heavy rain turned the smooth sand covered stages in to pure mud.

– It was a long way to go, but we knew if we pushed to the maximum it could be possible. Especially when the stages turned in to a real mud experience. We pushed Tanak so that he also had to push, and not only go safe through. The penultimate stage is by far the worst stage I have ever competed on. Big ruts, wet, slippery and extremely muddy made it almost impossible to drive. It was unbelievable, so big thumbs up to Volkswagen Motorsport who have build such a reliable and strong car!

Andreas and Anders came through the penultimate stage with good stage time, while Tanak were hit by the tricky conditions and suffered a puncture. Going in to the final stage of the rally, the Norwegians had a 16 seconds lead ahead of Tanak, and solid driving on the Powerstage secured their win. Tanak ended second.

– I do feel for Tanak, I have been there and I know how much this hurts. But I also feel that I’ve earned this victory. This is the best event I have done. Except for one little mistake on Saturday, this have been close to a perfect weekend. From running as early as car number 3 on the road we have set some great times. We’ve been battling it out with Ott and Hayden throughout the rally, and they both started later. I couldn’t have driven any faster this rally, we have been absolutely on the limit all the way. My co-driver Anders has been outstanding, and I could never won this without his flawless performance. I’m full of admiration when it comes to how quickly he has adapted to the WRC, and to clinch this win with him is great.

Rally Poland 2016

1. A. MIKKELSEN, Norway – Volkswagen 2:37:34.4
2. O. Tänak, Estonia – Ford +26.2
3. H. Paddon, New Zealand – Hyundai +28.5
4. T. Neuville, Belgium– Hyunda +29.3
5. J. Latvala, Finland – Volkswagen +33.8
6. S. Ogier, France – Volkswagen +40.3
7. C. Breen, Ireland – Citröen +2:01.4
8. M. Østberg, Norway – Ford +3:04.6
9. E. Camilli, France – Ford +5:23.1
10. T. Suninen, Finland – Skoda +5:53.3

VM-sammenlagt etter 7 av 14 løp

1. Sebastien Ogier 143 points
2. Andreas Mikkelsen (VW) 92
3. Haydon Paddon 72
4. Jari-Matti Latvala (VW) 68
5. Dani Sordo 68
6. Mads Østberg 62
7. Thierry Neuville 61
8. Ott Tänak 52
9. Kris Meeke 26
10. Eric Camilli 24