Dramatic ending as Mikkelsen claims Rally Sweden podium

There was drama on the final Power Stage of Rally Sweden, when leader Andreas Mikkelsen crossed the finish line in third. “I gave everything, but unfortunately I made a small mistake on the last stage which cost me victory,” said the Norwegian driver.

February 16, 2015

There was drama on the final Power Stage of Rally Sweden, when leader Andreas Mikkelsen crossed the finish line in third. “I gave everything, but unfortunately I made a small mistake on the last stage which cost me victory,” said the Norwegian driver.

Mikkelsen and co-driver Ola Fløene played a starring role in a very exciting round of the FIA World Rally Championship last weekend. Driving their Volkswagen Polo R WRC, they fought with their team-mate and reigning World Champion Sebastien Ogier right to the very last split time on the final stage.

The Norwegian EVEN Management crew ensured that the many tens of thousands of spectators in the snowy woods got full value for money. Before the last stage Andreas led by three seconds from Ogier, while Thierry Neuville (Hyundai) was third just 4.6 seconds behind. This was pretty amazing, after almost three hours and 300 kilometres of competition!

All three said that they would drive for victory on the final stage – but of course, there could only be one winner. First into the final stage was Neuville, who said he had taken great risks, before Ogier came up to take over the lead. But as the Frenchman crossed the flying finish, Mikkelsen arrived slightly too fast into a left hand corner and ended up nose-first in the snow. Spectators helped push his car back onto the road, but the 40 seconds lost dropped him to third.

The last split time had showed that 25-year old Andreas was set to win his first WRC event.

“I spared nothing and made a mistake that was very costly. But that’s rallying,” said Andreas. “There was never a question of taking it easy and safe. For me it was all or nothing. I knew it applied Seb [Ogier] and Thierry [Neuville] also.

“It has been a crazy fun rally. From the first meter there has been tension. For me it has been a new experience to be in the lead and defending the lead. I’ve learned a lot, and all in all I am happy with the run. At the final stage it was flat out. When you drive to the limit and are willing to take risks, it is easy to make a small mistake. But I will come back and be ready to fight for victory again. I guarantee.

“For Volkswagen Motorsport, it was important that I finished the rally and ended third,” added Andreas. “To get on the podium, I am basically satisfied with that. After two podiums on the first two World Championship rounds, I’ve made a good start to the season. Now I’m looking forward to the future.”

The next round of the WRC is Rally Mexico (5-8 March).