Volkswagen Takes Second in Its First WRC Rally Monte Carlo

Sebastien Loeb added another trophy to surely cramped display case after winning the Rally Monte Carlo this weekend for what will likely be the final time, but VolkswagenVolkswagenGermany, 1938 > present98 models
9654 photos
31 videos
put in a stellar performance as well by taking second in the Polo R WRC'sVolkswagen Polo R-WRCGermany, 2012 > present6 photos
competition debut with driver Sebastien Ogier behind the wheel. CitroënCitroënFrance, 1919 > present94 models
5346 photos
11 videos
driver Dani Sordo grabbed third place. 

It was Loeb's seventh win at the event, but the victory came under odd circumstances. The final two stages were cancelled due to a combination of bad weather and congested local roads. The course was covered by snow and ice, as expected at the Rally Monte Carlo, but then a new layer of rain fell while the cars were in service and added a fresh layer of ice on top of the road. The conditions caused many of the spectators to leave, which congested the local roads. On safety reasons, the organizers cancelled the stages. 

Ogier took an early lead by winning the first stage, but his lead gradually fell; Loeb was in the lead by Wednesday afternoon where he stayed for the rest of the event. 

Volkswagen's other car driven by Jari-Matti Latvala slid off the stage at the Col de Turini on the final day and retired from the rally. 

“Second place in the first rally of the new Polo R WRC is more than we could have expected. The team did an exceptional job in the last four rally days and prepared the cars perfectly. The Rally Monte Carlo is the most complex event in the calendar and the team has here shown that they are ready for the World Rally Championship," said Volkswagen Motorsport Director Jost Capito.

If you live somewhere where the WRC is not broadcast, you are in luck. WRC has significantly improved its Youtube presence for 2013. It is posting highlights from each stage and daily highlights as well this year. Below is the final video for the Rally Monte Carlo coverage.