This is the third year in a row that Volkswagen will clinch both the Drivers’ and the Manufacturers’ titles in the World Rally Championship.
In spite of that, or even the fact that the Polo R WRC was heavily redesigned under the skin for this season, the German manufacturer is getting ready for the 2017 season.
That’s because FIA has made a U-turn and, instead of trying to reduce costs as much as possible, announced a whole set of new rules that aim to increase competition and interest in the sport and will come into effect in two years.
Two-time world champion Marcus Gronholm is already testing the 2017-spec Polo, as VW will have to fend off competition not just from current rivals such as Hyundai, but also Toyota, which is returning to the WRC with the Yaris and has almost a quarter of a century experience in rallying.
The Finn may have retired in 2007 but he has lost none of his speed, as you can see in the two videos that follow.