Two-time world champion Sainz and Hackenberg, a member of Volkswagen’s board of management for technology, ran on vineyard roads in Veldenz, near Trier, where Germany’s round of the WRC is based each season. They covered approximately 100 kilometres.
Volkswagen confirmed no problems were experienced during the test, which took place on a 2.8-kilometre stage and marked the start of an intensive testing programme with the car.
“The first test with the new Polo R WRC is a special moment and marks an important milestone in the preparations for our entry in the WRC,” said Dr Hackenberg. “We’re well on schedule and are now able to start testing our concepts and developments in reality. The WRC is the top category in rally sport and a great challenge for the team, the drivers and the technology. We’re taking on this challenge and will be making efficient use of the time before we start into our first competition.”
Sainz, who won the Dakar Rally with Volkswagen and works for the manufacturer in an advisory capacity, said: “I immensely enjoy being involved in the development and testing of the new Polo R WRC and having the privilege of driving the first kilometres is naturally a great honour. The car is still in an early stage but already feels very good. For the whole team, whether engineers, mechanics or drivers, it’s very important to get to know the first real car as early as possible and to test and continue to develop it.”
Kris Nissen, Volkswagen Motorsport director, added: “The first Polo represents a preliminary stage of the subsequent rally car and during the upcoming months will serve as a test vehicle for various components such as engines, gearboxes or suspension parts. The findings obtained in these tests will be directly fed into the first thoroughbred Polo R WRC. Next year we’ll be running an extensive testing programme on Tarmac, gravel, mud and snow in order to prepare ourselves for the 2013 season as best we can.”
Dakar Rally-winning co-driver Timo Gottschalk partnered Hackenberg and Sainz during their runs.
WRC.com