Jost Capito has used the official launch of Volkswagen Motorsport’s FIA World Rally Championship entry in Monaco this afternoon by reiterating his belief that it will take until 2014 before the German squad can challenge for victories.
Volkswagen will enter a brace of Polo R WRCs on all 13 rounds next season for Jari-Matti Latvala and Sebastien Ogier with Andreas Mikkelsen being announced in a third entry from the fourth round in Portugal onwards.
In front of approximately 250 journalists and guests at the principality’s Sporting Club, Capito said it would take time before Volkswagen would run at the front in the global series.
“The WRC is pretty new for the team, we learned through the season in 2012 and our target through next season is to get in a position to challenge for podium positions and be prepared for the 2014 season when we want to fight for wins,” Capito said.
“The team did a fantastic job with the development, we have tested everything we can test and we are confident we have the speed. The car is very reliable but the real feeling about the competitiveness will have to be proved in competition.”