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Volkswagen has announced its withdrawal from the World Rally Championship as the brand 'realigns' its motorsport programme. From 2017 the focus will be on new technologies and customer racing. Currently Volkswagen has two vehicles aimed at privateer teams; the Golf GTI TCR four touring car racing and the Beetle GRC for rallycross. In addition the next generation Polo will be developed for R5-class rallying and will be available from 2018.
In an address to around 200 motorsport employees Frank Welsch, Member of the Board of Management responsible for Technical Development, cited challenges such as developing electric vehicles as the reason for the change in emphasis. Volkswagen's WRC achievements exceeded the company's expectations with four years of driver, co-driver and manufacturer titles. The factory team entered 51 rallies with 42 wins and 621 best times in the special stages.
Customers wanting an off-the-shelf racing car can choose the Golf GTI TCR prepared by Volkswagen Motorsport for teams competing in the fast growing TCR touring car category. In the USA, Volkswagen of America has successfully entered two Beetles into the Global Rallycross series and has already prepared them for the 2017 season. Scott Speed won the drivers' title in the US series in 2015 and 2016, with Volkswagen also taking the manufacturers' championship this year. Based on this experience the brand may increase its involvement in rallycross.
Volkswagen Motorsport Director Sven Smeets explained: "Of course, we regret the departure from the WRC very much - as this was the most successful chapter in theVolkswagen brand's motorsport history. The team has done great things. At the same time, our vision is firmly ahead, because we are aware of the great challenges facing the entire company. We want our realignment to contribute to the success of the Volkswagen brand.
From now on, the focus is on upcoming technologies in motorsport and on our customer sports range, where we will position ourselves more broadly and attractively."