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WRC all-stars at VW's Polo R test

A stellar group of world championship legends joined Volkswagen at a split pre-event and development test ahead of this week's Neste Rally Finland (28 - 31 july).

VW test driver, and double world champion, Marcus Grönholm joined the squad's 2016 line-up of Sébastien Ogier, Jari-Matti Latvala and Andreas Mikkelsen at the test on gravel roads in Jämsä, Finland. Grönholm led testing of the new car, while the current squad drove both the 2016 and 2017 models.

And when 1981 champion Ari Vatanen dropped by unannounced to pay a visit, the team had the winners of six WRC drivers' titles in attendance.

"That was my kind of test," said Latvala. "The conditions were ideal and we were able to prepare for the numerous jumps that await us."

Finland winner in 2010, 2014 and 2015, Latvala is currently on a par with Juha Kankkunen in the all-time winners list at Rally Finland.

Victory at his home rally this week however would see him match another two Finnish rally legends, Hannu Mikkola and Tommi Mäkinen on four WRC Finland wins.

Topping the all-time list are Markku Alén, with six wins to his name, and Grönholm who has won a record seven times in Finland.

Zdroj: wrc.com