What is the best birthday present for a WRC driver?

Andreas Mikkelsen (NOR), Ola Fløene (NOR) Volkswagen Polo R WRC (2015) WRC Rally Italia Sardegna 2015

Let’s suppose that, for a rally driver, a victory is one of the best possible birthday presents one could wish for. Or maybe it’s securing a shiny new multi-year contract with your current team, which also happens to be the dominant force and winner of everything in the last couple of years? I can’t say, but I’m sure Andreas Mikkelsen can. On his 26th birthday he received a very nice and also very much deserved present in the form of a new contract with Volkswagen. This really is no surprise, especially given Andreas’ current form – at the moment he lies in third place in the overall standings, ahead of pre-season favourite, Jari-Matti Latvala. Even though Mikkelsen is yet to score his first WRC win, four podium finishes this year pushed him up the rankings and close to second place holder, Mads Ostberg. It can only get better from here and I am sure we will not have to wait for too long before Mikkelsen starts collecting victories. Hopefully before his next birthday, though!

“Andreas Mikkelsen and Ola Fløene’s contract extension is very good news for the Volkswagen rally family,” said Volkswagen Motorsport Director Jost Capito. “We have enjoyed a lot of success together in the last two years, and this season, and are confident that it is only a matter of time until Andreas and Ola claim their first win. We are impressed by Andreas’ talent and the analytical and tactical way he goes about things. We are delighted to have wrapped up this contract extension. With two-time world champion Sébastien Ogier, last year’s runner-up Jari-Matti Latvala and the third-placed driver in last year’s World Championship, Andreas Mikkelsen, Volkswagen has the best driver line-up you could imagine on the rally scene.”

Andreas Mikkelsen, who turns 26 today: “I am incredibly happy to have extended my contract with Volkswagen. It is a great feeling to know that the team is happy with me and my performance, and that they want to continue working with me. I am thankful for this opportunity to continue to develop in this great team. It confirms that we are on the right track and gives us an extra boost for the future.”

Happy birthday, Andreas, from everyone at WRB.

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