We all know that when the Volkswagen Group puts something in its mind, it will achieve it no matter what: the Bugatti Veyron is a perfect example.

Now that VW has decided to enter the FIA World Rally Championship with the new Polo R WRC, it wants to make sure that it will be competitive from the first race. Consequently, it will enter the championship in 2013, having a full year to test its new car.

Today, VW Motorsport announced that it signed its first factory driver, who is none other than the hottest new name in WRC, Sebastien Ogier. The Frenchman made quite an impression in his maiden season this year with the factory Citroen team, challenging his all-conquering teammate, Sebastian Loeb, and winning five races to finish third in the overall standings.

“Volkswagen is the number one in Europe and will soon be number one in the world”, said Ogier. “I’m sure that they’re going to compete with the goal of clinching the WRC title, and I’m happy to be part of this from the outset.” His co-driver, Julien Ingrassia, added: “We’re looking forward to a team with a fighting spirit and the determination to win. Anything’s possible!”

When two times world rally champion, and let’s not forget, record-holder for the most career starts in WRC and 2010 Dakar winner, Carlos Sainz, says “for me, Sebastien is one of the world’s three best drivers”, it is a very high praise indeed.

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