Zoom Kris Nissen.

Volkswagen started into a new cross-country rallying era with a Win : works pairing Carlos Sainz / Michel Périn prevailed in the Central Europe Rally across Hungary and Romania, a new event held by Dakar Rally organisers A,S.O. In their rally debut as Volkswagen Race Touareg 2 drivers, Dieter Depping / Timo Gottschalk finished third and the fine team result was completed by the fifth place secured by Carlos Sousa / Andreas Schulz with the Race Touareg entered by customer team Lagos. In the Q&A, Volkswagen Motorsport Director Kris Nissen talks about the arguably most enthralling event in cross-country rallying, team spirit and technical competence.

Kris Nissen, what was the nicest realisation gained in the Central Europe Rally ?
« Most definitely the following three facts: the team did a fantastic job, the Volkswagen Race Touareg coped with this extreme endurance test in outstanding style – and we proved that we would have been perfectly prepared for the 2008 Dakar Rally. There, we certainly would have been a factor in the battle for the win – but unfortunately, the event was called off. We are absolutely competitive, the performance level is great – and the same applies to our result in this so-called ‘Replacement Dakar'. »

What does this win mean to Volkswagen Motorsport ?
« Everybody at Volkswagen Motorsport is extremely motivated at all times. Still, securing three top positions by finishing first with Carlos Sainz, third with Dieter Depping and fifth with Carlos Sousa represented a massive confidence boost for the entire team, nevertheless. We have truly been invigorated for the tasks to come in the future. »

How do you assess the win in the Central Europe Rally ?
« Apart from the Giniel de Villiers' runner-up finish in the 2006 Dakar Rally, Carlos Sainz' triumph in this event has been our biggest success. And you mustn't forget the following fact: right from the start, we consequently pursued the goal to succeed with a car powered by an innovative TDI diesel engine. Now, the TDI technology represents the benchmark in this sport, too. We secured the win in the Central Europe Rally by prevailing against extremely competitive opponents on the track, by extraordinary driving skills and a lot of team spirit. A performance that just can't be bettered. »