Volkswagen Motorsport has revealed plans to strengthen its focus on production-based racing.
“We will place even greater emphasis on Volkswagen products,” said Volkswagen Motorsport director Sven Smeets. “The Golf GTI TCR is already an important ambassador for the brand in many racing series around the world, and we are pursuing the same goal with the new Polo GTI R5.”
He added: “Both cars are not only attractive propositions for professional customer teams, but also represent top-class cars for talented youngsters. This way, we are also able to continue our long-term philosophy of offering youth opportunities. The Golf GTI TCR and Polo GTI R5 participate in many national, regional and international series, enabling young drivers to develop step by step at the wheel of a Volkswagen.”
The company’s long-term commitment as an engine manufacturer in Formula 3 will end in 2018 – between 1982 and 1991, seven Volkswagen drivers won the title in the German Formula 3 championship alone.
Smeets acknowledged Volkswagen’s record in Formula 3, stressing that the company would continue to provide its customers “with consistent support, in order to bring the 2018 season to a successful close in the FIA Formula 3 European Championship and at the FIA Formula 3 World Cup in Macau”.
