The car that was modified for rally requirements and that normally stands for gripping circuit racing action was piloted by WRC returnee Carlos Sainz (Spain) and Nasser Al-Attiyah (Qatar) – the winner and the runner-up of the past Dakar Rally with Volkswagen. In the passenger’s seat they were navigated by their respective "Dakar” co-drivers: Lucas Cruz (Spain) and Timo Gottschalk (Germany). Thanks to the use of pure bio natural gas as fuel the Cup Scirocco emits 80 per cent less CO2. The version of the 2-litre engine used for the Germany Rally delivered 275 hp.
Kris Nissen, Volkswagen Motorsport Director
"The Scirocco R performed well as the course-opening car during the Germany Rally. It enabled Carlos Sainz and Nasser Al-Attiyah to demonstrate how much Volkswagen stands for technical innovations in circuit racing. The audience was thrilled, too, to see a two-time World Rally Champion – Carlos Sainz – again. All in all, it was a successful promotion of both the Scirocco R-Cup and eco-conscious bio natural gas power.”
Carlos Sainz
"It was nice to take an excursion into the WRC world again. I saw many old acquaintances and many familiar faces again and used the opportunity for an exchange with old companions from my days in the World Rally Championship. Being allowed to open the course with the Scirocco was an honour for Volkswagen and of course for me as well.”
Nasser Al-Attiyah
"Even though the Scirocco R, which we used as the course-opening car, was not a thoroughbred rally vehicle it was fun to open the special stages with it. I think the spectators enjoyed it just as much – and for me and my co-driver Timo Gottschalk it was a nice change from our joint commitments in the cockpit of the Race Touareg at off-road rallies.”
SUBSCRIBE BELOW TO READ THE FULL STORY
