Exactly 50 years ago, on 11th July 1966, a group of Munich-based traders and importers who shared an interest in sport founded the “Verband Formel V Europa e. V.” – this was the birth of Volkswagen Motorsport. But all this madness started in the USA back in 1963 after the launch of the Formula Vee junior racing series.
In 1971 the same philosophy had developed into the Formula Super Vee series, a competition that gave the world three important drivers: Jochen Rindt (A), Niki Lauda (A) and Keke Rosberg (FIN).
But Volkswagen Motorsport was a different entity and this is why in 1973 the headquarters moved from Munich to Hannover. After the successful Formula Vee era, Volkswagen proceeded to make a name for itself when it came to promoting talented young drivers: record Formula One world champion Michael Schumacher (D) and Le Mans legend Tom Kristensen (DK) both started their career in Formula 3, powered by Volkswagen.
Volkswagen also had a good point in the touring racing cars and rallying. From 1988 to 2014, many young drivers learned the A to Z of motor racing in the touring car school.
The Volkswagen Motorsport drivers had lots of important winnings: Nurburgring 24 Hours, Dakar Rally and WRC. Three years in a row – from 2013 to 2015 – Volkswagen won all three titles with the Polo R WRC: the Manufacturers’ Championship plus the Driver and Co-Drivers’ Championships with works drivers Sébastien Ogier and Julien Ingrassia (F/F).
“As it celebrates its 50th birthday, Volkswagen is better placed on the motorsport scene than ever before. And it boasts a very well-balanced programme: a global commitment with the Polo R WRC in the World Rally Championship, in circuit racing with the young drivers in Formula 3, and with the Golf GTI TCR in the various international TCR series. We are also well-established in the USA, with the Andretti Autosport team enjoying success on the Rallycross scene – a modern and emerging form of motor racing. As such, Volkswagen enjoys a solid and future-oriented basis in motorsport. That is cause for celebration. At the same time, it is also an obligation and motivation. We want to be successful, wherever we compete”, said Jost Capito, Volkswagen Motorsport Director.
Source: Volkswagen
