Historic Rally Racing: Mikkelsen’s Swedish Stage Performance
The 2015 WRC Rally Sweden showcased an impressive display of precision driving and teamwork as Andreas Mikkelsen and co-driver Ola Fløene tackled the challenging Fredriksberg 1 stage. Behind the wheel of their Volkswagen Polo R WRC, the duo demonstrated the raw power and technical expertise required to compete at rallying’s highest level.
Team and Equipment Specifications
Key Details:
- Driver: Andreas Mikkelsen
- Co-driver: Ola Fløene
- Vehicle: Volkswagen Polo R WRC
- Team: Volkswagen Motorsport
- Stage: Fredriksberg 1
- Distance: 18.15 kilometers
Stage Characteristics
The Fredriksberg 1 stage presented drivers with:
-
Technical Sections
- Narrow forest passages
- Sharp directional changes
- Complex braking zones
- Environmental Challenges
- Snow-covered terrain
- Variable grip conditions
- Traditional Swedish winter conditions
"The Fredriksberg stage has long been considered one of Rally Sweden’s most technical challenges, requiring perfect harmony between driver and co-driver."
Technical Analysis
The stage performance can be broken down into these key aspects:
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Surface | Snow and Ice |
| Stage Length | 18.15 km |
| Vehicle Type | WRC Spec |
| Competition Class | Top Level WRC |
Vehicle Performance
The Volkswagen Polo R WRC demonstrated several notable characteristics:
-
Power Delivery
- All-wheel-drive system
- Turbocharged engine
- Advanced differential setup
- Handling Dynamics
- Quick direction changes
- Precise weight transfer
- Balanced chassis setup
"The Volkswagen Polo R WRC represented the pinnacle of rally car development during the 2015 season, combining power and agility in a perfectly balanced package."
Driver and Co-Driver Coordination
The success of the stage run relied heavily on:
- Precise pace note delivery
- Accurate timing
- Clear communication
- Split-second decision making
The partnership between Mikkelsen and Fløene exemplified the importance of teamwork in professional rallying, with each member playing a crucial role in navigating the challenging Swedish terrain.
