New Polo R5 impresses former ERC driver Depping

Depping joined Pontus Tidemand, part of the factory Skoda line-up in the world championship, in putting the German machine through its paces on asphalt and gravel in Fontjoncouse.

“This first test was primarily about getting a lot of kilometres under our belt, in order to give the engineers as much data as possible,” said Depping, who won 11 ERC events in the past. “I can tell you one thing now: The R5 Polo is also very good, very quick and precise. I immediately felt right at home.”

Volkswagen Motorsport Director Sven Smeets added: “A successful first test is a good sign and great motivation. After the many hours and weeks spent working on our latest customer racing project on the computer, in the design process and in the workshop, the Polo GTI R5 can now finally show what it is capable of out on the road, and we can gain valuable data for the further development of the car.”