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Volkswagen entered WRC for the 2013 season with Polo R WRC with two proven drivers Sebastien Ogier and Jari-Matti Latvala. Given the company's resources and the fact that they had used previous 17 months testing and developing the car, expectations were high but still realistic. Volkswagen themselves hoped for podiums in 2013, wins in 2014 and championships in 2015.
Fast forward to end of 2016 season and Volkswagen had won everything they wanted and more. Both drivers' and manufacturers' championship titles four years running and in total of 43 wins out of 52 rallies they started - a whopping 82.7% win ratio. Then VW board decides to end their involvement.
Admittedly, company was in trouble with the emission fraud they were caught in. Resulting fines would be heavy burden and company was laying off workers so for PR reasons it would be difficult for them to justify spending millions to racing. For four incredible years they dominated the sport and while it's not in the best interests of the sport itself, 2013-2016 will remain exceptional years in the history of WRC.
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