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Volkswagen driver Sebastien Ogier has chalked up the accident that prematurely ended his spectacular Monte-Carlo performance to experience. The Frenchman says, "Julien and I both are totally fit."

After the successful season start in Monaco, the Volkswagen Motorsport squad now sets its sights on the second round of the WRC, Rally Sweden from February 9-12.

Sébastien Ogier and Julien Ingrassia will be joined in Sweden by rising star Andreas Mikkelsen and co-driver Ola Floene, who will be competing for the Volkswagen factory team for the first time this season.

"At the season opener in Monte-Carlo both drivers, Sébastien Ogier and our junior driver Kevin Abbring, showed strong performances. In Sweden Andreas Mikkelsen will take the wheel of the Junior car as planned,” said Volkswagen Motorsport Director Kris Nissen.

Sweden provides the only snow stages on the World Rally calendar and the use of studded tyres make it a special event. The setting for this rally allows the Volkswagen team to gather unique data in winter conditions.

Nissen explained, "Sweden is a special rally: it’s the only WRC event on ice and snow and provides the best opportunity to gather valuable experiences in crisp cold. It’s an important run for us in preparation for our WRC entry with the Polo R WRC.”

Unusual challenges await the VW drivers. Both have competitive experience in the snow. Ogier is feeling confident going into this round having finished Rally Sweden in fourth place last year behind three Scandinavian teams.

"I really like the Rally Sweden. Because of its unique character it’s important to finish in order to give the team the opportunity to thoroughly get to know this rally,” said Ogier. "In Sweden the Nordic drivers are always particularly strong because they have more experience with the conditions that exist there. But we’re well prepared.”