Andreas Mikkelsen: 'I can become WRC World Champion within five years'

Ref:A00100

Published: 14 February 2013

Andreas Mikkelsen won the Intercontinental Rally Challenge in 2011 and 2012 - despite not competing in three races last season in his Skoda Fabia S2000.

The 22-year-old Norwegian star is racing for Volkswagen in a stylish Polo R WRC this season. We caught up with the hottest racing talent to have emerged from Norway for years.
Andreas Mikkelsen

Mikkelsen is one of the sport's hottest talents, but he'll face an uphill challenge to prove his speed can win rallies in the WRC.
What got you into motorsport? Why rallying?
It all began before I was a alpine skier. At age '6 I hurt my knees and could not ski anymore. My father introduced me to rallying and I fell in love with the sport straight away.

What makes you quick?
A lot of hard work for a lot of years. I know nothing comes by itself and you really need to work hard to improve yourself all the time.

Your debut in the World Rally Championship was in beautiful Wales. What is your take on the future of rallying in Britain and would you like to see a more prominent rally in the unspoilt hills of Scotland?
I really enjoy doing events in the UK. It's a big interest and the island has a lot of spectacular and nice rally stages. I have done Rally Scotland twice and I always enjoyed the event.

Andreas Mikkelsen

Can you tell me about the diet of a rally driver?
There are no secrets, just a healthy normal diet and a good mix of proteins, carbohydrates, and veggies.

A day in the life of Andreas...
Do a rally, home and wash clothes, pack my bag, do a rally, home and wash clothes.
Andreas after winning his first IRC Championship:

What are the most challenging aspects of being a rally driver? What would you say is the most difficult technique to grasp as a good rally driver?
The thing I like especially about rallying is that it has so many aspects that you can improve on. Everything from pacenotes, analysing, driving techiniques on tar and gravel, testing, setup and more.

Tell me about your ambitions and plans for the coming year?
My ambition is to do well in the WRC. That means finishing the rallies and learn as much as possible. I want to show speed in some rallies but the main thing is to learn the stages and WRC machinery.

Which tracks, corners or jumps really annoy you?
I love all these things.

Do you practice on a console?
I wont say I practice but I have PS3 with WRC3 at home.

Andreas Mikkelsen

Congratulations, IRC Champion yet again. Your talent has not gone unnoticed. Surely you can expect a top ten finish in the WRC this year? And will you be competing in the European Rally Championship?
I will only tackle the WRC this year. And yes I definitely expect to be in the top ten.

What would you like the future to hold for you? How do you see 20'3 panning out?
I want to be World Rally Champion, but not this year. For sure if it would happen that would be awesome but I have to be realistic. If I can I challenge for a top five finish in some rallies, that will be just fine.

Can you become WRC World Champion within five years?
Yes.

What would you like to change in the sport?
Increase safety, especially in relation to sideways impact of the cars.

Why are drivers from Finland so fast?
Because they have really nice roads to train on and rallying is a big sport in Finland.

Driver training in Finland and Norway is a lot more fun and advanced with skid control techniques. Do you think this should be introduced in the UK?
Yeah, why not. Skidding is a lot of fun when you have control.

Andreas Mikkelsen

What new innovations and developments do you think we can expect to see in rally cars in the coming years?
Hmm, it's hard to say. Hopefully, some proper power in the cars.

Secret obsession...
Chocolate and candy.

You love fishing, a very peaceful hobby. What is the largest fish you have caught?
The largest fish I have caught is a 9kg salmon in Russia.

Andreas Mikkelsen

The person you most treasure and who most inspires you...
Loeb as an athlete really inspires me. To win nine titles in a row is an amazing achievement.

Are winter tyres for ordinary road users necessary?
Only in the countries where there is snow and icy conditions.

What did Santa give you for Christmas?
A VW deal and an iPad mini.

And your New Year's resolution...
To complete at least two marathons this year.