The 27-year-old Frenchman and his co-driver Julien Ingrassia (31) are joining the Volkswagen Motorsport squad effective immediately and will spend the next 12 months shaping development of the Polo R WRC for Volkswagen’s 2013 entry in the World Rally Championship.

Ogier, who finished the 2011 WRC in third place for Citroen, was Junior WRC Champion in 2008 and hotly tipped to usurp his more illustrious team mate, Sebastien Loeb.

Sébastien Ogier and Julien Ingrassia, who will drive the Volkswagen Polo R WRC in 2013.

‘Volkswagen is the number one in Europe and will soon be number one in the world,’ said an exuberant Sébastien Ogier on his arrival in Hanover. ‘I’m sure that they’re going to compete with the goal of clinching the WRC title, and I’m happy to be part of this from the outset.’

And co-driver Julien Ingrassia stresses with self-confidence: ‘We’re looking forward to a team with a fighting spirit and the determination to win. Anything’s possible!’

‘I am very happy about Sébastian Ogier and Julien Ingrassia joining us,’ says Dr Ulrich Hackenberg, Member of the Volkswagen Brand Board of Management for the Development Division. ‘Both of them are important pieces of the puzzle on our way towards building a successful team in the World Rally Championship. It is also a mark of confidence for our team if such a strong pairing opts for a new team in the WRC that is still in the process of being developed.’

Motorsport Director Kris Nissen adds: “We are proud that such a successful and quick duo as Sébastian Ogier and his co-driver Julien Ingrassia have decided to join Volkswagen. The aim of putting a competitive Polo R WRC on the road for them as quickly as possible will additionally drive our team. We look forward to working with them and are hoping for many victories and titles in the future.’

Two-time world rally champion Carlos Sainz was instrumental in the contractual negotiations with Ogier and Ingrassia. Sainz who has thus far led development of the Polo R WRC, will stay on as expert adviser to the Volkswagen team. “For me, Sébastien is one of the world’s three best drivers,” praises the two-time World Rally Champion (1990, 1992) and 2010 Dakar winner.

Produced by Castrol EDGE, the documentary explores the idea of mental and physical strength providing an in-depth look at the skills and strength required for Ronaldo to perform at the very highest level.

Naturally, being Castrol EDGE, there is an automotive purpose to the exercise – the company will use the marketing of the documentary to highlight it’s high-performance motor oils – which their tests show to be up to 40% stronger than a leading competitor.

Ronaldo is in Madrid today for an exclusive premiere of the eagerly awaited documentary, in which the Real Madrid and Portugal star takes on a series of challenges, including trying to blast one of his trademark free kicks through a wall of glass and going head-to-head against an elite sprinter in a test of his speed and agility.

The footballer will be arriving in style later this afternoon, pulling into the venue in an Audi R8 Spyder driven by Carlos Sainz – winner of the 2010 Dakar Rally who is also an avid Real Madrid fan. Ronaldo will then officially launch proceedings which will see the documentary, which includes expert insights from Arsene Wenger and Fabio Capello, screened to over a thousand football fans inside the venue.

So how will Ronaldo respond when faced with the most extreme challenges? Take a look at our teaser videos (below) and tune into Sky Sports 2 at 8pm tomorrow evening.

Film Teasers

Twelve months later, Peugeot stole the headlines with its futuristic looking EX1 Concept, which demolished the humble MINI E setting a new record time of 9 minutes 1.338 seconds. We still sniggered a bit, because despite the EX1′s race car looks, Renault’s conventionally powered Megane Trophy hatchback proved recently that it could lap some 54 seconds faster than Peugeot’s trumped-up milk float..

Well, the laughing just stopped.

Although whether it’s entirely fair to compare a pukka-racecar with conventional road cars is a moot point, but we’re no longer talking about getting round on a single charge, neither do we feel inclined to dig out any more dairy-product jokes..

Toyota’s TMG EV P001, with an 100% electric powertrain and Jochen Krumbach at the wheel, has just set a new lap record of 7 minutes 47.794 seconds – that’s quicker than a 380 bhp Porsche 911 Carerra S.

Prior to the 29 August record run, TMG’s ambition had been to become the first electric vehicle to break the eight-minute barrier and this was achieved comfortably on a day when the notoriously changeable Nürburgring weather stayed fine, although track temperatures were relatively low.

Using two electric motors, the TMG electric powertrain has a top speed of 163 mph, which combined with 800Nm of torque enabled the TMG EV P001 to achieve impressive speeds on the challenging Nordschleife track.

The TMG EV P001 is based on a Radical chassis which was then modified by TMG and the new lap record was completed on road-legal tyres, using the complete Nordschleife track. Lap times were verified by independent observers.

Pascal Vasselon, TMG’s Technical Director, said: “The goals for this project were twofold: obviously we wanted to set a new EV lap record and I am very pleased we could achieve that so comprehensively. On the other hand, we also wanted to learn more about the operation of our electric powertrain in extreme circumstances; in motorsport there is no more extreme circuit than the Nürburgring.

On the record lap the TMG EV P001 performed better than in testing due to the improvement we already could make based on that experience. We have enhanced our electric powertrain development thanks to the information our engineers have gained and our future EV products will benefit from this project.”

Nice, now all they need to do is add the sound of a high-revving V8 and enthusiasts will be queueing up to buy one.

Mini E – 9 minutes 51.45 second lap

Peugeot EX1 Concept – 9 minutes 1.338 second lap

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Following his podium finish at this weekend’s Belgian Grand Prix, Jenson flew back to the UK on Sunday evening, ready for his demonstration run through the streets of Manchester the following day. Button also treated one lucky Vodafone customer to a thrilling drive through Manchester city centre in a McLaren MP4-12C, and ended the day with an on-stage, public Q&A appearance.

From Friday to Monday, Vodafone customers and up to 3 of their friends were give the chance to access the Vodafone VIP Fan Zone in Albert Square, which hosted a bespoke Go Kart track and a number of interactive F1 experiences, including a pit stop challenge, the opportunity to sit in the McLaren Mercedes car, an F1 simulator and an exhibition of race suits and helmets. Throughout the weekend there was also a pit garage in the forecourt of the Hilton Deansgate hotel in which customers were given tours.

This three-day celebration was part of Vodafone’s initiative to give more people the chance to experience F1 first-hand. Previous Vodafone events have taken place in central London and at the McLaren Technology Centre in Surrey, so this was the first (of hopefully many) regional tours for the team.

Gallery

If you were in the crowd, then perhaps you can find yourself in the pictures below. If you’d like a high-res version for personal use, then send us an email using the ‘Feedback’ form on this page or via a mention on Twitter at @DriversRepublic letting us know which picture you are in.

Hi-Res Image Downloads (just click on a link to automatically open a download panel)

The number on the link refers to the position of the image in the gallery below. If you’d like to request an image that is not currently listed, then please contact us with details of the image you’d like and we’ll add a link below.

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We’ve also been observing the differing levels of engagement with videos on SkiddPlayer especially for the less-obvious viewers, such as women or those people in their golden years (50-70 year olds).

I’ve written before about why these groups are more valuable than many marketers realise, but to quickly recap – women are most influential in the final buying decision of a car, but often passive and disengaged in the early stages, this makes them harder to reach because you’re unlikely to find them with their nose in a car magazine or voicing their opinions on an enthusiast forum but very valuable nonetheless.

Meanwhile core enthusiasts tend to hold pretty firm opinions on which brands they like and it can prove quite expensive to challenge those preconceptions, the floating buyers (i.e. those without a fixed affiliation) on the other hand are unlikely to spend much time thinking about a car brand until such time as they choose to buy.

That’s where video comes in and for car makers such as Audi seeking to grow their customer base, it’s a great medium through which to influence these undecided buyers.

The Race

What’s this got to do with Audi Sport at the Spa 24 Hours?

Well, perhaps the best answer is to watch the videos below. Although motorsport is a specialist subject, many millions of us enjoy watching it – however most written coverage can feel intimidating to the casual viewer, hence the increased popularity of online video.

The following series of 4 videos tell the story of the Audi Sport Team WRT as they prepare and then compete in the Spa 24 Hours – we reckon they’re some of the best content we’ve seen from a car maker with a great balance of humour, passion and drama.

A quick update on the Spa 24 Hours before you watch the videos. Audi were victorious against GT cars from twelve other manufacturers, underpinned by their top DTM drivers Mattias Ekström and Timo Scheider. Audi led 22 of the 24 hours, with the winning #33 R8 LMS capturing the lead at the start of the tenth hour and holding it until the chequered flag. Just after midnight three R8 LMS actually occupied the first three positions, but due to incidents during the night the other two factory cars finished up 4th and 14th.

We’re getting used to seeing Audi’s Head of Audi Motorsport, Dr. Wolfgang Ullrich, in an emotional state at the end of each Le Mans 24 Hours and you’ll witness the same display of emotions in Episode #2 of the race coverage below. If you get a spare 20 mins to watch them all, then they’re well worth the effort.

Audi: The 24 hours of Spa – Qualifying

Audi: The 24 hours of Spa – Before the race

Audi: The 24 hours of Spa – The Race Part 1

Audi: The 24 hours of Spa – The Race Part 2

Audi Race Experience

If watching these has whetted your appetite, then subject to scraping together sufficient funds it could be you in the driving seat next year. The Audi Race Experience offers customers the opportunity to contest races with the Audi R8 LMS themselves – and on request even accompany professional race drivers.

The vehicles are prepared and fielded by one of the world’s most successful sports car teams: 6-time Le Mans winners Reinhold Joest and races include the VLN feature round at the Nürburgring-Nordschleife. If you’d like to find out more, visit the Audi Driving Experience website.

This latest Supersport model is derived directly from the race car that competes in the highly-successful Caterham Supersport championship, the road-going edition borrows all of the track version’s performance essentials and then, for good measure, is fine-tuned for the road.

Caterham Cars engineering director, Mark Edwards, said: “The SP/300.R was our first brand new model for 15 years. But the Supersport is all about our roots. The Seven was born out of motorsport and this new model illustrates the values – accessibility, affordability and unadulterated fun – that have made Caterham the iconic brand it is today and which will ensure the Seven’s continuing global success.

“We’ve built faster and more powerful accelerating cars before, but the Supersport’s character, value and low running costs have generated a machine that will excite sportscar fans, including those on a budget.”

Priced from £19,995 (incl tax) in self-build form, the 140bhp Supersport carries a Caterham Motorsport-tuned 1.6-litre Ford Sigma engine, five-speed ‘sprint’ ratio gearing, lightweight flywheel and race-prepared suspension with CR500 Avon tyres on 13” wheels. The Supersport like other Caterham models promises a raw and unadulterated driving experience, which will be at home both on the road and on the track.

Equipped with a motorsport-honed limited-slip-differential and gearing with sports driving in mind, the Supersport also features uprated springs and dampers borrowed directly from its race car cousin, stiffer anti-roll bars, track biased dash with integrated change up lights and an aero screen. Composite race seats and a four-point race harness instead of standard seat belt complete the track-inspired experience.

Factory-built, the Supersport will cost £22,995 with enthusiasts able to purchase one in component form for £19,995. Weighing in at just 520kg, the 140bhp Ford powerplant will propel the Supersport from 0-60mph in 4.9 seconds on its way to a top speed of 120mph – making it more than quick enough for most people’s capabilities.

The Caterham Supersport Championship represents the third rung of its ‘motorsport ladder’ and is Caterham’s fastest-growing series. With 14 rounds over seven race weekends, the championship heads to the new Snetterton 300 circuit on 24-25th April.

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Stewart is a regular attendee of the Geneva Motorshow and has worked for many years as a global ambassador for brands such as Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS), Ford, Rolex and in his new role for Lotus-Renault via Genii Business Exchange.

The 71 year old, who rejoined Formula One in 1997 after winning the titles between 1969 and 1973, was complaining of chest pains whilst flying back from Geneva, and took medical support in the air before being collected at Heathrow airport and taken to hospital.

His son Paul Stewart has been quoted by BBC Sport saying: “He did pass out and as a precaution he was taken to hospital to be looked at. He seemed absolutely fine, but obviously something happened and we need to establish what, but I’m on my way to see him right now. “I should think he’ll just be checked over and hopefully it will be nothing more sinister than that.”

We wish Jackie a swift recovery and look forward to seeing him back in the F1 pit lane at Melbourne on 24th March.

The 908 HDi FAP helped Peugeot build up an enviable record of world class successes, including the title in the 2007 Le Mans Series, a one-two finish at Le Mans in 2009 and the inaugural ILMC crown in 2010.

“We have chosen 908 as the name of the new car in order to build on the wave of success with which it is associated,” says Peugeot’s Director of Marketing and Communications, Xavier Peugeot.

“At the same time, this car fits perfectly with the brand’s modern calling. It mirrors the modernity that is dialled into the 408, which is in the process of being launched in Latin America, the 508, which is beginning to arrive in the dealerships, and the new 308, about which we will be going into a little further detail over the coming days. It also echoes the modernity expressed by our first ever diesel hybrid model, the 3008 HYbrid4. At Peugeot, we have always sought to associate our commitment to motorsport with the real world and with our model range. The name 908 consequently stood out as the obvious choice.”

The 908 complies with the latest technical regulations and notably features a so-called shark’s fin engine-cover appendix. It is a closed-cockpit car, with four identical wheels, and is powered by a 550-horsepower, 3.7-litre V8 HDi FAP diesel engine. It means Peugeot Sport will be competing in endurance racing for the fifth year running with a diesel engine equipped with a particulate filter (FAP/Filtre à Particules).

Since 1998, more than seven million HDi engines have been sold worldwide, helping Peugeot to earn a reputation as one of the biggest players in the realm of clean diesel power. The 908 packs the same technologies as those employed for Peugeot’s road cars, while there has been close collaboration between the group’s engineers and specialists and their counterparts at Peugeot Sport to ensure that expertise in domains like fuel efficiency, respect for the environment and performance is shared between road cars and motorsport.

The Driver line-up

This season sees the introduction of a more balanced calendar, a shift in the technical regulations and the arrival of a new car, but the people who make up the team are just the same. “At our debrief after the 2010 Le Mans 24 Hours at our base in Vélizy, I told all our drivers that I had every confidence in them for 2011,” concludes Olivier Quesnel. “They are true professionals, every one of them. We have nine world class drivers who count among the discipline’s very best. We have everything to gain from sticking to the same line-up.”

From L-R, Alexander Wurz, Ant Davidson, Marc Gené -- Nicolas Minassian, Stéphane Sarrazin, Franck Montagny -- Pedro Lamy, Sébastien Bourdais, Simon Pagenaud.

The three crews for Le Mans include:

N°7 908: Alexander Wurz / Anthony Davidson / Marc Gené
N°8 908: Franck Montagny / Nicolas Minassian / Stéphane Sarrazin
N°9 908: Sébastien Bourdais / Pedro Lamy / Simon Pagenaud

During the launch this afternoon, Alex Wurz tweeted the following warning to fans of their Ingolstadt rival: “Our new PUG looks very cool. Nice launch event here in Paris. I think u can follow live on the Peugeot sport web site. Can’t wait to drive it”, he then went on to say, “..any Audi fans r out and about – its time 2 get scared. The new 908 looks mega. Marc, Anthony and me will rock! Le Mans here we come”.

The new car made its track debut on July 27, 2010 and between then and the 2011 Le Mans 24 Hours, the team will have completed 12 tests in all, at a number of different circuits.

Picture Gallery

The Lotus Type 125 is an exclusive ultra high performance F1 inspired race-car complete with Cosworth 3.5 litre GP V8 engine producing 640bhp linked to a six-speed semi automatic gearbox with paddle shift. Unlike a Formula One car however, an army of technicians and mechanics is not required to start the engine and keep the car running. The start button is all the driver needs to press to get going.

Given his F1 pedigree, Alesi is the perfect person to partner with for the Type 125. He enjoyed a successful and eventful F1 career competing in 202 grands prix and collecting a total of 241 points driving for teams such as Ferrari, Tyrell, Benetton, Sauber, Prost and Jordan. From 1989 to 2001, Alesi didn’t stray far from the race track and is still known as one of the most popular drivers in the F1 paddock.

Commenting on the announcement Jean Alesi said: “I’m delighted to be partnering with Lotus, I have a lot of affection for this great British brand and I’m confident that they will achieve great things in the future both on and off the race track. I’m particularly passionate about anything that brings people closer to the racing action and the Type 125 does exactly that, it’s the ultimate race experience and I’m really looking forward to testing in Vallelunga and Abu Dhabi.”

Alesi joined Lotus Motorsport at the Autosport International Show at the NEC today (13 January) to celebrate the unveiling of many of Lotus Motorsport’s racing disciplines including the reveal of the new 2011 Lotus Renault GP F1 car livery.

Gino Rosato, Director of Corporate Operations for Group Lotus, said: “Jean has been a good friend for many years, I have had the privilege of working with him in the past and I really respect and admire the way he operates. With his F1 background, connections and contacts, I think he brings a lot to the table and we’re really looking forward to working with him. We think he’ll make the perfect Lotus brand ambassador.”

The Exos Experience by Lotus

The ‘Exos Experience by Lotus’ is a new concept for these most exclusive owners and members to improve their race craft and engineering prowess, learn how to set-up a car working with a race engineer, focus on mental and physical fitness and enjoy a driving experience quite literally out-of-this-world.

A team of engineers, aerodynamicists, tyre specialists and experts from every field have the specific aim of delivering the optimum performance vehicle. But it is not just the performance of the vehicle which will be optimised, the driver will be brought up to a high level through an F1 level fitness programme including nutrition, strength and fitness training and through driver training from former Lotus F1 drivers to raise the customers’ skill levels to F1 standard.

The ‘heritage showroom’ takes visitors through the brand with four rings’ star-studded line up of iconic cars – from the foundations laid by the 1913 Audi Type C and its market-leading handling and performance (it could develop up to 35PS) – to the trailblazing Eighties quattros and the brand’s first production supercar, the 2007 Audi R8.

Visitors can explore Audi's complete history including the origins of its 4-rings emblem, the NSU brand and Audi's enviable track record in motorsport.

Living Vorsprung durch Technik

The Audi Vorsprung durch Technik DNA is laid bare in the innovation gallery, which features key future-shaping developments such as quattro all-wheel drive, which began life as the drivetrain on the original quattro car. When applied to competition cars, quattro led the brand to dominate the World Rally Championships of the Eighties to the point that the car was banned from competing.

The car that defined a generation - Audi's 1980 Ur Quattro

Browsers can also read about the brand’s long-time development of aluminium, which started with the all-aluminium bodied NSU 8/24 in 1913, made a come-back as the main body material of the first generation A8, and is now a permanent part of chassis structures across the Audi range.

Setting the pace in motorsport

Fans of motorsport and production cars alike can see the technological developments made for motorsport that have influenced and inspired advancements in the brand with four rings’ production cars.

Audi has been on winning form in motorsport since Horch won the Alpine Run in the Type C (nicknamed ‘Alpensieger’ – ‘Alpine victor’) at its first attempt. Accolades have been won in diverse competitions ever since – from the the quattro’s decade of dominance in rallying to the nine titles clinched in the 24 hours of Le Mans series, eight of which were thanks to TDI technology that has been honed and tuned on the track.

Becoming Audi

Users can also explore how the four component companies – Horch, Wanderer, DKW and Audi – became Audi and created the strong tradition of pioneering technology and design that has seen it rise from humble beginnings to being a leading premium car manufacturer.

The heritage showroom provides an interactive experience for visitors, looking towards future models as well as back through the past 100 years.

You can visit the Audi Heritage section on the Audi website and see if for yourself at http://www.audi.co.uk/audi-innovation/heritage.html.