Sebastien Ogier has admitted his second place on the Monte Carlo Rally was as good as a win for the all-new Volkswagen Polo R WRC.
The Frenchman was the only driver other than Sebastien Loeb to lead the event, before finishing second in Monaco last night.
"You know me," said Ogier, "you know that I don't like to be second. But honestly, this time I don't mind.
"I don't think there are words to explain this feeling - it's incredible. I have waited more than one year to be back and now we are back and the motivation is very good. I am so happy, it's almost perfect."
Ogier admitted he finally began to think this result was possible at the team's pre-Monte Carlo test in December.
"In the final month of testing, I began to think," he said. "I was getting a better feeling with the car and I was happier and happier, especially after the test, we know we have the good base, but I honestly did not know before the start what is possible.
"So many people ask the question how competitive is the car and when can you fight for victory? I honestly didn't know.
"What I am happy for is that in Sisteron, where we had some constant grip at start for 25km on tarmac, we were on the same rhythm [pace] as Seb [Loeb]. This is good for the future."
