Andreas Mikkelsen signed off Volkswagen's FIA World Rally Championship era with victory at Rally Australia Sunday, but failed to finish this season's championship as runner-up.
The Norwegian won the final round of the 2016 season by 14.9 seconds from team-mate Sebastien Ogier, who spun away his own chances in Coffs Harbour in northern New South Wales.
It provided a perfect farewell for the German manufacturer, who bow out of the series after a dominant four-year period.
But Mikkelsen's win in a Polo R was not enough to secure the runners-up spot in the drivers' championship.
Third place for Belgium's Thierry Neuville in a Hyundai i20, a further 57.7sec back, secured the position behind the already-crowned Ogier.
Keep up to date with what’s happening in Turkey,
it’s region and the world.
You can unsubscribe at any time. By signing up you are agreeing to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.