Put Mikkelsen in a Fiesta and see what he does, Latvala is possibly 2nd best but Mikkelsen is no way 3rd best even in his dreams. That he is doing what he is now is proof that the Polo is a level above the other cars
That does not mean that mikkelsen doesn't deserve third place...
VW choose him as a 3rd driver and the fact that he finishes 3rd in rallies behind the 2 other polos in a surface that has yet to master is a good indication that VW choice was correct.
Is Lewis Hamilton suddenly a surprise F1 title contender?
Lewis Hamilton has risen to second in the F1 drivers' standings, a position he has not found himself in since the 2021 season.
9 June 2026...
That will all depend on the price. There are a few rich people who don't care, but the biggest group of drivers are constrained by budget. If they can give good deals, they could sell cars.
They are not there yet and nor they won't be in future.
WRC mainclass from 2027