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Volkswagen Motorsport has conducted the first test of its new Polo GTi R5 that will be campaigned in the World Rally Championship's WRC2 class next year.

The manufacturer completed three days of running in the Fontjoncouse region in Southern France - the same location in which Volkswagen carried out its first test of its all-conquering Volkswagen Polo R WRC in 2011.

Volkswagen development driver Dieter Depping and 2017 WRC2 champion Pontus Tidemand were employed to share driving duties.

The first day of running was completed on a 2.4-mile asphalt route, before further set-up work - focused on the chassis, dampers and suspension on the four-wheel drive car - was undertaken on gravel.

The test also offers the first image of the customer car, the design of which was revealed earlier this month, in action.

"A successful first test is a good sign and great motivation," said Volkswagen motorsport director, Sven Smeets.

"After the many hours and weeks spent working on our latest customer racing project on the computer, in the design process and in the workshop, the Polo GTI R5 can now finally show what it is capable of out on the road, and we can gain valuable data for the further development of the car."

Volkswagen is not expected to run a factory team with its new R5 car, but will provide customers with technical support.