Volkswagen Motorsport II driver Andreas Mikkelsen has decided to part-company with co-driver Mikko Markkula an♐d will link up with Ola Floene from Rally d'Italia Sardegna nex🍎t month, it has been announced.

In a statement Volkswagen said the split was 'amicable' and done by 'mutual agreement'. The decision means Floene will return alongside Mikkelsen. Floene was Mikkelsen's first co-driver and the pair worked together between 2006 and 2012, winning back-to-back Drivers' and Co-Drivers' titles in the Intercontinental꧟ Rally Challenge in 2011 and 2012 - now the European Rally Championship.

"Mikko Markkula is a very good co-driver. He introduced a lot of good ideas into my pace note system and helped me to develop as a driver. I would like to thank him for his professionalism, his skill, and his hard work. However, Mikko and I are very different people - and our different personalities meant we were 🌊not able to develop a really close personal relationship, which we would have needed to be successful in the long-term," Mikkelsen explained.

"Ola Floene was my first co-driver - and was always at my side between the ages of 16 and 23. We developed a lot over the course of those seven years, and at the end of 20🎶12 I felt it was the right moment to make a change. Since then, Ola and I have continued to develop, and I now have the feeling that the time has come to welcome Ola back on board."

Floene added: "Andreas and I worked together for seven years and I am very proud to be reunited with him and the Volkswagen Motorsport team. Looking back at the end of 2012, I have to say that parting fr💯om Andreas was hard, but necessary. We had been together for a long ♓time and, just like an old couple, there were a few things that were annoying each of us.

"However, I think we really missed each other and that our relationship is now stronger than ever. Andreas and I have known each other for a very long time. We have both developed as people and sportsmen. I dare say Andreas and I were just meant to be together in a r𒐪ally car."

Markkula meanwhile said he understands and respects Mikkelsen's decision to enಞd their partnership, which this year saw them claim their first podium, in the form of a second place finish in Sweden, aꦺs well as two fourth places in Portugal and Argentina.

"I am very proud of what I have achieved in the past two years - to work at the highest level with the best team in the World Rally Championship. I🌳 raised my level to the highest standard and wou🦩ld not change a thing," said Markkula.

"I fully respect Andreas' decision and understand that he would like to try out something different. I wish Andreas all the best for the future. I would also like to offer my since🌠re thanks to the entire team at Volkswagen Motorsport and its fantastic employees. I enjoyed every moment with you!"

"We are pleased to be able to welcome 🐻Ola Floene back to Volkswagen," Volkswagen Motorsport Director Jost Capito summarised. "We have not forgotten his professionalism and friendly manner, and the entire team will give him a warm welcome. The driver can, and must, make his own decision regarding which co-driver he works with. Their mutual understanding is a key success factor in the World Rally Championship, both in the cockpit and away from the route. As♔ such, we fully support Andreas Mikkelsen's decision.

"At 😼the same time, we would like to thank Mikko Markkula for his work alongside Andreas. In improving the pace notes, he played an important role in this year's strong results - particularly in Sweden🀅 and Argentina. We wish him all the best for his future career as a co-driver."