World Rally champions Volkswagen are bracing for an emotional Australian round this weekend around Coffs Harbour as they prepare for their last event in the sport.
Volkswagen confirmed earlier this month that 2016 would be the German powerhouses's last in the WRC, ending a six-year stint which has included four consecutive manufacturers and drivers' championships since the introduction of the Polo in 2013.
The team will host a farewell barbecue on Wednesday night in Coffs Harbour on the NSW mid-north coast ahead of the rally, after having already wrapped up this year's driver's title through Frenchman Sebastien Ogier.
Fellow-driver Andreas Mikkelsen said he and the team were "devastated" by the news, which was confirmed after the penultimate event in Wales.
"It will be very, very emotional at this rally," he said.
"It's sad, it's devastating. We are many people behind this project.
"We have fought really hard for many years and it's been so successful. It's really hard to let go of something that is so positive."
However he has vowed to end the event on a high for the team, as they aim for a 1-2 in the drivers' championship.
Mikkelsen is 14 points behind Hyundai's second-placed Thierry Neuville, meaning he would need a podium-finish to have any chance of leap-frogging him.
"We will try and end it in a good way, finish in style," he said.
"We have had a fantastic many seasons behind us."
Neither Norwegian Mikkelsen or Ogier have secured a drive for next season, with the late announcement coming after some teams already confirmed their 2017 line ups.
"It's a question mark for all the Volkswagen where we will go and what will happen," Mikkelsen said.
"I guess this all comes into play after Australia some time, but it's very early to say."
Volkswagen have won 42 of the 52 races held since the start of 2012.
However New Zealand's Hyundai driver Hayden Paddon said that while the German team's exit was sad for the sport, he could see an upside.
"You're going to see various drivers in various teams," he said.
"I think you're going to see a lot more competition."
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