Thread: 2012 IRC: Rallies, teams, drivers

Originally Posted by Mirek

On the other hand Pons was on Hankook. Don't forget that.

But his car was also 50 kg lighter

Originally Posted by RS

Matthew Wilson is considering IRC for next year if he can't get the budget together for WRC.

Judging by comments he has made previously, I think that he thinks he could fight for wins in IRC but in reality I think he would be out of his depth.

However I do think it could be good for him as a driver as it might force him to up his game as he couldn't plod around 5-6 minutes off the pace and still pick up 5th places quite easily.

Another 5 year plan? lol

Originally Posted by RS

However I do think it could be good for him as a driver as it might force him to up his game as he couldn't plod around 5-6 minutes off the pace and still pick up 5th places quite easily.

Well, if he is 5 minutes off the pace then this year he would have been on the podium at Ypres, 5th in Cyprus, 6th in Acores and Yalta, 8th in Corsica and Monte, 9th in RACMSA and Sanremo and without points in Barum (11th), Hungary (13th) and Canarias (17th).

He would have collected 63 points, that is 7th place at the end of season in IRC
Do you know how many points he collected and what place he finsihed in WRC this year? the numbers are 63 and 7 again :-)

It would be nice to see at least one Fiesta in IRC during the whole season.

I think Matt would surprise a few people if he did the IRC, certainly be competitive on gravel

WT

I think if he moves to IRC, then Matt won't have the experience he has in WRC. So, then we may have to wait another 5 years.

Originally Posted by Wasted Talent

I think Matt would surprise a few people if he did the IRC, certainly be competitive on gravel

WT

Something was shown in Scotland with Fiesta. He was a zero but it was possible to measure his times approximately in live coverage. If I remember right he did similar times to Alister McRae with Proton.

Originally Posted by RS

Matthew Wilson is considering IRC for next year if he can't get the budget together for WRC.

Judging by comments he has made previously, I think that he thinks he could fight for wins in IRC but in reality I think he would be out of his depth.

However I do think it could be good for him as a driver as it might force him to up his game as he couldn't plod around 5-6 minutes off the pace and still pick up 5th places quite easily.

he will be in WRC next year as well...

Originally Posted by Wasted Talent

I think Matt would surprise a few people if he did the IRC, certainly be competitive on gravel

WT

I'm not so sure since he was sometimes behind Hanninen in WRC this year (Hanninen with S2000 and Wilson with WRC)

According to Autosport Magazine, Peugeot UK have scrapped the IRC programme.

If Peugeot also lose Neuville to Skoda, what are Peugeot going to do? They can't fight with just Bouffier.

Will they just not bother or will they hire some other talent to an "importer" team. My wish is that they would take Rossetti. I can't think of anyone else who is available who could fight for the title straight away.

Originally Posted by RS

According to Autosport Magazine, Peugeot UK have scrapped the IRC programme.

If Peugeot also lose Neuville to Skoda, what are Peugeot going to do? They can't fight with just Bouffier.

Will they just not bother or will they hire some other talent to an "importer" team. My wish is that they would take Rossetti. I can't think of anyone else who is available who could fight for the title straight away.

Also Basso.He deserves a top seat

The most important point of view is if Peugeot wants to continue in IRC in 2012.

Originally Posted by dimviii

Also Basso.He deserves a top seat

Agree, but I mentioned Rossetti because I think he is slightly better than Basso on gravel.

I hope Peugeot continue, there is life in the 207 yet until they switch to the 208 with the new cheaper 4x4 turbo regulations.

Originally Posted by PLuto

The most important point of view is if Peugeot wants to continue in IRC in 2012.

You are more than right. If there is no Peugeot in IRC next year, then it is almost like sudden death for IRC :-(

Originally Posted by PLuto

The most important point of view is if Peugeot wants to continue in IRC in 2012.

So will they?

As expected (VW) Skoda UK confirms Mikkelsen again in 2012.

Originally Posted by noel157

As expected (VW) Skoda UK confirms Mikkelsen again in 2012.

Good news.

I expect Skoda UK only have to pay a bit for Andreas' wages for promotional events e.t.c.

Originally Posted by RS

Good news.

I expect Skoda UK only have to pay a bit for Andreas' wages for promotional events e.t.c.

Source pls?

Originally Posted by Sulland

Source pls?

Just my brain

It's obvious if VAG have long term plans for him they are not going to bill Skoda UK the full price.

Has Karl Kruuda got a budget yet for IRC 2012? Think he was hoping to do most rounds.