if it worked for Evans, we will see when Evans will return with wrc car.
Printable View
If I were Wilson I would take Mikkelsen even if Ogier accepts and put Camilli in both WRC2 and WRC Trophy maybe, to get more experience (and maybe some run in the top league at the end of the year).
Of course only if sponsors can pay for it. Take into account that he would win manufacturer with that kind of lineup.
Evans himself told that this year was a stagnation. Maybe he seems more consistent but in R5 car, we don't know how it would be in WRC. Kubica was also consistent in WRC2 ;). What Evans was lacking is pure pace, especially on gravel - thats still a big question mark.
Shame if Mikkelsen couldn't get a 2017 drive. Still don't get why Hanninen has a seat, when there is 3rd best driver of 2017 on the market knocking on TMR doors...
He had some experience with cows if that could help. Ok, maybe not the best one to start negotiation with Tommi.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LhSE0QTJ_po
Probably because he's been involved with the project since day one and 2017 is still considered as a development year for TGR. Ofcourse it's a make or break year for Hänninen, if he doesn't deliver in 2017, he can forget WRC for good. He was excellent during his Skoda years, but after that he has too rarely shown his true capability. It'll be interesting to see his speed vs. Latvala.
I still think Mikkelsen's a bit overrated. Sure, the Australia win was magnificent, but he's driven the best car in the series for four years and been fastest in one rally. And I definitely don't mean that JML should've been picked by TGR before Mikkelsen (JML was horrible in 2016), but it's not like it's the biggest travesty in WRC history if Mikkelsen is left without a seat for 2017.
Remember that Hänninen was confirmed as a full time driver before VW left the sport.
Damn! Living for a long WKND in a no phone/net zone. Il’ll miss news and rumours! My bet/wish: Ogier at Ford; Mikkelsen in VW along Nasser; Evans and Ostberg in DMack. Fingers crossed!
Completely agree, in 2017 there are only 2 drivers that can challenge Ogier: Mikkelsen and Neuville. There are many other good drivers now, much more than 5 years ago but they are all at least 1 level below Ogier. Even Mikkelsen and Neuville need favourable circumstances to stand a chance, if everything is equal Ogier will beat them.
Also before people make the argument about Mikkelsen having the best car for a few years: he's been a close 3rd two times against JML and Neuville. He has grown above JML lately and he's about equal with Neuville. The only one clearly better, shoulders above the rest, is Ogier. Unless Meeke gets a clearly superior DS3 next year no on else can win the title in 2017 except Ogier, Mikkelsen or Neuville.
Moving on... about this silly season, it seems Ogier will make his decision soon. But even after that there are many things yet unknown. The first important point is the manufacturer registration for 2017 which i think is in december sometime. There we will find out if Ford decides to back MSport and if there will be any kind of VW team.