Valid points but the sounds Wilson and Ogier are making are clearly pointing in one direction. They might just both be trying to apply pressure on Ford but we don't know that. All we can do is hope, brother in pain.
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Standings doesnt show this, but I think Tanak is faster driver than Ogier ATM. Put age and price in the equasion and he may be most desired at the end of the season.
Given the constant issues Ostberg had with his driving style he wasnt able to get the best out of the Fiesta.
2016 - disagree
2017 - even so there is probably more potential in this new generation cars and if you haven't the money to test and try new parts they will fall behind
Tanak can match Ogier on speed sometimes, sure, but Ogier is still a more complete driver let's not get overexcited after just one win ;)
After first 5 rallies he was clearly 3rd placed in standings after Ogier and Mikkelsen with two podiums (again behind VW only). During second half of the season he couldn't get past 7-8th place. Even in GB where both Ford and he were strong before. Surely he didn't suddenly forget how to drive?
Also I know you are happy about Tanak winning in Sardinia but consistently faster than Ogier and more desired? So far he hasn't shown top 3 speed on tarmac if anything.
First of all i hope that all the teams remain in the WRC, secondly they get a budget boost. At the moment M-Sport is using Wilson`s savings which will run out at the end of the season and another not really rich team, Citroen is last in the championship, having a problematic car and driver, all this after the effort they made last year. Could be too big of a disappointment to the PSA bosses...
Then again if they pull the plug now the investments were entirely in vain. It doesn't really make sense even money-wise.
There probably is a good car somewhere in that C3 as we saw in Mexico. If they work with the right people they should be able to show that more consistantly next season.
Could Ogier tame the C3 with his development skills?
Sorry but 2016 was classic Ostberg, only picking up places when others had problems.
And he did have a real issue with his driving style mainly regarding down-changing which really didnt work with the Fiesta. Also he had to radically improve his tarmac driving style by doing a number of practice events in an R5.