Ford: Evans, Sunninen, Tidemand (DMack), Ostberg
Hyundai: Neuville, Mikkelsen, Sordo, Paddon
Toyota: Tanak, Latvala, Lappi, Hanninen
Citroen: Ogier, Meeke, Breen and Loeb/al Qassimi/Lefebvre share 4th car.
... would sound good to me.
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Ford: Evans, Sunninen, Tidemand (DMack), Ostberg
Hyundai: Neuville, Mikkelsen, Sordo, Paddon
Toyota: Tanak, Latvala, Lappi, Hanninen
Citroen: Ogier, Meeke, Breen and Loeb/al Qassimi/Lefebvre share 4th car.
... would sound good to me.
That would still be my bet (for what it's worth...). That David Evans story about "Tänak to stay at M-Sport" was pure BS but unfortunately it was spread wide.
The way Hänninen sounded during and after the rally, somehow seem to tell that he won't be continuing with the team. Which is a shame, if true - he's finally been able to find his old "IRC form" in the past few rallies after so many tepid years.
I agree with Allez. Hanninens comment saying it’s been a pleasure competing against the top and being able to keep up with them. Also saying it’s been one of the best finishes of his life. I think he’s implying the end of his stint with Toyota. Let’s hope they keep him. Seems like a ton of unknowns still. Once again things waiting for Ogier to make a move. Maybe Tanak stays if Ogier goes to Citroen which means Hanninen stays.. hope to hear finalized deals after Rally GB.
Hyundai wants to win no matter what the cost. That’s obvious after signing Mikkelsen and having 4 cars runnning. Budget does not seem a concern for them.
I think next year teams will be up another notch hence why Ford needs a bigger budget.
They could go with 2 teams for each like previous years. And make even more interesting.
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Hyundai Motorsport:
-Neuville
-Mikkelsen
-Sordo/Paddon
Hyundai Motorsport N:
-Sordo/Paddon
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Toyota GAZOO Racing:
-Latvala
-Hanninen
-Lappi/Tidemand
TM Racing:
-Lappi/Tidemand
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M-Sport WRT:
-Ogier
-Tanak
-Evans/Suninen
DMACK WRT:
-Evans/Suninen
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Citroen Total Abu Dhabi WRT:
-Kris Meeke
-Craig Breen
-Lefebvre/Loeb/Qassimi
PH-Sport:
-Lefebvre/Loeb/Qassimi
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OneBet Adapta WRT:
-Ostberg
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They could easily run 4 cars just for each event nominate in which team would 3rd driver sit. It will be more interesting for manufacturer championship and driver also because 4 seats more in game
1. New WRC cars can be only entered by a manufacturer. Yes, Manu. team no. 2 would be a possibility, but who would pay for it?
2. Point 1. There would probably be more cars, if there were people rich enough to pay for them. Some outings in Fiesta 2017 don`t count.
Hard to believe in the Hyundai rumour: there’s not enough room for Ogier and Neuville egos under the same roof and Mikkelsen chances to fight for the title would vanish if Ogier gets in.
Besides, Citroen will be useless without Ogier, so it makes no sense to keep Abu Dhabi partnership if they’re against the Ogier/RB deal. If a private team like MSport is able to make an effort in order to have Ogier, for sure a big manu like PSA can do the same, or better.