Wilson`s idea was to offer top package to make it appealing for top drivers in 2020. They have to keep up.
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Wilson`s idea was to offer top package to make it appealing for top drivers in 2020. They have to keep up.
That requires that Msport/Ford or some sponsors has the money to pay those top drivers. Even without the top 3 who I believe are under contract (Ogier and Neuville are, not sure about Tänak, but cant see him leaving Toyota) the "2nd best" are not likely to want to drive for free or pay.
Also Abu Dhabi is set to return in 2020, but with which team?
Abu Dhabi would surely be able to provide funding but I doubt they will go to MSport without any of Ogier/Tanak/Neuville there.
Latvala could probably get some funding but none of the others are likely to do that (Meeke and Mikkelsen were mentioned, I'd maybe include Paddon, Breen and Østberg since all are drivers that have relatively guaranteed podium speed on multiple rallies).
Rovanpera will likely drive some rallies at Toyota next year (though it could also be at MSport) but so far this year he is far from stable top contender, much less in WRC. Monte - out in first stage (if Suninen wasn't there he'd end in the ditch instead, Sweden - out in 3rd stage. So I doubt he will do full WRC season already next year.
Craig Breen implied Abu Dhabi will return in 2020 and thanked them (SKAQ) for their support in getting him into a WRCar. Maybe he hopes for a later 2019 chance in a 3rd C3 funded by them ...
Given the rumours about Toyota working on an R5 car, a mixed WRC/WRC2(Pro, if it survives) campaign in 2020 would work nicely for Kalle...
And less significantly, Katsuta could be accommodated as a Toyota driver too.
We are 2 rounds into 2019 and you are already speculating about 2020...