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  1. #1261
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    Yes, but Latvala did the opposite...went from a four time team champion and best WRC to Toyota and he`s like a reborn driver. It is tricky, yes, but if Fiesta itself isn`t capable of winning each event next year and stays behind, then there`s nothing more to think about.

  2. Likes: pantealex (10th September 2017)
  3. #1262
    Senior Member er88's Avatar
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    If I was Ott I'd take the millions on offer from Toyota, and the fact the car is clearly good as well makes it easier.

    However it's worth noting that a lot of drivers have left Msport/Ford and regretted it. The likes of McRae, Hirvonen, Latvala are older examples, although perhaps wanted out before things went stale etc. Tanak is in a similar position now to Marko Martin, Duval and maybe even Neuville. The car perfectly suited those drivers and when they went elsewhere they all struggled. It's taken Thierry like 4/5yrs and 3 different cars to get to this stage in his development. The Yaris is a quality car but that doesn't mean it'll be a car Ott can get the best out of.

    Both Tanak and Ogier must be annoyed that Ford aren't returning, because surely both want to stay where they are and build on the success they've had this year. Instead they both will have new cars/teams and will be in a weaker starting position next year compared their rivals like Latvala and Neuville

    Sent from my SM-G920F using Tapatalk

  4. Likes: WUff1 (9th September 2017)
  5. #1263
    Senior Member racerx1979's Avatar
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    Agreed. The ideal situation would be to stay with current teams since the drivers have done a years worth of work. Going to a new team with a new car is like starting all over, but some drivers have a rare talent where they can get back to their level after a few drives.

  6. Likes: er88 (9th September 2017),pantealex (10th September 2017)
  7. #1264
    Senior Member AnttiL's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by mknight View Post
    Martin did just that, went from event winning car to struggle at Peugeot. (obviously only 1 season to compare but still the change was clear).
    That car was a struggle itself, wasn't it

  8. #1265
    Senior Member AL14's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by mknight View Post
    Yes, but there is a huge ammount of risk involved in going to Toyota as well.

    He has now shown he can win with the Fiesta at both surfaces and was involved with the car from the very start. For at least first half of 2018 Fiesta will be able to charge for wins even if development stops completely. Now imagine if he goes to Toyota with only 2 rally wins, the car does not suit him and he constantly ends behind Latvala and is also behind Lappi on every other rally (entirely possible). If this goes on during say 2 years of a contract who will hire him then? But yes you can argue that he could try to make enough money during those years.

    Anyway not an easy choice by any means.
    And you have to take into account that Toyota is better than everyone expected before the beginning of the season but it has shined only in high speed rallys like Finland and Sweden and even if they set fastest times almost everywhere i20 and Fiesta showed have been more competitive overall.

    Said that it is not easy for Tanak to go away from the team who believed in him 3 times when anybody did. A team he knows by heart and a car he developed from the beginning.

  9. #1266
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    Quote Originally Posted by AnttiL View Post
    That car was a struggle itself, wasn't it
    Yes 307 wasn't the best car, that said Gronholm got 2 wins that year and was faster than Martin with it on every rally except Monte. Gronholm had 54 stagewins while Martin 5, even with Martin driving 4 rallies less it's quite some difference.

  10. #1267
    Senior Member Eli's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by mknight View Post
    Yes 307 wasn't the best car, that said Gronholm got 2 wins that year and was faster than Martin with it on every rally except Monte. Gronholm had 54 stage wins while Martin 5, even with Martin driving 4 rallies less it's quite some difference.
    Don't forget as mentioned earlier, Martin did his first season in the 307...which unfortunately became his last, and he wasn't quite familiar with the team as Marcus was there for the last 6 seasons. If you want an indication of Martin's Poor/Good performance (depending on your point of view) look at Gronholm's first season in the 307 when it was run with the Michelin tires mind you...but that might give a better indication.
    Last edited by Eli; 9th September 2017 at 19:52.
    Only you know your true potential.
    This year we rally #ForCraig

  11. #1268
    Senior Member itix's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by mknight View Post
    Martin did just that, went from event winning car to struggle at Peugeot. (obviously only 1 season to compare but still the change was clear).

    If Ogier leaves I'd say Tanak should try to sign 1 year contract with some decent money at M-Sport... or min 3 year contract at Toyota. But it's not like you can pick exactly what you want.
    To be fair though, that Peugeot was a complete disaster.

    I understand why he went there because from the performances of previous years (and previous car which they should have stayed with) the decision was entirely logical.

  12. Likes: pantealex (10th September 2017)
  13. #1269
    Senior Member Fast Eddie WRC's Avatar
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    No, I wouldnt blame Tanak for going to Toyota, its his career and he should make the most of it (financially, as well as in success).

    I am just hoping as a fan that he stays, as it will be good for M-Sport. And as has been said Tanak has already won in the Fiesta and might not be so happy in a Yaris.

    But a lot might depend on whether there's a rule change to 4-car teams in 2018.
    #M-SPORTER

  14. Likes: pantealex (10th September 2017)
  15. #1270
    Senior Member RAS007's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by EstWRC View Post
    exactly, he cant drive forever for nothing.
    Why can't Malcolm pay him? Neither Malcolm or M-Sport are short of money.

  16. Likes: pantealex (10th September 2017)

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