Mikkelsen's Career and Co-drivers

[RS]

On the other hand I would bet Mikkelsen won't continue in VW if he doesn't improve reasonably. For some reason it looks like he stopped progressing two or three years back.

He was very disappointing on Monte but I thought last year he showed a mature and reliable performance generally. I just hope he ups the speed this year...

But I also want to add that I don't think VW respect the importance of the co-driver enough. Splitting up Mikelssen and Floene, who had driven together for years with success probably set Andreas back a bit and I doubt it helped Hanninen on his Focus outings last year either.

I think we can see how important this relationship is from how angry Kubica was about losing Baran before Rally GB last year. Also recently we can see that Neuville is doing a little better with Gilsoul, I think Nagle will be better at keeping Meeke "under control" and I think Kopecky stepped up a gear with Dresler by his side too.

Anyway, we had better get this thread back on topic before we get a bollocking from AFF

[liposh]

Mikelsen and Floene were splitted in my opinion because of EVEN motorsport. EVEN motorsport wanted Pontus Tidemand to step up.

[KiwiWRCfan]

Mikkelsen has tweeted earlier today that it is his plan to be on the podium in Sweden. Will we see the performance step up in 2 weeks time ?

[Rallyper]

Last three posts could be moved to the more accurate topic on this forum? What does moderator think?

[dimviii]

Mikkelsen has tweeted earlier today that it is his plan to be on the podium in Sweden. Will we see the performance step up in 2 weeks time ?

i dont think so.Too many competitors for top 3.Ogier,Latvala,Ostberg,Mikko.If all of them finish the rally can t see Mikkelsen on top 3

[Mintexmemory]

Taking this out of the Mikko (career disappearing down the plughole) thread.
For what it's worth I believe VW though Ola didn't fit their age profile - very short sighted and clearly a great asset now to Pontus.

[Rallyper]

Not defending my new started thread. Only wondering why this one´s necessary, when we have a thread about current WRC drivers??

[Mintexmemory]

Not defending my new started thread. Only wondering why this one´s necessary, when we have a thread about current WRC drivers??

Because it is a specific debate, which interestingly was further highlighted by Mikkelsens lacklustre performance on RMC - Melicharek looked just as quick!!

[Mad cat jnr]

Personally I think Mikklesen will shine this year, VW arent stupid enough to let him run before he can walk and his natural surface is Gravel, so Sweden on should be his aim

[Simmi]

I'll start to really judge him once he starts doing the rounds he did last year in the Polo.

But even then you see guys hop into lesser machinery with limited testing and go quicker. So it's hard to defend sometimes.

Lots of talk about gaining experience, but the amount of rallies he's had in a WRC car he should be higher than his level.