Was ending the IRC a mistake ?

[Jarek Z]

That is completely right what you are saying mate.

Thank you Wim! I'm very happy that other people are slowly starting to share my (or our?) point of view.

[RS]

The ERC could be a good '2nd tier' series. They need to get the mix between surfaces right. Also, the promotion needs working at, especially the Live stages.
And while the way they finance the series is understandable - the best events are not in the ERC.

It's already a good second tier series (still the best IMO), but it could be a great one.

Mix of surfaces this year is good, 5ish of 11 are on loose surfaces.

When they do live stages, they do them quite well. We just need more of them (I wonder if this is why they are pushing Barum for more money?)

I disagree with your criticsm of the calendar for this year. Ypres, Barum, Corsica, COI are all legends, and the rest of them are pretty nice events.

[stefanvv]

Hopefully, Peugeot will get the 208 R5 to be reliable, the Skoda Fabia R5 will be quick, and well have plenty of R5 Fiestas taking part. I'll reserve judgement on the ERC in another 2 years.

Lets hope for the best indeed. Wait and see after some time when factory teams are available, and lets hope Peugeot sort the car out, not much point for their expenses right now, 'cause it seems FabiaR5 will be quite some car.

[Wim_Impreza]

Thank you Wim! I'm very happy that other people are slowly starting to share my (or our?) point of view.

You may say our point of view.

[Eli]

You may say our point of view.

+1

[Fast Eddie WRC]

The ERC has been generally ok in my opinion, I like the mix of rallies and especially that there are many more tarmac events than the WRC.

The main problems this year have been:
1. the failure of the Peugeot team to provide a reliable car, so many events have 'fizzled out' as the top competitors have gone home early due to car problems.
2. the Fabia R5 should have been ready for 2014 and all the top drivers should be using R5 cars by now (not still S2000, RRC etc)
3. lack of live TV by Eurosport on many events - they should be showing a least one live stage per day, on every rally by now

[mousti]

Fabia R5 been ready in 2015 is I think more because that the new Fabia got delayed a lot this year and not because of the development of Fabia R5

[stefanvv]

I'm afraid Fabia R5 ready in 2014 would only make the things worse for the competition. Peugeot just wouldn't have a chance with its problems. I don't know should I be happy or sad for the next year ERC when the game is on.

[HaCo]

I'm afraid Fabia R5 ready in 2014 would only make the things worse for the competition. Peugeot just wouldn't have a chance with its problems. I don't know should I be happy or sad for the next year ERC when the game is on.

I'm quite sure Peugeot will solve the issues. ERC needs some time to develop. Let's hope Opel will join, they are doing quite well with the Adam R2.

[Jarek Z]

I'm quite sure Peugeot will solve the issues.

Are you sure?
As far as I know two more Peugeots broke down just last weekend. One for Pieter Tsjoen in Belgium and one in Austrian championship. Not a positive sign...