[WRC] News & rumours (part IV) 2016

[AL14]

If cars had not gears Ostberg would have been the best rally driver of the history.

[leighton323]

I am surprised Kreim was able to beat Ostberg so easily, especially noting Kreim's performance on Barum.

We know Ostberg isn't the quickest driver, especially on asphalt but he is still a WRC driver so Kreim deserves some credit for that.

Hmmmm. Is it that Kreim is fast.. or Ostberg is slow(in terms of being a wrc driver).. It could be both, but IMHO I think this result proves the latter.

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[Fast Eddie WRC]

It was just a tarmac learning exercise for Ostberg. He would also want plenty of seat-time so wouldnt want to risk an early off.

Having the short-ratio box meant too much time on the limiter and this also lead to engine problems

[dimviii]

learning exercise with being slower from Kreim will not help against Ogier Latvala Sordo and co.
engine problems appeared at last 2 stages when difference was already 30,2 sec,and Ostberg won last stage.

[Simmi]

Hmmmm. Is it that Kreim is fast.. or Ostberg is slow(in terms of being a wrc driver).. It could be both, but IMHO I think this result proves the latter.

Don't want to read too much into one rally but regardless it's not great for Ostberg. On the one hand, respect to him for going off and doing these extra rallies in the name of tarmac improvement. But it doesn't help his stock right now to be beaten by a guy like Kreim.

I'm still not buying this talk of 'learning' tarmac. Come on guys. He's been at WRC level for near on a decade.

I can't remember which of the British members said it but I do genuinely think there could be something in the fact he maybe didn't want to go to the Manx rally and face off against some of those guys. I'm very intrigued as to where Ostberg ends up next year.

[EstWRC]

Nothing perosnal against Mads but i just dont see a place in any team for him next year...in the beginning of the season it looked actually quite ok but since his gearbox mysteries and after that his pace has been miserable. i think if Tänak had gone to another team then i think maybe Wilson had kept him but i even doubt that.

Let's say that he didnt do any good for himself when he publicly bashed the car in media in autosport article. At least this is the info i have got. i was told that after that he had no friends anymore in the team and that he is also whining a lot. And i have noticed that he has done quite a few rallies now with R5 this year so maybe he will be in WRC2 next year?

[Mirek]

I'm still not buying this talk of 'learning' tarmac. Come on guys. He's been at WRC level for near on a decade.

Yes, the funny thing is that Kreim is now doing his second 4WD season. Before he only drove R2 cars at best. Considering that it just sounds strange to hear about Mads learning...

[cali]

And wrong gearbox setup and "engine problems". These Fords are fragile, specially in the hands of Ostberg.


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[Fast Eddie WRC]

Ostberg: 'Great learning experience @rallyeniedersachsen. We also got a podium 🏆 Lucky me !' #2ndplace #practicemakesperfect

[Simmi]

i think if Tänak had gone to another team then i think maybe Wilson had kept him but i even doubt that.

What's the word in Estonia about Ott in 2017? Looking more like staying at M-Sport it seems? Back in the 'works' team?

I guess a lot depends on whether M-Sport main squad switch to Dmacks or not. I kind of hope they don't, as Dick McCormack was talking about Dmack expanding to two cars. Would mean more drives available at the top level.