[WRC] News & rumours (part IV) 2016

[KiwiWRCfan]

A blog looking at current WRC event formats
http://echocentrix.blogspot.co.nz/20...at-flawed.html

[GravelBen]

The AP4 regulations are a NZ (and to a lesser degree Australian) initiative to produce regional homologated cars for use in FIA sanctioned events. They are eligible for entry into the domestic NZ championship, as is any car. They are not, at this time, the regulated formula for that championship.

I'm very glad NZRC didn't go to R5 anyway, or there would probably only be about 2 entrants!

[sollitt]

R5 was never on the radar.

[itix]

Having 1 really big stage in an event does not do any good, if it early then big gaps might develop and we might have too many retirements which might lead into a boring rally after it, and when you have it late then everyone is on cruise mode like in mexico.

In my opinion the WRC should have stages between 15 and 35 kms plus just 2 superspecials preferably at the start to act as shows for the uninitiated. If they want to add endurance they should try and see where and how they could have a safari style rally with 3 days of huge stages.

Noooooooo waaaaaaaaaaay? Actual usable advice and a vision of how things should be from N. O. T instead of endless silly complaints. This can not be!

[GigiGalliNo1]

R5 was never on the radar.

Too expensive for Australian's and NZers.

[sollitt]

Too expensive for Australian's and NZers.

Not entirely. Rumor has it that there is at least one R5 destined for NZ and a number of competitors have certainly considered them. But expensive enough to rule out ever basing a domestic series on them.

[raybak]

R5 cars eligible for ACT regional rally series, also World Rally Cars are eligible. There is prizemoney as well. 1st round this weekend in Canberra. We have some ARC entrants competing as similar roads will be used for the National round in May.

Ray

[leighton323]

Not entirely. Rumor has it that there is at least one R5 destined for NZ and a number of competitors have certainly considered them. But expensive enough to rule out ever basing a domestic series on them.

I have also heard this and it will be interesting to see what happens. In my opinion R5 cars are way to costly to run in NZ, so I'm doubting that this will even happen or whether it is a good idea at all. They better have deep pockets.
Either way this year's championship will be interesting. I think with everyone having new cars, Phil Campbell could be a surprise dark horse for the championship this year.
Looking forward to being at Round 1 in Otago and seeing your pics from the event GravelBen

[Eli]

http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/123253 like Citroen, Toyota will only start testing next month, I don't see how they or even Citroen stand a chance when VW already started testing six months beforehand...

[MartijnS]

Fourth Hyundai for Abbring in Portugal, Sardinia and one round later in the year.