Rally Sweden 2017

[jparker]

Can anyone share some more info about the following entries?
ARAI Hiroki / MACNEALL Glenn
KATSUTA Takamoto / SALMINEN Marko

both with Tommi Mäkinen Racing RC2 R5

[tommeke_B]

While we're at it, has anyone checked this road on Röjden? I'm sure it's closed since it's not marked as a entry road, shame since it opens up for some good spots without walking 3-4km.
http://kart.gulesider.no/m/pb68p

Last year someone I know tried that access road a few days before, but there was a locked barrier.

[Simmi]

Can anyone share some more info about the following entries?
ARAI Hiroki / MACNEALL Glenn
KATSUTA Takamoto / SALMINEN Marko

both with Tommi Mäkinen Racing RC2 R5

The two Toyota junior guys. Supposedly destined for a long-term WRC drive (one of them at least) but they both need to improve A LOT. Both had British co-drivers last year but have switched this season.

[markpcym]

I was looking different weather maps and I would say that there is nothing to worry about too much, yet. Worst scenario at the moment is Karlstad without a snow and a little bit bad conditions around Hagfors, but most of the other locations look good. But still long time to go!

Fingers crossed!!

[SubaruNorway]

Last year someone I know tried that access road a few days before, but there was a locked barrier.

Ok thanks.

Found an onboard from the middel part of Knon when it was called Brunnberg in 2003. The top part is between junctions at 7:45 to 11:03 same direction. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PZmcyatK_2Q

[OldF]

Can anyone share some more info about the following entries?
ARAI Hiroki / MACNEALL Glenn
KATSUTA Takamoto / SALMINEN Marko

both with Tommi Mäkinen Racing RC2 R5

Little more about the guys.
http://toyotagazooracing.com/other/c...program_rally/

2017 program.
http://toyotagazooracing.com/release...y/1221-01.html

This year also a Japanese female co-driver for Jarkko Nikara.
http://toyotagazooracing.com/release...y/0112-01.html

[kirungi okwogera]

Can anyone share some more info about the following entries?
ARAI Hiroki / MACNEALL Glenn
KATSUTA Takamoto / SALMINEN Marko

both with Tommi Mäkinen Racing RC2 R5

Australian co-driver Macneall has co-driven Gaurav Gill in APRC and Emma Gilmour in NZRC, quite experienced.

[SubaruNorway]

This year's shakedown, start identical but finish is at 5:55min
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SiMsCuvdg08

[Danny0405]

The two Toyota junior guys. Supposedly destined for a long-term WRC drive (one of them at least) but they both need to improve A LOT. Both had British co-drivers last year but have switched this season.

Yes, they are both far far away from the WRC-drive level.
They are both sons of former WRC driver (Katsuka's father made two or three rallyes, Arai's father was a paid-driver for one or two seasons).
And both are worse than their father even now, looking at the results in Japanese rallye. And the two fathers were quite low-level drivers (for the WRC championship I mean).
It would be quite a no-sense to see them in a WRC seat.
If I had to compare them, I would say Arai is a little better (at least he has a little of speed even if he has no consistency). Katsuka is just terrible.

[focus206]

Yes, they are both far far away from the WRC-drive level.
They are both sons of former WRC driver (Katsuka's father made two or three rallyes, Arai's father was a paid-driver for one or two seasons).
And both are worse than their father even now, looking at the results in Japanese rallye. And the two fathers were quite low-level drivers (for the WRC championship I mean).
It would be quite a no-sense to see them in a WRC seat.
If I had to compare them, I would say Arai is a little better (at least he has a little of speed even if he has no consistency). Katsuka is just terrible.

Yes, they are the sons of 2 multiple Japanese rally champions (Arai even 2x PWRC champion), and I'd say Hiroki Arai might have some margin of improving, if you look at last year's results he didn't do that bad, few decent results. Katsuta, on the other hand...