New to WRC--How should I watch and what should I watch for

[Rallyper]

Like Pantealex said you´ll see much happeningalready from first rally in 2017 and also in coming years. Old drivers disappearing from the scene, new drivers gaining up speed, winning their first events etz, etz.
For the real fans 2017 will be the first year for long time when outcome is as unpredictable.

[MrJan]

Now the rules are stricter but same for everybody.

Don't necessarily disagree, was just saying that it's been different until recently.

Of the Toyota drivers I think Lappi is the best prospect. He's not proven at this level but he is nonetheless a quick driver, and young enough to learn how not to crash. Hanninen is past that phase, he's an accident prone driver that's too old to change (imo). In fact that's probably the story of Juho's career, just a bit too old to have the breaks (seems to be working out for Meeke though). Latvala is one of the nicest guys in WRC and (unlike Loeb and Ogier) actually has a personality and feelings. He's quick when everything is perfect but more often than not suffers from psychological pressures, if the car is halfway decent then he can win rallies, but I won't be putting money on it for 2017.

[stefanvv]

Latvala is one of the nicest guys in WRC and (unlike Loeb and Ogier) actually has a personality and feelings.

I don't agree with that. Both French are very emotional, but when it goes to driving, they just do it.

[Zeakiwi]

I hope Hanninen can do better than others comments suggest. I expect the Toyota Yaris wrc has been engineered for a 'Finnish driving style' more than early Hyundai was and has the active diff etc.
https://youtu.be/tReVALkmqhI
The driver coaching / data feedback with Gazoo may have improved a few aspects of Hanninen's driving.

[Revman]

It´s Latvala (not Latvalla, not all names in Finland with double consonant)

And team boss Mäkinen (not Makkinen) is 4 times WRC champion.

Don´t worry, after Monte you will be lot wiser than now, some things are much easier learn when they are actually happening.

Apologies on the misspellings.

No question I will start to understand the sport as the season starts. However, I am working hard to prepare. I want to appreciate this sport straight away....and I can tell you this, I am impressed and enjoying the preparation. Wish Toyota would have maintained involvement from the 90's....but I am glad to be back.

[Revman]

Talk to me about how service works. Is there one service stop mid-rally, and then all other repairs, etc. must be done by the drivers? At the service stop, can everything be changed?

[Revman]

Please talk to me about Toyota's entry.....

The car originated at TMG in Cologne....then Mäkinen took over development. Where is the car being developed now?

[Rallyper]

Here are some useful links:

Toyota WRC team: https://toyotagazooracing.com/

1st round in 2017 Rally Monte Carlo (downloads, very useful docs) : http://acm.mc/en/rallye-monte-carlo/13903-2/

Official WRC web: www.wrc.com

[Revman]

How are the courses created? Are they all existing roads--service roads, logging roads, primitive commuter roads....or are any purpose created?

[A FONDO]

99,9% existing roads. There was a rally in Jordan with some of the roads (rough gravel) created especially for the event, and in Sweden and Finland they make curvy roads over frozen lakes for training.