[WRC] News & Rumours (part V) 2017

[Karukera]

Toyota offered Ogier "huge amount of money"
Did he say YES ?

Did they ? I think you know the figures then.
Different situation, Ogier developped the Polo, he knew where he was going.
Test drive with TGR was more a Mäkinen's tactic to measure the work done and ahead from Ogier's feedback, he already had his mind on Latvala.

[jparker]

Are you really serious with this statement??

No, I'm not. I have not insider sources, so my comments are based on what I read in the press, and what I read here.
Let say Ogier liked the Toyota, but there was no place for Red Bull sticker on that car. It's just logical conclusion.

[Rally Power]

Neither the Fiesta, nor the Yaris: Ogier always believed the Polo would be the best option.
According to Prokop’s words, Ogier intention was to drive the new Polo, run by Jipocar and supported by VW M. He went for other options only after Qatar failled to put the money on the project.
Still, it's nice to see him winning in a MSport Ford.

[DonJippo]

Test drive with TGR was more a Mäkinen's tactic to measure the work done and ahead from Ogier's feedback, he already had his mind on Latvala.

You might be on something, I got the feeling after this test drive that there was something not right in it.

[jparker]

How serious are you about following rallying? Other than the professional pride of being a 'paid' driver, the top guys in WRC rallying are very much in it for the buzz and the glory - the rewards are secondary. Ogier wouldn't drive anything he didn't feel would be competitive, no matter how much cash was dangled as a carrot. Similarly, Citroen would never have enough cash to tempt him to return as long as Matton is boss. Ogier is set for life already but he does have a small matter of beating records that appears to be all the motivation he needs.

Obviously what you are suggesting, is that Ogier choose Ford as more competitive car over Toyota. Ok, let see how it turns out.

[MrJan]

Let say Ogier liked the Toyota, but there was no place for Red Bull sticker on that car. It's just logical conclusion.

It's a possibility but I think unlikely. They pretty much only have Microsoft and even that isn't exactly prominent on the car, so I don't think that Toyota would turn down Red Bull money other than if it was causing issues with the second car.

Also if Toyota was a serious option then Ogier could happily have Red Bull all over his helmet (no innuendo intended ) and still earn a decent wedge. On that basis I think that he made the M-Sport decision based on him thinking it was the best chance of success (as Mintexmemory says, drivers don't opt for a a car they feel is inferior just because the salary is better). That's not to say that he hasn't made a mistake (time will tell), but if the Yaris turns out to be competitive it won't automatically mean that Ogier chose Ford on the basis of money.

[Marcco]

No, I'm not. I have not insider sources, so my comments are based on what I read in the press, and what I read here.
Let say Ogier liked the Toyota, but there was no place for Red Bull sticker on that car. It's just logical conclusion.

If Ogier liked Toyota and was offered decent amount of money why wouldn't he dump Red Bull?

I think it all came down to the fact that Toyota at that time wasn't as developed as was Fiesta and Ogier had better relationship with Malcolm. While Toyota team was a bit unfamiliar territory and full of Finns Of course I can be wrong, it's just my speculation.

[tolx]

actually 2 with fiesta

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Ford WRC return:
"it's not going to happen this year, they are fully committed to their GT program" Malcolm Wilson https://t.co/KoyMIDHB1O https://t.co/eoGUgQ4gSr

[Hasselhoax]

Has it ever been confirmed if Toyota did or didn't offer Mikkelsen a drive?

Could it be that he turned them down due to "unfamiliar territory"?