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25th May 2018, 20:28 #11
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25th May 2018, 20:35 #12
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People saying Citroen should pull out? What sort of rally fan wants that? If you go watch any rally stageside, two or three extra works cars are great to see and they've got an interesting car and team - I hope they stay a lot longer and come back stronger.
Do I agree with the decision? Depends on their plans. If they're pulling out at the end of the year and don't care about a win (which I hope they don't), it makes sense to replace him with Ostberg and spend a bit less money. If they are staying, and they have a plan to put Tidemand or Bonato in the car for a few rounds just to test them, then fair enough.
I can understand their frustration with Meeke but the situation they're in is a reflection of their own poor decision making. Meeke was the development driver for the car and no-one seems able to drive it with any combination of speed and stability - Ostberg seems to find it less predictable than the Ford and we know how well Mikkelsen's test went.
They've failed their chance to land Ogier, Neuville, Lappi, Tanak and Mikkelsen onto their driving team and are now suffering as a result IMO.
To answer the question, I'm disappointed as Meeke is a great character and shows genuine speed, but I don't blame them at all for this decision at this time. I do blame them for being in this position.aka Rodger Davies
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25th May 2018, 22:26 #13
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25th May 2018, 22:51 #14
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26th May 2018, 00:23 #15
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26th May 2018, 16:46 #16
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i think Meeke is a great personality and talent to have in the WRC, but based on the information presented via the media and his performances/results, i really can't blame Citroen for letting him go at this time.
and i agree with some of the others above, if Meeke is given a Ford, Toyota, Hyundai, whatever, i still think he will win some and crash...i don't think his driving style will change much.
For a while i had hoped he'd have a more measured approach and maybe settle for the 3rd/5th spots when he couldn't do any better, as even with him not pushing 100%, he could get in these positions given his talent. It really disappointing for him, the team, management and fans when he even crashes on events where he has nothing to gain by pushing---and unnecessarily costly for the team in terms of man-hours, chassis, parts,etc. On the events he could challenge, then by all means go for it. All of this is in view that at the top level a lot is expected of you as a professional driver, it's your/team job to deliver results and follow orders and strategy when required to optimize results.
i hope he finds a drive otherwise and i hope he proves me wrong and can drive more measured when required. I'd be happy to be wrong in that likelihood.
i don't necessarily think Citroen is going to leave the WRC at the end of the season either. During this time, if they can afford to, they can "test" some of the other drivers mentioned before to help fill the spot at the end of the season and further refine the car.
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26th May 2018, 18:52 #17
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time for Breen to shine in my opinion. Good road position for the coming rallys, pressure should be off in a way as Citroen clearly can't expect any hopes or targets anymore for this year. In my opinion Breen should display consistency and bringing car home first, and display raw speed when he can (Sweden was a good example).
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26th May 2018, 19:43 #18
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27th May 2018, 10:07 #19
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27th May 2018, 10:56 #20
Of course I agree. Meeke must be kept away from any motored or motorless vehicle.
I suspect that if FIA continues down this route, then Hyundai won't need to develop a new car, because they won't be in the WRC> It really is a stupid strategy of the FIA to spend more money on...
WRC main class in 2025