2016 News and Results

[jacko]

With such a great entry list and the expectation for a strong fight for the win between BRC drivers, some ERC regulars and other international top guys it’s a bit strange to see this words from Ypres organizer.

Not a bit, really weird, some out of the blue i guess... One of the best startlist ever i would say for Ypres itself, the ERC is only in it's third year and yes the lost Skoda is a manufacturer but the will comeback or supported some drivers for sure. Peugeot never was a factory-team, but a strong supporter. And they were more involved in the IRC-days then 2014 & 2015. I agree they will support drivers like Citroën, Ford and Hyundai will do. That's for the show even better when there's mostley competition between semi-factory-drivers. The ERC will grow more and more the next few years but it will always be a competition with every time new drivers because you can see it like a step-up to the WRC (normally). And to have locals involved like in Ireland, Azoren, now in Ypres, later on also in a few rally's, that's good because we an judge the drivers compete against eachother.

[cosmin_sb]

Current leader of ERC3, Hungarian driver Zoltan Bessenyey, had a serious crash in Hungary. He was seating in co-driver's seat in Andras Hadik's car when this happened:
http://forum.autosport.cz/viewtopic....tart=10#p82288

Does anyone have news about health of Zoltan?

[Mirek]

Eurosport gives a cheap ammo for the discussion. After half an hour there is not a single stage time on the official live timing website while the live timing works normally on the event website. No word on the event website why. Now tell me that the organization has no reasons to be unsatisfied...

[Fast Eddie WRC]

ERC Rally Radio is also a shambles.

[PLuto]

The trip (ferry+truck) from Açores to central Europe takes 3 to 4 days. Saying that "we have the same problem with Azores: by the time the cars are back, it's already too late for Ypres" it's simply not true. The time problem with major repairs can also happen between other events.

Sorry, but reality is different. Our mechanics were 27 days out of home because of Azores. Island events like Canarias, Azores or Cyprus are big problem for ERC mainly in terms of time...

[Jarek Z]

Ypres Rally not happy with the current ERC...

http://www.autosport.com/news/report...goes-backwards

Are they planning another BREXIT?

(BREXIT = Belgian Rally Exit )

[Jack4688`]

This Evans fellow seems a Sun journo, always looking for dramatic headlines

Finally, someone else sees what I've seen for years, the man is a pillock.

[Reis Eduardo]

Are they planning another BREXIT?

(BREXIT = Belgian Rally Exit )

I liked was that Mr. Alain Penasse announce an official team of Hyundai in ERC, instead of being to regret the moment of the ERC. Everyone has to contribute not just throw the problem to others.

[Jarek Z]

Is anyone happy with the current ERC...?

Yes! Andrea Adamo from Hyundai: "The ERC is a very healthy and popular championship, making it the perfect place to showcase the capabilities of our new car"

source:
https://www.fiaerc.com/hyundai-custo...gned-with-erc/

[Rally Power]

Sorry, but reality is different. Our mechanics were 27 days out of home because of Azores.

27 days?!? Were they lost or is your team based in Siberia?

I’m joking mate, and I’ve no doubts that in some extreme cases it’s a logistical adventure to be at Ypres after Açores, but reality also shows that Mr. Penasse words about not being possible to enter both events are false, as the majority of the crews that were in Açores also were at Ypres: Lukyanuk, Tlustak, Botka, Orsak, Pieniazek, Ingram, Griebel, Gryazin, Broz, Tannert, Cid, Gago and Tokee. Besides, from the other ERC regulars that were in Açores (Katjo, Sirmacis, Jeets, Costerano, Chuchala, Alonso, Rockland and Pita), most of them never planned to be at Ypres.

For sure there’s room for calendar adjustments and even some changes (we all miss an event in Italy or France and probably the overall number of events could be reduced) but this travel matters shouldn’t be an issue for an organizer to complain. And being always remembering IRC golden era or moaning about not having manus teams it’s also a waste of time. Like Jacko wrote a couple of posts ago, we should be optimistic on ERC’s future. It can be the perfect step up into WRC for young drivers and a fantastic challenge for European top privateer rally teams and drivers.