Proton Satria S2000 MEM

[52Paddy]

Forgive me if I'm posting something already covered. But anyone with the latest copy of Motorsport News will have seen the Proton Satria in rally spec. Here is a link to a web page, it has a picture of the car.

http://rallybuzz.stagetimes.com/phillip-morrow-test-proton-satria-super-2000/

It does strike a resemblance to the new Impreza, but still is a gorgeous looking machine. Theres an interesting article about it in MN. Chris Mellors talks in depth about the development of the car and potential buyers (inc. Alistair McRae.)

Funny story, yesterday I said to a friend of mine:

"Have you seen the new Proton Satria rally car?"

He literally burst out laughing. Then I realized that it would have sounded funny to someone who just knows the Satria road car :laugh:

[52Paddy]

Here is a better link

http://rallybuzz.stagetimes.com/proton-satria-s2000-images-video-technical-specification/

[bennizw]

This was posted somewhere for around a month ago, but hey, that is one hell of a beautiful car indeed! Hope they commit to the WRC from 2010 with that beast :)

[GigiGalliNo1]

Move to S2000 Forum :)

[52Paddy]

S2000 forum? I've been away too long. :mark:

[PuddleJumper]

Moved to IRC forum and cross-posted to BRC forum since these are the suggested stomping grounds for this car when it begins competition.

[Mirek]

No, the only battlefield for the car, which is sure in the moment is APRC :D

[richy]

couldnt agree more its a stonking looking car, cant wait to see it going! Would love to have a satria looking like that on the road, come on proton please build some sort of replica!

Think this car could do wonders for there brand image aswell

[c4]

Bouffier to debut car in Antibes
http://rallybuzz.stagetimes.com/bryan-bouffier-debut-proton-s2000-antibes-rallye/

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[Mihai]

That's good news with Bouffier, if it gets confirmed. So they are going to sell the beautiful Proton Satria S2000 in Europe after all !

It doesn't make much sense to use an S2000 car in the APRC. Those rallies are on rough gravel and they're much better suited to Lancers and Imprezas rather and a relatively fragile and expensive S2000 car.

[Mirek]

I don't agree. Where the bigger market for Proton is and where it needs more promotion? In Europe or in Asia-Pacific zone? ;)

[HaCo]

Yep, Mirek is right. Maybe the Proton is not as fragile as the other S2000's. Also, S2000's have won many gravel rallies and were a lot faster than N4's. Would love to see it fighting with Auris and Fiestas in the APRC round in Australia. :)

[Mihai]

]I don't agree. Where the bigger market for Proton is and where it needs more promotion? In Europe or in Asia-Pacific zone? ;)

Well, Proton sells cars in Western Europe too (such as the UK). They definitely need to boost their image in Europe rather than in Asia because their domestic market is already won.

Australia is also a good market for Proton and we might see the Satria S2000 in the Aussie rally championship, as HaCo pointed out.

[Sulland]

The MEM Proton page: http://www.memuk.com/super2000homepage.html

[Tom206wrc]

I couldn't believe my eyes when I read the engine basis of the Proton was the Renault Clio 1800ccm :eek: :eek:


Perhaps Renault secretly prepares an arrival in S2000 like this :laugh:

[Mirek]

Where have You read that? I thought it was new Campro / CPS 1.8 16V as basis for 2.0 engine in S2000, not the old Renault unit used in Protons previously...

[Tom206wrc]

]Where have You read that? I thought it was new Campro / CPS 1.8 16V as basis for 2.0 engine in S2000, not the old Renault unit used in Protons previously...


In the technical datas given on Bouffier press release(in french) ;)

http://www.rally-news.fr/news/index/4671

I quote:
"Moteur: base de Renault Clio 1.8"

[sal]

Lets see how it goes on the Condroz...

[RS]

Lets see how it goes on the Condroz...

Who is driving it there?

[Wim_Impreza]

Who is driving it there?

Bouffier won't drive the Proton in the Condroz, it will be a Subaru from BMA (= Bernard Munster Autosport) or a Lancer Evo 9 Group N.

[HaCo]

That would be awesome!!!

[sal]

Not sure yet. All I know is that the car is going there! It will also be at the start of the Malton Forest stages next weeked in Yorkshire on display as MEM sponsor the event but sadly the planned gravel car which may have been used as a course car on the event isn't ready...

[wwbroe]

Taliking with Brian Bouffier after Rally du Valais, he told me that there is still good chance that he will do the Condroz Rally with the Proton. So let's wait and see if it will be the case. ;)

[Sulland]

Did MEM find out what was wrong with the car during the after action review ?

Probably a small detail, that nobody thought of at the time !!??

[m.lowe]

Two Proton's for Monte Carlo in 09
No drivers confirmed but no doubt Bouffier could be one of them
A third Proton is under build too

[Mirek]

Great Mark!

[HaCo]

Awesome.

[c4]

The Motorsport News article re: the possible two car team for Monte
http://rallybuzz.stagetimes.com/two-protons-monte-carlo/

[Pinto]

big irish test tomorrow on the cork kerry border kris meeke to drive

[52Paddy]

Cool, lets know what goes down. :up:

[Mirek]

Great news! Hope it's more than just testing :)

[Sulland]

Meeke in IRC with Proton would be very niiiice !!!

[AndyRAC]

Meeke in IRC with Proton would be very niiiice !!!

Let's hope so - he did win JWRC in Monte in 2005!!

[noel157]

Pictures of Irish test but little info:

http://www.rally.ie/article.php?article_id=081115/094537

[Mirek]

Thanks a lot!

[Pinto]

Brian Bouffier also drove the car yesterday aswell the test was run along with S-TEC motorsport (aka donie o sullivan) who are looking buying at least one if not two cars.the basis of the test was to find an irish tarmac spec for the car

[Allyc85]

I never thought id ever say this but, thats one mighty fine looking Proton :D

[Livewireshock]

Pictures of Irish test but little info:

http://www.rally.ie/article.php?article_id=081115/094537

That is an amazing looking car. I hope the actual run was good for both teams.

It actually encourages me to write a letter;

Dear Santa,

I promise that I have been a very very good boy this year and I would like ........................

[52Paddy]

Very nice. Can't wait to see this in action! :D

[Tony Simpson]

MEM and S-tec , had a great couple of days testing. Seems it was no secret that Kris drove the car and the feed back by all accounts was very positive. By all accounts driver and passenger's smiles grew as the KM's were clocked up. The car ran faultless , some footage on youtube if you do a search.

All the best

[bf1_IRL]

Found the vids:
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=qPvSwlxQCs4
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=kNGCBu09xq0&feature=related
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=fAdyKnrn_Ws&feature=related

[52Paddy]

Sounds very nice through those forests. :up: Hope this will provide Meeke with a solid chance to get to the top again. :)

[52Paddy]

Is he going to be rallying it or was he just a test driver for this occasion?

Should it be the latter, I regrettably retract my previous comment. :mark:

[Pinto]

think he was only in for the day

[52Paddy]

Oh well, hopefully this gives him a chance to get a drive somewhere with the car. Fingers crossed.

[Sulland]

What are the possibility that Wilks can get his hands on this beauty ?

[pettersolberg29]

Dunno, but Petter may be driving it this year and next!

[Sulland]

Dunno, but Petter may be driving it this year and next!

And Petter and Wilks is not a bad combo !

[wotaguy]

really like the car, if petters got it, could do well?

[Tom206wrc]

Strange Solberg P chose the Proton, while 207s, Grande Puntos and Fabias are currently far better :confused:

[Sulland]

Strange Solberg P chose the Proton, while 207s, Grande Puntos and Fabias are currently far better :confused:

Petter has not chosen anything yet. He is just talking to people, then the press put more into it than it is....

He will I guess also talk to teams using 207, or manufacterers like Skoda, Pug, and Fiat !

Again: nothing is confirmed, Xsara, Abarth, Proton and so on !
But Hollywood is stille able to make a show !!! :D

[Mirek]

Sulland: Petter already was talking to Fiat earlier this week...

[Sulland]

]Sulland: Petter already was talking to Fiat earlier this week...

At least that is one of the rumors, another one says he was talking to OMP for 09, maybe both - who knows ?

[Mirek]

That part about Abarth is not rumour.

[Sulland]

]That part about Abarth is not rumour.

Both the Fiat and Proton meetings are confirmed by Petter today. Also that he planning to talk to more people before he decides.

http://www.vg.no/pub/vgart.hbs?artid=546315

[Pinto]

im sure its a case of talk to every one anyway and see what they have.at the end of the day he is out of a job and when that happens you have to try your level best to get another one

[Mitch555]

Any news from Proton on Petter, Wilks, Bouffier or IRC? Really eager to see them competing!

[Mirek]

Mitch, watch rally Ireland. Niall McShea is there with Proton ;)

[Tom206wrc]

Any news from Proton on Petter, Wilks, Bouffier or IRC? Really eager to see them competing!



Looks like Bouffier is trying to find budget for 2009 polish rallies championship...with the Proton this time ??? :confused:

[Mirek]

He has some negotiations with more teams for 2009 including Proton. But for Poland it would be Peugeot in my opinion as he was paid by Peugeot Polska.

[Tom206wrc]

]He has some negotiations with more teams for 2009 including Proton. But for Poland it would be Peugeot in my opinion as he was paid by Peugeot Polska.



But Peugeot Polska didn't comunicate any 2009 program yet though :mark:

[Mirek]

You should be more patient.

[Mitch555]

]Mitch, watch rally Ireland. Niall McShea is there with Proton ;)

Thanks Mirek, forgot that was actually on...

[Tom206wrc]

Interesting debut for McShea and the Proton in Ireland after SS1 :) :)

[cut the b.s.]

Interesting debut for McShea and the Proton in Ireland after SS1 :) :)

reported to be out on SS3 with electric problems, hope he superrallys, stunning WRC debut stage from the car. Any one know if or what plans are for IRC with this car?

[jonas_mcrae]

well he posted 3rd and 7th fastest time, I suppose some of it was because of the rain, but anyway its very impressive!

[ProRally]

well he posted 3rd and 7th fastest time, I suppose some of it was because of the rain, but anyway its very impressive!

And a LOT of Niall's fantastic driving and being a local, but very true a nice entry for Proton S2000

It will have turned some heads !!!

[Tom206wrc]

reported to be out on SS3 with electric problems, hope he superrallys, stunning WRC debut stage from the car. Any one know if or what plans are for IRC with this car?




Proton has to remove the Renault engine and replace it by a Skoda/Peugeot/Abarth... :p :

[Simmi]

Another S2000 that is fast out of the box. Fortunate circumstances flattered the cars pace and like ProRally said, McShea drove out of his skin in difficult conditions.

Despite this if the S2000 formula can make an impact, and if Skoda and Proton can make fast cars I would hope a lot of other bigger manufacturers are taking note and wanting to get involved. Its just a shame there is no money in the automotive industry right now.

[HaCo]

No pics of this heroic car? :)

[Mirek]

reported to be out on SS3 with electric problems, hope he superrallys, stunning WRC debut stage from the car. Any one know if or what plans are for IRC with this car?

It was said to be water in electrics. He will restart tomorrow.

I read on the Belfast telegraph website that it's single start in the moment but that Niall wants to do some IRC events if he finds money for that. There was also written that Proton should do selected IRC events but not as a registred maker.

We'll see...

[Mirek]

http://www.autosport.cz/img/fotografie/c_06bc9c7995a2fdadba5467f527f748fa.jpg

[Tom206wrc]

Thanks Mirek :up:

[Mirek]

Niall McShea about his retirement:
http://www.wrc.com/jsp/index.jsp?lnk=101&id=3725&desc=McShea%E2%80%99s%20sensational%20start%20ende d%20by%20electrical%20glitch

[Sulland]

It look much better in Yellow this car !!

[Mirek]

http://www.autosport.cz/img/fotografie/c_d8cbf67c57bbf7bbb8b0836b322f07da.jpg
http://www.autosport.cz/img/fotografie/c_52deda2f90fe728ce045902b47da5813.jpg
http://www.autosport.cz/img/fotografie/c_c483998084bfdfef8228f61d7ac29ee6.jpg

[FabiaFan]

Best looking S2000 in my opinion! However the livery (and the reliability ;) ) is something to work on...

[Tom206wrc]

On the last pic it looks a bit like the...206 wrc !!! ;)

[urabus-denoS2000]

Livery is OK...

[noel157]

Only managed to see the Proton on one stage but was very impressed with it. It had the noise and the speed to match. Of course McShea driving it helped too but if a budget and programme can be worked out it has a good future ahead of it. Hope it was just a coincidence that the car has retired on it's first 2 events with electrical issues (didn't Bouffier have an electrical related problem in San Remo?).

[Mirek]

He had but it was in Antibes ;)

Do You know what happened yesterday? Off road?

[Mirek]

http://www.ewrc.cz/images/2009/wrc/ireland/eb_a_298_mcshea_2.jpg
http://www.ewrc.cz/images/2009/wrc/ireland/eb_a_298_mcshea_1.jpg

[HaCo]

On wrc.com McShea has retirement, off road? Hope the car is not badly hurt?

[Sulland]

Get this Proton and McShea some money and a ticket to the next european IRC round !

[HaCo]

Very interesting article:
http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/73107

I think the Lion should get scared... :D

[noel157]

]He had but it was in Antibes ;)

Do You know what happened yesterday? Off road?


Thanks Mirek, only 50 km wrong.......

A single wire apparently broke on the first retirement and on Superally he left the road, not too much damage I believe but too much to continue.

[Sulland]

Interesting article, and I wonder what happens btw Petter and Proton - we will know after Rally Norway I think !

[urabus-denoS2000]

I wish the best of luck for Proton!

Kinda reminds me of how Subaru built its image with rallying......

[AndyRAC]

I wish the best of luck for Proton!

Kinda reminds me of how Subaru built its image with rallying......

Mmm, but Subaru had good cars to sell to Joe Public. What way are Proton going to go? Remember Hyundai with the Accent - they didn't bother bringing a Hot version out - waste of time Rallying then. Proton need to bring a decent road car out.

[Sulland]

Mmm, but Subaru had good cars to sell to Joe Public. What way are Proton going to go? Remember Hyundai with the Accent - they didn't bother bringing a Hot version out - waste of time Rallying then. Proton need to bring a decent road car out.

Yes they do, but the asians have traditions to make hot cars, never exported !

Lets hope they understand the importance !

[Mirek]

AndyRAC: This one has been on market for some time...

1.6 petrol engine with 135 Hp. Not a real hot hatch but not bad ;)
http://media.paultan.org/img/Proton_Satria_Neo_R3_1.jpg
http://i.paultan.org/Proton_Satria_Neo_R3_2.jpg

[FabiaFan]

Very interesting article:
http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/73107

Was this a hint? Mhmm...Cyprus?!?!

[Tom206wrc]

Very interesting article:
http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/73107

I think the Lion should get scared... :D



Also SKODA should shiver :p :

[Sulland]

]AndyRAC: This one has been on market for some time...

1.6 petrol engine with 135 Hp. Not a real hot hatch but not bad ;)
http://media.paultan.org/img/Proton_Satria_Neo_R3_1.jpg
http://i.paultan.org/Proton_Satria_Neo_R3_2.jpg


They need to put in a 2 ltr NA or put a turbo on the 1,6 here !!!
Otherwise it looks ok !

[noel157]

Mirek, damage was more substantial than I thought:

http://jon44w.com/images/events/2009/200931010900/0063.jpg

[Mirek]

Thank You

[RS]

The Proton was very impressive in Ireland but I'm not convinced it is quicker than Peugeot, Skoda or Abarth until we see it in the IRC. The Skoda has a long stroke engine too :)

[306 Cosworth]

BRC could be on the cards for the car then?

[noel157]

Proton want Petter (well, of course they do):

"MEM World Rally Team boss Chris Mellors has said that they would definitely be interested in signing Petter Solberg for 2010 and having the Norwegian on-board to drive the all-new Proton Satria S2000".


http://www.crash.net/World+Rally/News/142689/1/exclusive_proton_wed_love_to_have_petter_in_2010.h tml

[Mirek]

Very interesting. I wonder who will drive the car on Rally Ciocco if it happens. Italian championship is extremely high on quality and suceed there requires top driver...

[[Madeira-Rally]]

Succeed in CIR require a top car and top driver.. so if they succeed well in Ciocco Proton is approved to fight for IRC rallys.

A successful car/driver in CIR is for sure able to be successful in IRC too.

[PLuto]

In Ciocco, with almost each driver you have only a small chance against Ucci and Ross.

[Tom206wrc]

Aghini or Travaglia would be wise choice for Proton at rally Ciocco... ;)

[PLuto]

If they want win, they must persuade Seb Loeb (and I dont know, if he should be able to beat local heros on their roads).

[noel157]

All I read and heard about the car is that MEM "are talking" to Proton factory and Proton saying yes that they "would like to get involved". I've yet to hear anything more official than that, anybody heard anything more official?

An CIR round would be a tough event for the car but very interesting if it were to happen especially Rally Ciocco,

[FabiaFan]

All I read and heard about the car is that MEM "are talking" to Proton factory and Proton saying yes that they "would like to get involved". I've yet to hear anything more official than that, anybody heard anything more official?

An CIR round would be a tough event for the car but very interesting if it were to happen especially Rally Ciocco,

I would be surprised if this would come true, cause as much I know there is no interest of Proton to be promoted in this territory as they don't sell cars in Europe outside GB, Ireland, Malta, Cyprus, Turkey... ???

[Sulland]

I would be surprised if this would come true, cause as much I know there is no interest of Proton to be promoted in this territory as they don't sell cars in Europe outside GB, Ireland, Malta, Cyprus, Turkey... ???

Not yet - but I guess they have an expansion plan if they are considering WRC ?

[noel157]

Further pictures of the Proton that Donnie O'Sullivan will drive in the West Cork Rally in Ireland this weekend:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/rally_ie/sets/72157615120312329/

Must be some official Proton involvement judging by the decals?

[wwbroe]

Further pictures of the Proton that Donnie O'Sullivan will drive in the West Cork Rally in Ireland this weekend:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/rally_ie/sets/72157615120312329/

Must be some official Proton involvement judging by the decals?

I like the livery, is he any good, i mean O'Sullivan? ;)

[Mirek]

He won the rally last year by more than two minutes but he used Impreza WRC S11 and the secont Mr. Dalton had Darrian T90 GTR.

[noel157]

It appears the Proton has been withdrawn due to insurance problems. We'll have to wait a couple of weeks for the next outing:

http://www.breakingnews.ie/sport/eyaucwgbgbid/rss2/

[Mirek]

Shame :(

[HaCo]

Pitty :(

[wotaguy]

thats gutting, does explain why he didnt appear on timesheets, nothing on event website :( i was looking foward to this race

[Allyc85]

Never thought id ever say it but that is an stunning looking Proton, looks really aggressive!

[wotaguy]

i agree , be a winner before year is out , hope wilkes gets the drive

[noel157]

Proton was was out again testing this week in Tipperary in Ireland with an interesting visitor from Norway also testing the car:

http://www.rallyprint.com/gallery/?level=album&id=72

[wwbroe]

Nice car, nice livery, and very nice photo's. ;)

[noel157]

360 degree tour of the Proton:

http://www.kenmcbride.com/proton/

[Donney]

The car looks absolutely great, I really want to see it as a regular contender in the IRC.

[Sulland]

Is this a combo we will see in IRC soon, or does mr Wilks have other plans ?

[wotaguy]

sulland, i think he plans some .B.R.C. rounds also, maybe jim clark, as pirelli is only 3 weeks away so maybe a bit to soon, and yeah O sullivans livery looks class :) is it confirmed that he is doing KERRY ?

[wotaguy]

donie O sullivan finished 11th 0/a i think 3rd grp N on Circuit of kerry , round 3 of irish national series

[wwbroe]

Yes that ic correct. Here is the results:

1 Patrick Elliott/Paul Goodman (Subaru Impreza WRC) 68m 44s,
2 Niall Maguire/Enda Sherry (Subaru Impreza WRC) 68m 50s,
3 Mike Quinn/Grainne McEnery (Ford Escort Mk II) 72m 30s,
4 Kevin Kelleher/Martin Kelleher (Mit. Lancer Evo 9 GpN) 72m 33s,
5 Garry Jennings/David Moynihan (Mit. Lancer Evo 9 GpN) 72m 57s,
6 Alan Ring/Adrian Deasy (Mit. Lancer Evo 9 GpN) 73m 09s,
7 Des Moore/Arthur Kierans (Ford Escort Mk2) 74m 03s,
8 Thomas Fitzmaurice/Fionn Foley (Mit. Lancer Evo 9 GpN) 74m 47s,
9 Trevor Bustard/Kenny Bustard (Mit. Lancer Evo 8 GpN) 75m 15s,
10 Ed Synan/Denis O’Connell (Ford Escort Mk2) 75m 18s.
Group N Production class:
1 Kevin Kelleher/Martin Kelleher,
2 Garry Jennings/David Moynihan,
3 Alan Ring/Adrian Deasy.


He was only sixt Gr.N tough, so not that good a result in my opinion. Incredible third place overall for Quinn in his Escort MK2. :eek:

[wotaguy]

yeah i agree, although i think he had problems, and the MK 2 will out live them all :) unlucky for gary jennings, he had problems on last stage

[306 Cosworth]

Guy Wilks and Phil Pugh now entered in the Pirelli International Rally in the Super 2000 Proton Neo Satria :up:

[Mirek]

Simply great :)

[tolis]

Fantastic news!!!!
Thanks 306 Cosworth.

[karlzoro]

now hoping for IRC...

[wotaguy]

best news ive had all day , im marshalling pirelli, cant wait now :)

[sal]

Looks like the car has caught fire and burnt out on the Pirelli. Very sad news for the team..

[HaCo]

OMG, what a shame... :(

[urabus-denoS2000]

Bad news....

[J4MIE]

Apparently the car is burnt out and completely destroyed :( :( :(

[dimviii]

what a pitty :(

any link?

edit
http://www.rallybuzz.com/pirelli-rally-wilks-fire/

[Allyc85]

Gutted for everyone involved :( :(

[wwbroe]

That is terrible news, just when Wilks was on his way to give the Proton his first victory. :(

[wotaguy]

fast off startline too, i did start ss2, he was likea bullet, also very fast past us on th epundershaw stage , smashed the rear window in ss1

[52Paddy]

Ugh... :s

[Sulland]

Will they build him a new one or jsut use the old ones ?

Strange not more people have ordered them !

[fdebruyne]

MEM had 5 cars, now only 4 so there is no problem actually.

[RS]

Strange not more people have ordered them !

I don't think it is that strange, since there has been no comparison between the Satria and the other S2000 cars yet. They should do an IRC event soon!

[Abarth]

Are MEM making more of these beauties ?

[RS]

Wilks and Proton in for the rest of '09!:

http://www.rallye-info.com/article.asp?sid=0&stid=7952

[wotaguy]

yeah great news for wilkes/and mellors motorsport, car was driven at Chatsworth rallyshow, in previous yellow livary,

[pucky54]

will the car carry this livery also in Ypres?

[Rally Hokkaido]

One car is due to arrive in Malaysia this week. There's been no announcement on a programme for it, but strong rumours suggest it will run in the Malysian Rally in August then the remaining rounds of this year's Asia Cup. Probable driver will be Saladin Mazlan, though Karamjit Singh and Alistair McRae's names have also been mentioned.

[alleskids]

Proton will expand its line-up to a two-car team in time for the IRC's visit to the Czech Republic from August 21-23, Team Principal Chris Mellors has confirmed.

The Malaysian manufacturer made its IRC debut on the Belgium Ypres Rally last month, fielding a single entry for British driver Guy Wilks. On Rally Russia recently, the team took its first IRC points when Wilks finished an impressive fourth on the gravel event.

Now Mellors has revealed that the construction of a second Proton Satria Neo Super 2000 will be completed in time for next month's Barum Rally Zlin, although he is keeping the details of his new signing under wraps.

"We will have a second car for the Barum Rally but I am not able to say who will be driving it," Mellors informed.

Meanwhile, Mellors explained that preparations were already underway for the next round of the IRC, Rali Vinho Madeira, from July 30-August 1.

"The car returned to the UK on Thursday (July 16) and we will leave with the car for Madeira on Tuesday (July 21). In that time we will carry out a full rebuild and convert the car to tarmac specification. We plan to test when we get to Madeira," he said.

[pucky54]

great news

[wwbroe]

That is indeed great news if it becomes reality. I wonder who will be the second driver for the team, hope it might be Bouffier, he certainly deserves this. :)

[Luis Pacheco]

http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/77018

[Rally Hokkaido]

http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/77018

Thanks for the link, Luis.

I had already mentioned this about Alistair in my post of 7 July. There is still no official confirmation as to which of the three will get the drive at Malaysian Rally next month.
I've also been told that there is a stong possibility that a two-car team of Protons S2000 will do the entire FIA APRC in 2010. The entrant will probably be EON which is a multi-franchise car dealership network in Malaysia. I think EON is a Proton subsidiary company.

[teufel]

That is indeed great news if it becomes reality. I wonder who will be the second driver for the team, hope it might be Bouffier, he certainly deserves this. :)

agree, Proton should give the 2nd car for Bouffier if they want to score anything at Barum!

[Mirek]

Agree! Bouffier is the best choice. If he doesn't succeed here with Proton, noone else will.

[Decepticon]

Thanks for the link, Luis.

I had already mentioned this about Alistair in my post of 7 July. There is still no official confirmation as to which of the three will get the drive at Malaysian Rally next month.
I've also been told that there is a stong possibility that a two-car team of Protons S2000 will do the entire FIA APRC in 2010. The entrant will probably be EON which is a multi-franchise car dealership network in Malaysia. I think EON is a Proton subsidiary company.

Hi all. I'm from Malaysia and this is my first post. I just want to correct the above statement. EON is not a Proton subsidiary company but they are Proton car dealer from the beginning and now sells other makes as well. Proton also have another dealership, Proton Edar which is their subsidiary.

[Rally Hokkaido]

Hi all. I'm from Malaysia and this is my first post. I just want to correct the above statement. EON is not a Proton subsidiary company but they are Proton car dealer from the beginning and now sells other makes as well. Proton also have another dealership, Proton Edar which is their subsidiary.

Thanks for the correction, Decepticon. Any news about the driver of the Satria Neo S2000? IIRC, entries for Malaysian Rally close on Friday.

[Barreis]

Maybe Karamit Singh will start again.. :)

[hooligan74]

Maybe Karamit Singh will start again.. :)

Entries for APRC Malaysia and FIA Asia Cup close Friday 24 July...

[Barreis]

That was only a joke.. But why not? :)

[hooligan74]

Karamjit Singh

[paulr]

Maybe Karamit Singh will start again.. :)

I believe we will see Karamjit driving in the Asia Cup (APRC) rounds in Indonesia and China, but not Malaysia. He is contracted to drive for Pennzoil in an Evo9 in Malaysian events.

Which still leaves the question of who will drive the Neo in M'sia. Alister McRae seems to be hot favorite.

--paul

[RS]

agree, Proton should give the 2nd car for Bouffier if they want to score anything at Barum!

Your wish has been granted, Bouffier confirmed for Barum :)

[teufel]

Your wish has been granted, Bouffier confirmed for Barum :)

Great news! :up:

[HaCo]

Awesome, this could give some nice fireworks! :-)

[pucky54]

Hopefully he can repeat his pace from last year, even with a Proton

[[Madeira-Rally]]

Hopefully he can repeat his pace from last year, even with a Proton

I think it won't be easy to have the same pace with Proton, but Bouffier really deserve a place in a TOP IRC/ERC team.

After his bad international year with Peugeot (in 2006) he grew up a lot as a Rally Driver and he is much more regular with is pace, and almost no crashes..
I consider him a really good rally driver.

[Mirek]

Proton must have a big potencial if Brian preferes it to drive from Peugeot. He made tousads of kilometers in Peutgeot and was one of their development test drivers. He also made development drives in Proton and definitely knows how the cars stand one to another. It will be interesting for sure and I'm happy if it's true :)

[Sulland]

Would love to see A Mikkelsen in a Proton, before the end of the season !

MEM - Give him a call !

[Rally Hokkaido]

Well, Karam's got the drive!
http://www.aprc.tv/newsPage.php?Proton-confirms-the-return-of-Karamjit-for-APRC-Asia-Cup-183

[rbatista82]

http://www.supermotores.net/sm/fotos.asp?id=133

[Rally Hokkaido]

http://photos-h.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs132.snc1/5649_250640135293_518335293_8239671_2294548_s.jpg

http://photos-a.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs132.snc1/5649_250640140293_518335293_8239672_5180320_s.jpg


Agh, there a bit small. Facebook users should join OFFICIAL PROTON SATRIA NEO SUPER 2000 group to view them in full size.

[Mirek]

Short videos from Karam's first drive:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z0RGsRH9UhM&eurl=http%3A%2F%2Frallypert%2Eblogspot%2Ecom%2F&feature=player_embedded
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_BbBD0Oik4s&eurl=http%3A%2F%2Frallypert%2Eblogspot%2Ecom%2F&feature=player_embedded
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=noievHwtnKs&eurl=http%3A%2F%2Frallypert%2Eblogspot%2Ecom%2F&feature=player_embedded

[pucky54]

Bouffier will use a brand new car at Barum Rally, that will go to Italy after the event? Is that correct?

[Mirek]

Yes

[Sulland]

Barum will probably change the quality control of software that MEM put into the Proton.

It is only Bill Gates that can afford to use the users as testbeds. It was an article a few years ago where a CEO from a carmaker made the comparison btw Microsoft and the car industry. He said that if the car industry followed the same principle as MS, they had been sued to backrupcy in months.

I guess they had ECU´s with the old mapping, that they could have put in. In my business thats call a fallback plan !

I am sorry for them, I had looked forward the Proton fighting with the rest !
Good luck next time !!

[Rally Hokkaido]

Here's another short video of Karamjit Singh.
This time at the official Malaysian Rally Shakedown.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cUScBfqobnY


After slipping off the road in very wet conditions, Karam re-started and had no problems on Day 2 of Malaysian Rally. It's reported that the car will be switched to Right hand drive before the next APRC round, Indonesia in early October. Karam had never driven a left hand drive rally car before he sat in the Satria S2000

[Barreis]

What's this with Proton?! It's shame it's not reliable..

[BFA876]

Alister to drive the Proton S2000 in APRC Rally Indonesia - http://rallypert.blogspot.com/



BFA876

[Mirek]

There was very good progress in Asturias compared to Madeira. Guy was talking about new damper settings as the most important change.

[RS]

I am going to predict a 2 car Proton team for Rally Scotland, Wilks-McRae :)

[Tom206wrc]

So it's over for Bouffier in Proton :confused:

[RS]

So it's over for Bouffier in Proton :confused:

Pass, I am only guessing. But seeing as Alister has a connection with MEM and he is Scottish, I would have thought an apperance in Scotland would work rather well :)

[noel157]

Pass, I am only guessing. But seeing as Alister has a connection with MEM and he is Scottish, I would have thought an apperance in Scotland would work rather well :)

I hope we see Bouffier out next season, at least on asphalt.

Alister McRae would make sense in Scotland especially, as said, with his MEM APRC deal. Does he still live in Australia?

[BFA876]

Sorry... had to take the story off my blog for now. The big boys wants a world wide announcement.

I think its a race by race deal... probably more for development of the car. Not sure what next year's deal is..... full time IRC/WRC/APRC for the MacRae ?

[Pinto]

I hope we see Bouffier out next season, at least on asphalt.

Alister McRae would make sense in Scotland especially, as said, with his MEM APRC deal. Does he still live in Australia?

yes he's still in OZ

[macksrallye]

I'd like to see a team of McRae & Singh in the APRC next year. It's a descent championship & has no S2000's at the moment, but I think they could work (particularly in Aus, NZ, Japan & New Caledonia). All that & I'm sick of Cody Crocker winning, I know he's an Aussie but it's getting a little bit boring.

[teufel]

Tagai Tamas will compete the last round of the hungarian championship with the Satria Neo S2000.

http://www.duen.hu/info/091010_KomloRallye_nevezesek_ORB.pdf

[Sulland]

Wilks has broken off the link to MEM, and McRae will take over.
http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/79342
What will happen i 2010 ?

[sal]

Wilks has broken off the link to MEM, and McRae will take over.
http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/79342
What will happen i 2010 ?


Looks that that old chestnut the clash of personalities. Both quite strong willed individuals. Guess the phone will be ringing off the hook in Chesterfield now...

[wwbroe]

Wilks has broken off the link to MEM, and McRae will take over.
http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/79342
What will happen i 2010 ?

Pitty that Wilks won't drive with the Proton anymore, he is pretty fast guy and always good fun to watch. Besides that he is always friendly and good fun to go out with. :D

[Pinto]

im told that the story of the partys spliting is pr stuff but that proton releaved wilks of his postion
there were people within the camp unhappy with comments wilks made recently about the car it looks like alastair mcrae will replace him for scotland

Wilks tends to talk a bit too much out of order and has a bit to much brashness about him,his mouth does get him into a bit of trouble from time to time,after all when he had nothing after the subaru thing proton gave him the shot and even when alot through his fault he let the car burn to the ground still kept faith, well he could be running out of chances after all hes no meeke

[AndyRAC]

im told that the story of the partys spliting is pr stuff but that proton releaved wilks of his postion
there were people within the camp unhappy with comments wilks made recently about the car it looks like alastair mcrae will replace him for scotland

Wilks tends to talk a bit too much out of order and has a bit to much brashness about him,his mouth does get him into a bit of trouble from time to time,after all when he had nothing after the subaru thing proton gave him the shot and even when alot through his fault he let the car burn to the ground still kept faith, well he could be running out of chances after all hes no meeke

He's convinced he's better than Meeke.....

[RS]

Wilks sheds light on Proton departure: http://eurosport.yahoo.com/12102009/29/wilks-sheds-light-proton-departure.html

Guy must be pretty confident of finding a drive elsewhere for next year. Meeke to Skoda and Wilks to Peugeot UK would be a good solution :D

Guy certainly doesn't lack anything in the confidence department, and I would like to see him in a front running car to see if that's justified.

Hope to see Proton in next year too, maybe McRae and Bouffier?

[alleskids]

Francois Duval will test the Proton Satria S2000 tomorrow (Wednesday) in Wales. Spanisch media say that Dani Sola is aiming to do the 2010 IRC with a Proton Satria S2000, and he has already 30% of the needed budget.

[Tom206wrc]

2010 Lotus F1 driver Heikki Kovalainen with a Proton at Arctic Lapland Rally ???? :confused:

[PLuto]

Yes, it is possibility.

[Barreis]

Francois Duval will test the Proton Satria S2000 tomorrow (Wednesday) in Wales. Spanisch media say that Dani Sola is aiming to do the 2010 IRC with a Proton Satria S2000, and he has already 30% of the needed budget.

Any photos of Duval's test?

[alleskids]

Francois Duval made good progress with the Proton. According to the Belgium newspaper article, Markku and Anton Alen were also at the test. Duval thinks that Proton is not ready for the Monte Carlo Rally. For Alister McRae it is also a problem getting to the start/recce coming from the Dakar rally.

La Derniere Heure:
A first grip which will follow
BRUSSELS After several hours of travel, Francois Duval took yesterday for the first time, orders for the Proton Satria Neo S2000 in a remote Welsh forests.
Before father and son Alen, the driver of Cul-des-Sarts had the opportunity to make some forty miles of testing.

Enough for one - good - First impressions of the potential of this car.

"Frankly, I was pleasantly surprised by the chassis," Dudu told a happy return to this earth, on an already used at the time Ford. "I quickly adapted. I made some adjustments and it responded pretty well. The engine runs a little power, but a trend is expected for 2010. All the small team is motivated. And me too ... "

If the manufacturer's decision to support the Asian team MEM fell too late to adequately prepare the Monte Carlo, two Proton should make the rest of the season IRC. And our fellow seems well positioned to take the wheel.

"The team boss likes Francis and was impressed," says the manager of the Belgian who had made the trip. "Nothing is done, but I think this trial will follow. The overall impression is positive, both from Francis as the team. "

[Tom206wrc]

The Proton not ready for Monte10 ??? But it has allready run this year !! :eek: :confused:

[pucky54]

Damn. Put Bouffier in for Monte, ready? :D

[Sulland]

The Proton not ready for Monte10 ??? But it has allready run this year !! :eek: :confused:

Does he mean ready to fight for the win ? It has to be that hr means, since the cars works....

Maybe MEM need to send their engine to a french motor doctor as well, to get a winner !

[RS]

Duval & Anton? I hope they have some spare cars.

Maybe they can sign Latvala too for some kind of dream team? :D

[animrallye]

Rantanen was with Anton Alén and François Duval during this test session in North Wales (Sweet Lamb stage).
Rumours I've had about contacts between MEM's staff and Duval are completly different of the belgian article, as they didn't had good feeling with FD :eek:
A french driver might be in charge of Satria's developpement soon...

[pucky54]

A french driver might be in charge of Satria's developpement soon...

They got Panizzi?? :D

[ProRally]

....
Rumours I've had about contacts between MEM's staff and Duval are completly different of the belgian article, as they didn't had good feeling with FD :eek:
....

That is normal with FD, he is like that, already when he was with Citroën and that is why he lost his drive.
Even now official Skoda will never let him drive official car again.

The problem started many years ago when a Belgian TV reporter made a 'God' of FD, it went a bit to his head.

[vino_93]

They got Panizzi?? :D
Probably Bryan Bouffier :p

[animrallye]

They got Panizzi?? :D
Why not :p

Not Bouffier :andrea:

[Barreis]

F.Duval wants to be paid and I agree with him.. :)

[WRC1]

Why not :p

Not Bouffier :andrea:

alex bengue??

[WRC1]

F.Duval wants to be paid and I agree with him.. :)

be paid for what?? crash test dummie??

duval is very fast on tarmac, no question but he is no good developer and he is average on garvel. so why proton should pay him?

[ProRally]

be paid for what?? crash test dummie??

duval is very fast on tarmac, no question but he is no good developer and he is average on garvel. so why proton should pay him?

I agree 100%

[vino_93]

alex bengue??

it will be Bengue or Bouffier. But I think Bouffier is the most likely.

[urabus-denoS2000]

Quite frankly I rank Bouffier higher than Duval any day ;)

[Barreis]

be paid for what?? crash test dummie??

duval is very fast on tarmac, no question but he is no good developer and he is average on garvel. so why proton should pay him?

I guess he wants to be paid as a professional rally driver 'cos rich sons destroyed that interest.. They can pay so why someone to be paid.. F.Duval won WRC event.. Don't forget that.. :)

[Helstar]

F.Duval won WRC event.. Don't forget that.. :)
Ye, in the last unuseful rally of the year, with the best car and after all the top drivers retired ... :s

[Allyc85]

Duval would be a poor choice IMO to develop a newish car. Hes far to likely to chuck it off at the first bend and how many drivers have their co-driver quit..

[animrallye]

I'm sorry, but my original post wasn't against Duval, but about the belgian article of his manager :dozey:

For developpement not Bouffier nor Bengué...

[RS]

I'm sorry, but my original post wasn't against Duval, but about the belgian article of his manager :dozey:

For developpement not Bouffier nor Bengué...

Vouilloz?

It seems strange that Proton tested three drivers in Wales and will take none of them?!

[WRC1]

For developpement not Bouffier nor Bengué...

brice tirabassi?? cedric robert??

[Barreis]

Panizzi.

[J.Lindstroem]

Panizzi.

Bugalski.

no.. wait...

DELECOUR!

[cali]

Ragnotti! :D

[Barreis]

I would like to see Delacour again.. :)

[alleskids]

Then they make sure the fire extinguishers in the car are working, because when Delecour is on fire, it can be hot inside the car :)

[vino_93]

Bernardi :bandit:

[Barreis]

They should employ A.McRae who gave them best result ever.. Proton is not the winner..

[alleskids]

How many seats did MEM build in their (test) Satria? They could better build a SUV, to make sure Panizzi, Bugalski, Robert, Bouffier, Delecour, Bernardi and .... fit in the car.

[pucky54]

I think McRae is set for one car, they are looking for the driver of the second car

[pettersolberg29]

I'd love Panizzi to come back, but its unlikely. About as unlikely as Schumacher to return to F1 after 3 years out, hah!

[ProRally]

I think McRae is set for one car, they are looking for the driver of the second car

If Alister does IRC he will have to move back from Perth, West Australia...

Maybe Alister in APRC, but IRC... I doubt it...

[Sulland]

The testdrivers are making good comments on the engine, have that one had a makeover ?

[RS]

The testdrivers are making good comments on the engine, have that one had a makeover ?

They have been working on the engine throughout the year and had some new gear ratios for Scotland I think...

But you say the testdrivers, do you mean just Anton or have the others made positive comments too?

[Mirek]

The testdrivers are making good comments on the engine, have that one had a makeover ?

I wouldn't say drivers as it was just Anton Alen. Duval on the other hand said that he liked the suspension but that engine was a bit too weak.

But if Proton's engine is better than Abarth's, than it says a lot...

[Tom206wrc]

Maybe Proton got rid off Renault engine to put a Fiat one instead :p :

[alterdaxter]

]I wouldn't say drivers as it was just Anton Alen. Duval on the other hand said that he liked the suspension but that engine was a bit too weak.

But if Proton's engine is better than Abarth's, than it says a lot...

Indeed. Duval tried the Fiat, the VW, the Skoda & the Proton. Everytime it was a great car suspension-wise and everytime he didn't like the engine very much...

[ProRally]

Indeed. Duval tried the Fiat, the VW, the Skoda & the Proton. Everytime it was a great car suspension-wise and everytime he didn't like the engine very much...

Even the Xsara he won with in Oz (only WRC win) engine was not that good :D

[Barreis]

Don't be too sarcastic.. He won WRC event.. :)

[pucky54]

MEM and Proton will return to IRC from Sardinia on. One of the two cars will be driven by McRae.

[Sulland]

Indeed. Duval tried the Fiat, the VW, the Skoda & the Proton. Everytime it was a great car suspension-wise and everytime he didn't like the engine very much...

Have you driven WRCar, all other cars are "mopeds", arent they ?

[RS]

MEM and Proton will return to IRC from Sardinia on. One of the two cars will be driven by McRae.

This is what I had expected.

Shame we have to wait until June for them, but at least after that they should be on every event.

The car is good to watch, and is stronger for example than the Opel. Maybe not far off the Fiat in some circumstances already too.

[alterdaxter]

Have you driven WRCar, all other cars are "mopeds", arent they ?

When you are a driver at that 'level', knowing what other drivers achieve with those particular S2000's, I suppose you need te be able to formulate your personal experience in it's context and not just say the engine is rubbish.

Of course it's a big difference compared to WRC cars, but it's not the question that Duval has been in WRC cars every day for the last couple of years... So after hundreds of testkm's in the S2000 cars, not being able te take peace with the N/A engine says a lot...



To answer your question: I haven't driven a WRC car, nor an S2000 (on speed), only been sitting in the right seat of some S2000's for testing purposes.

[Mirek]

This is what I had expected.

Shame we have to wait until June for them, but at least after that they should be on every event.

The car is good to watch, and is stronger for example than the Opel. Maybe not far off the Fiat in some circumstances already too.

I think that it's good decision since they are working on reasonable improvements for the car. It seems they are on a good way...

[Sulland]

When can we expect a clear cut decision on the driver line-up for MEM for 2010 ?

Who is the best pairing for them; McRae and Atkinson ?

[Barreis]

Cave man..

[Mirek]

No, Cave will have his own private car. He's not works driver.

[Sulland]

The car for Atko is ready: http://www.s2000rally.com/car-detail.php?car=284

Lets hope they will make a good pair !

[RICARDO75]

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Ft7TgGoxwak/S9BMnEaYEGI/AAAAAAAAGZs/J8p_xtBzu9A/s640/go2..jpg

[RS]

The Malaysian Rally is in progress, results here:

http://www.malaysianrally.com/2010/aprc2010/results/index.asp

Looks like Atkinson had a problem on the first stage (off road?) but has been running fine since then.

Impressive performance by Alister McRae so far.

[tolis]

Photo of Atkinson's car from yesterday's ceremonial start: http://www.malaysianrally.com/2010/aprc2010/photo/start/pix/23.jpg