Petter Solberg WRT

[serial jeff]

It was Solbergs choice to go for the money at subaru than compromise and get a better car...now he pays that price...

Well, the subaru was a great car for a couple years after he got it- it wasn't until 05 that it started going downhill IMO and by 06 it was uncompetitive due to constant mechanical failures.

Now I'm not saying that Atko is a bad driver, as I think he's pretty good; but to say he's faster than Petter is silly. He scored some solid results early in the season, when he was driving a (slightly) more robust Subaru than Petter.

This season Petter's been showing the kind of driving that beat Sebastien and Marcus back in 03/04. Taking note of the individual stage times reveals that he's been losing lots of time on the fast open stages but in the twisty slow stages he sets times competitive with the factory drivers (ie, most of Cyprus, where he soundly beat Dani and got a couple stage wins)

[gloomyDAY]

I love every post in here, N.O.T!

[Tom206wrc]

When is Petter's final decision regarding the car he'll use in Finland ??? :confused:

[grugsticles]

Well, the subaru was a great car for a couple years after he got it- it wasn't until 05 that it started going downhill IMO and by 06 it was uncompetitive due to constant mechanical failures.

Now I'm not saying that Atko is a bad driver, as I think he's pretty good; but to say he's faster than Petter is silly. He scored some solid results early in the season, when he was driving a (slightly) more robust Subaru than Petter.

This season Petter's been showing the kind of driving that beat Sebastien and Marcus back in 03/04. Taking note of the individual stage times reveals that he's been losing lots of time on the fast open stages but in the twisty slow stages he sets times competitive with the factory drivers (ie, most of Cyprus, where he soundly beat Dani and got a couple stage wins)
I agree with a lot of point made in this thread, but most of all I agree with the above.
The Xxara just isnt as fast as the C4/Focus on the faster stage sections.
You can tell by the way Petter looks, speaks and generally acts around the service park that he is happy and content and most of all, he isn't frustrated with his own ability.
At the end of the day, hes driving as fast as he can with the machinery he has been given. Its just unfortunate for him, his sponsors and most of all his fans that he cant get one of the fastest cars and push that little bit harder.

Its also true that Petter is getting older and as such his reactions arn't as sharp as they once were, but I dont think that he is totally 'over it'. Look at guys like Sainz, Makkinen, Stig and even Gronholm. They all competed when they were approaching 40 (or more) and were still competitive.

[cali]

]Do You have exact numbers?
Top speed is not the number to look at it in rallying. For example i can always say that Mikkelsen in a Skoda was faster through the corner before the straight, hence the better top speed. :)

[Mirek]

It is interesting if You have something to compare with (I mean previous meassures with same car) ;)

[cali]

]It is interesting if You have something to compare with (I mean previous meassures with same car) ;)
I know, my answer was meant more to JFL, but somehow only your quote was in my reply :)

[Rallyper]

Its also true that Petter is getting older and as such his reactions arn't as sharp as they once were, but I dont think that he is totally 'over it'. Look at guys like Sainz, Makkinen, Stig and even Gronholm. They all competed when they were approaching 40 (or more) and were still competitive.[/quote]

I don´t want to end this discussion about Petter and his abilities, but a summary would be on it´s place:

petter is still a competitive driver who, with the right car could match anyone in the WRC. His age is not a problem until maybe 5-7 years from now (I even think he´s in the very best age right now).

Petter needs a car that´s competitve and that requires a Ford or a C4. Until then he will remain on 4th or podium if a couple of C4 or Fords will retire.

Every discussion if he´s to old has a an old car etz, everyone knows pretty much all of the facts around that. :s mokin:

See you in NORF and hope Petter will make a good race. That´s good for the sport!

Tommi Makinen: "Car was good but race was bad" is a cool song I´ve heard many times on Keski Suomi when visiting NORF. Does anybody know the name of the guy who imitate Tommi and laughing, talking english like him...? :p

[Finni]

From where is coming this talk that Petter is doing amazing things with the Xsara? Yes Xsara is an ancient car but that very same car beated new type of Focus during the year 2006. In Sweden Andersson was faster than Petter with the Skoda and in Poland Mikkselsen was about as fast. Are Mikkelsen and Andersson really top world level drivers or is Skoda faster than the Xsara of Petter?

In my view there is something wrong with Petter + Xsara combination. That combination should be way faster than some young drivers + Skoda. I have my doubts that Citroen is not still bringing him full 2006 package. If 307 is remarkably better in acceleration it's a sign of downgarded engine with the Xsara.

[Fide]

Cannot access to the facebook to see whale tests pictures.... Could someone paste a picture here ? Thanks in advance

[Buzz Lightyear]

From where is coming this talk that Petter is doing amazing things with the Xsara? Yes Xsara is an ancient car but that very same car beated new type of Focus during the year 2006. In Sweden Andersson was faster than Petter with the Skoda and in Poland Mikkselsen was about as fast. Are Mikkelsen and Andersson really top world level drivers or is Skoda faster than the Xsara of Petter?

In my view there is something wrong with Petter + Xsara combination. That combination should be way faster than some young drivers + Skoda. I have my doubts that Citroen is not still bringing him full 2006 package. If 307 is remarkably better in acceleration it's a sign of downgarded engine with the Xsara.

Maybe the Skoda is better than you think.

[traxx]

I was there for the Petter's test :
http://wrc.is.free.fr/posts/2009/07/03/1019-petter-teste-la-307

[Rallyper]

I was there for the Petter's test :
http://wrc.is.free.fr/posts/2009/07/03/1019-petter-teste-la-307

So what does the article say? Can´t understand french so good. :confused:

[jbmarcus21]

So what does the article say? Can´t understand french so good. :confused:

http://66.196.80.202/babelfish/translate_url_content?lp=fr_en&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwrc.is.free.fr%2Fposts%2F2009%2F0 7%2F03%2F1019-petter-teste-la-307&.intl=fr

[VFTS]

Petter tells norwegian media today that he will not start with the 307 in Finland. He has another plan.....

[serial jeff]

Petter is going to stick with his Xsara for Finland, and just try to get as much power out of it as they can. Alas.

[bennizw]

Not so sure about that. He told NRK that he had some other plans for Rally Finland, but was awaiting more information before he would decide anything.

[serial jeff]

I'm just relaying what was written on his website...

http://www.pettersolberg.com/html/?lang_pref=en

[traxx]

Video of the 307 test by ExtremRallye :
http://wrc.is.free.fr/posts/2009/07/04/1021-petter-solberg-au-volant-de-la-307-en-images

[Rallyper]

Since there has been no comments on Petters decision chosing the Xsara for NORF I will do some...

First you can see how dedicated both Petter and Phil are. Therefore I´m sure they´ve made the right decision. I think it´s kind of hasardous to chose the 307 so short time before maybe the most important event NORF.

In the Xsara Petter is confident and I guess he´d some talks with Henning as well finding out what´s right or what´s wrong.

If only the french people would help him getting the absolute best parts to the engine this is going to be the second best alternative for Petter. The best would of course be a C4 (or a Focus).

I´m looking forward to see Petter in Finland, and wishing him the very best out of the situation he is in.

[serial jeff]

Ya and I'm not too surprised about the decision to keep the xsara. After all the time and money they've put into this car, it'd be hard to find a better one on such short notice.

[JFL]

Video from the test!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x5cUiySjA_Y&eurl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Efacebook%2Ecom%2Fprofile%2 Ephp%3Fid%3D1134086245%26v%3Dphotos%26so%3D0&feature=player_embedded

[VFTS]

Video from the test!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x5cUiySjA_Y&eurl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Efacebook%2Ecom%2Fprofile%2 Ephp%3Fid%3D1134086245%26v%3Dphotos%26so%3D0&feature=player_embedded


Isnt this the same video as traxx gave us some hours ago?

[JFL]

looks that way ;) blame the beer.. ;)

[noel157]

Video of the 307 test by ExtremRallye :
http://wrc.is.free.fr/posts/2009/07/04/1021-petter-solberg-au-volant-de-la-307-en-images

From a spectators' point of view the Whale is certainly great fun to watch but looks a lot less smooth than the Xsara.

[Psycho!]

Hmmm,Citroen maybe want to help Sebastien's title hunt...Look here:

http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/76739

[Bazza2541]

Hmmm,Citroen maybe want to help Sebastien's title hunt...Look here:

http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/76739

What excuse will he use then?

[JFL]

What excuse will he use then?
Maybe that he's not rich enough to invent a machine that can punch a man in the face over the internet? :D

[serial jeff]

I think I read a few weeks ago that Citroen has been offering Petter a drive in a C4 for a while now, except theyre demanding an outrageous sum for it- far more than the citroen junior drivers are paying. Sounds like that situation hasn't really changed, theyre just demanding a little less.

[Bazza2541]

Maybe that he's not rich enough to invent a machine that can punch a man in the face over the internet? :D

Very good.
Can't see it working for him though.
Maybe he could claim that he can't drive it to its full potential because it'd be too expensive to fix?

[JFL]

There are only 2 drivers from Citröen who can win(1really), and two from Ford... So I agree with you there.. It's hopeless to try to win without full factory backup.. Thats why the WRC is boring now... The fun part is to see who is best of the rest! A podium for Citröen is possible, and maybe a win if the works drivers retires... All lot of if and buts, but thats how it is..

[Barreis]

They can win but Loeb must make a mistake.. In straight fight when ford guys won last time? :)

[JFL]

what I ment was this.. If you drive a m2 or private Focus/C4, you can't beat the worksdrivers.. Even if you are faster, either you get a teamorder or something done with your car that slows you down.. Petter will allways try to win, maybe thats why the teams are not so keen on giving/selling/renting him a topspec car..

[serial jeff]

They can win but Loeb must make a mistake.. In straight fight when ford guys won last time? :)

Japan '08, I believe.

[N.O.T]

Loeb was just rallying to get enough points for the championship, not to win in japan...

[White Sauron]

They can win but Loeb must make a mistake.. In straight fight when ford guys won last time? :)

Are there any so-called "straight fights" in motorsport, particularly in rallying?
I can use the same logic describing Loeb's wins. When was the last time Loeb won in straight fight? Hirvonen had some mechanical and adjustments problems, Latvala crashed (and so did Loeb - so it's a good exuse), after Latvala had crashed Mikko couldn't push hard for wins as he had to keep manufacturers points in his mind. So each time Loeb won it was thanks to Ford guys having some problems, no matter what kind of. You not always win by being the best. Often you win because others are a bit worse. Loeb was worse for the past 3 rounds. maybe not in terms of pure speed, but from the reliability point of view. Ok. Loeb can win in Finland. 100% credit to him in this case.
Well, you got my point. In motorsport you just can't say for sure if someone is faster because he's faster or because others are jsut slower (cause of different reasons).

[Barreis]

What's this, phisolosphy?! xd All philosophers are depressed persons..
I thought when they are all on road without outings and problems 'don't remember when ford guys won (that's for me straight fight).. :) But P.Solberg could do that..

[Finni]

Are there any so-called "straight fights" in motorsport, particularly in rallying?
I can use the same logic describing Loeb's wins. When was the last time Loeb won in straight fight? Hirvonen had some mechanical and adjustments problems, Latvala crashed (and so did Loeb - so it's a good exuse), after Latvala had crashed Mikko couldn't push hard for wins as he had to keep manufacturers points in his mind. So each time Loeb won it was thanks to Ford guys having some problems, no matter what kind of. You not always win by being the best. Often you win because others are a bit worse. Loeb was worse for the past 3 rounds. maybe not in terms of pure speed, but from the reliability point of view. Ok. Loeb can win in Finland. 100% credit to him in this case.
Well, you got my point. In motorsport you just can't say for sure if someone is faster because he's faster or because others are jsut slower (cause of different reasons).

Don't try to hide facts.. Without problems for any driver there is only one or two rally that others can take from Loeb - and even this due to road position. It was different when Grönholm was there.

[lcd]

...Without problems for any driver there is only one or two rally that others can take from Loeb - and even this due to road position.

Sad, but true..!

[Fide]

Question : Is it just a matter of money for Solberg to run a C4 ? If not; in case it is possible to run a private C4, how far in terms of setup it could be from a) Official team b) Sttobart team c) Munchi's team.

[MJW]

I was told that since Sordo rattled Loeb on the very first Monte outing of the C4, (jan 07 I think) there has been a Loeb C4, a Sordo C4,and now the Junior Team aka Rich Kids Rallying specification. I suspect Petter will be offered the specification that will ensure he slots in neatly behind Loeb, and Sordo.

[Barreis]

Question : Is it just a matter of money for Solberg to run a C4 ? If not; in case it is possible to run a private C4, how far in terms of setup it could be from a) Official team b) Sttobart team c) Munchi's team.

But what for?! Atkinson paid 180 000 euros for Ireland rally and music over.. P.Solberg at least has his own car..

[N.O.T]

I think all that C4 xsara peugeot lada wv talk over peters name is just a publicity trick....i mean since his driving doesn;t provide anything to talk over at least all that publicity crap of changing cars does keep him in the wrc picture....smart guy.

[Rallyper]

I think all that C4 xsara peugeot lada wv talk over peters name is just a publicity trick....i mean since his driving doesn;t provide anything to talk over at least all that publicity crap of changing cars does keep him in the wrc picture....smart guy.

You don´t like Petter do you?

I´m sure Petter wouldn´t get a C4 that could match Sebs if his stagetimes were so fast he would threaten Seb. The team should fix that in services if needed. I would hope it wasn´t so but after reading all on this forum I think there is people here that know so much that so would be the case.

Hope though that Petters integrity will prevent that. :mad:

[N.O.T]

You don´t like Petter do you?

I´m sure Petter wouldn´t get a C4 that could match Sebs if his stagetimes were so fast he would threaten Seb. The team should fix that in services if needed. I would hope it wasn´t so but after reading all on this forum I think there is people here that know so much that so would be the case.

Hope though that Petters integrity will prevent that. :mad:

he strugled to match atkinsons times last year when he was the No1 driver at subaru.....i doubt he could match Sordos times in a c4

[Helstar]

he strugled to match atkinsons times last year when he was the No1 driver at subaru.....i doubt he could match Sordos times in a c4
On tarmac you are probably right, but I doubt that Sordo can beat P.Solberg with same car in EVERY other surface.


I was told that since Sordo rattled Loeb on the very first Monte outing of the C4
Errrr sorry for my poor English, but what means "rattled" ^^ ?

I can clearly say that in Monte 2008 they had the "same" car, but when Sordo was going to threaten Loeb his engine blew up. Weird uh ?

[Koppomsbo]

I can clearly say that in Monte 2008 they had the "same" car, but when Sordo was going to threaten Loeb his engine blew up. Weird uh ?

I know that teams tune down enginepower for some drivers but that they take the cost of an blewn up engine on purpose i strongly doubt.

[JFL]

A very dissapointed Petter Solberg was refused a new car by Citröen for Finland, after a long dialog.. Wonder why? Are they afraid that he won't follow teamorders?

http://translate.google.com/translate?prev=hp&hl=no&js=y&u=http%3A%2F%2Fmsn.tv2sporten.no%2Fovrig%2Farticle 2810340.ece&sl=no&tl=en&history_state0=http://msn.tv2sporten.no/ovrig/article2810340.ece

[serial jeff]

A very dissapointed Petter Solberg was refused a new car by Citröen for Finland, after a long dialog.. Wonder why? Are they afraid that he won't follow teamorders?

Possibly... they may be worried that he could end up ahead of Seb and/or Dani which would be a bit of an embarrassment to them since they are being paid by Citroen to drive.

But it kinda seems like Citroen has little to gain by giving Petter a C4 unless they nominate him for factory points instead of Dani, or for factory points on the Citroen Junior team in the hopes that he ends up ahead of the Fords. The latter isn't very helpful though because it's fairly certain that Mikko and JML (if they stay on the road) will be ahead of Dani, thus even if Petter could beat the Fords (big 'if') he'd still be taking a factory point from Dani.

[MJW]

Petter will be better off in an S2000 car in the IRC or racing LeMans series in 2010. I'm sure a 'new' manufacturer will appreciate what Petter can bring on terms of marketability. Ford (Malcolm) wont let bygones be and Citroen are Loeb and Ogier focussed.

[N.O.T]

A very dissapointed Petter Solberg was refused a new car by Citröen for Finland, after a long dialog.. Wonder why? Are they afraid that he won't follow teamorders?

http://translate.google.com/translate?prev=hp&hl=no&js=y&u=http%3A%2F%2Fmsn.tv2sporten.no%2Fovrig%2Farticle 2810340.ece&sl=no&tl=en&history_state0=

Yes that is very very true......after all Solberg has won finland how many times in the past ?????? exctly and how many times did he manage to be even competitive there ??? yes thats right....

nice to see that solberg turns himself into a media boy....i thought he was a rally driver.....

[Barreis]

Yes that is very very true......after all Solberg has won finland how many times in the past ?????? exctly and how many times did he manage to be even competitive there ??? yes thats right....

nice to see that solberg turns himself into a media boy....i thought he was a rally driver.....

What about Mr Hollywood?

[Helstar]

Yes that is very very true......after all Solberg has won finland how many times in the past ?????? exctly and how many times did he manage to be even competitive there ??? yes thats right....
nice to see that solberg turns himself into a media boy....i thought he was a rally driver.....
Actually Citroen didn't want to discover this year if he is eventually able to win in Finland. Better take no chances, you'll never know ^^

[Rallyper]

NOT/ Have you seen Petter doing the fastest time on Ouninpohja in 2004 second time around?
That is what Citroen doesn´t want to see! Because Petter in a good car and in a good mood will be that competitive. :p

[Barreis]

Only real challenger to S.Loeb in straight fight..

[N.O.T]

NOT/ Have you seen Petter doing the fastest time on Ouninpohja in 2004 second time around?
That is what Citroen doesn´t want to see! Because Petter in a good car and in a good mood will be that competitive. :p

yes....being fast on 1 stage is the biggest nightmare for any rival manufacturer....


are you on drugs guys saying those things ??

[HaCo]

Exactly, and it's like 5 years ago...

[JFL]

Exactly, and it's like 5 years ago...

What do you know? lol.. FHI/Subaru payed him all of that cash for a spesific reason ( They knew how good he was, and did'nt want to see him leave), and I also believe there is a spesific reason that Citröen does'nt want to give him the latest specs or a C4.. Bash him how much you want, but when they all get the same equipment(in a new class) or if he gets a topspec car, we will see what you say..

[HaCo]

I'm not bashing him. I hope he'll find a good car and he find his speed back, so there are more people to beat Loeb, so WRC gets exciting again!

Being fast on a stage in 2004 doesn't mean much, there were many drivers fast in the past.

[Rallyper]

I'm not bashing him. I hope he'll find a good car and he find his speed back, so there are more people to beat Loeb, so WRC gets exciting again!

Being fast on a stage in 2004 doesn't mean much, there were many drivers fast in the past.

Well, he has the speed right now, but not the right car for speed.... ;)

[N.O.T]

Well, he has the speed right now, but not the right car for speed.... ;)

what facts actually lead you to believe that he has the speed ??? the fact that he beats his brother, rautenbach and al quassimy??? or the fact that he loses stages by a 18year old in his first season in a WRC car ???

[RAS007]

what facts actually lead you to believe that he has the speed ??? the fact that he beats his brother, rautenbach and al quassimy??? or the fact that he loses stages by a 18year old in his first season in a WRC car ???

2 3rd places, 2 4th places and a 6th place, out of 7 starts, in a 5 year old car, is pretty good, even in today's crappy WRC.

[JFL]

what facts actually lead you to believe that he has the speed ??? the fact that he beats his brother, rautenbach and al quassimy??? or the fact that he loses stages by a 18year old in his first season in a WRC car ???

N.O.T
You live up to your name...

[N.O.T]

I am talking about speed... the place you finish has nothing to do with speed for places below the 2nd most of the times.....are you for real guys ??

[Rally_Rocks]

What a ridiculous arguement N.O.T. How long have you been following rallying for? It is clearly not all about ultimate speed. There is a finite limit to the speed you can get out of any particular car, and it doesn't matter how good a driver you are, once you reach that limit, you can't go any faster. Petter has reached that limit in his ancient Xsara and the speed is clearly not in the car to allow him to compete with the C4 and Focus.

What you should be looking at us commitment. Watch any Solberg onboard and you will see that he is absolutely on the edge 100% of the time. He pushes his car more and takes more risks than any other driver. His skill and speed is still very obviously there.

Give him equal equipment and he will win again, no question. t

[HaCo]

Pitty we have no acces to Virtual Spectator Information...

[Helstar]

I am talking about speed... the place you finish has nothing to do with speed for places below the 2nd most of the times.....are you for real guys ??
Have you lost memory of some WRC years (were there was actually a competition) ? ... did you forget 2003 and 2004 when Petter was clearly at Loeb level (actually faster on gravel) ? He is 2003 champion, and IMHO he hasn't lost it.
The same was said about Bosse when Pug gave him the 307 ("it's not me, it's the car") and back to Ford he was up to level again.

[N.O.T]

Bosse won rallys in the 307....Solberg was slower than his teammate at subaru last year.....no mater the car Solberg cannot beat Loeb Hirvonen and latvala (when he is on the road).....

[noel157]

The North Will Rise Again? So will Petter.

[Helstar]

Bosse won rallys in the 307....Solberg was slower than his teammate at subaru last year.....no mater the car Solberg cannot beat Loeb Hirvonen and latvala (when he is on the road).....
Bosse won only 3 rallies with the 307 (Finland in 2004/2005 - and Japan 2005 when Petter crashed into the RFM big stone LOL ! ^^) but he couldn't fight for the championship anymore.

We aren't saying that Petter will SURELY beat this or that, we just think that he can fight for top positions in a proper, competitive car.

In 2004 Petter was better than Hirvonen so if you say Atko was better than Petter seeing last year then we can say this too :P ?!
Come on... they are all great drivers, in this topic there's no point to say he's better or not compared to this or that, we only hope to see many competitive cars for many people as possible, to have some competition ... you know what is it, right ? (oh no you don't know, you only want Loeb to win so why bother to know something like that...).

Anyway it's more than obvious that for you only Loeb exists and all the others are 'scared dogs' (or 'tomato can', was Bosse's case I still remember...), I don't even explain myself why we still keep replying to your unidimensional post ^^

[N.O.T]

I am not saying that i don;t want to see peter in a faster car...all i am saying is that Peter should focus on driving than feeding his home media with stupid rumours like Citroen will not give him a car because they are affraid.....Trust me if Solberg after the folding of subaru went to citroen and paid them a proper amount he would get that Junior C4 in no time like Novikov, Ogier and atkinson.

Money talks and if peter wants to prove something he should pay some of the millions he has earned all these years if he wants a competitive car or just stop whinning and compromise with cheap uncompetitve cars like the xsara or the 307.....But i guess its cheaper and more productive to whine all the time...keeps fans asleep, the media busy, his name in the local papaers and his bank acount safe.

[Psycho!]

Petter robbed again according to mtv3....Anyone could tell us more,bacause I don;t understand completely what happenned...

[SubaruNorway]

They stole supporter clothes worth 4000 pounds at Baja 300 in Germany from a guarded shed.

[N.O.T]

e-bay time for the robbers.....

[JFL]

and also his helmet, driving suit and underwear.... Wonder who will try to use that gear at a rally.. ;)

[N.O.T]

probably sold as memorabilia.....

[Saabaru]

Ok this is why the whole “Homologation” crap should be thrown out the window! It creates a monopoly and basically whoever is in charge can decide who wins. If the WRC went to a simple set of rules that applied to all cars you would see an explosion in the WRC; more drivers, different cars, ect… For instance someone could build a competitive car out of a Volvo C30 for a fraction of the cost if they didn’t have to pay for the overpriced specialty parts on a stupid homologation. I have a car in my garage that could blow the doors off a Group N car and I’ve only got about 25k (USD) in it.

This would allow Petter to tell Citroen to take a hike and he could do whatever he needed to make his car competitive, make the WRC more interesting, and get allot more new faces in the world spotlight. But this will never happen because you have companies like MSport and Citroen filling to many FIA officials wallets.

For those of you who don’t think Petter is fast enough to take down Loeb, I would suggest you look at the data of Petter attacking corners harder, pulling through them at the same speed or faster than Loeb but somehow Loeb’s car after exiting the corner can quickly gain more speed (sometimes more than 20kph faster) before the next breaking point. Now If you can explain Petter having a competitive car but not having the talent to compete I’d love to hear it? I stick with my theory that Loeb has a secret stash of Pixy Dust that makes his car go faster! :rolleyes:

[N.O.T]

thanks you for your input.....runway 3 is clear for landing please proceed landing your spaceship back to earth and have a more realistic view on things...

i don;t know which is funnier ?? the fact that you have a car that is far better than a group N or that you are certain Solberg would beat Loeb out of TV footage....for your info the footage shows max 5-6 corners of the rally....now i do believe a rally is far longer than those corners....

[skarderud]

saabaru: lots of good points there. easier to build "own" cars with "own" specs, that will make that citroen and ford can't controll everything as they actually do these days in wrc.
is something realy wrong in wrc these days, if you dont se that, your're an idiot.

N.O.T: when petter is faster than loeb untill he have a puncture today, isn't that something with equal driving-skills? with a 4 yrs older car, with 30 hp less(atleast) loeb should be 30-40 secs in front of petter. you don't like petter, thats ok for me, but you are an idiot saying stuff like this.

[N.O.T]

N.O.T: when petter is faster than loeb untill he have a puncture today, isn't that something with equal driving-skills? with a 4 yrs older car, with 30 hp less(atleast) loeb should be 30-40 secs in front of petter. you don't like petter, thats ok for me, but you are an idiot saying stuff like this.

His crash says that he was above his own limits....thats why he was faster for 3 stages and then he crashed...that does say absolutely nothing.


Last year he was slower than Atkinson in many rallies in a higher spec car and with royal treatment by subaru....

I actually liked peter a lot and he was the last man to defeat Loeb fair and square in a fair battle for the championship in 2003, but when things started to go wrong he blaimed anything but himself.....if he wanted a high spec car he should go the latvala way and pay for a drive in a factory team....

Its far easier to look good in a bad car than look good in a proper car.....

[Helstar]

His crash says that he was above his own limits....thats why he was faster for 3 stages and then he crashed...that does say absolutely nothing.

He got a puncture ... and anyway today he has showed that indeed he is one of the best.

[Gard]

He got a puncture ... and anyway today he has showed that indeed he is one of the best.
Actually, his tyre exploded after a jump. So it's just bad luck. But at this speed, with that old car, he's pushing some limits

[N.O.T]

He got a puncture ... and anyway today he has showed that indeed he is one of the best.

of course he is one of the best...... but not a rally winner anymore. the fact that you cannot win against 2/3 guys doesn;t make you a bad driver or washed up....

[Helstar]

the fact that you cannot win against 2/3 guys doesn;t make you a bad driver or washed up....
This makes no sense ... can you clear this phrase ^^ ?

[N.O.T]

it ment to be 2-3 guys... not 2/3....

[Helstar]

Not that things are clearer now either ...

[N.O.T]

hmmm

i am saying that when i state that Solberg cannot win a rally anymore (and not due to the car) doesn't mean that he is not a good driver and that the wrc can do without him.

[Psycho!]

I hope he will respond to you tomorrow....For me if not better he is equal to Loeb...

[urabus-denoS2000]

For me its enough to say that Loeb was equal to Petter in 2003 in his first full season and next years he got better and better and Petter was worse every year. I admit that S12-S14 were bad cars but S9 to S11 were competitive.As said,the fact that Petter could only match Loeb when on the limit just shows how Loeb is dominant

[N.O.T]

I hope he will respond to you tomorrow....For me if not better he is equal to Loeb...

of course he is equal to Loeb...i mean struggling to beat Atkinson prooved that last year....

[JFL]

haha, You will never let that go will you? What about Hirvonen? Was beaten by Petter all the time in the same car.. What about Mäkinen? Beaten by Petter all the time. .. I thought you knew that they tested different specs last year, and some of them did'nt work out for Petter. And I also think that Petter pushed the car a little further to try to keep up with the Fords and Citrons... Struggling to beat Atkinson? He was pretty fast, so I can't see whats wrong with that...
we will see tomorrow, how far off he is.. ;) Looking forward to it..

[Helstar]

I hope he will respond to you tomorrow....
Why should I bother, I won't change his mind surely :p and I don't even care to, ah.

[tmx]

we will see tomorrow, how far off he is.. ;) Looking forward to it.. Now some annoying person will post an obnoxious snappy response base on what happened today.

[N.O.T]

I hope he will respond to you tomorrow....For me if not better he is equal to Loeb...

nice reply from solberg today.......

[JFL]

That was to bad it was'nt the drivers fault then, NOT..

[Koppomsbo]

It wasnt? How come

[Tomi]

It wasnt? How come

its the other drivers fault, they should drive slower.

[JFL]

engine failure
http://www.pettersolberg.com/html/2009/08/01/petter-bryter-rally-finland-2/
But, I guess the engine is fine, and it's all just talk..

[gloomyDAY]

engine failure
http://www.pettersolberg.com/html/2009/08/01/petter-bryter-rally-finland-2/
But, I guess the engine is fine, and it's all just talk.. :laugh:

Petter was giving it the beans.
His Cit-crap just fell apart!

[Gard]

:laugh:

Petter was giving it the beans.
His Cit-crap just fell apart!

No, it's just citroen compensating for giving him a good engine yesterday

[Buzz Lightyear]

is petter going to oz?

[anesa]

is petter going to oz?

It does not seem so, unfortunately.

http://66.249.89.132/translate_c?hl=en&ie=UTF-8&sl=de&tl=en&u=http://www.rallye-magazin.de/r/wm/d/n/d/2009/08/03/solberg-nicht-in-australien/index.html&rurl=translate.google.com&usg=ALkJrhgp-vZzD8BDNAUEo5osMYfKGdiX0A

[Koppomsbo]

looks like Petter has given up his plans for a factory seat, he is looking for "killer" driver to team up with in a S2000 car next year..

But is he acctually looking for a realy fast driver or a guy with a "killer" money bag??

http://translate.google.com/translate?hl=en&sl=no&tl=en&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.vg.no%2Fsport%2Fmotor%2Fartikke l.php%3Fartid%3D556399

[Pinto]

im been told there is a deal been talked about for rally GB for a Focus dont know is it factory private or what but im been told the wheels are in motion of that deal

[Koppomsbo]

If its happening, i would like to see Citroens Counter Attack

[DonJippo]

If its happening, i would like to see Citroens Counter Attack

I believe Citroen has something coming up for Catalunya...

[Psycho!]

They were about to give Duval Ogier's C4 but at the last minute the belgian's sponsor pulled away...

http://www.autonews-magazine.com/blog/?p=6979

[DonJippo]

They were about to give Duval Ogier's C4 but at the last minute the belgian's sponsor pulled away...

http://www.autonews-magazine.com/blog/?p=6979

This is pity because now they might actually find someone who would be a threat to Ford...

[alleskids]

.. and to Loeb, because Petter wil not stop for either a Citroen team boss nor a Ford teamboss, he only drives for himself and to end the winless streak. Citroen only gives him a car if they have the remote control of it.

[OldF]

I’ve said it earlier and I’ll say it again. No way a privateer will get a car with the same specs (ECU map) as a works car. It’s important for the manufacturers official teams to score the manu points for a marketing reason (and money).

I also send a n enquire to a company which is doing ECU mapping and the answer was that “the manu cars engines have a lower safety marginal than the cars sold / rented to privateers.”

IMO this is quite understandable because the resources for a private team (Stobart, Munchi etc.) is still limited compared to a works team although the amount of engines for a season are restricted.

[Wim]

If he had stayed at prodrive with the S14; he would had equal points as now. And yes, B-teams and private teams have slower specs.

[lcd]

If he had stayed at prodrive with the S14...

Yes , I believe that's true...
We didn't see much of a progress In his performance, being a privateer.

[Wim]

staying at prodrive would have seen some small improvements. Looking at some time's from mads, the car is capable for some top times. Hirvo and loeb would have been too fast yes..but the old xsara isn't more reliable than the subaru..

[Psycho!]

Remember Marcus in Portugal!He did a very good job until he retired...

[koko0703]

If he had stayed at prodrive with the S14; he would had equal points as now. And yes, B-teams and private teams have slower specs.

At least Prodrive would've given Petter everything they have. It doesn't mean he would've won or will win but there won't be no B-team treatment.

[Wim]

At least Prodrive would've given Petter everything they have. It doesn't mean he would've won or will win but there won't be no B-team treatment.
Voila! And he would be first in line when they come with a new project.
For me subaru will come back in the near future. Read in a argentinian website they are investigating S2000WRC and S1600WRC. They spoke if I'm not mistaken with Tommi Makinen racing??

[N.O.T]

At least Prodrive would've given Petter everything they have. It doesn't mean he would've won or will win but there won't be no B-team treatment.

last year they gave everything they had to him and was slower than atkinson.....

[jimakos]

last year they gave everything they had to him and was slower than atkinson.....

I have to mention that this opinion is right!
Solberg plays alone and doesn't care about anyone.
Last year he had a nice car but didn't make something really good!
I wonder if his champion in 2003 was byhimself or luck helped a little :D

[SubaruNorway]

last year they gave everything they had to him and was slower than atkinson.....

They thought some of the reason for Atko not struggeling so much with the car was that he got rebuildt shells who had more welds in them that made them stronger and didn't flex so much...

[lcd]

...I wonder if his champion in 2003 was byhimself or luck helped a little :D

2003 season's standings:
1. P.Solberg 72
2. S.Loeb 71
3. C.Sainz 63
4. R.Burns 58
5.M.Martin 49
6.M.Gronholm 46
7.Colin Mcrae 45
8.F.Duval 30
-.T.Makinen 30
As you can see that times, Petter competed against all rally masters!
I think this was the toughest championship of this decade...

I still don't get what you mean with that '...luck helped a little' thing...
Do you mean like Mikko's luck, with Loeb crashing all the time?
No, Petter had no such luck mate.. ;)

[Psycho!]

Please stop doubting about Petter's driving abilities...He has proven what he is made of and in a proper car he can do miracles!I still remember 2004 when he beat the champion three times in a row...

[N.O.T]

great we can add him to the ''has been'' list now.....

[jimakos]

I still don't get what you mean with that '...luck helped a little' thing...
Do you mean like Mikko's luck, with Loeb crashing all the time?
No, Petter had no such luck mate.. ;)

I don't take my words back,he is the most spectacular driver I've seen!
I just wonder how a champion can take a fall so quickly!

2006 6th
2007 5th
2008 6th
2009 6th so far

A champion have to be a champion a lot of years and not to make a
BAM and after nothing!!I personally waited more things from Petter.
About Mikko don't blame him so quickly we'll see in the future if he's worth :cool:

[Wim]

I don't take my words back,he is the most spectacular driver I've seen!
I just wonder how a champion can take a fall so quickly!

2006 6th
2007 5th
2008 6th
2009 6th so far

A champion have to be a champion a lot of years and not to make a
BAM and after nothing!!I personally waited more things from Petter.
About Mikko don't blame him so quickly we'll see in the future if he's worth :cool:
He can drive boys! he's the third in ranking I think.

[lcd]

...A champion have to be a champion a lot of years and not to make a
BAM and after nothing!! I personally waited more things from Petter...

I think Psycho! has already answered to your expectations...


...He has proven what he is made of and in a proper car he can do miracles!

[Gard]

last year they gave everything they had to him and was slower than atkinson.....

again BS. Petter did development tasks with the S12b and was frustrated that he could not challenge. Atko was hired by Prodrive (Petter by Subaru). After s14, Atko wasn't even close. So get your facts straight. I'm starting to get tired of your BS

[pino]

Please stop doubting about Petter's driving abilities...He has proven what he is made of and in a proper car he can do miracles!I still remember 2004 when he beat the champion three times in a row...

Well said :up:

[Bazza2541]

Please stop doubting about Petter's driving abilities...He has proven what he is made of and in a proper car he can do miracles!I still remember 2004 when he beat the champion three times in a row...



Petter was champion in 04, so how did he beat himself 3 times? Your post makes no sense?

[serial jeff]

Seb was champ in 04- Petter's championship was in 03.

[Psycho!]

Petter was champion in 2003,Loeb was in 2004...

[jimakos]

Petter was champion in 04, so how did he beat himself 3 times? Your post makes no sense?

As serial jeff said Solberg was champion in 2003!
2004 title went in Loeb with a fantastic performance of him :cool:
Don't blame psycho with no reason!!

[Psycho!]

2004 title went in Loeb with a fantastic performance of him
I massively disagee with you there...2005 AND 2006 were Seb's years,but let me say that at least two drivers were faster than him back to 2004...It was difficult for him to win even on tarmac... ;)

[lcd]

Petter was champion in 04, so how did he beat himself 3 times? Your post makes no sense?

Read posts carefully guys... :rolleyes:
Petter beat the champion three times in a row back In 2004 means he
took 3 countries In a row that year : Japan,Great Britain and Italy!

[jimakos]

I massively disagee with you there...2005 AND 2006 were Seb's years,but let me say that at least two drivers were faster than him back to 2004...It was difficult for him to win even on tarmac... ;)

How can you tell this while in 2004 Loeb took the title with 118 points!
And have a look to the other drivers:
Petter Solberg
Marcus Gronholm
Mikko Hirvonen
Markko Martin
Gilles Panizzi
Carlos Sainz
And Loeb was very young then...

[serial jeff]

How can you tell this while in 2004 Loeb took the title with 118 points!
And have a look to the other drivers:
Petter Solberg
Marcus Gronholm
Mikko Hirvonen
Markko Martin
Gilles Panizzi
Carlos Sainz

Agreed, 2004 was a great performance by Seb- he was either 1st or 2nd on 12 of the 16 rallies. Most of those 2nd places were behind Petter. Petter and Markko both beat him several times, but Seb still had the most victories and was very fast on all the surfaces.

I think 2004 was his most impressive season; sure he had way more victories in the following years, but there was diminishing competition.

[jimakos]

I think 2004 was his most impressive season; sure he had way more victories in the following years, but there was diminishing competition.

Your last word is absolutely right!
That's I'm talking about...
Very strong competition that year ;)

[lcd]

I think 2004 was his most impressive season; sure he had way more victories in the following years, but there was diminishing competition.

I think this was the year, more people started noticing him... ;)

[Psycho!]

He was fast on every surface but not the fastest...What I mean is that he was more a complete driver than the rest and that gave him the title...He was not the fastest on gravel because Petter was,but on tarmac Markko threatened him while Petter was behind both...

[jimakos]

He was fast on every surface but not the fastest...What I mean is that he was more a complete driver than the rest and that gave him the title...He was not the fastest on gravel because Petter was,but on tarmac Markko threatened him while Petter was behind both...

I agree with what you say but still believe 2004 title was the most tough and Loeb gave his best!
This time a complete driver is Mikko than the rest.
He isn't the fastest but he's 1st so far...

[bluuford]

He was fast on every surface but not the fastest...What I mean is that he was more a complete driver than the rest and that gave him the title...He was not the fastest on gravel because Petter was,but on tarmac Markko threatened him while Petter was behind both...

Yeah, Markko had some troubles with his car on that year like previous year. In GB retired due to engine failure, In Sardegna retied due to the turbo failure. In Turkey lost a lot of time due to electrical problem and terrible accident in Argentina and small accident in Greece.

[Halvis]

Agreed, 2004 was a great performance by Seb- he was either 1st or 2nd on 12 of the 16 rallies. Most of those 2nd places were behind Petter. Petter and Markko both beat him several times, but Seb still had the most victories and was very fast on all the surfaces.

I think 2004 was his most impressive season; sure he had way more victories in the following years, but there was diminishing competition.

In 2004, Petter was clearly the fastest driver/car-combo, but unfortunately for him the Impreza wasn't reliable enough, it was amongst others the year with watersplash problems. He lost a lot of points due to that.

If you look at stage wins in 2004 it is absolutely clear:

Petter: 94 stage wins
Grønholm: 69 stage wins
Loeb: 67 stage wins

[cali]

In 2004, Petter was clearly the fastest driver/car-combo, but unfortunately for him the Impreza wasn't reliable enough, it was amongst others the year with watersplash problems. He lost a lot of points due to that.

If you look at stage wins in 2004 it is absolutely clear:

Petter: 94 stage wins
Grønholm: 69 stage wins
Loeb: 67 stage wins
Yeah, will anyways Markko was clearly fastest in 2003 but never got a chance to the title cause the new Focus 2003 model had too many technical problems.

[Bazza2541]

I alwyays thought if you won a championship in one year, you were considered champion for the next. Is that not so? Did Petters win in 03 not result in him getting car No1 for 04? Or do I have it backwards?

[Psycho!]

In 2004, Petter was clearly the fastest driver/car-combo, but unfortunately for him the Impreza wasn't reliable enough, it was amongst others the year with watersplash problems. He lost a lot of points due to that.

If you look at stage wins in 2004 it is absolutely clear:

Petter: 94 stage wins
Grønholm: 69 stage wins
Loeb: 67 stage wins
Absolutely agree :up: .

[N.O.T]

Can someone please confrim that we live in 2009 ??? 2003-04 are long gone boys grow up....

[lcd]

Can someone please confrim that we live in 2009 ??? 2003-04 are long gone boys grow up....

History rally reviews are good, as we all seem not to be satisfied with
wrc present picture... ;)

[Halvis]

Can someone please confrim that we live in 2009 ??? 2003-04 are long gone boys grow up....

Yes, I'm fully aware of this fact. If you read the previous posts (maybe too much to ask...?) you'll see why I stated the stage wins in 2004.

[A.F.F.]

I'd be highly interested to see if Petter is able to maintain steady top speed and keep up with Sebastien and Mikko if given the right tools??

Petter is still fast, we all know that but is he fast on couple of stages only or throughout the rally? I'd like to believe he'll be a winner option.

[lcd]

...Like that little girl from Greece stated out...
Why you have to be so rude man? :rolleyes:

[A.F.F.]

Why you have to be so rude man? :rolleyes:

Because she has earned it.

[lcd]

Because she has earned it.

Nobody's perfect you know... ;)

[serial jeff]

In 2004, Petter was clearly the fastest driver/car-combo, but unfortunately for him the Impreza wasn't reliable enough, it was amongst others the year with watersplash problems. He lost a lot of points due to that.

If you look at stage wins in 2004 it is absolutely clear:

Petter: 94 stage wins
Grønholm: 69 stage wins
Loeb: 67 stage wins

Ah, I see- I thought that wasn't until 2005. It's been a while since I saw these seasons. Wish I could buy them on DVD, but they seem impossible to obtain over here in Canada.



I'd be highly interested to see if Petter is able to maintain steady top speed and keep up with Sebastien and Mikko if given the right tools??

Petter is still fast, we all know that but is he fast on couple of stages only or throughout the rally? I'd like to believe he'll be a winner option.

Judging by some of his performances this year, I suspect he could surpass Seb and Mikko on gravel if he had a C4/focus. Although I wouldn't count him out entirely even if he's still in the xsara, as long as its performing at its best. We'll have to see what he does with it for the last two rallies, especially GB.

[A.F.F.]

Nobody's perfect you know... ;)

I don't understand what I said wrong?? She is from Greece, right? She is little, right? And what I heard, she is very girly looking, hence the girl. :p :

Much better than calling him as Mr.Mousefart :D

[A.F.F.]

Judging by some of his performances this year, I suspect he could surpass Seb and Mikko on gravel if he had a C4/focus. Although I wouldn't count him out entirely even if he's still in the xsara, as long as its performing at its best. We'll have to see what he does with it for the last two rallies, especially GB.

With all due respect serial jeff, not much can be judged by his performances this year. That unreliabe his car has been. But I agree that rally GB will be an interesting one.

[serial jeff]

With all due respect serial jeff, not much can be judged by his performances this year. That unreliabe his car has been. But I agree that rally GB will be an interesting one.

True, there haven't been enough trouble-free rallies to be certain, but Argentina, Greece and Cyprus spring to mind. He set some good times on the gravel sections of Cyprus, and that was before the car had received a few significant upgrades (eg, diffs and intercooler). And in Argentina or Greece he was often just a couple seconds away from the top stage time.

Still, I agree that judgment must be reserved for GB/next year. :p If he can't get a factory seat in a world rally car I'd be kind of curious to see him switch to S2000 if it could mean he'd have a vehicle matched to those of his competitors.

[SubaruNorway]

Interview with Petter
http://audio.crash.net/radioplayer.asp?radioURL=150910.wma

[lcd]

Interview with Petter...
Thnx 4 the link!

QUESTION:
What does Petter mean, when said In the begging of this Interview,
that rally Finland ''..went better than expected...'' for him ? :D

[Gard]

Thnx 4 the link!

QUESTION:
What does Petter mean, when said In the begging of this Interview,
that rally Finland ''..went better than expected...'' for him ? :D

Petter didn't think the xsara was good enough for podium speed. But citroen surprised with a good engine on friday. Too good... apparently

[lcd]

Day 1 start, was dreamy for Petter Indeed!

[A.F.F.]

I doubt Petter could have maintain that pace. Not as a driver but more importantly, that Xsara is slowly falling a part.

Somebody already said it here but IMO also Petter's smartest move for next year would be change to S2000 :up:

[N.O.T]

Somebody already said it here but IMO also Petter's smartest move for next year would be change to S2000 :up:

why ??

[A.F.F.]

Well, he can't get a competitive package from Citroen and Ford. Anything else from WRC are just leftovers. And next year is last year of current WRC machinery so why waste it and his money by nursing a crap car through the rallies when he could get a top of the line S2000, probably from an official forthcoming team, test it and compete and finally, be ready for 2011.

I bet Citroen and Ford shall have very good cars for S2000 so in order to strike back then, Petter needs to build a team around him with another manufacturer.

[Halvis]

Well, he can't get a competitive package from Citroen and Ford. Anything else from WRC are just leftovers. And next year is last year of current WRC machinery so why waste it and his money by nursing a crap car through the rallies when he could get a top of the line S2000, probably from an official forthcoming team, test it and compete and finally, be ready for 2011.

I bet Citroen and Ford shall have very good cars for S2000 so in order to strike back then, Petter needs to build a team around him with another manufacturer.

Very sensible words, even if it means that he won't fight for WRC wins next year, it's probably very wise for the 2011-season!

[N.O.T]

Well, he can't get a competitive package from Citroen and Ford. Anything else from WRC are just leftovers. And next year is last year of current WRC machinery so why waste it and his money by nursing a crap car through the rallies when he could get a top of the line S2000, probably from an official forthcoming team, test it and compete and finally, be ready for 2011.

I bet Citroen and Ford shall have very good cars for S2000 so in order to strike back then, Petter needs to build a team around him with another manufacturer.

I cannot see this as a wise movement....at least this year he stays in the big picture and gets some air time on tv. Next year he will be against the handless dogs with money in the PWRC and JWRC class....if his goal is to get a manufacturer seat he must stay in the big league...

have you ever seen in any form of sport someone moving down a class and then be selected to lead in the big boys again ?

[A.F.F.]

have you ever seen in any form of sport someone moving down a class and then be selected to lead in the big boys again ?

Yes I have. Mikko Hirvonen for instance.

EDIT: Oh you mean literally moving down a class. Hmmm... give a minute.

[A.F.F.]

Actually, it's not a point of Petter moving down a class, hence everybody else will do so too, only a year later. Petter's spotlight in media would probably be bigger next year since FIA/ISC will introduce S2000 with a cup and dominating it, gives him more seconds than struggling with handycapped car in WRC.

Plus, I'll repeat it. It would be a valuable work for the future. You know Petter is as his best when he is numero uno in the team.

[urabus-denoS2000]

I absolutely agree with A.F.F.

[DonJippo]

Plus, I'll repeat it. It would be a valuable work for the future. You know Petter is as his best when he is numero uno in the team.

Why would it be valuable? No other manufacturer besides Ford and Citroen has confirmed they will be in WRC 2011 so what benefits it would give for him to drive S2000 next year when there is no known team to be number one?

[A.F.F.]

Why would it be valuable? No other manufacturer besides Ford and Citroen has confirmed they will be in WRC 2011 so what benefits it would give for him to drive S2000 next year when there is no known team to be number one?

Do you seriously think that it's going to be that way? That no other team will enter?

The team that enter will get a former champion with a hunger and a huge marketing value in their lineup.

[N.O.T]

at this age and at this stage of his fading career Solberg cannot afford to take a step back and face far inferior competition in cars that would be 30 minutes below the works....also i doubt that the cars to be used in 2011 instead of the WRCs would have many things in common with the s2000 of today or next years.

[Gard]

I actually tend too agree with N.O.T here(didn't think that would ever happen) If Petters sponsors want airtime and are willing to pay the bucks, then WRC is the way to go. If they are planning ahead, maybe s2000 could be wise. Given it's a team that will go the 1.6T route and is a possible title contender

[A.F.F.]

Fair enough. I think otherwise. I think the sponsors follow Petter, not the car.

[JFL]

If Petter leaves WRC, and starts in ...let's say IRC, or ERC, or LeMans, I think the norwegian broadcasters will follow him anyway...

[DonJippo]

Do you seriously think that it's going to be that way? That no other team will enter?

Sure there will be others somewhere in the future but we are four months away from 2010 and none other brand has come forward to say we will join WRC 2010, 2011 or even later so what good it would do for Petter to drive in category "others"?

[Donney]

At least they can guess that in a new category they all have the same chances at the title, whereas in WRC....

[serial jeff]

Fair enough. I think otherwise. I think the sponsors follow Petter, not the car.

As do I. Personally, I'd start following IRC if Petter joined it. I think he and his sponsors would get more attention by winning a S2000 championship than by trying to be 'best of the rest' behind the factory WRC drivers.

I suspect, though, that more companies will make a 1.6T WRC car for 2011/2012. Smaller displacement engines are the future as hybrids and other technologies get more popular.

[A.F.F.]

Sure there will be others somewhere in the future but we are four months away from 2010 and none other brand has come forward to say we will join WRC 2010, 2011 or even later so what good it would do for Petter to drive in category "others"?

I think I've already answered that.....

[Sulland]

If Petter decide he want to take the long term option to put him in a team for 2011 that can give him a winning car, and build the team up from nothing or S2000 to top WRC contender - what manufacturers(s) should he talk to or choose ?

[A.F.F.]

Didn't Proton already showed some interest with co-operation with Petter ?

[Francis44]

From what i understood Solberg thinks IRC is a great championship but he is not really interested in competing in it...
He's a driver that lives from the image, he needs air time, and on IRC you can barely see drivers face's. Only the top 3 give some interviews. I had to go on youtube to see who was Guy wilks!!!!

[traxx]

Solberg is going to test the C4 !!
http://wrc.is.free.fr/posts/2009/08/17/1047-petter-solberg-va-tester-la-c4

[Sarac330d]

From what i understood Solberg thinks IRC is a great championship but he is not really interested in competing in it...
He's a driver that lives from the image, he needs air time, and on IRC you can barely see drivers face's. Only the top 3 give some interviews. I had to go on youtube to see who was Guy wilks!!!!

In WRC also only top 3-4 drivers give interviews for television.

[Koppomsbo]

From what i understood Solberg thinks IRC is a great championship but he is not really interested in competing in it...
He's a driver that lives from the image, he needs air time, and on IRC you can barely see drivers face's. Only the top 3 give some interviews. I had to go on youtube to see who was Guy wilks!!!!

In IRC ive seen Inboard LIVE from whole stages, isnt a big possiblity to Petter to be seen in Pictures?

[Donney]

Well a big name like Petter Solberg would bring new life to IRC and if he got decent result he'd have as much air time as he wanted.

[A.F.F.]

Toni Gardemeister told MTV3 that he is interested both, IRC and S2000 cup next year if he is able to build a proper package. So in that light, I can imagine Petter has at least thought about them too.

[pino]

Toni Gardemeister told MTV3 that he is interested both, IRC and S2000 cup next year if he is able to build a proper package. So in that light, I can imagine Petter has at least thought about them too.

If both will join IRC than that Chanpionship will be as exciting as WRC :D

[Gard]

Well a big name like Petter Solberg would bring new life to IRC and if he got decent result he'd have as much air time as he wanted.

IRC and airtime? you are joking. It's Eurosport only

[Sulland]

Maybe Petter should give Gigi Galli a call ?

That would be an interesting combo !

_______________

Regarding Airtime in IRC; Yes it is only eurosport, but they will send 9 hrs from Barum - Not bad ?
http://www.ircseries.com/html/readNews.asp?id=1276

[RS]

I would like to see Petter in IRC but I don't think it's a good choice for him. If he wins everybody would say "well we expected him to" and if he doesn't then he might "devalue the brand"

If he wants to go S2000, maybe he should try the FIAs new S2000 Cup. Judging by jWRC and pWRC there will be no publicity, but it would be cheaper than struggling in an old Xsara or paying Malcolm for the privelege.

[traxx]

Today Petter C4 test on Gravel :
http://wrc.is.free.fr/posts/2009/08/19/1048-petter-solberg-au-volant-de-la-c4

[Donney]

IRC and airtime? you are joking. It's Eurosport only

So far yes, we don't know what may happen if big names arrive and more broadcasters start showing some interest.

[Tomi]

If both will join IRC than that Chanpionship will be as exciting as WRC :D

Actually AFF forgot to mention that Garde's aim is for the Super 2000 cup, saying that its the cheapest and make most sence, if it will become true.

[MJW]

After years of doubt about WRC, I think the tide is turning and WRC will prevail, I guess IRC will start to loose its position from 2011 if the new manufacturers join WRC. Even in 2010, with a little clever work with rules and promotion, e.g. equal points being given for S2K cup as the 2 WRC manufacturers, we could have an exciting season. Maybe Garde, Galli, Atko, PG etc, also Kimi would run in S2K cup. If each of those get 'top points' for a win in their class, and say Loeb gets 'top point' in the WRC clas maybe we will have an exciting conclusion. It would bring in a bit of variety to see a few Fiesta's Abarths, Skoda's and Protons, it would also be good for the 'motorsport economy' with teams, mechanics and engineers also being required.

[RS]

Actually AFF forgot to mention that Garde's aim is for the Super 2000 cup, saying that its the cheapest and make most sence, if it will become true.

Might be easier to win too ;)

[MikeD]

Today Petter C4 test on Gravel :
http://wrc.is.free.fr/posts/2009/08/19/1048-petter-solberg-au-volant-de-la-c4

Looks like Peter will be part of Citroëns title plans in GB.

[Tomi]

Might be easier to win too ;)

maybe, on the other hand he was close to win monte, in a car, sorry old fiat, that worked ok for 1 day.
Actually it shows where the drivers really want to drive, sofar i have never heard any driver saying that their goal as drivers would be irc, but many has said they aim for WRC.

[MJW]

I agree with Tomi - the IRC series is a substitute for those who due to lack of seats and / or money to buy their drives are forced to IRC. Having said that IRC does have more manufactureres and therefore seats, paid drivers or bought drives with a lot less money than it takes to get a bought wrc seat, and more of an even chance to win, (in a 'private' team car)

[DonJippo]

I agree with Tomi - the IRC series is a substitute for those who due to lack of seats and / or money to buy their drives are forced to IRC. Having said that IRC does have more manufactureres and therefore seats, paid drivers or bought drives with a lot less money than it takes to get a bought wrc seat, and more of an even chance to win, (in a 'private' team car)

How many IRC events have been won by a private team car?

[MJW]

How many IRC events have been won by a private team car?

Ha Ha - shows I dont really follow it!!!!(IRC that is)

[traxx]

C4 Test by Petter Pix :
http://wrc.is.free.fr/posts/2009/08/19/1049-photos-petter-a-bord-de-la-c4

[DonJippo]

Ha Ha - shows I dont really follow it!!!!(IRC that is)

Neither do I but as people are saying in IRC you can win it even with a private team car I was wondering how many events have been won by such car?

[noel157]

C4 Test by Petter Pix :
http://wrc.is.free.fr/posts/2009/08/19/1049-photos-petter-a-bord-de-la-c4

I suspect that particular C4 has never gone so fast......

[rsmith16]

Neither do I but as people are saying in IRC you can win it even with a private team car I was wondering how many events have been won by such car?

If you mean by teams that are not like Citroen or Ford in teh WRC then just about every Peugeot win...

[RS]

maybe, on the other hand he was close to win monte, in a car, sorry old fiat, that worked ok for 1 day.
Actually it shows where the drivers really want to drive, sofar i have never heard any driver saying that their goal as drivers would be irc, but many has said they aim for WRC.

I doubt many drivers aim will be for 'S2000 World Cup' either.

Toni did ok on Monte, he wasn't very quick but as you say he did have some problems with the car.

It's a shame that Abarth didn't replace Alen with Toni early in the season. Toni could probably have made a better contribution and would be good enough for tarmac too.

[Tomi]

I doubt many drivers aim will be for 'S2000 World Cup' either.

Thats not the point, the idea is that they drive the right stages so that if they someday get a chanse to drive workscar, they wont be total novises what comes to the roads and notes.
Also they get better recogniced by the teams, if they do well, being in the same events.

[Sulland]

My guess is that if Petter gets a C4 for WRC in 10, then he will include 1 S2000 car in his team, with Andreas "Fox" Mikkelsen in that one, with PS WRT preparing with a manufacturer, that will field a team in 2011.

Hard to speculate, but I think Proton is in the frame !

[DonJippo]

If you mean by teams that are not like Citroen or Ford in teh WRC then just about every Peugeot win...

So which are then the 5 manufacture teams in IRC if Peugeot is ran by private ones?

[WRCS14]

Surely Petters test of the C4 now is to ensure to stop him from entering rally GB with M Sport, he would be much your useful under Citroen managements control.

[A.F.F.]

Actually AFF forgot to mention that Garde's aim is for the Super 2000 cup, saying that its the cheapest and make most sence, if it will become true.

Actually I didn't ;)


Toni Gardemeister told MTV3 that he is interested both, IRC and S2000 cup next year if he is able to build a proper package. So in that light, I can imagine Petter has at least thought about them too.

[alleskids]

So which are then the 5 manufacture teams in IRC if Peugeot is ran by private ones?

Peugeot Sport is involved in IRC (Sarrazin in Monte Carlo this year) but most of all supplies clients with full tech cars/enginees. Peugoet offeres clients a real change to fight for victory, for every client, from every country and every team. Skoda and Fiat are also offering the fullpack to cliens, without a need to control them so they can manupulate the score. IRC is like F1, only suppling stuff, not manupulation the teams.
IRC may be a second rated series compared to a real WRC, but WRC has not been a real WRC for many tears. Only the name is left of it, and many drives only want that name, not the fun of a competitive series with a competitive cars. Galli and Gardemeister and Solberg should open their eyes and try IRC. They would be surprised of the quality of the dirvers their.

[skarderud]

petter will join citroen in a factory c4 the two last rallies this season!
the deal is to be between seb og mikko :)
when petter have 1 minute lead in wales, i doubt he will brake in loeb to give the victory to him, but we'll see :)

[JFL]

Thats awsome!
Maybe N.O.T can give us some more information about it?
Did you talk to anyone around him or him? Or do U have a link?

[skarderud]

Thats awsome!
Maybe N.O.T can give us some more information about it?
Did you talk to anyone around him or him? Or do U have a link?

talked to people very close to him, so this is true!
NOT will probably have something intelligent to say about this :rolleyes:

henning has also got a new 3 year deal with expert, so we'll see him for 3 more years!
will he still be a part of fords b-team, od will he find something other teams/classes to spend his money on?

[jimakos]

henning has also got a new 3 year deal with expert, so we'll see him for 3 more years!
will he still be a part of fords b-team, od will he find something other teams/classes to spend his money on?
Great news for Henning!
Really nice driver and would like to watch him for some more years ;)

[ste898]

petter will join citroen in a factory c4 the two last rallies this season!
the deal is to be between seb og mikko :)
when petter have 1 minute lead in wales, i doubt he will brake in loeb to give the victory to him, but we'll see :)

Well they may as well give Citroen the titles now save the teams some money....

Was Malcolm sitting with his finger up his arse sulking about Petter leaving Ford years ago!!!!

[Daniel]

Well they may as well give Citroen the titles now save the teams some money....

Was Malcolm sitting with his finger up his arse sulking about Petter leaving Ford years ago!!!!
Ste, I'm glad you're starting to see why some people don't like Malcolm :) I've always maintained that no team should have the amount of money spent on it as Ford has had in the last few decades and not take a driver to a title.......

[Tomi]

Well they may as well give Citroen the titles now save the teams some money....

Was Malcolm sitting with his finger up his arse sulking about Petter leaving Ford years ago!!!!

lol, are you seriously this worried?

[Gard]

Petter was in a meeting with MW all friday. But if Citroen has given PSWRT a free car for the last rally and a promise for 2009 spec next year, that is hard to resist.

[WRCS14]

Wow if this Citroen deal is correct I really hope it works out for him. Petter has had a tough couple of years. I only hope he brings all his sponsers with him that he gained this year to allow him to compete in nearly every round in a privately run car.

[Halvis]

petter will join citroen in a factory c4 the two last rallies this season!
the deal is to be between seb og mikko :)
when petter have 1 minute lead in wales, i doubt he will brake in loeb to give the victory to him, but we'll see :)

This it not confirmed anywhere, so I ill await that before I cheer.

According to an article in VG, he was shocked after the test on tuesday, the C4 was so different to drive. It doesn't say in which way different, otherwise than much better! He also says that after testing the C4 he has decided that if he doesn't get access to a car that is competetive he won't drive next year. The article also mentions the Ford alternative, but it seems that the Citroen is his first choice.

It also says that it will not be a factory car, but still be run by his own team, so he won't be able get manu points.

Link to article in norwegian:

http://www.vg.no/sport/motor/artikkel.php?artid=570534

[OldF]

“Requires 2009-car of the Ford and Citroën - and will probably get it” => Big words

He’s also demanding full control of the setups of his car.

If that also include the ECU setups, he can forget it. That’s not available even for money.

[ste898]

Originally Posted by ste898
Well they may as well give Citroen the titles now save the teams some money....

Was Malcolm sitting with his finger up his arse sulking about Petter leaving Ford years ago!!!!


lol, are you seriously this worried?

No not worried at all just commenting (as I have far more important things going on in my world....)

[Gard]

“Requires 2009-car of the Ford and Citroën - and will probably get it” => Big words

He’s also demanding full control of the setups of his car.

If that also include the ECU setups, he can forget it. That’s not available even for money.

Agree. Citroen is running the engine in the Xsara, so it's possibly a similar deal. Hopefully with a top spec C4.

[serial jeff]

Agree. Citroen is running the engine in the Xsara, so it's possibly a similar deal. Hopefully with a top spec C4.

If he does get to drive a C4 (still a big if) I suspect it'll be top spec or nearly top spec... after all, it'd be kind of pointless to give him an uncompetitive car. Giving him a C4 indicates that they want him to do something with it, unless they just want to keep him out of a Focus.

[MJW]

Autosport.com today publishes the story about Petter's meeting at M-Sport last friday. Petter said it was teh first time he had been back there since the split in 2000 and made some 'nice' comments. The decision has to be taken before Thursday as entries for Spain close. I wonder if Loeb will have any influence on the offer from Citroen?

[MikeD]

Autosport.com today publishes the story about Petter's meeting at M-Sport last friday. Petter said it was teh first time he had been back there since the split in 2000 and made some 'nice' comments. The decision has to be taken before Thursday as entries for Spain close. I wonder if Loeb will have any influence on the offer from Citroen?

It's like a poker game, isn't it? I don't think that neither Ford nor Citroën has any special desire to have Petter Solberg, but they for sure don't want him to drive for their rival in case he's able to have an effect on any of the championships.

In a way Citroën needs him for GB to let him run for manu points instead of Sordo, and Ford needs him for Spain instead of Latvala.

Personally I hope he gets a Citroën, but my money is on Ford signing him first.

[Psycho!]

Even in C4 or a Focus I can't believe that he will be faster than Loeb or Hirvonen in either rallies...These two guys drive the cars for three years and I can't imagine that Petter will be able to beat them with just a test or two under his belt...

[serial jeff]

Even in C4 or a Focus I can't believe that he will be faster than Loeb or Hirvonen in either rallies...These two guys drive the cars for three years and I can't imagine that Petter will be able to beat them with just a test or two under his belt...

Maybe, but GB is still 3 months away. If he does get a ride and some decent testing time, I suspect he'd be in the top for GB (but not Spain).

[WRCS14]

I agree with MikeD. I like Petter as I believe he,s had a tough time last few years and I hope he bennifits outa this whole situation, just as long he doesnt dump his sponsors and team from this year all of a sudden.

[Barreis]

P.Solberg is good businesman except that lost money from Subaru contract..

[Psycho!]

Petter WILL be in Spain according to autosport!!The only thing that remains is the car...He will decide this week...(?)

[DonJippo]

According to an article in VG, he was shocked after the test on tuesday, the C4 was so different to drive. It doesn't say in which way different, otherwise than much better!

Just shows what really is the development pace in WRC even some have tried to assure otherwise.

[jimakos]

Petter WILL be in Spain according to autosport!!The only thing that remains is the car...He will decide this week...(?)


Great news!I believe he will run with the C4 finally.
The only sure is that he'll participate with citroen :D

[Barreis]

It's really stupid that ex world champ musts pay lot of money to drive..

[MJW]

The autosport.com story to me hints it will be a Focus. If you were in Petter's position and given the choice who would you trust the most, to treat you fairly Malcolm or Quensel / Loeb?
Surely it is a commercial deal, and I can see complications, Ford is sponsored by BP, the second team is Stobart a trucking company, - Petter is sponsored by a trucking / boating company (Johs Lunde) and Shell. On the other hand Citroen is sponsored by Total and Red Bull, (I am not sure if Red Bull is sold in Norway, as some countries restrict its sale)

[Micke_VOC]

The autosport.com story to me hints it will be a Focus. If you were in Petter's position and given the choice who would you trust the most, to treat you fairly Malcolm or Quensel / Loeb?
Surely it is a commercial deal, and I can see complications, Ford is sponsored by BP, the second team is Stobart a trucking company, - Petter is sponsored by a trucking / boating company (Johs Lunde) and Shell. On the other hand Citroen is sponsored by Total and Red Bull, (I am not sure if Red Bull is sold in Norway, as some countries restrict its sale)

Red Bull are now sold in Norway, was forbidden to May 2009.

[JFL]

I don't see why that should be a problem anyway? Alcohol and tobacco sponsors are not allowed either in Norway.. Petter had them both when he drove for Subaru...(555-BAT and Corona)

[MikeD]

The autosport.com story to me hints it will be a Focus.

I agree - but he has to play his cards a little further than for just those 2 events IMHO. He has a pack of pretty strong sponsors, so he should be able to negotiate at deal for at least any one of the M2 teams for next year.


If you were in Petter's position and given the choice who would you trust the most, to treat you fairly Malcolm or Quensel / Loeb?

He won't be treated fair in any of the teams. They will use him strategially if they can.

[Koppomsbo]

I don't see why that should be a problem anyway? Alcohol and tobacco sponsors are not allowed either in Norway.. Petter had them both when he drove for Subaru...(555-BAT and Corona)

I think he ment that maybe not Shell would like that BP/TOTAL thing..

[Finni]

Just shows what really is the development pace in WRC even some have tried to assure otherwise.

I believe there was some complications in Petter's Xsara dealings so his Xsara didin't represent what it could have been. The telling fact is thaqt even Mikkelsen out of nowehre was able to drive stage times near to Petter with old Fabia! Not to mention Per Andersson. Maybe only Finland's friday was representative and it was short story. If one compares Petter's friday pace in Finland and Poland there is drastical difference.

Of course I am not saying that Xsara is par to Focus or C4 after three years. But i can't be nearly as bad as it looked with Petter.

[jonas_mcrae]

P.Solberg is good businesman except that lost money from Subaru contract..

Lost money??? hahaha more like he EARNED money, i agree he lost the result he wanted but money, no way

[janvanvurpa]

Just shows what really is the development pace in WRC even some have tried to assure otherwise.

Really?
Is there someplace to compare "winner's average km/hr " in the last few years?

Something to put real numbers to the idea?

Just curious, not arguing.

Thing I think is bad is concrete info and even good clear photos of the DETAILS of the cars is so lacking.

Oh well I gotta go work on some parts for ancient Volvo F-cup type cars.....poor me.

[DonJippo]

Really?
Is there someplace to compare "winner's average km/hr " in the last few years?

Something to put real numbers to the idea?

Just curious, not arguing.

Real numbers? Only what Petter has said and afterall he has driven these cars so he should know ...

[Sulland]

http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/77983

Seems like Petter has options for both 09 and 10 !

[JFL]

"We would look to run him in a 2008-specification car, we can't put him in the '09 car." Why is that??????

[noel157]

"We would look to run him in a 2008-specification car, we can't put him in the '09 car." Why is that??????

M1 - 09. M2 - 08 I think, no?

I suspect Petter could've done all that over the phone from home:

MW - "Hi Petter"
PS - "Hi Malcolm"
PS - "Ok, how much?, you're joking, aren't you?"
MW - "That's the best we can do, full discount too, very special price just for you Petter".
PS - "Right then, I'll let you know......Bye"

[macksrallye]

From what i understand in regards to homologation (which is limited) all privateers & M2 teams have to run older cars as they are fully homologated where-as the "current" car is constantly being developed so there is no homologation as such which allows for M-Sport & Co to develop the cars as they go. Another great FIA/ISC initiative.

[JFL]

I tried to explain that in another thread(or maybe this one) earlier, but I only got bashed... So there you go...4 possible winning cars in the WRC.. Way to go..

[gloomyDAY]

I tried to explain that in another thread(or maybe this one) earlier, but I only got bashed... So there you go...4 possible winning cars in the WRC.. Way to go..I remember you posted that idea. The counterarguments, well.... :rolleyes:

You'd think that the forum-ers were in Olivier's or Malcolm's wallet.


From what i understand in regards to homologation (which is limited) all privateers & M2 teams have to run older cars as they are fully homologated where-as the "current" car is constantly being developed so there is no homologation as such which allows for M-Sport & Co to develop the cars as they go. Another great FIA/ISC initiative.Excellent observation. :up:

Two teams just keep choking the competition.

[janvanvurpa]

Real numbers? Only what Petter has said and afterall he has driven these cars so he should know ...

The stopwatch should know better.