Petter Solberg WRT [Archive] - Page 8

L5->R5/CR

30th November 2010, 14:42

Maybe this could be very good. Citroen has proven to be outstanding at higher altitude. The Fords struggled big time with the altitude, last year.

The Ford's struggled with the whole set up.

Pikes Peak is its own beast.

If Petter is serious the car will hit the US ports in May so he can do some pre-event testing on the mountain to get the set up right.

OldF

30th November 2010, 17:12

Petter keeping an C4 for Pikes Peak??

http://latulasport.es/index.php/wrc/1109-petter-solberg-quiere-batir-el-record-en-el-pikes-peak.html

Pikes Peak is crazy.

Look about 3:min and 3:50

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

N.O.T

30th November 2010, 19:25

yeah it was in the old days...now a big part of it is tarmac

Halvis

30th November 2010, 19:47

An anecdote from another Norwegian, Mr. Rallycross, Martin Schanche participated in 1984, this is copied from another forum - in a discussion about Michele Mouton:

She was already at the Pikes Peak in 1984 and won the Open Rally category, together with Fabrizia Pons in an Audi Sport quattro, but with some strange behaviour she was all but a likable person/woman for the Americans… (And in 1985 she went even more naughty!) However, "Mister Rallycross" Martin Schanche was there as well, with his by then quite new Ford Escort Mk3 4WD (with 560+bhp Zakspeed engine and the first ever Xtrac 4WD system). In practise he was much quicker than Mouton and the big Audi Sport team became really nervous. BTW, Schanche was alone, not even one mechanic with him, and had driven his Escort XR3 with the necessary lamps around and Norwegian licence plates on the road from the airport to Pikes Peak and after the event back to the airport again. After about 1/3 of the official race Schanche was clocked 11 seconds faster than Mouton – but only a little later got a puncture (front, right). He pressed on regardless to the finish and was hailed by the mad going commentator as the first racer ever to reach the Pikes Peak summit on three wheels – but his time was absolutely useless of course and the Rally class victory went to Mouton/Pons (Bill Brister was the overall winner that year).

Ah, Martin, you gave us quit some moments back in the 80's.

MJW

30th November 2010, 19:48

yeah it was in the old days...now a big part of it is tarmac

And after this next 2011 running it will be all tarmac by 2012

TyPat107

30th November 2010, 21:34

I believe for next year only 1 mile of dirt.

JFL

1st December 2010, 00:09

Ah, Martin, you gave us quit some moments back in the 80's.

He sure did, and also in the 90's and early 00's-- And even in the late 70's....

L5->R5/CR

1st December 2010, 14:42

I believe for next year only 1 mile of dirt.

Sounds like about 1.3 miles will be left :(

Halvis

1st December 2010, 16:00

He sure did, and also in the 90's and early 00's-- And even in the late 70's....

Of course.

It should also be noted that he competed in a more or less self-built car - against the whole Audi team with all their resources...

Viking

6th December 2010, 09:39

Petter will drive IRC Monte Carlo for Peugeot :up:

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

"This is a one–time arrangement, and I have no plans for a future in the IRC. My plan is still to be in the WRC, and fight for the championship in 2011."

N.O.T

6th December 2010, 10:28

very nice....its going to be a good comparison with the rest of the IRC field.

alleskids

6th December 2010, 11:20

It is a big surprise. I though Olivier Quensell did not give a damn for Rallye Monte Carlo, because there is no live outside the WRC sprint events.
Looks like Rallye Monte carlo will the start and the hightlight of he 2011 rally season. Hopefully Ford will be sending a great team too

PS The manufacturer team will run the car ?? Works team are forbidden in IRC by Quensell?!

ridder

6th December 2010, 11:55

Viking

6th December 2010, 12:12

PS The manufacturer team will run the car ?? Works team are forbidden in IRC by Quensell?!

Peugeot French dealers’ network ;)

bluuford

6th December 2010, 14:08

Petter has never done well in Monte. Picking wrong tires just about every time (Kopecky-syndrome) as well as crashing. That combined with the 207 being slower than Evo 2 Fabia doesn't make me think he'll get a good result.

Quesnel knows all this, so the choice is even more surprising. Ogier would do better and get more publicity in France no?

Well, Petter has started Monte 8 times and retired 4 times. He has never been higher than on the fifth place :-) So, there is nothing to loose. Even fourth place would be his best ever position in Monte :-) The risk is when they send Loeb. When he is not winning then there comes the question. Is the IRC tougher? But when they send Solberg who hasn't even seen the lowest step of the podium in Monte.. (even when he was a champion) then there is nothing to loose :-)

FabiaFan

6th December 2010, 14:59

Well, Petter has started Monte 8 times and retired 4 times. He has never been higher than on the fifth place :-) So, there is nothing to loose. Even fourth place would be his best ever position in Monte :-) The risk is when they send Loeb. When he is not winning then there comes the question. Is the IRC tougher? But when they send Solberg who hasn't even seen the lowest step of the podium in Monte.. (even when he was a champion) then there is nothing to loose :-)

And I think both Loeb and Ogier concentrate like real professionals 100% on the start of the season with a new car... That's why I believe neither Hirvonen will start.

ridder

6th December 2010, 15:29

Well, Petter has started Monte 8 times and retired 4 times. He has never been higher than on the fifth place :-) So, there is nothing to loose. Even fourth place would be his best ever position in Monte :-) The risk is when they send Loeb. When he is not winning then there comes the question. Is the IRC tougher? But when they send Solberg who hasn't even seen the lowest step of the podium in Monte.. (even when he was a champion) then there is nothing to loose :-)

Yes, this way they can always easily blame the driver without risking reputation of their main team drivers and/or the reputation of the car.

MJW

6th December 2010, 15:44

And I think both Loeb and Ogier concentrate like real professionals 100% on the start of the season with a new car... That's why I believe neither Hirvonen will start.
Hirvonen wont start because he will be embarassed by how much he is off the pace. Sure he won last year in MSport new Fiesta but I reckon if he had finished Ogier would have beaten him. Cant risk that again in 2011.

Mirek

6th December 2010, 16:00

Hirvonen wont start because he will be embarassed by how much he is off the pace. Sure he won last year in MSport new Fiesta but I reckon if he had finished Ogier would have beaten him. Cant risk that again in 2011.

I don't think so but anyway it's a pity because this year he would be on Michelin tyres like all others.

koko0703

6th December 2010, 16:13

Good to see Petter going back to Monte although Monte is definitely not his favorite.

OldF

6th December 2010, 16:18

BTW, has Petter had a change to test the new WRC cars?

N.O.T

6th December 2010, 16:52

he tested the citroen one for sure...

Fide

7th December 2010, 13:36

What will finally do Petter on 2011 ??????????????????

As per attached, seems he is in good terms with Citroen managers....

Olivier Quesnel, director of Citroën Racing and Peugeot Sport, have hired Petter Solberg as a guest-driver for the 2011 IRC opening event Rallye Monte-Carlo. Petter Solberg will drive a Peugeot 207 Super 2000 car.
- I was very surprised when Olivier Quesnel, director of Citroën Racing and Peugeot Sport, contacted me and asked if I would be a guest-driver for the 2011 IRC Rallye Monte-Carlo in January, says Petter Solberg. – Of course I had to accept! The manufacturer team will run the car, and they wanted to hire me for this event to secure a good result for the team. As for me, this means more competitive kilometres in a rally car and a new experience, as I have not entered an IRC event before. There is also live coverage of some of the stages, which will be exciting. This is a one–time arrangement, and I have no plans for a future in the IRC. My plan is still to be in the WRC, and fight for the championship in 2011

alleskids

7th December 2010, 14:55

Petter is always welcom at Citroen.... as long as he pays enough. The S2000 for Monte Carlo does not costs that much extra for Peugeot (dealer team France :) . It is more using Petter for publicity then warming up a 2011 deal. If Petter has succes, Citroen can claim that the IRC is second class rally beaten by a Citoen driver. If he fails, they stiill have succes as they do with Kimi Raikkonen

8th December 2010, 03:54

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Tom206wrc

10th December 2010, 15:56

Anyway, good luck to Petter and Chris for their new challenge in Monte-Carlo next month :bounce:

Tomi

11th December 2010, 12:27

I don't think so but anyway it's a pity because this year he would be on Michelin tyres like all others.

Same here, I also belive works drivers drives where they are told to drive, what comes to last years monte both Mikko and Juho played quite safe with the tyre choises, Mikko also did not value the win very high, after all the entry makes the rally, not the name of the rally.

Tom206wrc

11th December 2010, 16:45

Petter just beat his older brother and Sébastien(Ogier)at the Findomestic Bettega Night Stage in Bologna this evening :D

Tom206wrc

12th December 2010, 12:15

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t_1ySjTkQ8s

Great showman again, Petter at the end :D

AndyRAC

12th December 2010, 13:02

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t_1ySjTkQ8s

Great showman again, Petter at the end :D

And a great driver.......!!! So what is he up to next year.....(apart from Monte-Carlo) ???? The sport doesn't help itself, does it??? There shouldn't be no doubt about what he is doing next year. He/we should know.....

pettersolberg29

12th December 2010, 16:03

Petter v. Ogier in the final again. Petter just posted on his page:
"Its been an exciting day in Bologna, with mechanics and engineer being extremely creative! And that goes for other teams personnel as well. Agree, CJT?!?"

Anyone know what this means? Is it a hint to the Citroen Junior Team to sign him up?!

edit: Just lost the final due to a mistake on the final circuit, losing 6 seconds.

TyPat107

16th December 2010, 04:58

Petter Showing off some of his car collection, talking Pikes Peak and hinting at next year

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8J0XifGj-qk&feature=player_embedded

Motorsportfun

16th December 2010, 11:16

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t_1ySjTkQ8s

Great showman again, Petter at the end :D

http://www.motormedia.tv/video/motormedia-racing-show/finali-memorial-bettega

here's the tv live coverage

27th December 2010, 11:01

Still nothing, why is Petter waiting so long every time?
My bet is that hpe will come in a fiesta, even if the DS3 will be best, he is pissed off by the froglegeaters and their policy, maybe he will join forces with Mads?

Xsara Fan

27th December 2010, 13:57

Viking

27th December 2010, 17:01

"but he promises that success with his own private team this season will be continued next year.

- The dream is to win the World Championship on my own. I know it's possible, but it is difficult says the world champion from 2003."

Sulland

27th December 2010, 17:55

Ok, so that is official confirmed - PSWRT will continue in 2011.

So then it just remain to see if it is DS3 or Fiesta?

Maybe a poll ?

MJW

27th December 2010, 18:11

PSWRT will continue in 2011

MJW

27th December 2010, 18:12

My guess is that it will be DS3, but that is not finalised, (yet)

Zeakiwi

27th December 2010, 18:17

I would prefer to see PS in a Tommi Makinen Subaru. There would not need to be the same level of money to run.
He could do European IRC and WRC and spend more time at home.

MJW

27th December 2010, 18:20

It will be Monte IRC, WRC plus Pikes Peak

alleskids

27th December 2010, 20:39

Gard

28th December 2010, 10:47

Petter has said PSWRT will continue in 2011. Who the driver will be, is not yet known :-) It is also a possibility that PSWRT is "rented" to Citroen (Ford) as a part of the deal.

aykutbilir

28th December 2010, 10:51

No way that Citroen or Ford or Mini will give their brand new cars to privateer teams and run the risk of giving their secrets away. On world rally level privateer teams have only S-WRC, PWRC or IRC to go. PSWRT will NOT get a DS3, Countryman or Fiesta WRC

You sure of this?
Ford already give Mads Ostberg and Dennis Kuipers private teams their Fiesta WRC (mean soon deliver them)
And Citroen have an agreement with Van Merkstein Jr.& Sr.. Of course DS3 WRC's of privateers never be identical with Works team.

Also Prodrive already have an agrement with Grifone about running Private Mini WRCs.

alleskids

28th December 2010, 11:43

I had the impression that the client drivers only rent the car, and M-Sport , Citroen racing and Prodrive run the car with their own mecanics and engineers. Ostberg's Adapt team bought a Fiesta S2000, not a Fiesta WRCar. Van Merksteijns DS3 is run by Citroen Junior, which probarly will change it's name to Citroen Paying Client Team

Salist

28th December 2010, 11:46

"Citroen Paying Client Team" - It's a good name. :)

Barreis

28th December 2010, 12:18

+1 (without smile)..

OldF

28th December 2010, 13:45

Private View of Petter Solberg's Car Collection Dec 2010

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8J0XifGj-qk&feature=player_embedded

He has few of them.

rage82

28th December 2010, 14:10

Private View of Petter Solberg's Car Collection Dec 2010

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8J0XifGj-qk&feature=player_embedded

He has few of them.

Great video. Peter has a really nice collection :s mokin:

Woodeye

1st January 2011, 09:34

http://www.maxrally.com/news/entry/solberg_finding_funding_tougher_than_ever/

Hard to find sponsors, hard to get a drive.

I'd really like to know what and when Petter has done something that prevents him to get a proper ride from Citroen or from Ford. If someone as crap as Sordo has been driving years for Citroen, why not Petter? There must be something that has happened behind the scenes.

wrcnut

1st January 2011, 09:44

Petter drove for Ford early in his career and then left to go to Subaru. He was offered a Focus for last season but decided to go with Citroen as he saw he had a better chance with them. Best move for then. Not so good now.....

Tomi

1st January 2011, 10:32

I'd really like to know what and when Petter has done something that prevents him to get a proper ride from Citroen or from Ford.

There is many different ways to move from team to other, Petters has maybe not been the smartest ones, also throwing in the towel like he did in 1000 Lakes starting sunbathing on the hood, was maybe funny for his fans, but not so good for the team to put many peoples work and millions of money in the drain purely for egoistics reasons.

alleskids

1st January 2011, 12:54

[quote="Woodeye"]

Firstly, he choose for loyalty to Prodrive/Subaru 2003-2008. After 2008 there were only 2 factory team, with only 4 seats available. Or actualy 3, no one is touching Loebs seat, leaving out 1@Citroen and 2@Ford.

*Citroen had Sordo, who was doing an excelent job as wingman. Solberg would never play second fiddle, which is the only available job in the Frech team for a non Frenchman.

* Ford had 2 Fins with a bright shining future doing an excelent job.

Solberg was after 2008 in the wrong place at the wrong time, with no factory seats available leaving no other option then being a privateer in WRC. Which means bringing money to teams, instead of getting money from factory teams. And money was hard to get when the world economie had a big blow.

bassist

1st January 2011, 13:07

1st January 2011. and still nothing firm about Petters WRC chances! has anyone got a clue whats happening???? Monte IRC is great, and maybe a good clue, but is anyone going to break cover??

MJW

1st January 2011, 13:25

Firstly, he choose for loyalty to Prodrive/Subaru 2003-2008. After 2008 there were only 2 factory team, with only 4 seats available. Or actualy 3, no one is touching Loebs seat, leaving out 1@Citroen and 2@Ford.

*Citroen had Sordo, who was doing an excelent job as wingman. Solberg would never play second fiddle, which is the only available job in the Frech team for a non Frenchman.

* Ford had 2 Fins with a bright shining future doing an excelent job.

Solberg was after 2008 in the wrong place at the wrong time, with no factory seats available leaving no other option then being a privateer in WRC. Which means bringing money to teams, instead of getting money from factory teams. And money was hard to get when the world economie had a big blow.

Spot on assessment.
PS turned down an offer from Citroen in 2003 for the 04 season onwards, at the time it looked like it would be wise to stay at SWRT. Staying at SWRT did however make him (very) financially secure.

bluuford

1st January 2011, 15:41

So, at the moment it seems that Solberg PR machine is working at his best. So, who talks about S.Loeb or S. Ogier.. ah jeah right they drive Citroen like they have done for last x seasons.
Solberg? much more interesting topic. You know, he might drive for Ford or Citroen or maybe even WTCC or maybe even Le Manse?..wait..lets talk more about him.. Everybody who are interested in WTCC, Le Manse, Ford, Citroen, WRC and now even IRC are interested about his everyday work.. that is publicity, exposure etc..
Good job. Everything might be decided already but it is still valuable horse to sell...

Barreis

1st January 2011, 16:09

They want him to hire the car.. And what's that - only loosing.. Now at least he has cars from last two seasons..

vkangas

1st January 2011, 19:45

Solberg to autosport:
"At the moment it’s tough in the WRC, so I am exploring other possibilities and the biggest of those is the WTCC.”

http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/88788

rallyfiend

1st January 2011, 20:25

Solberg to autosport:
"At the moment it’s tough in the WRC, so I am exploring other possibilities and the biggest of those is the WTCC.”

http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/88788

His 'biggest' option is the only motorsport with less manufacturers than the WRC. That's a bit dire!

Rallyper

1st January 2011, 20:35

Petter also said the other day that he has some unfinished business with Mr Loeb. That could very well mean he continous in WRC. ;)

Tomi

2nd January 2011, 15:17

Petter also said the other day that he has some unfinished business with Mr Loeb. That could very well mean he continous in WRC. ;)

lol his talks gets more amusing as time goes by, last year at this time he was teaming up with Bosse or Kimi even those did know nothing about it, wonder what that unfinished business might be.

Rallyper

2nd January 2011, 17:31

lol his talks gets more amusing as time goes by, last year at this time he was teaming up with Bosse or Kimi even those did know nothing about it, wonder what that unfinished business might be.

Unfinished business this time however means he wants to beat Loeb and become WC once again in WRC. :s mokin:

Barreis

2nd January 2011, 17:42

Says Pernilla.. :D

Zeakiwi

3rd January 2011, 18:18

Alpha

4th January 2011, 05:02

What team in the WTCC is PS likely to test for ?
Which team would be the best fit for PS ? BMW ? - Do people in Norway drive X series BMWs ?
I see WTCC allows 2 litre turbo diesel - would a PS- TTE - Auris -turbodiesel combination or TMR - Impreza - turbodiesel make marketing sense ?

The X-Drive BMW is a great choice for Norwegian customers with a good 3-5 months of rough winters, but very few people buy them as the price is ridiculous. It's not BMWs fault, but the insane taxes put on cars in Norway.
I recently bought a 12 year old Porsche 911 Carrera 2 (996) and paid 75.000 usd / 49.000 gbp.

Anyways, it really doesn't matter what brand Petter drives for, he'll promote them like crazy and they'll sell really well. Citröen was struggling in Norway, and had for some time. Petter raised sales with an amazing 67%(!!). Just goes to show that you can put Petter in anything, he's a great ambassador for whatever brand he promotes.

The sad thing is that the top of his wish-list this Christmas was to drive in the WRC for 2011. And even though he's one of the absolute best drivers out there he still have to PAY to drive, it's just wrong on so many levels. I can not believe how ****ed up the WRC has become. Why doesn't FIA or the car manufacturers see the madness?! Could you imagine legends like Pele having to PAY to play soccer? Or Lance Armstrong pay to ride his bike in Tour de France? I love this sport but things are just so very wrong right now.

Zeakiwi

4th January 2011, 08:50

Rallyper

4th January 2011, 12:27

Anyways, it really doesn't matter what brand Petter drives for, he'll promote them like crazy and they'll sell really well. Citröen was struggling in Norway, and had for some time. Petter raised sales with an amazing 67%(!!). Just goes to show that you can put Petter in anything, he's a great ambassador for whatever brand he promotes.

The sad thing is that the top of his wish-list this Christmas was to drive in the WRC for 2011. And even though he's one of the absolute best drivers out there he still have to PAY to drive, it's just wrong on so many levels. I can not believe how ****ed up the WRC has become. Why doesn't FIA or the car manufacturers see the madness?! Could you imagine legends like Pele having to PAY to play soccer? Or Lance Armstrong pay to ride his bike in Tour de France? I love this sport but things are just so very wrong right now.

Spot on!

Alpha

4th January 2011, 15:10

When Mercedes Benz withdrew from rallying at the end of 1980, they left Walter Rhorl without a regular drive apart from the occasional drive in a Porsche. Waste of WRC rally driving talent is something that has occurred for a long time.
Do the authorities in Norway have a lower taxation rate for hydrogen powered cars ? How well is the hydrogen network working ?
Is there a hydrogen version of any of the WTCC cars ?

Doesn't seem like Walter has had a hard time getting a job. If he really wanted to rally more than anything, I'm sure something would have worked out?

Electric cars aren't taxed at all, hybrids have some tax advantages, hydrogen cars are almost non-existent. There are trial programs and a filling station or two, but hydrogen is far far away from being commonplace.

Motorsportfun

4th January 2011, 15:58

If he really wanted to rally more than anything, I'm sure something would have worked out?

He really wants to be in the WRC, because he put own money to complete the 2010 season with the C4, because he had sponsors for 10-11 rallies!

Alpha

4th January 2011, 16:24

He really wants to be in the WRC, because he put own money to complete the 2010 season with the C4, because he had sponsors for 10-11 rallies!

That comment was regarding Walter Rörhl in the 80s, not Petter Solberg. :)

Zeakiwi

5th January 2011, 00:27

What car would PS run at Pikes Peak ?
The Xsara with big wings or the C4 ?

TyPat107

5th January 2011, 00:51

What car would PS run at Pikes Peak ?
The Xsara with big wings or the C4 ?

He is going to need far more wing than any rally car has.
I hope he doesn't underestimate that mountain like Marcus and the Ford guys did when they came over.
And from one of the interviews he has done it sounds like more of a one-off car than anything from any particular car manufacturer.

Alpha

5th January 2011, 02:23

Yeah, the rumors are that he's building something custom for Pikes Peak.

JRodrigues

5th January 2011, 02:49

He is going to need far more wing than any rally car has.
I hope he doesn't underestimate that mountain like Marcus and the Ford guys did when they came over.
And from one of the interviews he has done it sounds like more of a one-off car than anything from any particular car manufacturer.

He has already said that the car would have the PS logo in the front.

Zeakiwi

5th January 2011, 10:47

How about a twin engined car ? The C4 engine in the front and the Xsara engine in the rear. Plus a bit of kvaerner innovation to synchronise them.

Could always go the sportscar way like Rhys Millen and borrow a Pug prototype and 4 wd it.

muscrae

5th January 2011, 14:59

What car would PS run at Pikes Peak ?
The Xsara with big wings or the C4 ?
Overly powered Xsara with enormous wings would be more than perfect..! :)

TyPat107

5th January 2011, 15:42

Overly powered Xsara with enormous wings would be more than perfect..! :)

No its still not enough. I have a friend with an evo that produces over 500hp with lots of Wings and aero aids and that car is only good enough for records in the time attack class (in the 11 minute area.) Besides that a rally spec Xsara would be too heavy and especially at only 500hp.
Rhys millens car is most likely the way forward with that mountain and it is pushing over 700hp and weighs around 800kgs (xsara would be in the 1200kg range?)

People don't understand how that elevation kills power. when the Fords came over, they had 800 hp at sea level, but nearer the top they were down in the lower 400's.

Zeakiwi

5th January 2011, 18:53

I have had the impression that success at Pikes Peak is a combination of many factors including weather on race day.
Tajima's car has an aluminium frame like a sports motorcycle so has the rigidity and lightness.
I see the Pug 908fap will not comply with 2011 rules, do they all get parked in a PSA museum ?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peugeot_908_HDi_FAP

cali

5th January 2011, 19:11

No its still not enough. I have a friend with an evo that produces over 500hp with lots of Wings and aero aids and that car is only good enough for records in the time attack class (in the 11 minute area.) Besides that a rally spec Xsara would be too heavy and especially at only 500hp.
Rhys millens car is most likely the way forward with that mountain and it is pushing over 700hp and weighs around 800kgs (xsara would be in the 1200kg range?)

People don't understand how that elevation kills power. when the Fords came over, they had 800 hp at sea level, but nearer the top they were down in the lower 400's.
Grönholm's Fiesta had about 800 hp, but it had not enough torque. You are in wrong way a bit, it's not the horsepower but more down to torque. Even Marcus told that Fiesta lacked torque, not power. Less weight, more torque and good aerodynamics package would do it.
Xsara weighs over 1200kg because of WRC regs, you can reduce significantly weight if needed.

Viking

5th January 2011, 19:32

Petters (andFX) Pikes Peak "draft" is a tube chassis, carbon fiber body, 6 speed paddle shift gearbox, active diffs(3), active suspension, advanced aerodynamics and a turbo engine with ... 1000-1100hp! They will be testing it under similar conditions in Argentina??

cali

5th January 2011, 19:34

Zeakiwi

7th January 2011, 09:12

Sounds more like a good Pike's Peak beast ;)

It would be interesting to see a comparison between the 'PS' car and a Koenigsegg at sometime. A duel of the Scandanavian supercars !

vkangas

7th January 2011, 20:29

The base car for the PS FX Pikes Peak prototype is C4 WRC.

Iskald

7th January 2011, 23:37

It would be interesting to see a comparison between the 'PS' car and a Koenigsegg at sometime. A duel of the Scandanavian supercars !

Koenigsegg? Please do not compare that swedish rubbish joke of a kitcar with anything purposely built for racing.

OldF

8th January 2011, 00:17

People don't understand how that elevation kills power. when the Fords came over, they had 800 hp at sea level, but nearer the top they were down in the lower 400's.

As a rule of thumb you can say that the power decrease 3% per every 1000 ft which is about 1% per 100 m or 330 ft.

MJW

8th January 2011, 20:01

Perhaps this is a stupid question and I read that Petter doesnt want to go to IRC having said he would prefer WTCC but what if Olivier Quensel would offer a paid drive in IRC for Peugeot and throw in a seat in a LeMans car with Sarrazin? Easier than scaping for sponsorship to hand over to Citroen or Malcolm.

tmx

9th January 2011, 00:37

Quensel did offer a drive... to Guy Wilks... who is British which is ideal in a British team. As for LeMans, they have Sarrazin. The seats are filled up with Finnish, British and French, they're seem to be the more desirable nationalities for sponsors and marketing at the moment I guess.

Some one please tell me why Petter doesn't desire to compete in IRC, not enough paid off? not prestige enough? lack of chance of success? or simply no sponsor interested in IRC? Couldn't be the latter because Galli and Duval refuses IRC at one point too.

9th January 2011, 10:27

Some one please tell me why Petter doesn't desire to compete in IRC, not enough paid off? not prestige enough? lack of chance of success? or simply no sponsor interested in IRC? Couldn't be the latter because Galli and Duval refuses IRC at one point too.

Someone of Petter's profile would have more to lose than gain by driving in IRC - if he won the title it would only be expected and if he lost it might damage his reputation. It is a good place for drivers trying to further their career, and it appears to be working for the likes of Meeke & Hanninen.

GigiGalliNo1

9th January 2011, 10:47

Gigi Galli told me he won't race S2000 cars for example in IRC.. because the cars don't have turbo's as they are N/A.

EavesFan09

9th January 2011, 10:56

Someone of Petter's profile would have more to lose than gain by driving in IRC - if he won the title it would only be expected and if he lost it might damage his reputation. It is a good place for drivers trying to further their career, and it appears to be working for the likes of Meeke & Hanninen.

I don't believe it is just for up and comers and that the balance of his reputation is dependant on him winning or not winning the title. If he wins it is in tact and if he doesn't it will suffer. From what I have heard from many on this forum, as very hard as it is for fans to keep track of who is in and who is out at any one rally, and that is precisely the one thing that is putting me off following it, the IRC is a very decent and competitive championship.

If he decides to do it over the WTCC, and why not when I think the WTCC is slowly dying anyway, then it will be because his funds dictated that it is what he does.

9th January 2011, 11:15

Gigi Galli told me he won't race S2000 cars for example in IRC.. because the cars don't have turbo's as they are N/A.

Yes, so now he drives nothing at all.....

GigiGalliNo1

9th January 2011, 11:24

Yes, so now he drives nothing at all.....

;)

cali

9th January 2011, 11:47

Just don't get it, turbo or N/A, it is still rallying and needs special skills to be fastest

alleskids

9th January 2011, 11:57

Yes, so now he drives nothing at all.....

Does he have 4 wheel drive and 4 wheel steering on all 4 little wheels onder his tv sitting chair, and does it have turbo and intercooler?

I always thought that Gigi was partly in rally for the fun of driving, having a connection with the fans :confused:

Sulland

9th January 2011, 12:08

Some of the problem btw WRC and IRC is prestige, and how well known IRC is in the sponsor world.

Mikkelsen was very impressed with IRC the fist rallies he did there. He said it was like being at a WRC, in all parts of the package. Lets see what Petter and Henning and the other WRC drivers say after Monte C.

So much of this will be to develop the IRC brand in peoples heads, and next year they will use SP cars, and then the difference to WRC will be even smaller.

In my book IRC is a very good choice, much better than SWRC for all the drivers that cant get a WRC seat, and that is currently most drivers !!

GigiGalliNo1

9th January 2011, 12:14

Does he have 4 wheel drive and 4 wheel steering on all 4 little wheels onder his tv sitting chair, and does it have turbo and intercooler?

I always thought that Gigi was partly in rally for the fun of driving, having a connection with the fans :confused:

It's not about that. It's the $$$.

I don't think if you've made money from sponsors your self (from a wage) and have the sponsoring pouring money into your car/team.... you wouldn't use your own money to race.

I think fair enough Petter did well scrambling his own money into his team as well as from sponsors but it hasn't paid back. He is struggling now and it's un fair. I would only drive if it were all payed for and/or if I got paid at the same time! You make money to buy a house, take care of your family and things like that.... unless you had a lot of your own money ie Munchi's family to have a team - but then again their money comes from the corporation of Minchi's and not necessarily out of their pocket.

Make sense?

EavesFan09

9th January 2011, 12:23

In all fairness tho, would an IRC drive hurt Petter any more than a drive in the WTCC? BMW and SEAT's departure from the series over the course of the last two years or so I think headlines a list of issues that shows the reasons why the WTCC is not in great health and if anything is certainly not getting better. Right now the Scandinavian and British Touring Car's are miles ahead.

If anything it is a drive in the WTCC that could harm his profile more than a drive in the IRC I think. Anyone on here able to give a cast-iron gurantee he would be able to drive as well on tarmac in a touring car as on asphalt or snow in a rally car? Because if anyone can then by all means let us talk favourably about Petter as a WTCC driver. But if anyone cannot, I think those who cannot needs to think about how doing poorly in the WTCC would reflect on him.

FabiaFan

9th January 2011, 13:37

Gigi Galli told me he won't race S2000 cars for example in IRC.. because the cars don't have turbo's as they are N/A.

Btw what is he doing nowadays? Retired or still trying? I haven't heard of him since one and a half year or so...

alleskids

9th January 2011, 14:49

It's not about that. It's the $$$.

If Galli's "retirement"' is only due to a lack of budget, I fully understand and respect it. But when he refueses to drive in the IRC only because they left out a turbo in the car, i think Galli is a stupid man. Galli only wants to drive a turbo car, or does he only wants to drive in the World Championship? WRC has the name of being the best rally championship in the world, but for what reasons? Only because the FIA gave it the title World Championship. It should be renamed CFC:

Citroen and Ford Championship approved by the FIA
or even : Quesnell and Wilson Championship approved by the FIA

The IRC has almost past the WRC in prestige by the rallyfans, with better quality of entry, with better quality in battling for the overall win.

Xsara Fan

9th January 2011, 15:41

If Galli's "retirement"' is only due to a lack of budget, I fully understand and respect it. But when he refueses to drive in the IRC only because they left out a turbo in the car, i think Galli is a stupid man. Galli only wants to drive a turbo car, or does he only wants to drive in the World Championship? WRC has the name of being the best rally championship in the world, but for what reasons? Only because the FIA gave it the title World Championship. It should be renamed CFC:

Citroen and Ford Championship approved by the FIA
or even : Quesnell and Wilson Championship approved by the FIA

The IRC has almost past the WRC in prestige by the rallyfans, with better quality of entry, with better quality in battling for the overall win.

Are you joking? IRC = 'It`s not a Rally Championship'. It`s sooo booooring.

EavesFan09

9th January 2011, 15:55

Are you joking? IRC = 'It`s not a Rally Championship'. It`s sooo booooring.

Also, it is near impossible to track the progress of the drivers and know who is in and who is out, because every enry list differs from each round.

That is why I won't be following it till something is done about it.

Motorsportfun

9th January 2011, 16:32

Btw what is he doing nowadays? Retired or still trying? I haven't heard of him since one and a half year or so...

He now works in his family's company... I talked with him some weeks ago and he told me is trying to get a full-programme... let's see :)

BDunnell

9th January 2011, 16:56

The IRC has almost past the WRC in prestige by the rallyfans, with better quality of entry, with better quality in battling for the overall win.

Hardly anybody outside enthusiast circles has heard of the IRC. In that respect, it is a dead duck.

wwbroe

9th January 2011, 17:01

Hardly anybody outside enthusiast circles has heard of the IRC. In that respect, it is a dead duck.

Luckily that this dead duck is far more interesting then the "sick dog"-championship that has become of the WRC, to use some NOT words. :D

Daniel

9th January 2011, 17:09

Hardly anybody outside enthusiast circles has heard of the IRC. In that respect, it is a dead duck.

Agreed

BDunnell

9th January 2011, 17:35

Luckily that this dead duck is far more interesting then the "sick dog"-championship that has become of the WRC, to use some NOT words. :D

Interesting it may be, but (a) I would class myself as an enthusiast, yet am not exactly falling over myself to find some TV coverage, and (b) without wider appeal, which as neither a true world nor a domestic championship it will never have, what's the point?

EavesFan09

9th January 2011, 18:32

Luckily that this dead duck is far more interesting then the "sick dog"-championship that has become of the WRC, to use some NOT words. :D

Atleast the symptoms of the sick dog doesn't change from week to week, unlike the result on the dead duck's cause of death.

The primary reason why I have no stomach to follow the IRC is because it occured to me one day I was actually following something with interest that had an entry list that could change every five seconds. I discovered suddenly that in actual fact didn't have a clue as to what rounds each of them was doing.

Nah. Give me the dependable and realiable WRC any day.

Hartusvuori

9th January 2011, 19:28

Atleast the symptoms of the sick dog doesn't change from week to week, unlike the result on the dead duck's cause of death.

The primary reason why I have no stomach to follow the IRC is because it occured to me one day I was actually following something with interest that had an entry list that could change every five seconds. I discovered suddenly that in actual fact didn't have a clue as to what rounds each of them was doing.

Nah. Give me the dependable and realiable WRC any day.

That is part of the IRC's charm that the entry lists and leader boards aren't identical from round to round, surface to surface. IRC still holds the local heroes factor (Andreucci, Magalhaes, Valousek, Feghali, to name a few from last season, even Loix to a degree), which has been very typical in the history of this sport, and also crucial for its support. Sadly that local heroes thing was changed to pay drivers finally when teams were changed from three seats to only two seats. OK, it can get very confusing if the entries change - and perhaps the potential modern fan would prefer stability - but how I see it, it's a breath of fresh air, wish WRC would have it more. Still, most IRC rounds include most of the top driver. Since Monte Carlo have started the series, the contrast with next few rounds have only been too big (Monte will always be the biggest).

With WRC you'll get 4-7 top drivers this season and rest of the bunch will be picking up what's left - it've been like that for too long. I don't say that WRC wouldn't be the absolute top of this sport, but over all, with IRC alongside, as a fan you definitely get more.

dimviii

9th January 2011, 20:03

alleskids

9th January 2011, 20:21

With WRC you'll get 4-7 top drivers this season and rest of the bunch will be picking up what's left - it've been like that for too long. I don't say that WRC wouldn't be the absolute top of this sport, but over all, with IRC alongside, as a fan you definitely get more.

Make that 3-4 drivers paid by the manufacturer and getting the best material. The rest is just spectators, paying big money to sit on the front row.

Mirek

9th January 2011, 20:43

I consider myself as a huge rallyfan and from my point of view I'm very happy that there are two such series and that I can follow hi-level rally action in a half of weekends during the year. I don't bother which one is better, such penis-measuring contest leads nowhere. I'm happy that both series have different approach to the competitors because if they were same, one would be just a copy. Now they are different and that's absolutely ok. Of course only one of them has world championship status and that won't change even if there is only one top-class car competing.

BDunnell

9th January 2011, 20:59

With WRC you'll get 4-7 top drivers this season and rest of the bunch will be picking up what's left - it've been like that for too long. I don't say that WRC wouldn't be the absolute top of this sport, but over all, with IRC alongside, as a fan you definitely get more.

As a fan, maybe. But any sport must do more than appeal to a hardcore group of enthusiasts.

BDunnell

9th January 2011, 21:00

I don't bother which one is better, such penis-measuring contest leads nowhere.

Indeed not, but the existence of two series is not sustainable.

FabiaFan

9th January 2011, 22:41

Indeed not, but the existence of two series is not sustainable. I'm not sure... Let's compare the situation some 5 years ago... There was the World Championship and the European Championship - the latter was not much worth, no factory was really interested, there were no serious "whole year battles", maybe with the exception Thiry/Campos or who was it in this tight battle this exceptional season... and even those two weren't top drivers... (compared to Meeke/Hanninen/Atkinson/Mikkelsen/Wilks(let's count him)/(?)Andersson) -most of the other seasons had one clear winner, I believe. Now we have this IRC "inbetween", more drivers get the drive, they even could "qualify" for the WC (from EC it was never the case), new (or even "old" - only pity about Safari) rallies get "the place on the sun"... For the WC it is of course worse, but for the rallysport as a total... hmm...

Sulland

9th January 2011, 22:49

Back on track, even if it is a good discussion, perhaps the wrong thread.

Looking at Petters site it looks to become more yellow and black, looking at the prep of his trailer. Tomorrow we will see, but I expect him to be on the list for Sweden, and lets take it from there, first lets enjoy MC !

Dejan

9th January 2011, 22:51

Solberg testing Peugeot 207:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_GYZMQRzm6Y&feature=player_embedded

urabus-denoS2000

9th January 2011, 22:53

I'm not sure... Let's compare the situation some 5 years ago... There was the World Championship and the European Championship - the latter was not much worth, no factory was really interested, there were no serious "whole year battles", maybe with the exception Thiry/Campos or who was it in this tight battle this exceptional season... and even those two weren't top drivers... (compared to Meeke/Hanninen/Atkinson/Mikkelsen/Wilks(let's count him)/(?)Andersson) -most of the other seasons had one clear winner, I believe. Now we have this IRC "inbetween", more drivers get the drive, they even could "qualify" for the WC (from EC it was never the case), new (or even "old" - only pity about Safari) rallies get "the place on the sun"... For the WC it is of course worse, but for the rallysport as a total... hmm...

Five years ago is approximately 2005 , and that was in my opinion the last true ERC ... You had Simon Jean Joseph , Giandomenico Basso and Renato Travaglia , all 3 top class drivers , with SJJ being a works Renault effort and Basso a works Fiat driver . Those 3 had almost full programmes if I remember and they battled it out very nicely . Unfortunately , the competition behind them was slim , with no one other doing more than 2 rallies ...

FabiaFan

9th January 2011, 23:07

Five years ago is approximately 2005 ... Simon Jean Joseph , Giandomenico Basso and Renato Travaglia , all 3 top class drivers... Well, top class... definitely not on gravel :-/ so I don't count them to the "Hanninen-Meeke-Mikkelsen-Atkinson-... class"
But we're really in a wrong thread with this, I believe... so I better stop here.

OldF

9th January 2011, 23:09

One more off topic post.

I think there is room for two different series and as Mirek said, two series gives more to follow and more to watch. Also IRC is an opportunity for drivers that don’t have that much money or sponsor to do a full WRC, PWRC or SWRC serie.

What I’ve liked with IRC is that I can watch rallies in different countries and different kind of stages compared to WRC which mainly runs in the same countries and stages year after another.

Mirek

9th January 2011, 23:09

Well, top class... definitely not on gravel :-/ so I don't count them to the "Hanninen-Meeke-Mikkelsen-Atkinson-... class"
But we're really in a wrong thread with this, I believe... so I better stop here.

ERC definitely isn't about driving on gravel ;)

FabiaFan

9th January 2011, 23:20

ERC definitely isn't about driving on gravel ;)
There was at least one gravel round... ;-) They all participated... and look at their results... but OK, wrong cars (in case of SJJ and GB)...

AndyRAC

9th January 2011, 23:33

Going back off topic, I'm not sure that Rallying can really properly support 2 'International' series, it's just not big enough.
If the people who run the WRC had done their job, the IRC wouldn't have been needed, but as we know, they took their collective eyes off the ball. Into the breach came the IRC. What we got was different types of events, night stages, more competition - then the Monte!! And still the WRC sat back.......
I want ONE International Rally series - with lots of Manufacturers, drivers who can win, different event formats, good media exposure, etc
Yes, I'm living in a dream world.

GigiGalliNo1

10th January 2011, 10:38

mmmmmm...... Pug 207 .....

Did he drive 3 different 207's?

6789

10th January 2011, 11:35

Solberg C4 for sale

http://handbrakeshairpins.wordpress.com/2011/01/10/for-sale-citroen-c4-wrc-2/

Sulland

10th January 2011, 11:52

One Xsara as well for sale !

Karukera

10th January 2011, 15:44

As a rule of thumb you can say that the power decrease 3% per every 1000 ft which is about 1% per 100 m or 330 ft.

Which is about less than 150mb of partial pressure of Oxygen at 3000m compared to a theoretical 212mb at sea level.

I am a diver with limited knoledge of Turbo engines but aren't those figures only valid for NA engines because a Turbo engine design offers some compression compensation to that loss ?
Then what would be the actual altitude loss ratio compared to a NA engine ?

Sulland

10th January 2011, 17:03

Accoring to Swedish media Petter has applied and has been accepted, but has been given a suspension on team name, PG Anderson is also chasing a drive in Sweden, but have to have his name in by tomorrow morning.

Good to get Petters name in there, would not be the same without him !

ProRally

10th January 2011, 18:02

Petter confirmed for Swedish....

http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/88853

jbmarcus21

10th January 2011, 18:06

Petter in DS3 WRC SWDEN §!!!!!!

N.O.T

10th January 2011, 18:13

Tomi

10th January 2011, 18:19

i guess the finish propaganda didn't work out that well....i thought that citroen had 3 cars only according to them with the 3rd for mr kimi who although he made 356 billions last year he looks for budget to do all the events...lol.

You are right about that, the mtv3 site is very unreliable, bad journalism really, they often refers to other sites, I think it can be compaired with many of the amateur rally sites on the web.

HaCo

10th January 2011, 18:38

If that's true, than it is just awesome! Petter for victory in Sweden!

Pinto

10th January 2011, 18:39

ice 1 world rally team petter and kimmi in a two car ds3 team thats the latest i here

http://www.rallysweden.com/kimi-and-petter-in-rally-sweden?lang=en#more-1770

vkangas

10th January 2011, 18:43

ice 1 world rally team petter and kimmi in a two car ds3 team thats the latest i here

Rally Swden official site says that they are driving in different teams:

ICE 1 Racing WRC team for Kimi.
Petter Solberg WRC Team for Petter.

Pinto

10th January 2011, 20:52

what i am hearing that they will form a new team to replace the citroen junior team ICE 1 to be the name,but it maybe ran through the solberg team,thats comming form a pretty good source.but for sweden solberg will run under the solberg world rally banner.
but then again i could be wrong.

Allyc85

10th January 2011, 20:59

Woohoooo brilliant to see Petter will be in the WRC this year :D :D :D

Roy

10th January 2011, 21:51

Wrong thread

bassist

10th January 2011, 21:58

Whatever the name, I`m so glad he`s in!! I will follow the championship with interest now!

Brother John

11th January 2011, 05:48

Nice to see Petter where he belongs, RALLY-RALLY and RALLY!!! :up:

Leon

11th January 2011, 06:18

6789

11th January 2011, 07:41

Some thoughts about Petter and his new deal with Citroen.
I´m glad that he will again drive in the WRC but I wonder if he will be “allowed” to win when a chance presents itself.
I also wonder if Petter is a back-up plan from Quensel in case Ogier continues to crash and the manufacturers title is in danger…
All the above maybe wishful thinking but I cannot get them out of my mind :)

Its strange, I'm sure Citroen could easily pressure him not to win, if they'd do that is another question.

I don't think Ogier will crash, but its a good point, Petter is there is something goes sour

Donney

11th January 2011, 07:47

I don't think Ogier will crash but he will try his hardest to beat Loeb and we've seen many times what that leads to, so Leon's idea sounds rather reasonable.

manta400

12th January 2011, 13:47

i see on Crash.net that Van Merkjstein has decided to skip sweden and start their WRC campaign in Portugal to alloy Petter the chance to start Rally Sweden... Very noble of him must be to allow time to build a new car for Petter? Any thoughts?

MartijnS

12th January 2011, 14:22

Yes, very noble imo :)

Mv Toy

12th January 2011, 15:31

EavesFan09

12th January 2011, 17:26

That is part of the IRC's charm that the entry lists and leader boards aren't identical from round to round, surface to surface. IRC still holds the local heroes factor (Andreucci, Magalhaes, Valousek, Feghali, to name a few from last season, even Loix to a degree), which has been very typical in the history of this sport, and also crucial for its support. Sadly that local heroes thing was changed to pay drivers finally when teams were changed from three seats to only two seats. OK, it can get very confusing if the entries change - and perhaps the potential modern fan would prefer stability - but how I see it, it's a breath of fresh air, wish WRC would have it more. Still, most IRC rounds include most of the top driver. Since Monte Carlo have started the series, the contrast with next few rounds have only been too big (Monte will always be the biggest).

With WRC you'll get 4-7 top drivers this season and rest of the bunch will be picking up what's left - it've been like that for too long. I don't say that WRC wouldn't be the absolute top of this sport, but over all, with IRC alongside, as a fan you definitely get more.

Then how in the name of all things rallying do you, as an IRC fan, keep track of who is in and who is out as each rally goes on?

pettersolberg29

12th January 2011, 17:33

You have to be very keen i.e. check this forum or ircseries.com very regularly. If it wasn't for checking this forum multiple times a day I would have little idea what's going on outside Petter Solberg and Andreas Mikkelsen's careers!!

FabiaFan

12th January 2011, 21:06

Noble yes, but he had no chanse to score points in Sweden He'll have big problems to collect points anywhere else too... He's even not able to beat Hanninen... He has little scoring chance in rounds with poor entry list and not counting to the SWRC.

Hartusvuori

12th January 2011, 21:13

Then how in the name of all things rallying do you, as an IRC fan, keep track of who is in and who is out as each rally goes on?

Taking a look at the entry list, perhaps.

From a spectator's point of view it's hard to foresee who's going to drive which event further in the season if the teams and drivers don't know it themselves yet either. Frustrating perhaps, yes, but this still is a spare time hobby and if you like it (or love it) you should be able to put in some effort to find necessary information. You don't need to be such a forum junkie as many of us are to keep track, dropping in here once a week or so would keep you as up to date on world of rallying as is necessary.

alleskids

12th January 2011, 21:24

He'll have big problems to collect points anywhere else too... He's even not able to beat Hanninen... He has little scoring chance in rounds with poor entry list and not counting to the SWRC.

If Peter van Merksteijn never gets the change to drive a proper rally car, he will never get the speed to score points. It is hard to get experience, if his car is often taken away from him because Raikkonen en Solberg and Loeb and Ogier need his car. He signed and paid in december, long before Kimi or Petter had their plans straiten out. The modern WRC is a marketing championship, and Peter van Merkesteijn bought his share in the team, so he deserves a car.

FabiaFan

12th January 2011, 21:41

If Peter van Merksteijn never gets the change to drive a proper rally car, he will never get the speed to score points. It is hard to get experience... Poor him!

J4MIE

12th January 2011, 22:35

Taking a look at the entry list, perhaps.

From a spectator's point of view it's hard to foresee who's going to drive which event further in the season if the teams and drivers don't know it themselves yet either. Frustrating perhaps, yes, but this still is a spare time hobby and if you like it (or love it) you should be able to put in some effort to find necessary information. You don't need to be such a forum junkie as many of us are to keep track, dropping in here once a week or so would keep you as up to date on world of rallying as is necessary.

Couldn't agree more :s Can't see what the problem is, if you're new to rallying then surely you have to understand that this is the way it works - WRC is unusual in that competitors (teams) must do all the events, even if there is no point whatsoever in doing an event. In fact, I can only think of the WRC that does this, so therefore IRC is more normal in that respect.

AndyRAC

12th January 2011, 22:55

Couldn't agree more :s Can't see what the problem is, if you're new to rallying then surely you have to understand that this is the way it works - WRC is unusual in that competitors (teams) must do all the events, even if there is no point whatsoever in doing an event. In fact, I can only think of the WRC that does this, so therefore IRC is more normal in that respect.

The WRC used to be like that. In fact, I actually prefer it that way - it lets competitors pick and choose which events are suitable for them. And, as used to happen, allows for the Tarmac/Gravel/ Snow specialists to come in and do the odd round.

Alpha

13th January 2011, 01:01

It's the WORLD rally championship. If you can't handle the snow or the tarmac, you don't deserve to win. I like that they have to do every round. Too bad Rally Norway is out, it was always fun to see Loeb throwing his car into the ditch every other SS :D

FabiaFan

13th January 2011, 08:56

You know what, I have a strong feeling, that a complete season for P. Solberg is secured for quite a while already... they just keep playing the theatre to raise even more money... Don't throw stones at me for that, it's just my feeling...

rallyfiend

13th January 2011, 09:56

Couldn't agree more :s Can't see what the problem is, if you're new to rallying then surely you have to understand that this is the way it works - WRC is unusual in that competitors (teams) must do all the events, even if there is no point whatsoever in doing an event. In fact, I can only think of the WRC that does this, so therefore IRC is more normal in that respect.

F! you have to do all events, same with NASCAR. Any professionally organised motorsport you have to do 'all events'. It's that level of consistency that creates the association and builds the fans.
With the IRC you never know whether your favorite driver is going to turn up until they start the first stage!

rallyfiend

13th January 2011, 09:56

Leon

13th January 2011, 10:32

+1

or even to keep the PS PR machine to work

Sulland

13th January 2011, 10:53

or even to keep the PS PR machine to work

He is good at as well !!

dimviii

13th January 2011, 11:20

He is good at as well !!
+1
Petter himself said at Martin Holmes annualy ''pirelli world rallying'' that he is trying to make stories for PR.He said that also the story with the engine vs Loebs car engine was for PR reasons only.

Hartusvuori

13th January 2011, 11:59

+1
Petter himself said at Martin Holmes annualy ''pirelli world rallying'' that he is trying to make stories for PR.He said that also the story with the engine vs Loebs car engine was for PR reasons only.

Not exactly:

"...Actually in Jordan the specification of our car was pretty much the same as the car of Sebastien Loeb, same engine but the gearbox was different, although in reality the difference in the gearbox does not matter. There was funny story about the gearbox. The Citroen factory would not sell us the latest specification gearbox, which they said was lighter, so my codriver Phil Mills and I had to lose weight to make up for our heavier gearbox - but really that was a story we made up for publicity. Especially in Scandinavia, I really need publicity all the time! They always need stories... I cannot just be the driver, that is what life as a privateer means, sponsorship doeen't happe by itself."

6789

13th January 2011, 12:14

Oh lol. But I liked the story of the $1 million gearbox shin is 4kgs lighter. Still love the man.

I was watching an on board from Cyprus in 2009 today, Petter had an issue where he stalled. Right after he passed the finish boards, he asks Phil the time. It was a few seconds faster than Sordo but that stall would have cost a couple seconds Phil replied. Then when TV interview him at TC he says he lost 15 seconds with the stall. So it does it a bit, all part of the mind games and getting people interested.

Alpha

13th January 2011, 14:13

I love the mind games, it adds to the fascination of the sport. Like when Henning Solberg pulled up to Sordos stall in the service park, turned the wheels all the way over to show which compound he was running, then grinned and drove off. The tirechoice got even harder for Sordo and really got into his head. In the first turn Sordo put his C4 off the road. Excellent stuff!

dimviii

13th January 2011, 14:18

Not exactly:

"...Actually in Jordan the specification of our car was pretty much the same as the car of Sebastien Loeb, same engine but the gearbox was different, although in reality the difference in the gearbox does not matter. There was funny story about the gearbox. The Citroen factory would not sell us the latest specification gearbox, which they said was lighter, so my codriver Phil Mills and I had to lose weight to make up for our heavier gearbox - but really that was a story we made up for publicity. Especially in Scandinavia, I really need publicity all the time! They always need stories... I cannot just be the driver, that is what life as a privateer means, sponsorship doeen't happe by itself."
Did i said something wrong? :vader:

Hartusvuori

13th January 2011, 16:31

Did i said something wrong? :vader:

You quoted right about the PR thing, but I wanted to specify that Petter vs. Loeb engine thing was actually a gearbox thing in Jordan. Talking about Petter engine conspiracy goes further than that I think, notably like mentioned here lately to Rally Finland's Day 2 sudden lack of performance for instance.

SunDanceRanch

13th January 2011, 20:56

http://www.motorstv.com/car/rally/wrc/11012011/solberg-update-full-2011-wrc-campaign-0

I don't understand is he gonna drive for himself or for a factory team??

Greetings Dimitry

Gard

13th January 2011, 20:58

http://www.motorstv.com/car/rally/wrc/11012011/solberg-update-full-2011-wrc-campaign-0

I don't understand is he gonna drive for himself or for a factory team??

Greetings Dimitry

Yes! :D

alleskids

13th January 2011, 21:28

SunDanceRanch

13th January 2011, 21:53

Ok thanks Alles kids now i understand.
Do you also go to Sweden?

tolis

13th January 2011, 21:54

Sulland

13th January 2011, 23:39

Why don't they make a team for both P.Solberg and K.Raikkonen? :D

Might happen after Sweden, but has to do with deals with sponsors and so on, but think they are looking into it.

Tomi

13th January 2011, 23:45

Why don't they make a team for both P.Solberg and K.Raikkonen? :D

Kimi would not benefit in any way from such team so why bother?

MikeD

14th January 2011, 08:26

The DS3 WRcar is owned and serviced by Citroen Sport, but he will score manufacturer/constructers/teams cup points for Petter Solberg World Rally Sport. The same is for Kimi Raikkonen, who will score points with a DS3 owned and serviced by Citroen Sport , but his points will go to the ICE 1 racing team.

I have heard that PSWRT might score Manufacturer points after Sweden, but I haven't read confirmation that ICE 1 racing team or Monster WRT have chosen to have the team score Manufacturer points. Do you have any articles confirming that?

PS: It's no longer "Citroën Sport", but "Citroën Racing" :)

DonJippo

14th January 2011, 08:57

I have heard that PSWRT might score Manufacturer points after Sweden, but I haven't read confirmation that ICE 1 racing team or Monster WRT have chosen to have the team score Manufacturer points. Do you have any articles confirming that?

http://www.fia.com/en-GB/mediacentre/pressreleases/wrc/2011/Pages/2011_wrc.aspx

MikeD

14th January 2011, 13:27

http://www.fia.com/en-GB/mediacentre/pressreleases/wrc/2011/Pages/2011_wrc.aspx

Thanks :)

pettersolberg29

14th January 2011, 14:31

Is this saying Solberg will miss Sweden, or just that his team isn't nominated for points? Google translate didn't do a great job!

http://www.therallysite.com/joomla/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=8833&Itemid=89

MJW

14th January 2011, 14:51

not registered as a wrc team for Sweden.

pettersolberg29

14th January 2011, 15:07

Cheers - I thought that was already known so was surprised to see it come up as 'breaking news'!

alleskids

14th January 2011, 15:24

not registered as a wrc team for Sweden.

Petter Solberg signs with major sponsors.

Petter Solberg have now signed up with two major sponsors; EnterCard and TOOLS. Both have been with the team since the start in 2009, and the new deal makes EnterCard and TOOLS a big part of the team for 2011.

- I am very pleased that both EnterCard and TOOLS decided to stay with us in the Petter Solberg World Rally Team for one more year, says Petter Solberg. – It is important for us to have dedicated and professional sponsors, and our podium in the Championship last year would not have been possible without them.

EnterCard and re:member have been well displayed on the rallycar for the last seasons, and will also be a big part of the team in 2011. TOOLS are also supplying the team with all the tools and equipment the team needs to run a rally-car.

The first event this year is Rally Sweden, 10 – 13 Februar 2011, where Petter will compete in a Citroën DS3 WRC.

Official news
Fri 14th 20111 Comment »
http://www.pettersolberg.com/html/?lang_pref=en

Tom206wrc

14th January 2011, 19:01

Great news for Petter's future :cool:

Zeakiwi

14th January 2011, 19:52

What happens with Solberg's mechanics do they service the car wearing PS overalls or CR overalls ?

Fide

24th January 2011, 17:48

I heard Quesnel has confirmed Petter will start Sweden with a DS3 and will run all 13 rallies this year with the french card. Does anybody know the terms of the agreement and how will interact Petter with Ogier and Loeb ?

alleskids

24th January 2011, 19:16

Loeb and Ogier are Citroen Total Red Bull factory drivers, scoring points for Citroen Total WRT.
Kimi Raikkonen (ICE 1 Racing),
Petter Solberg (PSWRT) and
Peter van Merksteijn (Van Merksteijn Citroen WRT) are all 3 privateers, scoring points for there own teams. They hire the car and the engineers from Citroen racing, who prepare the and after the finish take the car back to Citroens factory in France. Raikkonen, Solberg and Van Merksteijn only have to come to the start of the rally with their pace notes and navigator (and money), drive the car and go home afterwards without their car (and their money). In fact, they will have a lazy year :lol:

SubaruNorway

24th January 2011, 20:21

Guess the bad thing about it is that Petter probably won't get as much testing as Loeb and Ogier... Last years he could do more than them.

nr7wave

24th January 2011, 20:40

I read on a norwegian website that Petter is testing the DS3 this upcoming weekend. But it's only for one day!?! That seems too little, especially since he has never driven it before. He wont have much time to find out of the different setups during only one day. That brings me to the question: Has Petter access to the "database" of setups that Citroen has gathered during the tesing of the DS3? I mean, since he now has Citroen engineers and rents the car? If not, I'm really worried he will not get the time to get properly aquinted with the car and find the proper setup and as a result of that, he will be forced to use the first day of the rally for testing. And finally, is the limited testing a result of lacking finacial funding, or is lack awailability og DS3 testcars?

René

26th January 2011, 18:45

15 days before the World Championship beginning in Sweden, confirms Solberg to NTB that he is still missing 30 percent of the money it takes to fight for World Cup title in 2011.

http://www.vg.no/sport/motor/artikkel.php?artid=10037764

User

26th January 2011, 19:28

Didn't he had same problems last season? But tbh, 30% doesn't sound that bad. I'm sure he'll attract some major sponsors during the season.

pettersolberg29

26th January 2011, 20:01

tfp

26th January 2011, 23:27

I believe that at this stage last year he still needed 10% of his budget, and he still had to pay out his own pocket for the last 2 rounds. So needing 30% is not good news - it seems he may have to win one of the first 3 or 4 rounds if he wants to attract sponsors for a full championship.

Wasn't it the last three rounds he had to pay for out of his own pocket last year?
You're right though, I hope he at least wins one round(if not, more) close to the beginning of the season. I still say he should have had a win last year, if not GB, then certainly Japan.

Co-driven

27th January 2011, 21:44

Hi there! My first post here!

What about the fans doing the same thing that happened with PG Andersson for Rally Sweden?

pettersolberg29

27th January 2011, 22:33

Welcome!

I thought about that too, however Petter needs 3,000,000 pounds whereas PG only needed 50,000 pounds!

alleskids

28th January 2011, 15:40

3 miljoen is for the whole season or just the last 4 rallies? Sordo had to bring 2,5 miljoen (euro?) for 13 rallies in the DS3 WRC.

Tom206wrc

28th January 2011, 16:17

I feel glad Malcolm Wilson couldn't "steal" Solberg P from Citroën Racing(too much Fiestas already invades WRC scene to my taste) :)

pettersolberg29

28th January 2011, 16:39

3 miljoen is for the whole season or just the last 4 rallies? Sordo had to bring 2,5 miljoen (euro?) for 13 rallies in the DS3 WRC.

Petter says he needs 3 million more, so that suggests the whole budget he needs is 10 million and he already has 7 million. This is all in GBP. It's a lot of money!

alleskids

28th January 2011, 21:57

I am confused :confused: Sordo had to pay 1,5 million euro to Ford if he wanted to do 10 WRC rallies, and 2,5 million euro to Citroen for a full season.

Petter wants a budget of 10 mln GBPonds > equals 15,9 USDollar > 11,5 Euro > 92,1 Norwegian Kroon? Does a full season WRCar - 13 rallies plus some testing - in the WRC cost 10 mln Pond/Dollar/Euro?

bennizw

28th January 2011, 22:03

pettersolberg29

28th January 2011, 22:17

No, let me clarify:

Petter needs 10 million kroner, which is 30 % of his total budget. That means his total budget is approx 33 million kroner. In GBP this is around 3 million. So he is missing a little under one million pounds.

Oh sorry - my currency converting is all over the place. All I know is last year he needed 30 million kroner, and this season he wants a bit more so 33 million kroner sounds right. 30% equals 10 million kroner so yes, he needs 1 million GBP. Sorry for the confusion!

alleskids

28th January 2011, 22:19

thanks for clarifying. It makes a lot more sence :) . In the 3 mln pound , is including salary etcetera for his PSWRT and testing, not just rent for the car?

MJW

28th January 2011, 22:28

Oh sorry - my currency converting is all over the place. All I know is last year he needed 30 million kroner, and this season he wants a bit more so 33 million kroner sounds right. 30% equals 10 million kroner so yes, he needs 1 million GBP. Sorry for the confusion!
But last year he owned the car, this year its an arrive and drive hire deal plus testing.

BDunnell

28th January 2011, 22:34

pettersolberg29

28th January 2011, 22:34

But last year he owned the car, this year its an arrive and drive hire deal plus testing.

So? Are you saying the budget should be higher or lower this year because of this?

MJW

28th January 2011, 23:14

Up front costs can be hire with a total package from Citroen but that probably includes more new parts, last year PSWRT were removing, cleaning, checking and re-fitting parts like dampers etc. I dont know what is included in a deal from Citroen or MSport but I guess it will include service parts changed at works intervals. Also the teams have to re-coup development costs

manta400

29th January 2011, 09:34

I see Petter is testing today in Sweden, how many days does he get this year? I see Kimi has twelve not a lot

6789

29th January 2011, 09:42

Hi there! My first post here!

What about the fans doing the same thing that happened with PG Andersson for Rally Sweden?

If anyones interested, the Petter Solberg Supporters Club is here

http://www.pscollection.no/en/medlemskap.html

Helping 40 Euro's at a time :)

Gard

29th January 2011, 10:38

alleskids

29th January 2011, 10:46

Petters budget has to be 3 mln pound > equals 4,1 mln euro. Sordo had to pay 2,5 mln euro. I am guesing right, the 2,5 is the basic rent price (just for getting a DS3 WRCar on the start), with an estimated 0,5 mln for testdays and 1 mln for replacing items more often (like dampers and gearboxes)?

leviathan

29th January 2011, 11:28

Testing begins,

http://www.pettersolberg.com/html/2011/01/29/live-from-the-field-233/

MJW

29th January 2011, 14:22

I see Petter is testing today in Sweden, how many days does he get this year? I see Kimi has twelve not a lot

I think its twelve days for Petter too. I also think that once the season is underway and car homologated I think its not much more than 12 days gor each driver. Where Loeb /Ogier / Hirvonen and Latvala had their advantage in the unlimited development tests. During a season there is a cap on testing.

bluuford

29th January 2011, 18:28

Well, here are the regulations:
66.3.2 In the case of a Manufacturer, for a maximum of 10 sessions (as defined in Article 2.20)
comprising a maximum of 42 days in any calendar year. This clause does not apply to testing as stated in
Article 66.1.1.
(2.20 TEST SESSION The presence of each car of a team registered for the Manufacturers’ Championship at a registered testing
site on one day or on consecutive days.)

66.3.3 In the case of WRC Teams, for a maximum of 6 sessions (as defined in Article 2.20)
comprising a maximum of 15 days in any calendar year. This clause does not apply to testing as stated in
Article 66.1.1.

Petter is WRC team and he has 6 sessions and 15 days and he can test in Citroen official test track as muchs as he dears.

Two Finns and Two French guys have 10 sessions and 42 days ( 21 per driver - only one car at the time is one session!).

Bobcat

29th January 2011, 19:05

If what Quesnel says, is right. Petter is paying for an "almost" factory drive. This is much more costly, than owning the car yourself. Last year PSWRT, really had to make a lot of compromises. This probably costed a WRC victory, when they couldn't replace some parts. That surely would have been done in a factory team. Hopefully this year Petter will have access to the best parts.

In the 80's when I was active in motorsport, my best sponsorship was when we got to pick freely from the top shelf. Even when I have to pay for the parts, we could choose whatever fitting our needs best. This was regarding to measuring, weighting and getting everything balanced and working the best with our current setup. Big difference in reliability and performance.
Olivier Quesnel: "Last year he had exactly the same car as Loeb and his car was faster than [Sebastien] Ogier's car,

Like I told Petter: 'I'm sorry, I've got the boss Seb and Ogier in the team and that means I do think they are faster than you - maybe I'm wrong, but that's it for me.' But, of course, this year, he has the same car - they are all the same car."

http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/89109

MJW

29th January 2011, 19:46

Olivier Quesnel: "Last year he had exactly the same car as Loeb and his car was faster than [Sebastien] Ogier's car,

But if you can not afford to change parts during the rally that becomes academic. Everything on a WRC car is lifed, if you miss these windows or deadlines the performance drops.

Mirek

29th January 2011, 21:23

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ougScQZyN3g&feature=youtu.be&a

nr7wave

29th January 2011, 21:32

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ougScQZyN3g&feature=youtu.be&a

I love the sound of the DS3!
Petter has had a busy day today. With this beeing the only test before Sweden.
Saw on Petters website that he said that he like the car. It was very diferent, but it actually felt quicker(than the C4). Could that be because of the shorter weelbase? Makes it feel more nervous, perhaps?

OldF

29th January 2011, 22:19

All about how spare parts can be used here, beginning on page 45.

http://argent.fia.com/web/fia-public.nsf/679D8CA3F3DF8F09C12577F50055956F/$FILE/WRC%20Regs&Appx%202011.pdf

What I think is different from last when he used his own car is that this year he pays for a package and he should have access for same spares
All about how spare parts can be used here, beginning on page 45.

http://argent.fia.com/web/fia-public.nsf/679D8CA3F3DF8F09C12577F50055956F/$FILE/WRC%20Regs&Appx%202011.pdf

What I think is different from last when he used his own car is that this year he pays for a package and he should have access to same spares and seasonal maintenance as the works drivers.

pettersolberg29

29th January 2011, 22:49

Saw on Petters website that he said that he like the car. It was very diferent, but it actually felt quicker(than the C4). Could that be because of the shorter weelbase? Makes it feel more nervous, perhaps?

Didn't a Citroen technician say he thought the car would be quicker than the C4 on snow by anything up to 1s/km? Slower on gravel and tarmac tough. Its somewhere deep in the forum I think, but do correct me if I'm wrong.

N.O.T

29th January 2011, 23:00

Didn't a Citroen technician say he thought the car would be quicker than the C4 on snow by anything up to 1s/km?

i think it would be faster by 10sec.km...or maybe 20...and slower by 14.4 sec/meter on gravel and tarmac...

you have any idea what 1sec/km means and what development it needs to be achieved ???? or just posting numbers uot of your head ???

can we use a bit of common sense for once before actually using the keyboard ??

pettersolberg29

29th January 2011, 23:10

i think it would be faster by 10sec.km...or maybe 20...and slower by 14.4 sec/meter on gravel and tarmac...

you have any idea what 1sec/km means and what development it needs to be achieved ???? or just posting numbers uot of your head ???

can we use a bit of common sense for once before actually using the keyboard ??

A simple correction was all that was needed! I know 1s/km is a massive amount, but these cars aren't just developments of an old formula - they are completely new. I will look for the old thread before you have another go at me!

pettersolberg29

29th January 2011, 23:19

It was Ogier who said it was the same speed as the C4 on a test stage, while Ostberg said it will start 0.5s slower so I have to admit ignorance despite my prevous thoughts :D

nr7wave

29th January 2011, 23:48

can we use a bit of common sense for once before actually using the keyboard ??

Says the guy who thinks he can jugde the difference in speed with the Fiesta and the DS3 just by watching some videos on YouTube.

So when do you plan to live by this new rule you invented? Or is your latest post a good example of common sense, you think?

N.O.T

30th January 2011, 00:58

i am the most sensible guy in here, most of you are either blind nationalistic supporters or followers/haters of a certain car make, or just that naive that believe everything that is written by the reporters....

and the 1.6T "look" slow...looking slow and being slow is a different story....if you cannot understand basic words then its not my problem.

and when someone cannot filter out the things he/she reads its not good for anyone....to say that can car with lesser capacity, bigger turbo restrictor and 6 months of true development is faster 1s/km from a car which was developed for over a decade no matter who says it its not within this reality.

If you try and actually read my posts and not be full of prejudice when you see my name next to a post you might eventually learn something and understand that i have better things to do than post in here just to get negative reactions.

pettersolberg29

30th January 2011, 01:11

It's not worth getting into it NOT, but it can't be a coincidence that the majority of your posts incite argument rather than discussion.

People can be incorrect - therefore I said correct me if I'm wrong. I'm sure you have also said a few incorrect things in your posts. I also said 'up to' which includes 0.01s/km too depending on the stage characteristics. No-one on here really knows how fast these cars are yet, which is why I suggested a figure which I thought was mentioned by a driver with extensive experience of the old and new generation of WRC cars. I was wrong and it's not a big issue.

I said they may be faster on snow - I may be wrong. I can take that.
You say they 'look' much slower - you may be wrong. But would you admit your error...?

Anyway, sorry for the off-topic.

Iskald

31st January 2011, 12:28

cali

31st January 2011, 13:33

Setting completely new standards for self-belief and arrogance. Oh please!

:D :D

nr7wave

31st January 2011, 19:58

Lets forget about NOT's lack of common sense an concentrate on some more nationalistic propaganda from a lojalist follower and blindingly faithfull PSWRT fan:

Pctures from the test in Sweden: http://nrk.no/nyheter/distrikt/ostfold/1.7485079?index=10#image-gallery-content

And a video from the test with an interview with Petter: http://www.nrk.no/nyheter/distrikt/ostfold/1.7485069
Hope you can access it from outside Norway.

Co-driven

31st January 2011, 21:35

Pctures from the test in Sweden: http://nrk.no/nyheter/distrikt/ostfold/1.7485079?index=10#image-gallery-content

Picture 4: No Mad Croc anymore? Chris' helmet is black, where I think there was Mad Croc's logo.

nr7wave

31st January 2011, 21:48

Picture 4: No Mad Croc anymore? Chris' helmet is black, where I think there was Mad Croc's logo.

I've heard some roumors that Mad Croc did'nt pay up all of the money at the end of last season and that was the reason Petter had to pay from his own pocket the last two rounds.
In the article I linked to, it says that Petter expects some answers from a couple of sponsors this week.

Finni2

31st January 2011, 21:52

nr7wave

31st January 2011, 22:00

I met today a guy who is informant personel in Citroen. I asked about Petter's car and situation and the answer was that Petter had the same cas as Loeb and Ogier for the last third of the season including at least Japan and forward).

I think that is correct info.
But Petter still did'nt have enogh money to have sufficiant with spare parts. They had to rebuild an run it longer than the works team.

Co-driven

31st January 2011, 22:45

I've heard some roumors that Mad Croc did'nt pay up all of the money at the end of last season and that was the reason Petter had to pay from his own pocket the last two rounds.
In the article I linked to, it says that Petter expects some answers from a couple of sponsors this week.

It's not the first time I hear this kind of thinks regarding this company. I even heard that it had bankrupted.

MJW

31st January 2011, 22:59

It's not the first time I hear this kind of thinks regarding this company. I even heard that it had bankrupted.
I heard some rumours about previous sponsorship of rallycross not delivering what was promised money wise, but now in 2011 Mad Croc is playing with the big guys in F1, with Sauber. Better behave in Bernie's playground, or the litigation will certainly bite. Shame, because the drink tastes nice as energy drinks go. I liked the coffee one personally.

tfp

31st January 2011, 23:00

I think that is correct info.
But Petter still did'nt have enogh money to have sufficiant with spare parts. They had to rebuild an run it longer than the works team.

True, I remember the end of japan, petter lost that rally to ogier only because of broken suspension IIRC.

Although, with greatest respect to you and Petter Solberg 29, I find it hard to believe citroen would give petter, who is a genuine challenger to Loeb, an identical car....
I know I wouldn't do it :D

N.O.T

31st January 2011, 23:06

genuine challenger

very genuine indeed in the last 5 years he managed to win 0 rallies in a straight fight with Loeb.... LOL

pettersolberg29

1st February 2011, 03:01

very genuine indeed in the last 5 years he managed to win 0 rallies in a straight fight with Loeb.... LOL

Are you trying to start arguments? I may be a fan of Petter, but you seem to be hiding genuine, realistic perception of talent and speed behind your dislike for Petter/Norwegians/Petter's fans.
Firstly, who has beaten Loeb in a straight fight in the last 5 years? Only Gronholm, and Mikko on snow have been real contenders. Petter finished 2nd so many times last season that he is as bigger threat as anyone to Loeb, especially now he has factory support and an equal car (don't believe all this equal car rubbish about last year - as people have noted this means nothing when you can't replace parts and don't have access to team data). Even if he doesn't win the title, he will take points off the Citroen boys at many events next year and this could hand JML or Mikko a chance at the title. Citroen are sharing the points between 3 relatively equal cars - Ford shares between two.

N.O.T

1st February 2011, 03:09

Sulland

1st February 2011, 10:55

Loeb has proven that he is the best, car or not over the past years, but Petter on a charge is still one of 3 in WRC that can challenge Loeb on speed. The two others are Ogier and Latvala. But on the tactical side, Loeb has been superiour and will probably be that also in 2011.

But the WRC Circus will be a more boring place without the extrovert Petter !!!

The first few stages of Sweden will be exiting to see the speed of Ford and Citroen, and if the both of them are so equal that they can fight in the top, and that the rest is up to the drivers. Would be too bad if one is much quicker than the other !

N.O.T

1st February 2011, 11:02

i do not think sweden will be an indication...last year hirvonen won relatively easily with an inferior car, despite loebs claims that he pushed to the max...if Loeb wins in sweden then i guess there is no reason for ford to continue the season. Mexico will be a good indication for the speed of the cars but then again ford never performed on high altitudes....so portugal will be the real test of the cars...i just wish that both are reliable enough so the battle stays within the stages.

pettersolberg29

1st February 2011, 14:02

was there something wrong or something not true in what i said ??? peter is not a genuine contender....he is fast enough and a good attraction and has his place in the sport...but there is a diiference between the two.

Do you not think that Petter could win an event this year? Even if he only wins one event, that surely means he's a contender in that he's taking points away from Loeb/Ogier. I'm not such a big fan that I think Petter is better than Loeb, but Mikko wasn't better than Loeb yet still ran him close. Now that Ogier and JML are real contenders, that means points will be shared between more drivers which gives people like Petter, Ogier, JML and Mikko to a chance to actually beat Loeb.

N.O.T

1st February 2011, 15:43

he was never a contender to win in a straight fight...i still would like him to win an event this year though, just to sya goodbye withhis head high, but this win will not come from driving for sure.

Petter is a contender to win a rally if others lose it....the speed is not there anymore.

tfp

1st February 2011, 17:43

very genuine indeed in the last 5 years he managed to win 0 rallies in a straight fight with Loeb.... LOL

I would try and argue my case, but, since I've seen your previous posts, I have realised you are just trying to get a reaction...so I wont bother.

nr7wave

1st February 2011, 18:24

I would try and argue my case, but, since I've seen your previous posts, I have realised you are just trying to get a reaction...so I wont bother.

You are not alone! :)

Iskald

1st February 2011, 19:56

[quote="N.O.T"]i am the most sensible guy in here./QUOTE]

Don`t ever forget this ;-)

Iskald

1st February 2011, 19:59

i am the most sensible guy in here.

Never forget this ;-)

Barreis

1st February 2011, 20:16

He's just practisin' his english.. :D

Camelopard

2nd February 2011, 00:24

You are not alone! :)

Put him on ignore, if enough people do this and stop responding to his obvious trolling, maybe he will stop! (here's hoping)

Co-driven

3rd February 2011, 21:29

New sponsor to Petter?

http://translate.google.com/translate?hl=cs&sl=cs&tl=en&u=http://www.ewrc.cz/ewrc/show.php%3Fid%3D15994

Halvis

4th February 2011, 13:39

100 pages in this thread!

Fide

4th February 2011, 14:50

100 pages in this thread!

No surprise for me..... In addition to his unquestionable driving skills and magic touch to win a championship still intact (just supposing he is a factory driver) he has what I referred early in this thread : Charisma..... Something actually nobody has. I can bet you open a thread related to Loeb.... people will get bored in the 3rd page :)