2010 Cars, teams, drivers

[alleskids]

Autosport mag today has sources within the IRC saying the Wilks/Skoda UK deal is all sorted. So I think we can add him to the list of starters to the Monte now. Really good news.

Will he Fabia S2000 again be prepared by RGRS? Will they fight with weapons from Belgium (Kronos vs RGRS) in the Battle of the Brits (Peugeot UK vs Skoda UK) :) ?

[alleskids]

Is MSD still bussy with develloping the Opel Corsa S2000 and will we see them back in the IRC 2010? Any news onthat project?

[Simmi]

Will he Fabia S2000 again be prepared by RGRS? Will they fight with weapons from Belgium (Kronos vs RGRS) in the Battle of the Brits (Peugeot UK vs Skoda UK) :) ?

That's what was reported in Motorsport News. Obviously we have a forum member who can say for sure. But why break up a winning combination. Good luck to them all.

[GTA]

Yes, Wilks will do IRC this year with Skoda.

lets wait and see...

[Sulland]

Is MSD still bussy with develloping the Opel Corsa S2000 and will we see them back in the IRC 2010? Any news onthat project?

Dont know, but this guy is probably very "happy" with the reliability, if he did not go off by himself !
http://www.s2000rally.com/car-detail.php?car=160

[alleskids]

lets wait and see...

Do you mean that the deal is not yet done, between Skoda UK, Rene George Rally Sport and Wilks, despite the "confirmation" in all the sites?l

[atsiotras79]

Dont know, but this guy is probably very "happy" with the reliability, if he did not go off by himself !
http://www.s2000rally.com/car-detail.php?car=160

Hehehehe, I think that Mr. Harris problem is rather his age (around 70) than his car!

[ProRally]

The Italian team who run the brothers Agnello from Varese has confirmed the program will continue next season in the Intercontinental Rally Challenge with the young driver from the island of Martinique Johan Heloise, with whom speak at 5 dates IRC Championship and is a done with the Mitsubishi Lancer Evo X will debut at the legendary Monte Carlo Rally in late January next year and will almost certainly be one of the attractions that will bring the rally in Cordoba in Villa Carlos Paz in late March.
It should be mentioned that Alfonso, Antonio and Michele Agnello were very optimistic for the new project for 2010 and not yet decided whether there will be a 2nd order of the Japanese, it is rumored British Mark Higgins as a possible driver of the other Evo X to structure of the Top Run Racing.

Paul MACHI
http://www.rallyreportnews.com.ar
Photos: Press Top Run Racing / Italy

http://cargocollective.com/media/58888/dscf2591_800x600.jpg

Mark drove PWRC for Top Run, and Agnello brothers like him... so this could be possible.

[Sulland]

Hehehehe, I think that Mr. Harris problem is rather his age (around 70) than his car!

Ok, I did not know that. In other words - A real Grand Old Man ! :p :

[PLuto]

You can see him on this picture in racing overall:
http://www.rally-erc.com/foto/gallery/112/service_25.jpg

[Sulland]

Blue or white suit ?

[harriswrc]

Blue or white suit ?Blue

[Barreis]

Even if he's 85 car should never stop 'cos of technical problems.. xd

[RS]

News on a French forum says that Freddy Loix is on the verge of signing a deal with a sponsor for 7-9 rounds of the IRC, car not yet decided.

[Gordini]

Car for Freddie ?

[alleskids]

The choise is between a Skoda Fabia from RGRS or a Peugeot 207 from Kronos. The budget is in place for 7 rallies, but he can probarly get 2 more with the right offer from one of the teams. Loix has trouble making a choise.

[wwbroe]

The choise is between a Skoda Fabia from RGRS or a Peugeot 207 from Kronos. The budget is in place for 7 rallies, but he can probarly get 2 more with the right offer from one of the teams. Loix has trouble making a choise.

He doesn't have trouble making a choice at all, he is just waiting for the best deal for next season. In the mean while he is in Tunesian desert playing with some jeeps. :D

[GTA]

He doesn't have trouble making a choice at all, he is just waiting for the best deal for next season. In the mean while he is in Tunesian desert playing with some jeeps. :D


Lets wait and see... :)

[Sulland]

Matti Rantanen is also looking at Proton for next year - would be interesting !
http://www.ircseries.com/html/readnews.asp?id=1427

[RS]

It's a shame that Proton are missing Monte, probably the most high profile event of the season. Now I fear we won't see them until the series gets back to Europe in June.

At least after that it stays in Europe till the end of the year, but that is a long wait...

[alleskids]

The deal for Thierry Neuville with Kronos and Peugeot Belgium-Luxembourg is still not done, and looks not be ready untill the Sardinia rally. In the mean time Neuville wil drive a Ford Escort Mk2 in the Legends Boucle de Spa 2010. So Kronos has still 2 empty Peugoet 207 S2000's ready in Monte Carlo? Ogier is with PH Sport, and Sarrazin with ...?

PS a very interesting and exciting rally 2010 :bounce:

[vino_93]

For Sarrazin, his 207 is a Peugeot Sport's car, which Sarrazin will drive with his own team.

[Sulland]

Mikkelsen Confirms that he will do IRC in 2010, but is still undecided on car. Will do SWRC in Sweden to test out the Fiesta before he decides btw Skoda and Ford for the IRC campaign. They also say they will do MC, but is not specifying car.
Read interview here: http://translate.google.no/translate?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.hamar-dagblad.no%2Fapps%2Fpbcs.dll%2Farticle%3FAID%3D%2F 20100102%2FRBSPORT%2F701029983%2F1108&sl=no&tl=en&hl=&ie=UTF-8
They could rent a Skoda or use their own Subaru Cup car for MC, and then decide on car after Sweden.

Good fun with a Norwegian in IRC, no matter in what car !!

[Mirek]

Just curious... does Hankook make wide winter tyres with studs which are nercessary for MC?

[VFTS]

Mikkelsen Confirms that he will do IRC in 2010, but is still undecided on car. Will do SWRC in Sweden to test out the Fiesta before he decides btw Skoda and Ford for the IRC campaign. They also say they will do MC, but is not specifying car.
Read interview here: http://translate.google.no/translate?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.hamar-dagblad.no%2Fapps%2Fpbcs.dll%2Farticle%3FAID%3D%2F 20100102%2FRBSPORT%2F701029983%2F1108&sl=no&tl=en&hl=&ie=UTF-8
They could rent a Skoda or use their own Subaru Cup car for MC, and then decide on car after Sweden.

Good fun with a Norwegian in IRC, no matter in what car !!


They will not contest Monte!
They will drive their Subaru-Cup car in Mountain Rally in Norway 23.january.

[VFTS]

]Just curious... does Hankook make wide winter tyres with studs which are nercessary for MC?

No, Hankook has so far no tyres for a winterly Monte.

[RS]

Mikkelsen Confirms that he will do IRC in 2010, but is still undecided on car. Will do SWRC in Sweden to test out the Fiesta before he decides btw Skoda and Ford for the IRC campaign. They also say they will do MC, but is not specifying car.
Read interview here: http://translate.google.no/translate?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.hamar-dagblad.no%2Fapps%2Fpbcs.dll%2Farticle%3FAID%3D%2F 20100102%2FRBSPORT%2F701029983%2F1108&sl=no&tl=en&hl=&ie=UTF-8
They could rent a Skoda or use their own Subaru Cup car for MC, and then decide on car after Sweden.

Good fun with a Norwegian in IRC, no matter in what car !!

Thanks, Andeas' comments about the level of drivers in S-WRC compared to WRC is interesting and I guess is another good reason for him to drive in IRC than S-WRC (other than his sponsor)

He sounds, ahem, quite a confident young man!

[pettersolberg29]

Fantastic news - great to see him in the IRC. So he isn't doing Monte Carlo though? But is doing Sweden and some rounds of the Norwegian Championship too. Hope for Fiesta for a bit of variation in the IRC.

[Leon]

Wilks set to join Skoda in IRC

http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/80759

[Mirek]

Guy was training tyre changing, solving of some basic mechanical issues etc. in Skoda Motorsport yesterday ;)

[Sulland]

RGRS will be busy this year with drivers in both IRC and SWRC !

But I guess GTA will juggle this perfectly !

[noel157]

]Guy was training tyre changing, solving of some basic mechanical issues etc. in Skoda Motorsport yesterday ;)

Hi Mirek, did Wilks get any more seat time after the asphalt test was cut short? Any winter testing yet?

[Mirek]

As far as I know he and Nicolas Vouilloz should test today on snow and ice, maybe tomorrow also.

[alleskids]

http://autosport.aeiou.pt/gen.pl?p=stories&op=view&fokey=as.stories/80393
Franz Wittman wil drive a Peugeot 207 S2000 in the 2010 IRC.
"Franz Wittmann in 2010 will change the Mitsubishi Lancer IX used in IRC 2009 for a Peugeot 207 S2000. Austrian maintain will be housed in a private structure but hopes to fight for better ratings now that we know many of the evidence in this series and will have a car more competitive.
A car being driven by the same pilot will be aligned with that of Waldviertel Rally 2009 as its program for this season will be revealed early next week."

[alleskids]

Apparently Andreas Mikkelsen wil be supported by Hankook tires in the 2010 IRC, regardless of the chosen vehicle (Ford Fiesta/Skoda Fabia)

[pettersolberg29]

Very good news for Wittman - hope he will show what he is capable of i.e. podiums and wins. Is he using the Pug in MC or not?

Mikkelsen really should have thought about doing MC in my opinion - could give him a lot of publicity and also help Hankook's reputation.

[Fly]

Wilks to drive a Fabia from Skoda Italia. Source:
http://www.autonews-magazine.com/blog/?p=8713

[RS]

Wilks to drive a Fabia from Skoda Italia. Source:
http://www.autonews-magazine.com/blog/?p=8713

Strange, I thought Wilks would be in a works Skoda Motorsport car painted blue.

At least that frees up an RGRS Fabia for somebody else :)

[Mirek]

I think that Skoda Motorsport itself is not able to run four cars in one event. Mario Fornaris, who is technical director of Skoda Italia, is one of people who had reasonable part in Fabia development and therefore I expect this team to have very close connections to Skoda Motorsport.

[noel157]

]As far as I know he and Nicolas Vouilloz should test today on snow and ice, maybe tomorrow also.

Thanks Mirek. Hopefully we'll see video soon.

[PLuto]

Ford (M-Sport) is registered in IRC - http://www.autosport.cz/clanek.php?cl=9712

[pettersolberg29]

For Mikkelsen?

[Sulland]

For Mikkelsen?

At least, but I guess more teams have ordered Fieastas.

9 brands, and 6 at top level is something WRC dreams about !

[RS]

Anyone know if Renault will register for the championship, seeing as the Clio Trophy will run alongside several IRC events this year?

[RS]

Ford now confirmed by IRC press release. No VW this year, but seems Abarth will continue to be registered.

[PLuto]

Renault isnt registered, but on events where will be Clio Trophy drivers with Renault can count into IRC :)

[RS]

Renault isnt registered, but on events where will be Clio Trophy drivers with Renault can count into IRC :)

Hmmm, how does that work then? Does that mean no tv coverage for Renault, but Clio drivers will be eligible for 2wd cup?

[Tom206wrc]

Ford now confirmed by IRC press release. No VW this year, but seems Abarth will continue to be registered.


Rumour read on Rallylink forum that Abarth would run the IRC 2WD championship with the new Cinquecento(500) R3 and Luca Rossetti :confused:

[PLuto]

Nothing is sure yet. Actual plans of Abarth says no IRC, but we will see... Still lot of discussions.

[PLuto]

Hmmm, how does that work then? Does that mean no tv coverage for Renault, but Clio drivers will be eligible for 2wd cup?

There will be coverage and drivers will be eligible, but only on Monte, Ypres and Barum. Same was with Subaru in Scotland...

[Sulland]

Renault should register for the 2WD cup, for the Clio Drivers !

How much is it to register in IRC ?

[Mirek]

The fee is individual depending on the number of cars and overall ambitions I think.

[Helstar]

Ford (M-Sport) is registered in IRC - http://www.autosport.cz/clanek.php?cl=9712
Oh oh oh ... where are you WRC :) ?
Pity that there's no Abarth and/or italian drivers :s

[Ondra WRC]

Loix going this year IRC? :confused:

[Mirek]

Yes, next week there should be final decision about his car.

[Motorsportfun]

Renault is the 9th manufacturer registered in the IRC. An announcement is expected next week.


IRC 2010 - ANTEPRIMA
Anche la Renault dice sì

Per ora niente proclami, ma il contratto ha l'inchiostro ancora fresco. È fatta, ormai. Fonti vicine a Italiaracing hanno confermato, questa sera, l'approdo della Renault nell'Intercontinental Rally Challenge 2010. Una mossa che permetterà a clienti sportivi e protagonisti del “Clio R3 European Trophy” (ne fanno parte i rally di Montecarlo, Ypres e Barum) di prendere punti e non essere trasparenti nelle classifiche della serie alternativa.
Il debutto è di quelli col botto, grazie al nuovo uomo immagine della Casa d'Oltralpe, quel Robert Kubica che, insieme a Jakub Gerber che gli detterà le note, ha annunciato proprio oggi di voler correre la gara-che-vale-una-stagione. "Non è un segreto che mi piacciano i rally", non fa che ripetere la nuova punta che sostituirà Alonso nell'ex scuderia di Flavio Briatore. Al quinto impegno rallystico, s'ha da credergli.http://www.italiaracing.net/newsrally.asp?id=2160&nome=NEWS&cart=RALLY

[alleskids]

Translation:
IRC 2010 - PREVIEW
Renault also says yes
Currently no proclamations, but the contract has the ink still fresh. It is done now. Sources close to Italiaracing have confirmed this evening, the call of Renault in the Intercontinental Rally Challenge 2010. This move will enable customers and sports stars of "Clio R3 European Trophy" (forming part of the Monte Carlo Rally, Ypres and Barum) take points and not be transparent in the series standings alternative.
The debut is one of those with a bang, thanks to the new human image of the house across the Alps, that Robert Kubica who, with Jakub Gerber that dictate the notes, just announced Monday it would run the race-that-is-a - season. "It's no secret that I like the rally, only repeats the new section will replace Alonso in the former stable of Flavio Briatore. The fifth commitment rally, one has to believe him.

Claudio Pilia

[Ondra WRC]

]Yes, next week there should be final decision about his car.

Thanks. :)

[Tom206wrc]

]Yes, next week there should be final decision about his car.



Good :)

[Simmi]

All these so called manufacturers joining is a clever bit of marketing I must say by IRC/Eurosport. But the fact people get sucked in by it (especially on the forum) is amusing to me. It is a complete smokescreen making something out of nothing.

To stack up the numbers to make it appear like the IRC has 7 more manufacturers than the WRC is laughable to me, when in fact really manufacturers are signing up as simply a token gesture to their customers - not because they truely want to be a part of the IRC.

The only real aces the IRC holds are works Skoda, semi-works Proton and the ever diminishing Kronos Peugeot efforts.

All of these cars will compete on the WRC this year. But the WRC at least wont blackmail them into a sham of a signing up process in order to ensure tv coverage and points - then market their series off the back of it. It speaks volumes Ford have registered as M-Sport, and when you look at RalliArt too it is like one forumer said, they are making up the rules as they go along.

So like I said - clever bit of marketing but am I supposed to get excited that Subaru/Renault/M-Sport etc have literally signed a scrap of paper to let their cars (that would have been there anyway) score points? That's hardly the endorsment of the IRC that they would have you believe.

[RS]

All these so called manufacturers joining is a clever bit of marketing I must say by IRC/Eurosport. But the fact people get sucked in by it (especially on the forum) is amusing to me. It is a complete smokescreen making something out of nothing.

To stack up the numbers to make it appear like the IRC has 7 more manufacturers than the WRC is laughable to me, when in fact really manufacturers are signing up as simply a token gesture to their customers - not because they truely want to be a part of the IRC.

The only real aces the IRC holds are works Skoda, semi-works Proton and the ever diminishing Kronos Peugeot efforts.

All of these cars will compete on the WRC this year. But the WRC at least wont blackmail them into a sham of a signing up process in order to ensure tv coverage and points - then market their series off the back of it. It speaks volumes Ford have registered as M-Sport, and when you look at RalliArt too it is like one forumer said, they are making up the rules as they go along.

So like I said - clever bit of marketing but am I supposed to get excited that Subaru/Renault/M-Sport etc have literally signed a scrap of paper to let their cars (that would have been there anyway) score points? That's hardly the endorsment of the IRC that they would have you believe.

I do see what you're saying, but to join the main WRC you also have to sign up and I think pay too.

Fact of the matter is there are still only two real manufacturers in WRC and I don't see Eurosport's practice as worse than the pretend teams we have in WRC (Stobart, Munchis..)

At least those in IRC are actually car manufacturers!

[ProRally]

I do see what you're saying, but to join the main WRC you also have to sign up and I think pay too.

Fact of the matter is there are still only two real manufacturers in WRC and I don't see Eurosport's practice as worse than the pretend teams we have in WRC (Stobart, Munchis..)

At least those in IRC are actually car manufacturers!

Not really, M-Sport registered to get point for the Fiesta, Ralliart registered to get points for the Mitsu's...

But yes, more manufacturers and tuners then WRC ....

[Simmi]

I do see what you're saying, but to join the main WRC you also have to sign up and I think pay too.

Fact of the matter is there are still only two real manufacturers in WRC and I don't see Eurosport's practice as worse than the pretend teams we have in WRC (Stobart, Munchis..)

At least those in IRC are actually car manufacturers!

Yeah I take this point too. There are two real manufacturers in the WRC but I'd say there's probably really two in the IRC too. At best. It depends how you classify these semi-works efforts. How much mustard is really behind Proton for example? The Peugeot effort seems to survive on the whims of national dealer funding. The IRC has the names of real manufacturers but I don't see these teams putting in real manufacturer efforts. Just Skoda.

I suppose it is the marketing perspective that irks me. Making out that you have all the Japanese giants on board when really it is just a few privateers. I see the Stobart/Munchi's etc as a problem but I think WRC had to do something to allow more than two entries on the manu leaderboard. At least they aren't making out they have multiple works presences in their series. The IRC had to do something too so I suppose - it is just indicative of the problems rallying finds itself in.

[Mirek]

French motoring tuner RDM Moteurs announced in their press release that they started to develop Punto S2000 engine. The question is now who ordered that engine? Is it for Abarth, for some private team or their own initiative to offer their engines to team running Puntos? In any case they proved to be able of making good and reliable S2000 units with 207 S2000.

[Sulland]

]French motoring tuner RDM Moteurs announced in their press release that they started to develop Punto S2000 engine. The question is now who ordered that engine? Is it for Abarth, for some private team or their own initiative to offer their engines to team running Puntos? In any case they proved to be able of making good and reliable S2000 units with 207 S2000.

Very good news, and this might do wonders for the used market for GP S2000, for people to continue to use them in international rallies !

[Sulland]

Will more cars than Ford and Skoda come with 1820 mm to Monte ?

[Mirek]

Skoda won't come to Monte with 1820 mm wide car. They will use it only later in the season. Probably since Brasil.

[RS]

Wilks' Skoda UK programme confirmed: http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/80798

[principe IRC]

On this website portuguese www.supermotores.net (http://www.supermotores.net), I found this picture:

http://www.supermotores.net/images/noticias/peugeotbmmm.jpg

[pucky54]

looks like a winners car ;)

[Viking]

Mikkelsen, IRC is primary goal!

Translation:

http://translate.google.com/translate?js=y&prev=_t&hl=no&ie=UTF-8&layout=1&eotf=1&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.hamar-dagblad.no%2Fapps%2Fpbcs.dll%2Farticle%3FAID%3D%2F 20100112%2FRBSPORT%2F701129983%2F1103%2FRINGSAKER_ FORSIDE&sl=no&tl=en

[Tom206wrc]

Does someone know if Monte-Carlo is a one-shot for brazilian driver Daniel Oliveira or if he aims more IRC events with S2000 or the brazilian championship with S2000,...????? :confused: :confused:

[bluuford]

Mikkelsen, IRC is primary goal!

Translation:

http://translate.google.com/translate?js=y&prev=_t&hl=no&ie=UTF-8&layout=1&eotf=1&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.hamar-dagblad.no%2Fapps%2Fpbcs.dll%2Farticle%3FAID%3D%2F 20100112%2FRBSPORT%2F701129983%2F1103%2FRINGSAKER_ FORSIDE&sl=no&tl=en

Why does he speaks that 8 rounds counts?
It is still seven? at least on irc.com it says best of 7?

[WRC1]

Does someone know if Monte-Carlo is a one-shot for brazilian driver Daniel Oliveira or if he aims more IRC events with S2000 or the brazilian championship with S2000,...????? :confused: :confused:

no Tom, it is not a one shot! he will do more events in this years IRC

the final program has still to be decided

[Tom206wrc]

Thanks WRC1 ;)

[Tom206wrc]

I didn't know Stohl Racing bought a 207 S2000(the one Daniel Oliveira will drive in Monte)...will Manfred use it in austrian championship or elsewhere ??? :confused:

[PLuto]

I didn't know Stohl Racing bought a 207 S2000(the one Daniel Oliveira will drive in Monte)...will Manfred use it in austrian championship or elsewhere ??? :confused:

Yes, Manfred bought it in the middle of last year.

[PLuto]

And, I have forgotten to add article about Oliveira: http://www.autosport.cz/clanek.php?cl=9736

[alleskids]

Good news for IRC, to have South America represented in Oliveira. Hopefully Australian Evans wil succeed in the budget search, so IRC will realy become Intercontinental

[RS]

Mikkelsen, IRC is primary goal!

Translation:

http://translate.google.com/translate?js=y&prev=_t&hl=no&ie=UTF-8&layout=1&eotf=1&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.hamar-dagblad.no%2Fapps%2Fpbcs.dll%2Farticle%3FAID%3D%2F 20100112%2FRBSPORT%2F701129983%2F1103%2FRINGSAKER_ FORSIDE&sl=no&tl=en

Interesting things from that article:

- Andreas will start in Brazil

- He should decide car this week (I thought he would wait until after Sweden?)

[Sulland]

Interesting things from that article:

- Andreas will start in Brazil

- He should decide car this week (I thought he would wait until after Sweden?)

I also heard he will decide after Sweden, but he is not on the list there so far.

[pettersolberg29]

He is now, in a Fiesta S2000, so I assume that was a slip of the tongue by Ola, or a mistake in the translation.

[alleskids]

A Fiesta S2000 in IRC 2010 would be very cool. Especially with a talented driver at the wheel. It would make the battle in IRC al lot more interesting, Ford, Skoda and Peugoet fighting for wins.

[RS]

A Fiesta S2000 in IRC 2010 would be very cool. Especially with a talented driver at the wheel. It would make the battle in IRC al lot more interesting, Ford, Skoda and Peugoet fighting for wins.

I agree. I'm a Skoda fan but would love to see a well-driven Fiesta in IRC all year.

[RS]

Franz Wittmann's press release:


Franz Wittmann’s rally show in the
IRC enters its second round

After his learning year the Interwetten-driver
wants to compete with the best this year
in the Peugeot 207 S2000

Just like last year the premiere will take place
at the legendary Rallye Automobile Monte-Carlo

One really didn’t have to be a soothsayer in order to notice at the Rallye Waldviertel 2009 that Franz Wittmann and the Peugeot 207 S2000 have a perfect understanding. And thanks to his sponsor Interwetten the 26-year-old Lower Austrian will continue this partnership. Following Wittmann’s performances last season the internationally highly successful betting provider decided to support Franz Wittmann in his second season, as well. He was furthermore given the opportunity to change into a “higher class” which will enable Franz Wittmann to compete for one or more absolute top results.

“Following our very successful testing year in the IRC we are now looking excitedly forward to the performance of our young hopeful with a competitive car. Interwetten wholeheartedly supports Franz and wishes him the biggest of successes”, explains Interwetten-founder Wolfgang Fabian.

Interwetten Sponsoring- and PR-Manager Michael Summer expects some definite highlights this year already at the IRC runs. But he also stresses the profound basis which had already been set last year.

Summer: “As an Austrian company we want to offer a young native talent the opportunity to make his mark in international motor sports. This cooperation is meant as a long-term one. After Franz Wittmann has already fulfilled and even exceeded the expectations of Interwetten.com in 2009, we feel justified in our decision.”

Now it is up to Franz Wittmann to continue his success run in 2010. The road for this has been paved even though there are still many kilometres to complete with the new car. For in this class especially experience counts for more than anywhere else.

Wittmann: “On the one hand it is a great feeling to know that one drives an absolutely competitive car. On the other hand it is also a big responsibility since now we will be judged in comparison with the top drivers. I will, in any case, do my all so that my sponsor Interwetten will be convinced of having made the right decision at the end of 2010, as well.”

The Peugeot 207 S2000 stems from the tuning wizards of Ronald Leschhorn – ROMO Motorsporttechnik. The German is far from unknown in the house of Wittmann. In 2001 he already had deployed the very Toyota Corolla WRC which enabled Franz Wittmann sen. to win his twelfth National Championship title. But his business card also boasts of drivers like Walter Röhrl, Ari Vatanen, Juha Kankkunen or Carlos Sainz.

The Peugeot which Franz Wittmann will steer in the IRC 2010 is state of the art.

Leschhorn: “The engine, gearbox and differentials are in accordance with evolution step 2010. The cooperation with a sponsor like Interwetten, as well as with Peugeot Sport in Paris are important stepping stones to success.”

Just like last year the rally season for Franz Wittmann starts in Monte Carlo. The IRC rookie caused a stir last year by being top-ten until the “Night of the Long Knives”. There he unfortunately had to retire due to a technical defect through no fault of his own. Therefore the Lower Austrian still has an account to settle with the Col de Turini.

Wittmann: “I won’t let this be taken away from me this year. This is the kind of special stage one looks forward to during a whole year. These are 20 kilometres that demand everything of you. But you nevertheless savour each metre on this course.”

This year, Klaus Wicha will take place in the co-driver’s seat. The 49-year-old German already looks back on a very successful career. Among others he navigated Andreas Aigner to the World Championship title in the P-WRC in 2008.

While the premiere in Monte Carlo has been affixed one is yet undecided in the Interwetten Racing Team concerning the further assignments. Seven to eight IRC runs in Europe have been planned. But there is also the possibility of competing in the two runs in Brazil and Argentina which would mean two runs less in Europe. The seven best results of the year count for the IRC ranking.

The “78th Rallye Automobile Monte-Carlo 2010” will commence on January 19 at 17.00 in Valence with an eight kilometres long prologue. Its main objective is to decide the starting order. 15 special stages with a length of 405,1 kilometres are scheduled until the crossing of the finishing line on January 23 at 1.15 in the morning in Monte Carlo. The overall length measures 1.669,56 kilometres since the rally leads from Valence to the almost 400 km distant Monaco. “The Night of the Long Knives” will, of course, once more be the highlight of the rally. Thereby the special stages “Peira Cava – La Bollene Vesuble”, better known as Col de Turini, and “Lantosque – Luceram” will be completed twice during the night from Friday on Saturday.

[alleskids]

A lot of drivers have a yett to determine programe... Were does it depend on, do tey have only partial budget and depending on good results the rest of the money will come?

[PLuto]

No, it is also tactics. Lot of events and if they plans only six or sevent, it is better not to reveal your plans on the beginning of the season.

[PLuto]

And info about Wittmann's starts also with picture: http://www.autosport.cz/clanek.php?cl=9737

http://www.autosport.cz/img/clanky/309f5a105691d88acad75f6bdaebe90c.jpg

[alleskids]

thanks for the explenation Pluto. It would make sence to do Brasil and Argentina, even Cyprus were entrylists will be a lot smaller then a croweded Madeira, Ypres or Barum.

[PLuto]

Lot of drivers interested in IRC will go to Brasil and Argentina. And also some local guys...

[Sulland]

I agree. I'm a Skoda fan but would love to see a well-driven Fiesta in IRC all year.
@

So am I, but I guess Mikkelsen is on the original plan to use Sweden to compare the Fiesta with the Fabia - and then decide. He also takes opportunities for a good seat for 2011 into the calculation.

Hopefully the Fiesta will work for the whole rally, so he has the right data/feeling to make his choice !

[alleskids]

Lot of drivers interested in IRC will go to Brasil and Argentina. And also some local guys...

So The America rounds will have a (more then) decent entrylist and a good battle? A lot of drivers have a secret plan to compete in Brasil to avoid too much competion, and then discover a large number of competitors in Curtiba :) . It would be a good thing if rallies outside Europe will have agood responce from the drivers. The China rally and the Africa rounds were not taken seriously in the past

[RS]

So The America rounds will have a (more then) decent entrylist and a good battle? A lot of drivers have a secret plan to compete in Brasil to avoid too much competion, and then discover a large number of competitors in Curtiba :) . It would be a good thing if rallies outside Europe will have agood responce from the drivers. The China rally and the Africa rounds were not taken seriously in the past

Yes... I was a little bit sceptical about rounds outside Europe but Brazil was a nice rally last year and I guess they are using the WTCC boat to keep travelling costs down again?

[ProRally]

WTCC boat will be quite empty , SEAT just announced they pull out of WTCC 2010 !!!

[modri dirkac]

WTCC boat will be quite empty , SEAT just announced they pull out of WTCC 2010 !!!

??? Are you sure? No news so far ... :confused:

[JAM]

??? Are you sure? No news so far ... :confused:


http://www.elmundo.es/elmundomotor/2010/01/12/deporte/1263313557.html

Usually the "El mundo" antecipates te official announcements...

[Sulland]

Will Kronos Racing serve any cars in IRC this year ?

[PLuto]

Yes, now it is sure car for Meeke. Maybe also others...

[alleskids]

The program of Team Peugeot Total in the 2010 IRC is not confirmed yet, but according to what it has been established by AutoSport.pt, the Rally of Madeira and SATA Rally Azores are assured, Asturias and Sanremo, are very close to being, There still remains evidence of Curitiba (Brazil) and Argentina, which are also under evaluation. Bruno Magalhães will have former European Rally Champion Henrik Lundgaard and Nuno Rodrigues da Silva as scouts for Monte Carlo

[pucky54]

Tom Cave will take part in some IRC events this year in a privately entered Proton Satria Neo Super 2000 supported by MEM

[Simmi]

Tom Cave will take part in some IRC events this year in a privately entered Proton Satria Neo Super 2000 supported by MEM

Wow! Big step up. He obviously has a bit of money behind him.

[noel157]

Hopefully this is a 3rd car rather than as part of the 2 car team.
I'm not yet convinced about Tom Cave considering he's been rallying since a very young age. Granted I've only seen him on video. Is he any good?

[Simmi]

Hopefully this is a 3rd car rather than as part of the 2 car team.
I'm not yet convinced about Tom Cave considering he's been rallying since a very young age. Granted I've only seen him on video. Is he any good?

This is what I was wondering. I kind of switch off when I hear him mentioned because it seems he only gets press due to his very young age. Not sure whether he has shown pace or not really.

I'm assuming he has some fat backing/sponsors for this programme? Does anyone know?

[AndyRAC]

This is what I was wondering. I kind of switch off when I hear him mentioned because it seems he only gets press due to his very young age. Not sure whether he has shown pace or not really.

I'm assuming he has some fat backing/sponsors for this programme? Does anyone know?

Mmm. good question, were is he getting the backing from? But it's good news for the sport I suppose.

[morganmilan]

Hopefully this is a 3rd car rather than as part of the 2 car team.
I'm not yet convinced about Tom Cave considering he's been rallying since a very young age. Granted I've only seen him on video. Is he any good?
So, I guess there´re plans for a works two cars team. Is that right? I heard rumours about A. McRae. Are there signed drivers for that project?...I assume N. McShea isn´t one of them...am I right?

[Mirek]

The second one should be someone from: Duval, Rantanen, Alen and some fourth...

[noel157]

]The second one should be someone from: Duval, Rantanen, Alen and some fourth...

Yes, Cave's car will be in addition to the "works" cars:

http://www.crash.net/world+rally/news/156000/1/irc_cave_secures_proton_drive.html

[modri dirkac]

Very good. More cars, more fun, more people, more money. I know, old story. :p

[pettersolberg29]

Tom Cave has been very impressive in his Fiesta. Looks fast in Latvia, and was good in GB in 2008 so I hope he does well.

[Tom206wrc]

Apparently Kronos Racing is continueing MERC championship this year, as Yazeed Al Rajhi is on entrylist of next week's Qatar rally :confused:

[vino_93]

Apparently Kronos Racing is continueing MERC championship this year, as Yazeed Al Rajhi is on entrylist of next week's Qatar rally :confused:

I think that Al Rajhi has built his own car ;) On S2000 rallye, his car's team is Yazeed Al Rajhi Racing Team.

[Mirek]

Yes, but his cars are serviced by Kronos.

[katxal]

]Yes, but his cars are serviced by Kronos.

true

[RICARDO75]

Nicolas Vouilloz should have program for this season with Skoda France

http://www.autohebdo.fr/rallye/irc/article-26-2-2907/190110-skoda-france-veut-investir-en-rallye

[RICARDO75]

Brazilian Daniel Oliveira in 8 IRC events (Monte Carlo, Curitiba, Argentina, Ypres, Azores, Barum, Asturias and Cyprus)

http://www.rallybuzz.com/daniel-oliveira-irc-monte-pre/

[FabiaFan]

Nicolas Vouilloz should have program for this season with Skoda France

http://www.autohebdo.fr/rallye/irc/article-26-2-2907/190110-skoda-france-veut-investir-en-rallye

I'm not that good in French, but as far I understood something like: maybe IRC, maybe WRC, maybe this year, maybe the next, maybe with Vouilloz, maybe not... :-/

[RICARDO75]

I'm not that good in French, but as far I understood something like: maybe IRC, maybe WRC, maybe this year, maybe the next, maybe with Vouilloz, maybe not... :-/

The commitment of Nicolas Vouilloz at the start of the Rallye Automobile Monte-Carlo, which begins today, will certainly follow. The willingness to invest is clearly displayed by Skoda France, which relies on the Fabia Super 2000 and its new driver.

The convincing results of the Skoda Fabia Super 2000 throughout the 2009 season convinced the leaders of France Skoda become involved in rallying. Already present in Andros Trophy, the mark involved in Monte Carlo with Nicolas Vouilloz, engaged with official drivers Jan Kopecky and Juho Hänninen: "This is the result of a double commitment," says it does in France Skoda . "The Skoda Motorsport and its director and the Hrabanek Michal Skoda France, without whose participation would not have been possible. "

"We discussed with the factory, very involved in the IRC for over a year and a half," Cedric reveals Journel, Marketing Director of Skoda France. "They chose to do a test with Nicolas Vouilloz and we have been favorable. Nicolas has already won titles, he has a good experience, maturity and it is fast. This boy is not only an experienced pilot. Ten times world champion downhill mountain biking, there is also a French sports the most successful. It therefore has all the qualities to convince us. "

The Monte Carlo will have a test for the former France champion and winner of the IRC in 2008: "The target is at a podium," says Cedric Journel. "But most important is that Nicolas finds its feet at the wheel of the car, we had positive feedback on how he captures his race and his daily within the team. This effectively means that if the test is successful, and that we can raise the necessary financial program, we might consider a sequel. "

And later, this commitment could be extended in IRC ... then if Skoda WRC: "We believe that the difference between an investment in a championship of France and another in the IRC is not very significant. He is, however, in terms of media coverage, even though the action takes place in Russia or Finland. Because the coverage is very important, particularly those of Eurosport, which is investing unprecedented in Monte Carlo. "

And 2011? "If it is decided to establish a world championship based on IRC, or in any event, the Super 2000 category, it is clear that Skoda France will be interested to follow the policy of its parent. It is therefore possible, if the conditions are met, that we engaged in 2011 a program for a French driver in the factory team in World Championship, "says he.

In the case of development of a Skoda Fabia Super 2000 "Mode 2011" to participate in the World Championship Rally, it is likely that France will step completely Skoda to put a French driver Nicolas Vouilloz ... the front line.

[Rallytourist]

Freddy has signed today a contract with RGRS for 4 IRC rallys + Several rallys in Belgium

[Leon]

Freddy has signed today a contract with RGRS for 4 IRC rallys + Several rallys in Belgium

With a Fabia I quess.

No more Polos?

[Rallytourist]

With a Fabia I quess.

No more Polos?

Yes with the same Fabia as the one of B. Casier Condroz 09 ( 2nd place )

[Leon]

Yes with the same Fabia as the one of B. Casier Condroz 09 ( 2nd place )

Thanks

[noel157]

Did I read somewhere that Wilks has had Brazil and Argentina added to his programme by Skoda UK?

[Ondra WRC]

Did I read somewhere that Wilks has had Brazil and Argentina added to his programme by Skoda UK?

Yes

[RS]

Freddy has signed today a contract with RGRS for 4 IRC rallys + Several rallys in Belgium

Why only 4 IRC rallies, I thought Freddy had the budget for 8-9?

[WRCKE]

Freddy has signed today a contract with RGRS for 4 IRC rallys + Several rallys in Belgium

This information is not confirmed!!!

[FabiaFan]

Did I read somewhere that Wilks has had Brazil and Argentina added to his programme by Skoda UK? Just as Hanninen and Kopecky have had... but what about Vouilloz???

[RS]

Just as Hanninen and Kopecky have had... but what about Vouilloz???

My guess would be that Nico will miss Brazil and Argentina but we will see him for most of the rest of the season.

He did an excellent job on his first drive with a new car and a new co-driver and he definitely deserves a drive.

[Tom206wrc]

Freddy has signed today a contract with RGRS for 4 IRC rallys + Several rallys in Belgium


So two possibilities left for Kronos then: Thierry Neuville and Melissa Debackere(for the Sardigna round of IRC, source Autohebdo magazine) ;)

[Mirek]

Just as Hanninen and Kopecky have had... but what about Vouilloz???

This drivers should normaly go to South America with S2000 cars: Magalahes, Villagra, Mikkelsen, Meeke, Hänninen, Kopecký, Oliveira, Al Attiyah, Wilks

[vino_93]

Does Orsak make other rallys in IRC this year ? (except Barum ^^) :p

[Mirek]

No

[FAlonso]

It has been confirmed today that Peugeot Portugal/Bruno Magalhães will be present in both Brazil and Argentina! Great news! The season is finally taking some shape. So for now, with the Monte over, it will be Curitiba, Argentina, Azores and Madeira with Asturias and Sanremo likely. Other events may depend a lot on how the season progresses. This is very good news for Bruno who thoughroughly deserves a proper international season. In Monte he admited he was very cautious but that was the plan all along. Learn, keep it safe and bring points if possible in a completely unfamiliar territory and conditions. In the next two outings there will still be a lot of unknowns for him and the team but, at least, the surface will be a lot more familiar so we should expect a stronger pace than in M-C.

[pucky54]

I would like to see them in Czech too ;)
Are there plans to do the WRC round of Portugal too?

[FAlonso]

I would like to see them in Czech too ;)
Are there plans to do the WRC round of Portugal too?

I don´t think it's on the table for now. Would be great but the team´s focus is clearly on the IRC and budget-wise things are tight as they are. Current sponsors (or new ones) could make an effort to chip in and capitalize on the PR that Bruno's participation could bring by being present in the country's most important and prestigious event. But other than that I don´t see it happening. Still we have to wait and see.

[RS]

Great news about Bruno. He is very fast on tarmac and gravel. Monte will be the toughest event of the season for him but he still came away with 2 points.

[RS]

Basso is looking for a way back in:

http://www.ircseries.com/html/readNews.asp?id=1503

Let us all hope he gets it as he would be a fantastic addition to the series. Come on Skoda Italy, pay up ;)

[pucky54]

We will see Magalhaes in the next 7 IRC events too, great news.

[Sulland]

If Proton means business call Basso - he is among the fastest, and will give the car a real benchmark !

Let him drive for free !

[RS]

If Proton means business call Basso - he is among the fastest, and will give the car a real benchmark !

Let him drive for free !

I would agree with that! Basso could work magic with the Punto so maybe with the Proton too.

[PLuto]

We will see Magalhaes in the next 7 IRC events too, great news.

It isnt sure (despite it is written on official IRC sites). He is sure for Brazil and Argentina, I think also Sardegna is sure. After this event, they will see, everything depends on budget (but also home events Acores and Madeira are sure).

[alleskids]

From autosport.pt: (sorry for the bad translation :) )
"After a deserved rest, the team led by Carlos Barros began yesterday to 'build' the car on gravel for the first round of South America. Again the fight against the clock, also inside the vans assistance will be changed into containers to be shipped soon in Belgium. These containers, in their destinations, will be transported to the Parks Service and used as workshops.

Besides these, the agenda also included rallies of the Azores, Madeira, Asturias and Sanremo. The trip to Sardinia is logistically complicated but is not locked out of the event. Ypres and Barum are very specific evidence but may also still be included in the tour intercontinental national team.

[Krigen]

I would agree with that! Basso could work magic with the Punto so maybe with the Proton too.

Has Abarth closed down the hole rally team?? I can`t remember hearing about that, but did not follow s2000 or rally news so closely last year. What about their driwers Alen etc.. I know Gardemeister drive one in MC but that was private..???

[Mirek]

Abarth didn't have real team already last year. Their "works" cars were run by private teams Grifone and Procar. It will be similar with Rossetti this year. He is the only driver which has 2010 deal with Abarth. Alén is free now. He is trying to get a seat in Proton (at least).

Gardemeister was driving for Astra racing which was also partly funding the start. They used car from D'Ambra. It wasn't connected to Abarth anyhow.

[urabus-denoS2000]

Basso has offers from all around, I don't think that a driver of his skills will be seen in a Proton just yet ;)

[RICARDO75]

It isnt sure (despite it is written on official IRC sites). He is sure for Brazil and Argentina, I think also Sardegna is sure. After this event, they will see, everything depends on budget (but also home events Acores and Madeira are sure).

Yes Pluto. Magalhães will go to Brazil, Argentina, Azores and Madeira. Sardegna could be an option but Peugeot Portugal never mentioned that they wanted to go there.
The other rallys could be Asturias and Sanremo.

[Krigen]

]Abarth didn't have real team already last year. Their "works" cars were run by private teams Grifone and Procar. It will be similar with Rossetti this year. He is the only driver which has 2010 deal with Abarth. Alén is free now. He is trying to get a seat in Proton (at least).

Gardemeister was driving for Astra racing which was also partly funding the start. They used car from D'Ambra. It wasn't connected to Abarth anyhow.

Ok.. Thank`s for the answer..

[Sulland]

Abarth is focusing more on activities and development on the 500.
http://www.abarth.it/it/CMSIT/Racing/Pages/Racing.aspx

The R3T, and the racing models - sad but true. But of course it has with number of cars you can sell, to make money.
The R3T category if it kicks off, costs way less than the S2000 - anyone that know the price ?

[chryby]

livery of Fiesta s2000 of Martin Prokop:
http://www.rally-mania.cz/news.php?id=8650

[ProRally]

Intercontinental Rally Challenge promoter Eurosport will broadcast more events live during this season following the success of its Monte Carlo Rally coverage.

The viewing figures over the week were 70 per cent up on the rally's 2009 numbers, peaking with more than one million people watching Thursday's live SS9 - which was won by Sebastien Ogier.

A total of 12 million viewers watched the rally across Eurosport and Eurosport2

"We are very happy with our pioneering live coverage of this epic event," said Eurosport Events managing director Geraldine Filiol.

"The unprecedented audience figures reinforce the appeal of the IRC and we look forward to continuing our approach over the rest of the season."

The next round of the IRC takes place at Curitiba in Brazil, from Marhc 4-6, alongside the World Touring Car Championship opener at the same venue.

[ProRally]

livery of Fiesta s2000 of Martin Prokop:
http://www.rally-mania.cz/news.php?id=8650

Not bad, but the one from Ken Block is nicer... will be hard to top that one.

Yes, I know it is 'open class' car but still a bit Ford Fiesta :D :D

[RS]

livery of Fiesta s2000 of Martin Prokop:
http://www.rally-mania.cz/news.php?id=8650

Not bad, I like the incorporation of the Czech flag.

I presume Tarabus will use Martin's car for the Czech championship?

[morganmilan]

Abarth is focusing more on activities and development on the 500.
http://www.abarth.it/it/CMSIT/Racing/Pages/Racing.aspx

The R3T, and the racing models - sad but true. But of course it has with number of cars you can sell, to make money.
The R3T category if it kicks off, costs way less than the S2000 - anyone that know the price ?
I´m confused. I thought R3 means between 1600 and 2000 cm3, and fiat 500 is 1368 cm3. So, it would be R1, perhaps R1T, if that class was allowed. Any answer please? :confused:

[PLuto]

Not bad, I like the incorporation of the Czech flag.

I presume Tarabus will use Martin's car for the Czech championship?

No, team will have two cars.

[Sulland]

Seems like flags is the theme of the 2010 liveries !

[urabus-denoS2000]

morganmilan: Don't forget that turbo has a coefficient ;)

[Mirek]

I´m confused. I thought R3 means between 1600 and 2000 cm3, and fiat 500 is 1368 cm3. So, it would be R1, perhaps R1T, if that class was allowed. Any answer please? :confused:

R3 is up to 2000 ccm
R3D is up to 2000 ccm turbodiesel
R3T is up to 1600 ccm turbo petrol engine (29 mm restrictor)


The R3T category if it kicks off, costs way less than the S2000 - anyone that know the price ?

Fully built Peugeot 207 R3T cost around 60 tousand Euro. It's more than C2 R2 Max which is both faster and much more atractive...

[pucky54]

R3 Honda & Renault are starting at 80000 EUR.
In my opinion the only R3s worth watching. R3D and R3T are lame

[morganmilan]

morganmilan: Don't forget that turbo has a coefficient ;)
You´re right Urabus, thnx

[morganmilan]

Thnx Mirek, you´re fast as usual. :)

[Tom206wrc]

]This drivers should normaly go to South America with S2000 cars: Magalahes, Villagra, Mikkelsen, Meeke, Hänninen, Kopecký, Oliveira, Al Attiyah, Wilks


No Wittmann ??? No Evans ??? :confused:

[vino_93]

We have no new about Evans ... It's shame if he can't take part of few IRC rallyes this year :(

I think Wittmann will participate "just" to european events ;)

[alleskids]

Villagra was considering also Curtiba with his new Fiesta S2000, but he will only do the Argentina Rally

[PLuto]

Curitiba is in same date as Rally Mexico. So Attiyah and Villagra wont start in Brazil.

[macksrallye]

We have no new about Evans ... It's shame if he can't take part of few IRC rallyes this year :(

I think Wittmann will participate "just" to european events ;)

As far as I know Simon Evans is planning to do Australian Rally Championship in EvoX with a view to a few rounds of the IRC later in the season. I'd say it'll be events like Russia, Scotland & Cyprus as it is Gravel that he is really strong on. As soon as we have info down here in Oz I'll post it.

[wwbroe]

As far as I know Simon Evans is planning to do Australian Rally Championship in EvoX with a view to a few rounds of the IRC later in the season. I'd say it'll be events like Russia, Scotland & Cyprus as it is Gravel that he is really strong on. As soon as we have info down here in Oz I'll post it.

Russia is not longer part of IRC championship :D

[vino_93]

As far as I know Simon Evans is planning to do Australian Rally Championship in EvoX with a view to a few rounds of the IRC later in the season. I'd say it'll be events like Russia, Scotland & Cyprus as it is Gravel that he is really strong on. As soon as we have info down here in Oz I'll post it.

Thx, but Russia is not in IRC this year ;) Sardignia or Acores maybe ?

And when he said he'll be in IRC gravel events this year, it'll be with the Evo X or with a S2000 he'll rent in Europe ?

[modri dirkac]

Very talented Slovenian driver Marko Jeram (ex. Italian Champion Ford Fiesta ST Cup) is planning to compete in 3 rounds of IRC: Sardinia, Sanremo and Barum. ;) Unfortunatly with Ford Fiesta ST, no budget for more. ;(

[Francis44]

Prokop Ford Fiesta S2000 test.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F1qUQTdZm3g&feature=player_embedded

[Mirek]

It was just a short drive over a short and slow track made at his team facility. Proper test will follow in Scandinavia.

[Mirek]

Belgian driver Koen Lauwaert confirmed 5 starts in Clio Trophy. He will drive Mille Miglia, Ypres, Barum, Valais and Var.

[GTA]

Good news for the Rene Georges Skoda Team.
Nasser Al Attiyah will be starting the rally Argentina, third round of the IRC championship and driving a SKODA FABIA S2000 of Rene Georges Rally Sport Belgium !!!
After several days of negotiations with his manager Raouf Menhem, RGRS have reached agreement for the Rally of Argentina and a program of a few rounds IRC, which will be announced after the Rally of Argentina...

[RS]

Good news for the Rene Georges Skoda Team.
Nasser Al Attiyah will be starting the rally Argentina, third round of the IRC championship and driving a SKODA FABIA S2000 of Rene Georges Rally Sport Belgium !!!
After several days of negotiations with his manager Raouf Menhem, RGRS have reached agreement for the Rally of Argentina and a program of a few rounds IRC, which will be announced after the Rally of Argentina...

That's great news, but it surprises me that Nasser will drive the Fabia when he already has a Fiesta. Logistical reasons?

[ProRally]

Good for RGRS and Nasser.

RGRS will be busy...
Nasser can compare 2 top cars !!!

[alleskids]

So Al Attiyah will do MERC and SWRC in a Ford Fiesta with the Autotek Motorsport, and the IRC in a Skoda Fabia with Rene George Rally Sport. He can put together the ultimate S2000 car with the best data from both cars :)

[alleskids]

"After signing the contract with Ford on the SWRC and MERC I got an offer from VW Motorsport for support in IRC" confirmed by phone exclusively for AutoSport.CZ Nasser Al Attiyah. "Additional program details will be announced after Argentina, but it should be the chosen four to five competitions."

[RS]

"After signing the contract with Ford on the SWRC and MERC I got an offer from VW Motorsport for support in IRC" confirmed by phone exclusively for AutoSport.CZ Nasser Al Attiyah. "Additional program details will be announced after Argentina, but it should be the chosen four to five competitions."

Ahhh, I get it. Nasser drives VW in Paris-Dakar :)

I find it hard to judge how Nasser will do since we are only used to him from pWRC.

[Mirek]

He will be very fast on gravel. No doubts about that.

GTA: Congratulations, Jack ;)

[ZequeArgentina]

surprising news!!
So Skoda at IRC, Ford at SWRC and MERC, while keeping the pssible VW at Dakar, adn Dakar series rallies.

Will he find time for his other sport (Shooting) and prepare for Olympics?

Good for Nasser, excellent driver (not an ace, but really good) and nice people from what can be watch.

[Sulland]

Good news for the Rene Georges Skoda Team.
Nasser Al Attiyah will be starting the rally Argentina, third round of the IRC championship and driving a SKODA FABIA S2000 of Rene Georges Rally Sport Belgium !!!
After several days of negotiations with his manager Raouf Menhem, RGRS have reached agreement for the Rally of Argentina and a program of a few rounds IRC, which will be announced after the Rally of Argentina...

Good news, so when is Fabia number 3 coming ?? ;)

Are anyone going to use the Polo this year ?

[ProRally]

Nice interview with Nasser on http://www.totalrally.com at the start of the progam if you listen to it via podcast

[alleskids]

Gaby Goudezeune from Belgium is driving a VW Polo from the RGRS team, but just for his pleasure, not aiming for high positions

[Mirek]

Gaby Goudezeune from Belgium is driving a VW Polo from the RGRS team, but just for his pleasure, not aiming for high positions

I think he drives it first for a memory of his son...

[alterdaxter]

]
Gaby Goudezeune from Belgium is driving a VW Polo from the RGRS team, but just for his pleasure, not aiming for high positions


I think he drives it first for a memory of his son...

Gaby is going to drive his own VW Polo S2000, being the last car build under supervision of his son.

His program is not yet fully determined, but will probably exist of some rally's he never or not much started and certainly his home rally being Ypres.

[Mirek]

He did visit several IRC events last year such as Madeira or Barum. I guess he might start there.

[bluuford]

"After signing the contract with Ford on the SWRC and MERC I got an offer from VW Motorsport for support in IRC" confirmed by phone exclusively for AutoSport.CZ Nasser Al Attiyah. "Additional program details will be announced after Argentina, but it should be the chosen four to five competitions."
It might be the sign that VW wants seriously join rallying and is currently hireing best drivers and persons already. Nasser is very, very fast, I remember when he got 5 minute penalty for making illegal shortcut in /was it Cyprus, Greece or Turkey?) but he still won that event I think :-=

[RICARDO75]

Gaby is going to drive his own VW Polo S2000, being the last car build under supervision of his son.

His program is not yet fully determined, but will probably exist of some rally's he never or not much started and certainly his home rally being Ypres.


Program for Goudezeune (published in autosport.cz)
Sardenha; Ypres; Açores; Madeira; Barum; Asturias e Sanremo.

[RS]

]He will be very fast on gravel. No doubts about that.

I looked back to pWRC times from 2008 when there were some very good drivers and Nasser does indeed compare very well to the likes of Hanninen e.t.c.

Meeke will have a battle on his hands against the Skoda armada in Argentina!

[alterdaxter]

Program for Goudezeune (published in autosport.cz)
Sardenha; Ypres; Açores; Madeira; Barum; Asturias e Sanremo.

The program changed, but is not sure, so no reason to post it over here.

[tolis]

The program changed, but is not sure, so no reason to post it over here.
Maybe Acropolis instead of Sardegna... :p I hope so...

[RS]

Hey, I just thought, if RGRS Fabia is going to Argentina, they need someone to drive it in Brazil too :) Mikkelsen? Vouilloz? Nico was good in Brazil last year.

[bluuford]

Hey, I just thought, if RGRS Fabia is going to Argentina, they need someone to drive it in Brazil too :) Mikkelsen? Vouilloz? Nico was good in Brazil last year.

It is more likely the same car Brynildsen is using in Mexico I think. Don´t get overexcited!

[RS]

It is more likely the same car Brynildsen is using in Mexico I think. Don´t get overexcited!

Oh yeah, forgot about that! Makes perfect sense.

[alleskids]

Mikkelsen wil probarly be with the Ford Fiesta armade.

[alterdaxter]

Hey, I just thought, if RGRS Fabia is going to Argentina, they need someone to drive it in Brazil too :) Mikkelsen? Vouilloz? Nico was good in Brazil last year.

Nope. RGRS is doing SWRC Mexico with Brynildsen at that time...

[alleskids]

3-02-2010

The Automobile Club of Asturias (ACPA) to the information published in recent days by various media wishes to make public the following statement:

• This club holds an existing contract with Eurosport Events, whereby the Prince of Asturias Rally, will be scoring for the Intercontinental Rally Challenge (IRC) in the 2010 edition. The Rally, which this year celebrates its 47th edition, will also scoring for Spain Rally Championship and European Championship Absolute (FIA-ERC)

• That this club has never terminated the contract, although that reported in writing to the Royal Spanish Automobile Federation (RFEDA) of the difficulties being experienced by lack of sufficient sponsorship and we could force to give exclusively to puntuabilidad IRC. Today in the continuing evidence of the IRC calendar.

• In no case has questioned the puntuabilidad Spain for Rally Championship, or the Absolute European Rally Championship (FIA-ERC), so we are working on the preparation and organization of 47 Rally Principe de Asturias that will have some new data about past editions.

• On this date, the Rally is aware of the payments of any sport of the three championships in which it participates (Spain, European Absolute and IRC), which represented an outlay of 22,370 € uros, subjected to commercial payments the organizers of the IRC.

• Organizing an event like the Prince and it counts towards a championship like IRC environment causes an extra € uros 180,000 in payments to the organization of the championship and television production. The first payment of these concepts by contract has to be done in March by an amount of 70.000 € uros.

• The ACPA is a nonprofit entity that can not carry out this project without the committed involvement of public institutions, for organizing a rally in a dignified way and that Asturias is present in one of the world's highest rungs of rallies and today, still have no official confirmation of the involvement of institutions for the 2010 edition.

• The ACPA is aware of the difficulties of the general economic situation in our country and especially in Asturias, but has always tried to fulfill the commitments signed in Asturias to organize a test of the highest level as the IRC.

• Likewise and especially want to thank the outpouring of support in recent days have come to the club a good number of fans, who from the outset have bet on a race like the Prince and his participation in a highly unknown three years ago as the IRC and that in recent years has been positioning itself as the best show in the world of rallying.

Press Department
ACPA Rally Principe de Asturias

[bluuford]

3-02-2010

The Automobile Club of Asturias (ACPA) to the information published in recent days by various media wishes to make public the following statement:

• This club holds an existing contract with Eurosport Events, whereby the Prince of Asturias Rally, will be scoring for the Intercontinental Rally Challenge (IRC) in the 2010 edition. The Rally, which this year celebrates its 47th edition, will also scoring for Spain Rally Championship and European Championship Absolute (FIA-ERC)

• That this club has never terminated the contract, although that reported in writing to the Royal Spanish Automobile Federation (RFEDA) of the difficulties being experienced by lack of sufficient sponsorship and we could force to give exclusively to puntuabilidad IRC. Today in the continuing evidence of the IRC calendar.

• In no case has questioned the puntuabilidad Spain for Rally Championship, or the Absolute European Rally Championship (FIA-ERC), so we are working on the preparation and organization of 47 Rally Principe de Asturias that will have some new data about past editions.

• On this date, the Rally is aware of the payments of any sport of the three championships in which it participates (Spain, European Absolute and IRC), which represented an outlay of 22,370 € uros, subjected to commercial payments the organizers of the IRC.

• Organizing an event like the Prince and it counts towards a championship like IRC environment causes an extra € uros 180,000 in payments to the organization of the championship and television production. The first payment of these concepts by contract has to be done in March by an amount of 70.000 € uros.

• The ACPA is a nonprofit entity that can not carry out this project without the committed involvement of public institutions, for organizing a rally in a dignified way and that Asturias is present in one of the world's highest rungs of rallies and today, still have no official confirmation of the involvement of institutions for the 2010 edition.

• The ACPA is aware of the difficulties of the general economic situation in our country and especially in Asturias, but has always tried to fulfill the commitments signed in Asturias to organize a test of the highest level as the IRC.

• Likewise and especially want to thank the outpouring of support in recent days have come to the club a good number of fans, who from the outset have bet on a race like the Prince and his participation in a highly unknown three years ago as the IRC and that in recent years has been positioning itself as the best show in the world of rallying.

Press Department
ACPA Rally Principe de Asturias

So, what did they said? I didnt understand the point of that announcement :-)

[eloyf1]

ACPA told the Spanish Federation they had financial problemas, like every year, and people misunderstood, saying that they had renounced to IRC. Then, Rally El Corte Inglés tried to benefit from that situation to inherit the Spanish round, and moreover, journalists (Auto Hebdo Sport notably) and even people from the RFEDA confirmed that Príncipe had renounced.

This Press Release is just to say that they are trying to keep IRC, but they have still financial problems, and as it is explained there, the main cause would be the fact that Asturias regional government didn't paid what they promised back in 2008... whilst they've just paid 12 million euros for F1 in their regional TV (It's already broadcast for all the country...)

As always in Spain, politics win the battle against sport...

Now, some fans are trying to collect money to save the Príncipe (I'm sorry, but I can't support an organisation that don't pay oil, or gives food to marshalls...), at the same time Canary Islands try to convince Eurosport Events... and other places, as Comunidad Valenciana and Galicia are also interested...

Please, take the IRC to Valais and stop with all this mess :(

[Josti]

El Corte Inglés would get my vote!

I remember it was a huge event on the European calender in the late 90's and early 00's.

[PLuto]

It is official - Freddy Loix with Skoda Fabia S2000 - http://www.autosport.cz/clanek.php?cl=9854

http://www.autosport.cz/img/clanky/4321e3a32604bfb695a1b648a463570d.jpg

[HaCo]

For now only Ypres in IRC.
http://www.autonews-magazine.com/blognl/?p=7249

[ProRally]

For now only Ypres in IRC.
http://www.autonews-magazine.com/blognl/?p=7249

He will do LOT more.... more news maybe already next week :D :D

[Mirek]

Daniel Barry will continue in IRC - Ypres, Barum, Sanremo and Scotland: http://www.ircseries.com/html/readnews.asp?id=1524

[ProRally]

Nasser changed his entry in Mexico SWRC to Skoda too... !!! Apparently run by RGRS

[alleskids]

Nasser changed his entry in Mexico SWRC to Skoda too... !!! Apparently run by RGRS

VW Motorsport really wants to keep Al Attiyah within their group. Will Nasser also do the MERC in a Skoda (from RGRS) ??

[Mirek]

Maybe it's just a question of logistics. Why to bring two different cars to America?

[alleskids]

RGRS was not supposed to field Al Attiyahs car in the WRC, MERC and WRC was planned with the same team that brought him the succes of the last 5 years..Autotrek or some thing. Him swithing to Skoda and to RGRS in WRC is shockwave news

[RICARDO75]

From René Georges website:

03/02/2010 - Al Attiyah drives RGRS Skoda S2000 in Argentina!
Nasser Al Attiyah will be starting the rally Argentina, third round of the IRC championship and driving a SKODA FABIA S2000 of our team.

After several days of negotiations with his manager Raouf Menhem, we have reached agreement for the Rally of Argentina and a program of a few rounds IRC, which will be announced after the Rally of Argentina.[/color][/font][/size]

[ProRally]

From René Georges website:

03/02/2010 - Al Attiyah drives RGRS Skoda S2000 in Argentina!
Nasser Al Attiyah will be starting the rally Argentina, third round of the IRC championship and driving a SKODA FABIA S2000 of our team.

After several days of negotiations with his manager Raouf Menhem, we have reached agreement for the Rally of Argentina and a program of a few rounds IRC, which will be announced after the Rally of Argentina.[/color][/font][/size]

Yes, but that was 4 days ago for IRC Argentina, he now changed to Skoda for SWRC too..... according to entry list for WRC Mexico !!

[RS]

Is Brynildsen not doing Mexico then or are RGRS taking 2 Fabias to South America?

[Mirek]

For sure at least two. It would be huge risk to send only one car both for Brynildsen (Mexico) and Al Attiyah (Argentina).

[RS]

]For sure at least two. It would be huge risk to send only one car both for Brynildsen (Mexico) and Al Attiyah (Argentina).

How many do they have now then?

RGRS are becoming quite a big operation with the programmes of Brynildsen, Al Attiyah and Loix!

[Mirek]

They have for sure two and at least two more ordered. Maybe some of them already received.

[Gordini]

So business is picking up for RGRS !

[Sulland]

Andreas Mikkelsen have according to a Norwegian newspaper made a decision on his 2010 campaign: He will do Sweden, and then 7 rallies in IRC driving a M-Sport supported Fiesta.

http://translate.google.no/translate?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.vg.no%2Fsport%2Fmotor %2Fartikkel.php%3Fartid%3D589156&sl=no&tl=en&hl=&ie=UTF-8

Good news, and he is planning for the future !

[noel157]

Presume he'll start in Sardinia or will he go to Brazil or Argentina?

[RS]

Andreas Mikkelsen have according to a Norwegian newspaper made a decision on his 2010 campaign: He will do Sweden, and then 7 rallies in IRC driving a M-Sport supported Fiesta.

http://translate.google.no/translate?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.vg.no%2Fsport%2Fmotor %2Fartikkel.php%3Fartid%3D589156&sl=no&tl=en&hl=&ie=UTF-8

Good news, and he is planning for the future !

That's great news to have another strong driver in IRC and also a well-driven Fiesta in for the championship.

Anyone got any ideas which team will run Andreas' car?

I imagine he won't do the South American rounds but will then compete on most events from Sardinia (if it happens) onwards.

[Sulland]

M-Sport will run him !!

He now has his own thread; http://www.motorsportforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=136813

[RS]

Franz confirms the rest of his schedule: http://www.rallye-info.com/article.asp?stid=8409

[noel157]

Kris Meeke gravel testing for South America:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NrWxrEOeM_E&feature=player_embedded

[Mirek]

Nice video and nice jumps :)

[RS]

Kris Meeke gravel testing for South America:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NrWxrEOeM_E&feature=player_embedded

Nice :)

This looks like it may have been the same venue as the DS3-WRC test video we have seen already?

[Mirek]

Nasser Al Attiyah confirmed Argentina, Sardinia, Acores, Barum, Sanremo and Scotland with Skoda RGRS.

[PLuto]

Abarth plans for 2010 (http://www.autosport.cz/clanek.php?cl=9884)

http://www.autosport.cz/img/clanky/b_0ad48785b52a2608b855ca18da697ac9.jpg

[Abarth]

http://translate.google.no/translate?hl=no&sl=cs&tl=en&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.autosport.cz%2Fclanek.php%3Fcl% 3D9884

[Abarth]

http://translate.google.com/translate?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.autosport.cz%2Fclanek .php%3Fcl%3D9884&sl=cs&tl=en&hl=&ie=UTF-8

Can anyone get more specific info on what the updates have been, and what firm has done the upgrades ?

[noel157]

Hopefully Basso will do more than just Madeira and Asturias events in the IRC.

[RS]

That's great news, but I wish Basso would have dropped his loyalty to Fiat at some point and gone with Ford or Skoda!

That actually means we should have quite a good Abarth presence in the IRC this year since several ERC rounds double up as IRC?

[RICARDO75]

I read on a portuguese website that Nasser will also drive the Skoda on SWRC and MERC!
Anybody know anything about this?

http://motoresmagazine.net/lcm/userfiles/image/desporto/Ralis/Mundial/2010/preepoca/520SFabia_Al.jpg

[PLuto]

I read on a portuguese website that Nasser will also drive the Skoda on SWRC and MERC!
Anybody know anything about this?


You can read about it also here - http://www.autosport.cz/clanek.php?cl=9882. And yes, it is true.

[RICARDO75]

Thank you Pluto

[RS]

You know, with an improved car and Basso & Rossetti doing driving duties it is not hard to imagine that Abarth could score more IRC points than last season, despite not doing the whole championship!

[Sulland]

I read on a portuguese website that Nasser will also drive the Skoda on SWRC and MERC!
Anybody know anything about this?

http://motoresmagazine.net/lcm/userfiles/image/desporto/Ralis/Mundial/2010/preepoca/520SFabia_Al.jpg

So did he dump the Fiesta, or what is the reason for going with the Fabia ?

[PLuto]

Because Nasser is factory driver of Volkswagen Motorsport in raids...

[RICARDO75]

:p aper: Full program for René Georges Rally Sport with Nasser Al-Attiyah - 11th Feb 10, 12:01
A few days ago we could inform with the great news that Nasser Al-Attiyah will contest the Rally of Argentina (IRC) with the René Georges Rally Sport team as a result of the negotiations between Raouf Menhem and René Georges himself.
After this agreement, Nasser Al-Attiyah decided to contest the new S-WRC championship with the RGRS team and a Skoda Fabia S2000 in the colors of sponsor Barwa. The Qatari driver will take the start of the following S-WRC rounds: Mexico, Jordan, New-Zealand, Portugal, Finland, Japan and Wales Rally GB.
RGRS and Nasser Al-Attiyah will also compete in some IRC rounds. As we already announced Argentina will be the first one, but now we can add Sardinia, the Azores, Barum, San Remo and Scotland to the program.
Al-Attiyah will also take the Skoda Fabia S2000 to challenge in four rounds of the MERC being Rally of Lebanon, Syria, Cyprus and Dubai.
The least we can say is that the team from Belgium will have a full agenda.
They will bring two Skoda Fabia S2000’s to the start of some rally’s in the S-WRC, being one for Nasser Al-Attiyah and one for the Norwegian Eyvind Brynildsen. In the IRC they will do the same, this time one for Nasser Al-Attiyah and one for the Belgian Freddy Loix. Having those talented drivers taking out their cars, René Georges Rally Sport expects to complete the season with some superb results as well in gravel as in tarmac rally’s.

[principe IRC]

Canary Islands driver Jose Luis Barrios,in two rounds of IRC (Madeira and Principe de Asturias) with Subaru Impreza STI

http://translate.google.com.ar/translate?hl=es&sl=es&tl=en&u=%20http%3A%2F%2Frevistafotosportcanarias.blogspo t.com%2F2010%2F02%2Fbarrios-rally-team-un-equipo-diferente.html

[RS]

Al Attiyah is aiming for the IRC title (and another 3!): http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/81423

[alleskids]

Al attiyah signed a 3 year contract with Volkswagen(group). Is the rally raid program his own initiative, devellopping the Race Touareg, or will VW stay in Rally raids and not join the new WRC?
I have the ut most repsect for Al Attiyah. In 2008 he conquered 3 championships. Now he wants 4 titles. :)
program of the FIA Cross Country Rally Chamionship
UAE Desert Challange: 25 maart – 1 april
OiLibya Tunesie Rally: 1-8 mei
Estoril-Portimão-Marrakech: 11-18 juni
Rallye des Pharaons: 2-10 oktober

[alleskids]

His rally raid program will be very hard to put into his already very bussy scedule.
The desert challange collides with Rallly Arentina (IRC),
the Tunesie rally with Rally New Zealand (SWRC)
and the Pharaons rally with Syria Rally (MERC)

[Barreis]

Red Bull private plane.. :)

[Mirek]

Martin Prokop confirmed three starts in IRC - Sardinia, Barum and Sanremo.

[alleskids]

Burcu Centikaya from Turkey will be driving in 9 IRC rallies plus in the WRC Rally Turkey.
http://www.burcucetinkaya.com/index-en.htm

[RS]

]Martin Prokop confirmed three starts in IRC - Sardinia, Barum and Sanremo.

Great!

Entry list for Sardinia is shaping up nicely, let's hope it goes ahead.

[RS]

Burcu Centikaya from Turkey will be driving in 9 IRC rallies plus in the WRC Rally Turkey.
http://www.burcucetinkaya.com/index-en.htm

Do we know in what car?

[Luis Pacheco]

She plans to be at Azores! :eek:

[alleskids]

She drove a Peugeot 207 S2000, a Skoda Fabia S0000 and the Ford Fiesta, but it could be the Ford Fiesta challange car. Has M-Sport sold a Fiesta S2000 to Turkey?

[Mirek]

She speaks about 700 tousand Euro. That's a price for S2000 car for sure.

[urabus-denoS2000]

She also drove a Punto

[Tom206wrc]

Maybe she will drive several different S2000 cars then :confused:

[alleskids]

it would be brilliant, drive the car that suits the conditions the best: a Peugeot for the one rally, a Skoda for the next, a Ford for the third rally

[Sulland]

This will definitely hot up IRC !!