Ford Fiesta RS WRC

[Roy]

Where are the posts with the new Stobart and Monster cars? Why is it gone?

@Admin It would be nice if there is a explanation from you after deleting.

[DonJippo]

Where are the posts with the new Stobart and Monster cars? Why is it gone?

@Admin It would be nice if there is a explanation from you after deleting.

You really should make these kind of questions on the Feedback section of the forum. Don't think mods/admin are reading through every single thread on the forum and I believe rally forum mods are currently travelling to Sweden and not reading forum at all.

[Iskald]

this is how you launch a car :eek:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YRpSsCRf4aI

Really, really sad and pathetic!!!

[Daniel]

Really, really sad and pathetic!!!

Agreed. Rallying doesn't need this tacky ****.

[I am evil Homer]

No, that's how to look like a fool and appear as if you don't know anything about rallying.

No that's how you get more publicity for the people paying you to fulfil your dream that the might of Castrol, BP, Red Bull etc combined. His YouTube vids get more hits than most rally TV shows - he may not be a brilliant driver by any strech but he's single handedly doing more to promote this sport than North One and the FIA combined.

[N.O.T]

No that's how you get more publicity for the people paying you to fulfil your dream that the might of Castrol, BP, Red Bull etc combined. His YouTube vids get more hits than most rally TV shows - he may not be a brilliant driver by any strech but he's single handedly doing more to promote this sport than North One and the FIA combined.

if promoting means you put some stupid music and some ladyboys dancing in their underwear....then i prefer no promoting at all.

[MartijnS]

Really, really sad and pathetic!!!

Lol, what's the problem?
The three women dancing around the car?

I think Ken knows really well how to promote himself and the rallysport and he's got a lot of publicity with it, so it works.
He's enjoying his live, he knows he'll never be World Champion anyway and he just does what he wants, pretty cool I think.

[Ucci]

Lol, what's the problem?
The three women dancing around the car?

I think Ken knows really well how to promote himself and the rallysport and he's got a lot of publicity with it, so it works.
He's enjoying his live, he knows he'll never be World Champion anyway and he just does what he wants, pretty cool I think.
Agree 100% !!!

[Bobcat]

Where are the posts with the new Stobart and Monster cars? Why is it gone?

@Admin It would be nice if there is a explanation from you after deleting.

+1

[I am evil Homer]

if promoting means you put some stupid music and some ladyboys dancing in their underwear....then i prefer no promoting at all.

So no sponsors, so fewer teams, so less interest. Yeah that's a great plan for future success. These days to get younger people interested it does take that, especially in the US.

[Bobcat]

http://handbrakeshairpins.files.wordpress.com/2011/02/picture-2.png?w=640&h=426

http://rallysport.hu/images/2011/photo/wrc/01_sved/03_teszt_fri/images/RSHU_Photo_013_jpg.jpg

http://rallysport.hu/images/2011/photo/wrc/01_sved/03_teszt_fri/images/RSHU_Photo_007_jpg.jpg

http://rallysport.hu/images/2011/photo/wrc/01_sved/03_teszt_fri/images/RSHU_Photo_006_jpg.jpg

http://rallysport.hu/images/2011/photo/wrc/01_sved/03_teszt_fri/images/RSHU_Photo_004_jpg.jpg

[Bobcat]

http://www.almrally.ru/imagelib/ALM%20Rally%20TEAM/Fiesta/ALMRT_Fiesta_4.jpg

[Lorenzino87]

Hi all, I'm a newbie, even if I've read this forum for a long time. Some days ago, with Haanus Kutt's permission, I've started a new archive about the history of Fiesta WRC. You can see it on http://www.italianwrc.com/fiestahistory/index.htm .
The last weekend Matthew Wilson run with his usual plate "1 ES"... I ask some help to toy to recognize its real plate.

Thanks.

[Juha_Koo]

Hi all, I'm a newbie, even if I've read this forum for a long time. Some days ago, with Haanus Kutt's permission, I've started a new archive about the history of Fiesta WRC. You can see it on http://www.italianwrc.com/fiestahistory/index.htm .
The last weekend Matthew Wilson run with his usual plate "1 ES"... I ask some help to toy to recognize its real plate.

Thanks.

Great!

Sorry, no full reg, but Khalid's Fiesta had last letters "AUW".

[Lorenzino87]

Great!

Sorry, no full reg, but Khalid's Fiesta had last letters "AUW".

Yes, I know it, but I'm updating the website right now.

Thanks.

[ste898]

http://www.almrally.ru/imagelib/ALM%20Rally%20TEAM/Fiesta/ALMRT_Fiesta_4.jpg


Wow that is a serious livery.

Where did you get that Bobcat?

[Sardalense]

ste898: http://www.almrally.ru

[Ucci]

By the way: who hopes to bet that M-Sport will sell first new body shell due to a Novikov's crash in the Mexico....??? Still I'm hoping for a good result for a young Russian driver, but somehow I can not get rid of feeling that the guy will be loaded with a sens of proofing that he is equivalent to the top-drivers and with this desire (with little experience) it is not far from a crash....

[Xsara Fan]

By the way: who hopes to bet that M-Sport will sell first new body shell due to a Novikov's crash in the Mexico....???

After this words I don`t think that you are a true rally fan...

[cali]

After this words I don`t think that you are a true rally fan...
Well, he has a good point in there, but he still hopes for a good finish. I actually fully agree with him as Novikov in the past has been very accident prone. But WRC needs drivers like him and I really do hope he can achieve good result and do not crash. Would be great to see his aggressive driving style

[N.O.T]

i am ahuge fan of novikov....hope he doesn't run out of money, and his liery is very very nice.

[Xsara Fan]

i am ahuge fan of novikov....hope he doesn't run out of money, and his liery is very very nice.

Thank you! :)

[Juha_Koo]

It's really nice to see Novikov back. :)

I wonder if he has developed his pacenote system. I consider that's the only obstacle between him and the success.

[Mirek]

I agree. When I saw his onboards from Valašská Rally in CZ (stages I know very well) I was surprised that he was able even to drive according to his notes. I wouldn't be able to do so. I have never understood how fast he could drive with pacenotes like that...

[Bobcat]

P-G Andersson is hoping to return to a Fiesta RS WRC in time for the Rally d'Italia in May. http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/89494

Malcolm Wilson said: "I want to support P-G again, he's clearly a very talented and fast driver and I'd like to see him in one of my cars again."

[noel157]

What format of notes does he use? Assuming he does use notes :) . I like the guy and his driving style, a breath of fresh air.

[Juha_Koo]

What format of notes does he use? Assuming he does use notes :) . I like the guy and his driving style, a breath of fresh air.

He uses numeric notes but it's very limited. 95% of time it's "right one" or "left one". Sometimes adding "hard", "negative" or "gas". Seldom use of distances and additional info like long and tightens. I have only heard a speed scale from one to three. Ofcourse he gets some information, but for example he can't know how tight the corner is because he can have "right one" in a totally flat corner and then again in a slow and tight corner.

This is an excerpt from Leustu stage in Finland, about 20 seconds:

Left one hard, fast
and left one short,
right one hard short, opens 140 long,
left two hard, short, and
right zero, and, caution left one hard negative, 50 long

Compare with e.g. Hirvonen, same place... :
Seven,
Left K, tight, inside
five,
short left K, stone inside, and crest two, short right fast go inside
one hundred
left really slow, go and turn
six
right gradual
seven, caution caution left fast tight inside, tightens a bit

(Hirvonen's notes directly translated, they do not represent the "true" meaning 100% in English with single words, for example "inside" (sisä) is properly translated like "from inside" (sisältä). Those numbers are distances but the tens are dropped away, so "seven" = 70 and so on.

[Barreis]

Can somebody write Loeb's pacenotes?

[noel157]

He uses numeric notes but it's very limited. 95% of time it's "right one" or "left one". Sometimes adding "hard", "negative" or "gas". Seldom use of distances and additional info like long and tightens. I have only heard a speed scale from one to three. Ofcourse he gets some information, but for example he can't know how tight the corner is because he can have "right one" in a totally flat corner and then again in a slow and tight corner.

This is an excerpt from Leustu stage in Finland, about 20 seconds:

Left one hard, fast
and left one short,
right one hard short, opens 140 long,
left two hard, short, and
right zero, and, caution left one hard negative, 50 long

Compare with e.g. Hirvonen, same place... :
Seven,
Left K, tight, inside
five,
short left K, stone inside, and crest two, short right fast go inside
one hundred
left really slow, go and turn
six
right gradual
seven, caution caution left fast tight inside, tightens a bit

(Hirvonen's notes directly translated, they do not represent the "true" meaning 100% in English with single words, for example "inside" (sisä) is properly translated like "from inside" (sisältä). Those numbers are distances but the tens are dropped away, so "seven" = 70 and so on.

J_K, many thanks for that. Amazing that Hirvonen has 9 detailed instructions and Novikov has 5 quite vague instructions. Unless he has a photographic memory (doubtful....) he needs to learn a new system or at least expand on the one he uses. I notice the word "hard" in every note, might explain a few things... :) .
Again, many thanks.

[m.lowe]

I had a good look around the RS WRC on Tuesday night at M-Sport and that is some serious kit they have
The livery really sets it off soooo much better than the Focus they had in Yabba Dabba Doo livery

[JAM]

Ford is testing in Portugal... well, it was, because at the end of first day Latvala had an off and the car has serious damages. Now things are stopped until the car, or a new car, be ready.

[Bobcat]

http://motoresmagazine.jalbum.net/TestesFiestaWRCAlgarveFev11G1/
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vn0HOgX-BmI

[Zico]

Ford is testing in Portugal... well, it was, because at the end of first day Latvala had an off and the car has serious damages. Now things are stopped until the car, or a new car, be ready.


Jari really should have a second or third name where you could fit 'crash' or similar sounding into.. ok the new cars are more nervous and probably more prone to being written off but I guess some things will never change.

[RICARDO75]

Bernardo Sousa will test the Fiesta WRC this week in Portugal

[Karukera]

Jari really should have a second or third name where you could fit 'crash' or similar sounding into.. ok the new cars are more nervous and probably more prone to being written off but I guess some things will never change.

There was once something of good taste in the forum like "Crashvala" for describing the exploration of a car's handling.

There even were people saying time was up for Latvala until he blasted some big names. It comes and goes... :s tare:

[Juha_Koo]

There even were people saying time was up for Latvala until he blasted some big names. It comes and goes... :s tare:

Heheh, yeah, I always found that thread one of the most humoristic on the forum. :D Endless amount of blaablaa nonsense from armchair-team bosses. :)

[tfp]

Heheh, yeah, I always found that thread one of the most humoristic on the forum. :D Endless amount of blaablaa nonsense from armchair-team bosses. :)
:) Have you read his profile on wrc.com?
"If it goes right for him, he's unstoppable"
"If it doesn't, fetch the tow truck"
Or something along those lines :D

[darkstar]

i dont know what to complain about latvala´s driving, if no one would ever crash, it would be totally boring. flat out! yeah ;)

[rallyfiend]

i dont know what to complain about latvala´s driving, if no one would ever crash, it would be totally boring. flat out! yeah ;)

You can't make an omelette without cracking a few eggs!

[rbatista82]

Ford is testing in Portugal
Video and photos from the tests!

http://www.supermotores.net/sm/noticia.asp?id=14386

[OldF]

Ford is making a SP version of the Fiesta WRC.

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

[N.O.T]

hmmm... how much does the price drop from a real-wrc to a national spec car ? i mean is it worth the expense compared to an s2000 car ?

[Lalo]

i dont know what to complain about latvala´s driving, if no one would ever crash, it would be totally boring. flat out! yeah ;)

Totally agree! Colin McRae was a great driver and he crashed a lot. If JM could mantain some consistancy, he would be World Champion without a doubt! Theese shorter wheel-base cars seem to be better for his aggressive driving style.

[alleskids]

http://plixi.com/p/8128009
Villagra's Fiestta. And Henning has finally a real Expert logo on his Fiesta

[Bobcat]

http://a3.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/200642_10150446347310413_279744945412_17641270_688 0258_n.jpg
http://photos-d.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/190073_10150446327950413_279744945412_17640831_752 8644_n.jpg

[N.O.T]

nice livery ...pity he uses the wrong car.

[Karukera]

Looks great. Portuguese colors, black and Azul stripes suit the Fiesta perfectly. Força Bernardo ! :up:

[Psycho!]

nice livery ...pity he uses the wrong car.

Nothing is wrong with the car...Maybe something in your brain is... :o

[Bobcat]

http://www.rallybuzz.com/wp-content/uploads/a1343.jpg

[Micke_VOC]

http://a7.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/198893_1645141164551_1117548009_31319724_5016672_n .jpg
New livery for Henning.

[N.O.T]

will the colours change according to rally? because now its painted in the national colours of portugals flag.

[tolis]

I don't see any Expert logo...

[tolis]

will the colours change according to rally? because now its painted in the national colours of portugals flag.
Don't think so. It's sponsor's colours (http://www.ludomobil.no/)

[N.O.T]

expert out... ludo in....

[pucky54]

Most ugly livery ever!!!!

[pettersolberg29]

Ludo sponsored Mikkelsen last year so they must be quite serious in terms of sponsoring rally drivers. As for this livery - it's a shame as I loved Henning's orange cars, from the whale to the Focus and Fiesta. Won't be the same without his bright orange liveries.

[sindroms]

http://a7.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/198893_1645141164551_1117548009_31319724_5016672_n .jpg
New livery for Henning.

... brand new, I must admit!

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/3/3d/Thierry_Boutsen_1988_Canada_2.jpg

[Sulland]

Cool livery for Henning, is it yellow seen from behind ?

[Karbonyl]

Do you remember VW Polo Harlekin? :D

[Roy]

What a colourful livery ;) Not my style


Do you remember VW Polo Harlekin? :D

I didn't know. But now I do.
http://www.google.nl/search?q=VW+Polo+Harlekin&hl=nl&prmd=ivns&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ei=i3OITaS1B5HRsgb38si2DA&ved=0CCkQsAQ&biw=1204&bih=874

[Gard]

sure is ugly

here (http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3107/2555824558_ac3be83c2d.jpg)is another

[Juha_Koo]

Interesting.

I've thought Henning has to have some new sponsorship stuff going on because he used to jump around in his bright yellow overalls and helmet everywhere. Haven't seen that lately... Even though the livery looks like made by 5 year-old, I'm glad to see Henning has some new partners onboard. :up:

[tfp]

sure is ugly

here (http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3107/2555824558_ac3be83c2d.jpg)is another


Haha!
I'm sure that was released from the factory like that aswel!
Maybe the colours represent the new VW WRC car :p :

[Plan9]

http://a7.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/198893_1645141164551_1117548009_31319724_5016672_n .jpg
New livery for Henning.
Why Henning Why...it looks like a car Pee Wee Herman would use...
I hope this is only temporary and they develop something a little less immature.
Why didn't he just go back to using the same standard livery as the other M-Sport drivers such as Mads and Matt W. who both have a variation on the White and Green livery which is much more suitable

[Sulland]

Why didn't he just go back to using the same standard livery as the other M-Sport drivers such as Mads and Matt W. who both have a variation on the White and Green livery which is much more suitable

But the stobart livery is so boring. I like this one, as I liked the Benetton F1 livery once.
But seen from the angle of the pic maybe too much green. I think I would have gone for all 4 corners in red, yellow in the back and just the roof in BRG.

[Plan9]

But the stobart livery is so boring. I like this one, as I liked the Benetton F1 livery once.
But seen from the angle of the pic maybe too much green. I think I would have gone for all 4 corners in red, yellow in the back and just the roof in BRG.

Fair point. However I think the Stobart livery actually looks like it should be on a rally car.This 1 is too bright for me. I prefer some subtlety. Why has he gone with this brand anyway, it will have zero recognition outside Norway.

[mousti]

Fair point. However I think the Stobart livery actually looks like it should be on a rally car.This 1 is too bright for me. I prefer some subtlety. Why has he gone with this brand anyway, it will have zero recognition outside Norway.
The sponsor decides how the car will be painted driver and team have not really a say in it. Why has he gone with it? Because they pay alot of money so he can do the WRC 2011 season. Who cares if they don't get recognition outside of Norway if they pay everything is fine for us and Henning ;) . It's not like there are 100 sponsors in a row to pay Henning hundred of thousands euro for a rally campaign.

[Barreis]

Solberg's motorshow helps a lot with season's funding..

[Allar]

I love Henning's livery! 1. I'ts wierd 2. I'ts Interesting 3. You will remember it!

[Sulland]

I love Henning's livery! 1. I'ts wierd 2. I'ts Interesting 3. You will remember it!

+2

[Bobcat]

http://www.rvo.hu/wp-content/gallery/wrc-portugal-rally-2011/hrvonen.jpg

http://www.rvo.hu/wp-content/gallery/wrc-portugal-rally-2011/hsolberg.jpg

http://www.rvo.hu/wp-content/gallery/wrc-portugal-rally-2011/sousa.jpg

http://www.rvo.hu/wp-content/gallery/wrc-portugal-rally-2011/villagra.jpg

http://www.rvo.hu/wp-content/gallery/wrc-portugal-rally-2011/block.jpg

[Barreis]

Nice photos..

[Bobcat]

http://www.wrchd.com/hd-videos/wrc-portugal-2011-ford-testing/

[TheFlyingTuga]

Oh dear, oh dear!!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=blYvzbd_y7I&feature=player_embedded

[wwbroe]

If he manage to start the rally after this crash that would be amazing, i guess the Fiesta took some rather serious damlage.

[Karukera]

Oh dear, oh dear!!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=blYvzbd_y7I&feature=player_embedded

:eek: Thx for the vid. Just like being catapulted from an aircraft carrier.

Impressive and scary the way those midgets can suddenly fly & twist in the air.

[Bobcat]

http://www.worldrallyisfree.com/2011/04/07/ford-developpe-sa-fiesta/

[Bobcat]

http://www.autosport.com/news/grapevine.php/id/90539
http://www.motorsportforums.com/forums/showthread.php?139275-DiRT3-In-the-making!&p=907117#post907117

[dimviii]

http://www.autosport.com/news/grapevine.php/id/90539
http://www.motorsportforums.com/forums/showthread.php?139275-DiRT3-In-the-making!&p=907117#post907117
Tell them to stop the gymkana practice and try to narrow the gap from ds3.

[Bobcat]

Did you try to read my previous post from TRAXX?

[Daniel]

Did you try to read my previous post from TRAXX?

perhaps he doesn't bother reading your posts as he doesn't like reading crap that is obviously from an M-Sport member paid to post on here or something who is ill enough to comb the web for M-Sport related crud to post on a forum.....

[dimviii]

perhaps he doesn't bother reading your posts as he doesn't like reading crap that is obviously from an M-Sport member paid to post on here or something who is ill enough to comb the web for M-Sport related crud to post on a forum.....
exactly.

[Barreis]

+1

[Bobcat]

I love Henning's livery! 1. I'ts wierd 2. I'ts Interesting 3. You will remember it!

Solberg WRT http://twitpic.com/4jptkw

[CABAIO E'LONA]

Solberg WRT http://twitpic.com/4jptkw

http://a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/215454_10150214651580733_206160890732_8835662_4149 371_n.jpg

[Plan9]

http://a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/215454_10150214651580733_206160890732_8835662_4149 371_n.jpg

I hope this is not a wind-up and is made real...looks like he took some inspiration from Petter's C4

[Micke_VOC]

http://a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/215454_10150214651580733_206160890732_8835662_4149 371_n.jpg

Great livery...

[Bobcat]

http://www.rallysport.hu/images/2011/photo/wrc/04_jordan/01_teszt/images/RSHU_Photo_012_jpg.jpg

http://www.rallysport.hu/images/2011/photo/wrc/04_jordan/01_teszt/images/RSHU_Photo_020_jpg.jpg

http://www.rallysport.hu/images/2011/photo/wrc/04_jordan/01_teszt/images/RSHU_Photo_021_jpg.jpg

http://www.rallysport.hu/images/2011/photo/wrc/04_jordan/01_teszt/images/RSHU_Photo_025_jpg.jpg

http://www.rallysport.hu/images/2011/photo/wrc/04_jordan/01_teszt/images/RSHU_Photo_027_jpg.jpg

[Fly_Half]

The current livery on Solberg's Fiesta looks like it was designed by a 4 year old armed with a pack of crayons. Will that new colour scheme be on the car for Sardegna?

[Bobcat]

P-G Andersson back in a Ford Fiesta RS WRC... http://www.wrc.com/news/andersson-back-in-the-wrc-in-fiesta/?fid=14584

[J.Lindstroem]

PG had his big chance. And he blew it! He can't keep the car on the road, something that is important. If Flodin can do a decent result i reckon his chances of more Wrc drives are bigger than PG's.

[ELPE]

It may not be entirely fair to say P-G blow it.Without a puncture (he didnt`t hit anything) and problem with the powersteering I think he had grabbed a place on the podium. But I think that PG will have a much harder task in Sardinia. A place in the top six here is going to be difficult.

[Xsara Fan]

Novikov`s mexican Ford Fiesta RS WRC was re-registered. From "PX60 AVN" to "RU55 ALM" :)

[Wim_Impreza]

It may not be entirely fair to say P-G blow it.Without a puncture (he didnt`t hit anything) and problem with the powersteering I think he had grabbed a place on the podium. But I think that PG will have a much harder task in Sardinia. A place in the top six here is going to be difficult.

He crashed again today...

[J.Lindstroem]

He crashed again today...

PG is not "the next swedish wrc champion". I thought one day long ago, but its the same thing as with Thomas Rådström and Daniel Carlsson! In fact this might be his last wrc-event ever...

[Tomi]

PG is not "the next swedish wrc champion". I thought one day long ago, but its the same thing as with Thomas Rådström and Daniel Carlsson! In fact this might be his last wrc-event ever...

You Swedes put your limited resourses on too many drivers, in my opinion it would be better to build real possibility for 1 really good guy, after you get 1 up there, its much easier to find sponsorship for others.

[rp]

You Swedes put your limited resourses on too many drivers, in my opinion it would be better to build real possibility for 1 really good guy, after you get 1 up there, its much easier to find sponsorship for others.

There is not too many (only P-G, Flodin and Sandell). WRC-A drivers are different story. But P-G definitely has the speed, but always some mistakes. Have to remember that he is not able to drive tests with the Fiesta. Speedwise Flodin and Sandell are not on his level.

[Tomi]

There is not too many (only P-G, Flodin and Sandell). WRC-A drivers are different story. But P-G definitely has the speed, but always some mistakes. Have to remember that he is not able to drive tests with the Fiesta. Speedwise Flodin and Sandell are not on his level.

There is 2 guys too many already, Flodin or Sandell wont get anywhere, a driver who aim to the top should have a solid plan and program so that he can go flat out in every rally, top 5 finishes impresses nobody who is in charge about choosing drivers. P-G drives now and then and has some really long times without driving, it effects for sure.

[AndyRAC]

There is 2 guys too many already, Flodin or Sandell wont get anywhere, a driver who aim to the top should have a solid plan and program so that he can go flat out in every rally, top 5 finishes impresses nobody who is in charge about choosing drivers. P-G drives now and then and has some really long times without driving, it effects for sure.

And that is P-G's problem. Doesn't have a consistent program - but the odd drive here and there. He needs at least a season in the same car, and with plenty of testing. Then you can tell whether he's a top level driver, or not.

[pucky54]

he has an IRC programme with Proton

[Tomi]

he has an IRC programme with Proton

LOL

[Barreis]

he has an IRC programme with Proton

I agree.

[Plan9]

What's up with old Henning these day. I thought all the testing with the s2000 last year meant that he would be amazing in the new car this year.

[mousti]

LOL
It's still having a rally rhythm eventhough the car is slow. Duval with the RACB Xsara had only 1 rally done in that year and was a retirement in Acropolis with that Fabia and even with that he ended second and had many scratches there! It's true he knows the car, but even without that Duval would be really fast he doesn't need much time to adapt to a new car.

[Bobcat]

Ford encouraged by Fiesta's pace:
http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/91246
http://www.wrcfordlive.com/?p=3436

The Fiestas won 11 of the 18 stages...some luck or better true performance here?

[N.O.T]

next win in finland, then tears until the end.....get used to it.

[rp]

next win in finland, then tears until the end.....get used to it.

Latvala will win three following events and Hirvonen 2nd at least two times... (in my dreams :-)

[Bobcat]

Nice video... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ocsCTMFK8s4

[N.O.T]

why are you so obsessed with the M-sport team ?? You work for them ? you have relatives in them ? because i find it strange for someone to be so obsessed with a team especially in rallying...you remind me of football fans where they care for none else apart from their team.....This is not an ironic post so please answer seriously i am really interested to see what drives your passion.

[Bobcat]

Solberg and Tänak to demonstrate the Ford Fiesta RS WRC: http://www.m-sport.co.uk/index.php/news/657-m-sport-stobarts-henning-solberg-to-demonstrate-ford-fiesta-rs-wrc-at-cornbury-park

[Karukera]

Gotta love Bobcat's monologues. :)

http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj130/flintwood/Fordwhatelse.jpg

[Daniel]

Gotta love Bobcat's monologues. :)

http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj130/flintwood/Fordwhatelse.jpg

You've got to love even more, the fact that Ford seem to be paying some guy money to post on a forum rather than spending it on their actual campaign.

[N.O.T]

they do not pay him and he doesn't work for them...think about it.

can you please answer me (post797) bobcat?

[Daniel]

they do not pay him and he doesn't work for them...think about it.

can you please answer me (post797) bobcat?

This sort of advertising is common these days though. He is either massively obsessed as you say, or he works for M-Sport and so far he hasn't denied working for M-Sport.....

[N.O.T]

you really think that a company like M-sport would hire a person with he intelligence level of bobcat ???

[Daniel]

you really think that a company like M-sport would hire a person with he intelligence level of bobcat ???

They hired Duval.

[cali]

They hired Duval.
He was quite young and promising and fast as well at that time :p

[Daniel]

He was quite young and promising and fast as well at that time :p

Then he went to Citroen, crashed a lot and they took him back for selected rallies with open arms.

[DonJippo]

they do not pay him and he doesn't work for them...think about it.

can you please answer me (post797) bobcat?


This sort of advertising is common these days though. He is either massively obsessed as you say, or he works for M-Sport and so far he hasn't denied working for M-Sport.....

Don't know and don't care either if he works for M-Sport or is obsessed about Ford but I'm sure he is happy to see you two clowns posting in the thread and keeping it top of the page :D

[Daniel]

don't know and don't care either if he works for m-sport or is obsessed about ford but i'm sure he is happy to see you two clowns posting in the thread and keeping it top of the page :d

:D bttt!

[Mark]

Enough please :)

[ELPE]

I agree, unfortunately I do not think either that PG will be the next WRC star. I think P-G has the speed but to run a race every now and then without testing, you can not perform well enough to get a seat without putting up a lot of money

[ELPE]

PG is not "the next swedish wrc champion". I thought one day long ago, but its the same thing as with Thomas Rådström and Daniel Carlsson! In fact this might be his last wrc-event ever...

I agree, unfortunately I do not think either that PG will be the next WRC star. I think P-Ghas the speed but to run a race every now and then without testing, you can not perform well enough to get a seat without putting up a lot of money

[Daniel]

What's up with old Henning these day. I thought all the testing with the s2000 last year meant that he would be amazing in the new car this year.

You do realise which one is the one time champion and the guy who isn't?

[Plan9]

You do realise which one is the one time champion and the guy who isn't?

I was referring to Henning. I just can't believe how bad he has been doing this year. I hope he sorts it out for next year,

[Daniel]

I was referring to Henning. I just can't believe how bad he has been doing this year. I hope he sorts it out for next year,

I think you missed the joke.

[Plan9]

Face-Palm

[gregwrc]

This weekend Latvala is testing the Ford Fiesta WRC in Xylokastro .... a place near the center of the acropolis rally which is "Loutraki"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kJfhGFC-XCA

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KLJWb2mb134

[Bobcat]

This weekend Latvala is testing the Ford Fiesta WRC in Xylokastro .... a place near the center of the acropolis rally which is "Loutraki"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kJfhGFC-XCA

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KLJWb2mb134
Info: http://www.worldrallyisfree.com/2011/05/17/ford-deja-en-grece/
Photos: http://www.4tforum.gr/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=41968&start=120
http://www.flickr.com/photos/thymios/sets/72157626718529456/

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2685/5718757437_059411e9bb_b.jpg

[Lorenzino]

Novikov`s mexican Ford Fiesta RS WRC was re-registered. From "PX60 AVN" to "RU55 ALM" :)

Are you sure about this? Where did you read it? I've got some interest on this, because I have to update my website (http://www.italianwrc.com/fiestahistory/index.htm).

Thanks.

[Mirek]

Xsara Fan is working for Novikov.

[Lorenzino]

Xsara Fan is working for Novikov.

Ok, thanks :)

[Bobcat]

Lambros Athanassoulas's Fiesta test:

http://a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/225280_2016411162329_1005350084_2396460_6119813_n. jpg

http://www.athanassoulas.gr/3/26/

[GINE]

Lambros Athanassoulas's Fiesta test:

http://a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/225280_2016411162329_1005350084_2396460_6119813_n. jpg

http://www.athanassoulas.gr/3/26/

That is latvala testing in Greece.

[Tomi]

Xsara Fan is working for Novikov.

Doing What?

[MikeD]

Anybody know if M-Sport has sold any Fiesta WRC cars to private teams/private owners?

[Xsara Fan]

Doing What?

Evgeny Novikov has a contract with 'ALM Russia Team'. I work at team website http://www.ALMrally.ru as an Editor-in-Chief.

[Walach]

Anybody know if M-Sport has sold any Fiesta WRC cars to private teams/private owners?

I read somewhere that first private owner will be Kuipers at the half of year or something like that.

[Bobcat]

Gerard Quinn: "Coming soon the chance to select the roof design for the 3 Ford Abu Dhabi cars that will compete at Rally Finland http://on.fb.me/ikKefZ"

[Bobcat]

That is latvala testing in Greece.

http://a8.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/250499_2094244321489_1406751981_2470517_3876777_n. jpg

http://a3.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/254317_2094577849827_1406751981_2470695_7829019_n. jpg

[RS]

It seems that Ford are losing patience with their drivers now, Gerard Quinn in Autosport: "I am getting concerned at the mistakes being made by our drivers. If we're not careful, they're going to cost us the championship. I can't understand how a run without a win goes on for so long when some of the competition doesn't have much experience (Ogier) yet they are able to pick off the wins."

[Daniel]

Perhaps the drivers should be losing patience with their employers?

[N.O.T]

It seems that Ford are losing patience with their drivers now, Gerard Quinn in Autosport: "I am getting concerned at the mistakes being made by our drivers. If we're not careful, they're going to cost us the championship. I can't understand how a run without a win goes on for so long when some of the competition doesn't have much experience (Ogier) yet they are able to pick off the wins."

i do not think they have a safer choice at this time...there might be some drivers faster than hirvonen right now but not as reliable....so the ford guys should focus on providing their drivers with the best possible equipment and also try and spend more money on development rather than burning the cash they have from all the useless tourists that hire their cars on 15 year plans.

[MJW]

Ford have tried and perservered with the double Finn routine for so many years it may now be that the lack of results are starting to cause boardroom tensions. MSport needs to run commercially, but I wonder what would have happened if Ford MSport had a driver line up of Petter, Atko and Sordo? For whaterver reason they did not / could not bring themselves to find the money to run these guys. All 3 are hungry and keen to win. I can see Ford moving to global rallycross when Prodrive Mini and VW start winning.

[N.O.T]

i cannot see mini winning...but yes the lineup you mention could have worked better....but Ford prefered drivers who payed their way to the official team and had good managers....

[Daniel]

Ford have tried and perservered with the double Finn routine for so many years it may now be that the lack of results are starting to cause boardroom tensions. MSport needs to run commercially, but I wonder what would have happened if Ford MSport had a driver line up of Petter, Atko and Sordo? For whaterver reason they did not / could not bring themselves to find the money to run these guys. All 3 are hungry and keen to win. I can see Ford moving to global rallycross when Prodrive Mini and VW start winning.

You obviously haven't read the "How to win in the WRC" manual. On page one it says "If you want to win, take a Finn", it's just a pity that one of the Finn's is never going to win a title because he's not fast enough (Mikko) and the other has gone into a top team a little early and has had the pressure of being the number 2 driver who is having to carry the number 1 driver in terms of speed (Latvala).

[AndyRAC]

Ford have tried and perservered with the double Finn routine for so many years it may now be that the lack of results are starting to cause boardroom tensions. MSport needs to run commercially, but I wonder what would have happened if Ford MSport had a driver line up of Petter, Atko and Sordo? For whaterver reason they did not / could not bring themselves to find the money to run these guys. All 3 are hungry and keen to win. I can see Ford moving to global rallycross when Prodrive Mini and VW start winning.

Hmm, Global Rallycross?? I have seen and watched on ESPN - but that's even more of a niche sport than WRC. How big in the USA is it? It's not yet one of the great Motorsport series is it?
If Ford are really serious about the WRC - then spend £$£$£$£. The M-Sport operation do a good job, but have too many other things going on; customer WRC's, S2000's, WRC Academy cars.....etc

[MJW]

You wait, when WRC goes back to its traditional roots (routes even) some of the 3 stages and service plus repeat lot will go rallycross, factor in a bit of TV time and you will have a new home for a certain type of WRC driver / fan.

[RS]

You obviously haven't read the "How to win in the WRC" manual. On page one it says "If you want to win, take a Finn", .

There's a new edition due out sometime soon, that one's been changed to "if you want to win, take a Frenchman (preferably called Sebastien)"

[rallyfiend]

Hmm, Global Rallycross?? I have seen and watched on ESPN - but that's even more of a niche sport than WRC. How big in the USA is it? It's not yet one of the great Motorsport series is it?
If Ford are really serious about the WRC - then spend £$£$£$£. The M-Sport operation do a good job, but have too many other things going on; customer WRC's, S2000's, WRC Academy cars.....etc

Agreed. Ford need to decide whether they're in, or not, and if they are, and want to win, spend the required cash. M-Sport having to subsidise the 'factory' programme with customer and other ancillary operations is not the way to win...

[MJW]

I dont think we should get too hung up about the lack of Ford budget. They tested the Fiesta extensively before this year, they undertake a proper test pre event as much as Citroen, I still believe the car is well engineered by Christian Loriauox etc, but for whatever reason Ford are starting to become a bit of a joke, maybe its the culmination of the sum components of Matthew's 5+ year plan, Khalid Al Quasimi and the Abu Dhabi money, JML's blinding pace between accidents, Mikko's perpetual tortoise safety first approach, and their "good season" being measured by a Sweden and Finland win, plus whatever other gravel rally, NZ, GB etc that they may luck into. But they have done well, they have been second to Citroen for years.
I reckon the clock is ticking and how long will the big bosses tolerate this. I like both their drivers, but new blood is needed.

[Allyc85]

I think Ford just need a fresh start with new people running the team and a shake up of the drivers as things have got too stale and they seem to be in the losing mentality now sadly.

[AndyRAC]

I dont think we should get too hung up about the lack of Ford budget. They tested the Fiesta extensively before this year, they undertake a proper test pre event as much as Citroen, I still believe the car is well engineered by Christian Loriauox etc, but for whatever reason Ford are starting to become a bit of a joke, maybe its the culmination of the sum components of Matthew's 5+ year plan, Khalid Al Quasimi and the Abu Dhabi money, JML's blinding pace between accidents, Mikko's perpetual tortoise safety first approach, and their "good season" being measured by a Sweden and Finland win, plus whatever other gravel rally, NZ, GB etc that they may luck into. But they have done well, they have been second to Citroen for years.
I reckon the clock is ticking and how long will the big bosses tolerate this. I like both their drivers, but new blood is needed.

But second isn't much good when you're the only opposition.

[Daniel]

I think Ford just need a fresh start with new people running the team and a shake up of the drivers as things have got too stale and they seem to be in the losing mentality now sadly.

Agreed. But for the money that Ford give M-Sport they're probably getting their moneys worth.

[DonJippo]

I like both their drivers, but new blood is needed.

Will happen for 2013.

[Bobcat]

Agreed. But for the money that Ford give M-Sport they're probably getting their moneys worth.
No, I don’t think so.

Ford (some people like Wilson's devoted friend Gerard Quinn), they seem intent on spending large amounts forever on helping Malcolm Wilson on enhancing his lifestyle. Boreham could have done the same job for far less money. Boreham also helped to developed many production RS cars.

You have to ask what Ford actually get in return for all the money they are spending in M-Sport.

As I said before (http://www.motorsportforums.com/wrc/142069-wrc-rally-argentina-2011-a-30.html#post923886): Mr. Wilson is only a very, very good businessman, he's just looking for a profit from business activities in M-Sport. The show is about the Ford's boss Gerard Quinn who spends time checking and supervising all Ford's European pretty budgets for winning success!

[MJW]

To end speculation regarding the Ford driver line up Timo Joukhi who MH and JML's manager says they are contracted to Ford for 2012.

[N.O.T]

can we please use full names for the rally drivers instead of those retarded initials the F1 sheep use ???

[MJW]

Here is the link to the drivers full names,MTV3.fi (http://mtv3.mobi/uutiset/2011/06/1343697), got to laugh that the guy who cimmented has a set of initials as a user name.

[wildsir]

To end speculation regarding the Ford driver line up Timo Joukhi who MH and JML's manager says they are contracted to Ford for 2012.
Strange... So early. I'd have bet a little money on Latvala being poached by Citroen. Obviously MW makes driver decisions. Sounds like Quinn (Ford) doesn't have much control.

[6789]

Can't believe Mikko is contracted to 2012, they should leave the contact open. Givehim some incentive to drive!

[Plan9]

I don't think that we should eb too quick to write off Mikko and Jari-Matti. If Ford ditch them in 2013, who would they use to replace them on the current grid? I think that if they put Tanak in too early it could ruin his career as he may not have the maturity yet (as Jari has shown in previous years). I read Prokop also has a similar deal to Tanak but I don't think he is ready yet either. It only leaves Sordo, Ostberg and maybe Haninnen. I don't think any of them are likley possibilities. Mikko has won 13 rallies with Ford and I think that fact does at least deserve some respect.

[julkki]

I don't think that we should eb too quick to write off Mikko and Jari-Matti. If Ford ditch them in 2013, who would they use to replace them on the current grid? I think that if they put Tanak in too early it could ruin his career as he may not have the maturity yet (as Jari has shown in previous years). I read Prokop also has a similar deal to Tanak but I don't think he is ready yet either. It only leaves Sordo, Ostberg and maybe Haninnen. I don't think any of them are likley possibilities. Mikko has won 13 rallies with Ford and I think that fact does at least deserve some respect.

Good points there. I think that Ford just don't have any better choices for their line-up. J-M is the only driver around who can match Loeb and Ogier's speed quite consistently. Petter could be a choice but goddammit, he hasn't won a event almost in 6 years! True that he has been with Subaru and with privateer teams in recent years but he hasn't convinced me anymore. In every rally "something always comes up" what lacks his speed.

Some young-gun deal would have been too risky for Ford because there isn't actually any privateers who has showed some very good speed at the top level consistently. Ostberg did it in Sweden, but that's a very unique event. One must remember what Hirvonen did in 2005 that led partly to his factory-seat in 2006. He showed some serious speed with a privateer car (ex- Jari Viita, was it 03-spec Focus?) in Sardinia and Greece, where he led the event briefly, and finally good speed at Catalunya on tarmac. And the competition was much more fierce back then because of the number of the drivers and teams. I recent years there hasn't been that kind of performance from any privateer (except Petter).

[Plan9]

Good points there. I think that Ford just don't have any better choices for their line-up. J-M is the only driver around who can match Loeb and Ogier's speed quite consistently. Petter could be a choice but goddammit, he hasn't won a event almost in 6 years! True that he has been with Subaru and with privateer teams in recent years but he hasn't convinced me anymore. In every rally "something always comes up" what lacks his speed.

Some young-gun deal would have been too risky for Ford because there isn't actually any privateers who has showed some very good speed at the top level consistently. Ostberg did it in Sweden, but that's a very unique event. One must remember what Hirvonen did in 2005 that led partly to his factory-seat in 2006. He showed some serious speed with a privateer car (ex- Jari Viita, was it 03-spec Focus?) in Sardinia and Greece, where he led the event briefly, and finally good speed at Catalunya on tarmac. And the competition was much more fierce back then because of the number of the drivers and teams. I recent years there hasn't been that kind of performance from any privateer (except Petter).

+1 I agree.

With Petter I think that there may be some bad blood with Ford's management regarding his exit there are entry into the Subaru team. I'm not sure Wilson has forgiven him for that.

I am sure JML will be champion very soon and actually would have been last year if Loeb was not there. I see a similarity between Hirvonen and Burns, they are both smooth drivers that did not get a title until the dominant drivers moved on. As Burns didnt get a title until McRae and Makkinen went off the pace a bit, so it will be for Hirvonen when Loeb moves on.

What do you think of Ford's performace in the WRC overall? I am shocked that they have not had a title since 1979!!! I remeber thinking McRae or Sainz, Martin would get them as they had fast cars but it never seemed to work out for them.

[AndyRAC]

+1 I agree.

What do you think of Ford's performace in the WRC overall? I am shocked that they have not had a title since 1979!!! I remember thinking McRae or Sainz, Martin would get them as they had fast cars but it never seemed to work out for them.

Pretty poor, if you're being honest! Okay, so they've had 2 Manufacturers Title - but for not one single drivers Title, well draw your own conclusions. However, if Ford are happy - well, that maybe somes up their attitude to Motorsport.

[julkki]

Pretty poor, if you're being honest! Okay, so they've had 2 Manufacturers Title - but for not one single drivers Title, well draw your own conclusions. However, if Ford are happy - well, that maybe somes up their attitude to Motorsport.

Malcolm Wilson has said many times that Manufacturers title is their primary goal and the drivers seems to adapt that mentality. But I don't know which is better for the manufacturer in the end...I think that driver's title gives more publicity to the manufacturer than the manufacturers title.

[focus206]

Malcolm Wilson has said many times that Manufacturers title is their primary goal and the drivers seems to adapt that mentality. But I don't know which is better for the manufacturer in the end...I think that driver's title gives more publicity to the manufacturer than the manufacturers title.
I think that the major goal for a team is (and should be) the manufacturers title, not the driver title... when Ford won the title in 2006 and 2007 I saw their commercial on TV, same thing about Peugeot winning the IRC title. I don't think they'll never say "world driver champion" about a car, because someone could think "ok, driver champion but not manufacturers champion, so it's not the best car"

[Bobcat]

autosport.com - the Daily Grapevine: WRC: Fans asked to choose Ford livery (http://www.autosport.com/news/grapevine.php/id/92338)

[GigiGalliNo1]

autosport.com - the Daily Grapevine: WRC: Fans asked to choose Ford livery (http://www.autosport.com/news/grapevine.php/id/92338)

What the hell kinda crap is that?! That's the most stupid thing i've seen.

"Hey, lets make a comp for roof design, hey guys what's your favourite food? We'll put it on the roofs!"

[mousti]

What the hell kinda crap is that?! That's the most stupid thing i've seen.

"Hey, lets make a comp for roof design, hey guys what's your favourite food? We'll put it on the roofs!"
They did it here some years ago in Belgium for the Ypres rally. Classes of +- 10 year olds entered a competition to make the niciest livery for Freddy Loix half of the car would be in the best livery of the Dutch part of Belgium and the other of the French Part.

[GigiGalliNo1]

I like bacon and scrambled eggs!
Hahahha!

[Walach]

Good idea! :D
http://a4.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/260298_1869783179119_1077297498_1686420_4837912_n. jpg

[Bobcat]

What the hell kinda crap is that?! That's the most stupid thing i've seen.

"Hey, lets make a comp for roof design, hey guys what's your favourite food? We'll put it on the roofs!"
Sorry, why not "the food that fuels you" or "the fuel that gets them up and running"? I don't think that it is stupid. I think that the chance to select the roof design is a really good idea.

My favourite:
http://a8.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/249834_233437403336454_157932864220242_1074581_219 5710_n.jpg

[Barreis]

Did they start to sell the cars? Red somewhere that price is 385 000 GBP+VAT.

[Bobcat]

http://www.rallysport.hu/images/2011/photo/wrc/07_gorog/01_fri_szerda/images/RSHU_Photo_001_jpg.jpg
http://www.rallysport.hu/images/2011/photo/wrc/07_gorog/01_fri_szerda/images/RSHU_Photo_002_jpg.jpg
http://www.rallysport.hu/images/2011/photo/wrc/07_gorog/01_fri_szerda/images/RSHU_Photo_008_jpg.jpg
http://www.rallysport.hu/images/2011/photo/wrc/07_gorog/01_fri_szerda/images/RSHU_Photo_009_jpg.jpg
http://www.rallysport.hu/images/2011/photo/wrc/07_gorog/01_fri_szerda/images/RSHU_Photo_010_jpg.jpg

[pettersolberg29]

Henning's new Fiesta is class looking. I have high hopes for him in Greece - after an unspectacular last 2 seasons, I hope his undoubted pace is more visible for the rest of this year and into next year. In my opinion he's still as quick as the top guys, but he really needs a bit of luck and to be able to compete over a whole rally and not just Sunday afternoons!!

[focus206]

It still seems that the Fiesta isn't good enought to challenge the DS3 for the championship... I see two possibilities:
1 - the Fiesta is fast more or less like the DS3, but it really lacks reliability
2 - the Fiesta is slower than the DS3 and in order to keep the pace of the leaders, Latvala pushes too much and always have problems

[ste898]

Dont the cars look really crap in gravel set up with the silly little weels and sitting way up

Cant wait for the tarmac to see the cars in a real set up

[wrc1600]

It still seems that the Fiesta isn't good enought to challenge the DS3 for the championship... I see two possibilities:
1 - the Fiesta is fast more or less like the DS3, but it really lacks reliability
2 - the Fiesta is slower than the DS3 and in order to keep the pace of the leaders, Latvala pushes too much and always have problems

I think little bit of both, Latvala when pushed to the limits makes silly mistakes. Well, not everyone can be another Loeb :) But to me looks like Ford went for quantity not quality. Maybe next year will be better if M-Sport will spend more money on development rather than Academy project.

[focus206]

I think little bit of both, Latvala when pushed to the limits makes silly mistakes. Well, not everyone can be another Loeb :) But to me looks like Ford went for quantity not quality. Maybe next year will be better if M-Sport will spend more money on development rather than Academy project.
I hope so, but I don't think they'll change their mind :(

[Daniel]

What the hell kinda crap is that?! That's the most stupid thing i've seen.

"Hey, lets make a comp for roof design, hey guys what's your favourite food? We'll put it on the roofs!"

Matt :D I never thought I'd read this sort of post from you, that's almost something I would post :laugh:

[Daniel]

Dont the cars look really crap in gravel set up with the silly little weels and sitting way up

Cant wait for the tarmac to see the cars in a real set up

I hate the cut away arches, they look crap.

[pantealex]

Dont the cars look really crap in gravel set up with the silly little weels and sitting way up

Cant wait for the tarmac to see the cars in a real set upSame 15" weel size than focus/c4 uses, so should look bigger than before

[GigiGalliNo1]

Matt :D I never thought I'd read this sort of post from you, that's almost something I would post :laugh:

Hahahaha!!

MMmm.....Bacon

[GigiGalliNo1]

What do you guys think about this? I like it! http://twitpic.com/5d9ruh

[RS]

Henning's new Fiesta is class looking. I have high hopes for him in Greece - after an unspectacular last 2 seasons, I hope his undoubted pace is more visible for the rest of this year and into next year. In my opinion he's still as quick as the top guys, but he really needs a bit of luck and to be able to compete over a whole rally and not just Sunday afternoons!!

Hmmm, you say undoubted speed but he is barely quicker than Wilson these days. I agree he used to be better but I don't think he ever has been or ever will be as quick as the top guys. Maybe it's time for Henning to change brands to see if he can get on better with a different car and team or if he is just passed his best.

[GigiGalliNo1]

haha they read my Bacon and Eggs on the Fiesta on World Rally Radio!

[Xsara Fan]

Interesting statistics!

In 2010/2011 Ford drivers at least 9 times has broken alternator belt:

Germany 2010 - Block (Ford Focus WRC)
Jordan 2010 - Ketomaa (Ford Fiesta S2000)
Mexico 2010 - Kosciuszko (Ford Fiesta S2000)
Portugal 2010 - H.Solberg (Ford Focus WRC)
Spain 2010 - Villagra (Ford Focus WRC)
GB 2010 - Dong (Ford Focus WRC)
Mexico 2011 - H.Solberg (Ford Fiesta WRC)
Sardinia 2011 - Sousa (Ford Fiesta S2000)
Acropolis 2011 - Novikov (Ford Fiesta WRC)

And only once (2011 Mexico, H.Solberg) crew made a repair. All other crew`s retired.

At the same period Citroen drivers never have this problem...

[pettersolberg29]

Hmmm, you say undoubted speed but he is barely quicker than Wilson these days. I agree he used to be better but I don't think he ever has been or ever will be as quick as the top guys. Maybe it's time for Henning to change brands to see if he can get on better with a different car and team or if he is just passed his best.

I understand your point, but on occasion he can win stages, or get top 3 times. Wilson came 4th on one stage in Greece and people fell over themselves to congratulate him haha! I think Henning is as quick as anyone on snow, and if everything went right for him on one gravel round I think he could challenge for a win. I agree maybe he should change car though - maybe an outside shot of becoming a VW driver? He's a brilliant technician and engineer and would add great experience as well as a little bit of pace in its first few rallies?

[Bobcat]

Interesting statistics!

In 2010/2011 Ford drivers at least 9 times has broken alternator belt:

Germany 2010 - Block (Ford Focus WRC)
Jordan 2010 - Ketomaa (Ford Fiesta S2000)
Mexico 2010 - Kosciuszko (Ford Fiesta S2000)
Portugal 2010 - H.Solberg (Ford Focus WRC)
Spain 2010 - Villagra (Ford Focus WRC)
GB 2010 - Dong (Ford Focus WRC)
Mexico 2011 - H.Solberg (Ford Fiesta WRC)
Sardinia 2011 - Sousa (Ford Fiesta S2000)
Acropolis 2011 - Novikov (Ford Fiesta WRC)

And only once (2011 Mexico, H.Solberg) crew made a repair. All other crew`s retired.

At the same period Citroen drivers never have this problem...

Yeah, M-Sport has so many problems. Shame on you Ford guys if you don't command for what you want and need. :(

[focus206]

Aaron Burkart in a Fiesta WRC in Rally Deutschland?
Google PYeklada (http://translate.google.com/translate?hl=cs&sl=cs&tl=en&u=http://www.ewrc.cz/ewrc/show.php%3Fid%3D17128)

[N.O.T]

Interesting statistics!

In 2010/2011 Ford drivers at least 9 times has broken alternator belt:

Germany 2010 - Block (Ford Focus WRC)
Jordan 2010 - Ketomaa (Ford Fiesta S2000)
Mexico 2010 - Kosciuszko (Ford Fiesta S2000)
Portugal 2010 - H.Solberg (Ford Focus WRC)
Spain 2010 - Villagra (Ford Focus WRC)
GB 2010 - Dong (Ford Focus WRC)
Mexico 2011 - H.Solberg (Ford Fiesta WRC)
Sardinia 2011 - Sousa (Ford Fiesta S2000)
Acropolis 2011 - Novikov (Ford Fiesta WRC)

And only once (2011 Mexico, H.Solberg) crew made a repair. All other crew`s retired.

At the same period Citroen drivers never have this problem...

and this problem only appears on the private cars...hmmmm

[Bobcat]

and this problem only appears on the private cars...hmmmm
Maybe, but the Ford Abu Dhabi’s cars also have many problems with broken driveshafts and gearbox failures etc.

[Barreis]

'Cos works cars have overhaulin' after every round.

[Bobcat]

Nice livery for asphalt tests: World Rally Championship - News - All-black scheme for Ford’s test Fiesta (http://wrc.com/news/all-black-scheme-for-fords-test-fiesta/?fid=14950)

http://www.wrc.com/news/660/110627_drk.jpg

[Andre Oliveira]

Beautiful!

[Zeakiwi]

Does the black paint weigh less than the white paint ?

[6789]

Looks awesome to me, they were thinking of using it for the season and they should have

[Juha_Koo]

Does the black paint weigh less than the white paint ?

There's no paint - just decals IMHO.

Anyway, it's sexy as hell. Approved. :s mokin:

[Bobcat]

The men in black are in France: YouTube - Testing in France (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wsMnZjkky1E)

[Allyc85]

That looks stunning in black!!

[Daniel]

That looks stunning in black!!

Looks MUCH nicer :up:

[Juha_Koo]

The men in black are in France: YouTube - Testing in France (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wsMnZjkky1E)

Is it just me or does that look fast? I mean like fast fast...

Timo Jouhki said that JML might provide big sursprises in the coming tarmac rounds. I'm 99% sure he had the "Focus-Henning-tarmac syndrome" :)

[N.O.T]

indeed it looks very agressive and fast and most of all stable...lets hope it manages to challenge the citroens.

[focus206]

I really hope the Fiesta will be very fast on tarmac, otherwise it would be almost impossible to stop the Citroens...

[tfp]

indeed it looks very agressive and fast and most of all stable...lets hope it manages to challenge the citroens.

+1 :up: I hope to see good competition in the tarmac rounds, I dont look forward to them as muchas I used to.
On the other hand, we havent seen citroen testing the DS3 yet...

[makinen_fan]

indeed it looks very agressive and fast and most of all stable...lets hope it manages to challenge the citroens.

i dont expect JML and MH to challenge Loeb for a win. And also Ogier did not show to have good speed in tarmac to challenge Loeb either. With Sordo out of the equation I think it will be a easy for Loeb as usual

[Psycho!]

Guys have a look at these links: YouTube - ‪Tests Day FRANCE Wilson / Tanak / Novikov / Ancian FORD Fiesta WRC Black Edition HD‬‏ (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5e62uqmp_ew&feature=feedlik)
YouTube - ‪Tests Day FRANCE Mikko Hirvonen FORD Fiesta WRC Limited Black Edition HD‬‏ (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nF4e_GIlxzQ&feature=feedlik)
YouTube - ‪Essais Hirvonen-Lethinen sur Ford Fiesta Wrc Black Limited Edition 2011‬‏ (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3D3eaFA7GcI&feature=feedlik)

To me Mikko looks the slowest meaning of course the dry conditions!!ENJOY!

[OldF]

Guys have a look at these links: YouTube - ‪Tests Day FRANCE Wilson / Tanak / Novikov / Ancian FORD Fiesta WRC Black Edition HD‬‏ (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5e62uqmp_ew&feature=feedlik)
YouTube - ‪Tests Day FRANCE Mikko Hirvonen FORD Fiesta WRC Limited Black Edition HD‬‏ (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nF4e_GIlxzQ&feature=feedlik)
YouTube - ‪Essais Hirvonen-Lethinen sur Ford Fiesta Wrc Black Limited Edition 2011‬‏ (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3D3eaFA7GcI&feature=feedlik)

To me Mikko looks the slowest meaning of course the dry conditions!!ENJOY!

Psycho!, I don’t remember seeing you on the forum for a while.

Judging by this Wilson would be faster than Mikko on tarmac. :D

Only few sections are the same in the “Wilson / Tänak / Novikov / Ancian” video and “Mikko” video.

In a test session it’s not about to go flat out all the time, merely driving the different runs with a consistent but as high speed as can be repeated for the next run. That’s how the changes in the set-ups can be assessed.

[Francis44]

Sorry, but Mikko did look really slow indeed, even comparing to the other costumer drivers.

But this is no surprise, as last year on tarmac he was already loosing a bunch.

[OldF]

As I said, a test session is not about going flat out all the time but I’ve to agree with you about how the driving of Mikko looked like, only looked like. ;)

[Psycho!]

Yes guys the parts of the route are different tha conditions as well....But it's just my feeling from what I see...Nevertheless, Fiesta looks very good on tarmac...Let's hope for sth better...

@Oldf Thanx for remembering me, I was reading all the posts,but the exams didn't let me post!

[OldF]

@Oldf Thanx for remembering me, I was reading all the posts,but the exams didn't let me post!

Hope the exams went well.

[Viridian Black]

Mikko looked like he was having problems with the handbrake, so was looking clumsy through that hairpin.

[mousti]

Didn't find it yet on the Forums yet here!

So here it is the Ford Fiesta RRC okay no WRC but u can build it to a WRC just like the Mini!

YouTube - ‪RRC Launch Video HD‬‏ (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TCAtdWopnB8)

[Bobcat]

WRC fans prefer all-black Fiesta...
World Rally Championship - News - WRC fans prefer all-black Fiesta... (http://www.wrc.com/news/wrc-fans-prefer-all-black-fiesta/?fid=14982)

The Black Fiesta colour scheme on Rally GB 2011?!
Afternoon all! Just... | Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/FordWRC/posts/252469231433271)

[dimviii]

nice photos of rcc fiesta
eWRC.cz - Fotogalerie Ford Fiesta RRC - test (PL) 2011 (http://www.ewrc.cz/ewrc/fotogalery.php?events=1435&fotograf=13&all=1)

[Bobcat]

GALLERY:GALLERY : Neste Rally testing 2011 - Jari Ketomaa - Official Website (http://www.ketomaa.com/gallery_norftest2011.html)

http://www.ketomaa.com/images/norftest_2011/image18.jpg

http://www.ketomaa.com/images/norftest_2011/image21.jpg

[vino_93]

who has bought a Fiesta WRC (or RRC) ? Rene Kuipers and ?

[Barreis]

Now we all know that car is good. But I don't understand why they didn't give the car to P.Solberg who's proven winner over Loeb in championship meaning?! Current lineup is not good enough for anything. M.Wilson doesn't have brain when he cannot see who's the best when he didn't snatch Ogier.

[Bobcat]

http://www.ketomaa.com/images/norftest_2011/image21.jpg

Jari Ketomaa to compete in six WRC events in Ford machinery in 2012 - WRC news - AUTOSPORT.com (http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/93612)

[mousti]

who has bought a Fiesta WRC (or RRC) ? Rene Kuipers and ?

Solowow did and will debut this weekend with it (RRC).

[Gregor-y]

http://www.ketomaa.com/images/norftest_2011/image18.jpg
Orange, brown and yellow. The 70s are back.

[Bobcat]

http://www.rallysport.hu/images/2011/photo/wrc/09_nemet/01_teszt_fri/images/RSHU_Photo_013_jpg.jpg

http://www.rally3.de/components/com_joomgallery/img_pictures/2011_1108/rallye_deutschland__1490/donnerstag_1491/album_1_1492/dtl2011-sdkh-032_20110818_1418410123.jpg

http://www.rally3.de/components/com_joomgallery/img_pictures/2011_1108/rallye_deutschland__1490/donnerstag_1491/album_1_1492/dtl2011-sdkh-034_20110818_1237504596.jpg

World Rally Championship - News - Burkart ready for Germany chance (http://wrc.com/news/burkart-ready-for-germany-chance/?fid=15187)
World Rally Championship - Video - Browse All - Germany 2011: Burkart gets his first taste of the Fiesta WRC (http://wrc.com/video/browse-all/video-germany-2011-burkart-gets-his-first-taste-of-the-fiesta-wrc/?vid=2261)

[Bobcat]

Does anyone have any images of the black Fiesta from the French test? If so, please contact me.

[cardy]

ive got a couple

[OldF]

FordWRC's Channel - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/user/FordWRC?gl=US&hl=en)

The new team HQ is the home 14 engineers, 5 coordinators, 2 medical/physio personnel, 2 chefs, 5 kitchen assistants, 4 front-of-house staff, 2 PR personnel, Malcom Wilson and Gerard Quinn…. a total of 36 people.

Drivers and co-drivers not mentioned. Maybe they sleep in a tent outside the HQ.

This is little more interesting.

Fast moving goods – M-Sports global logistics challenge (http://www.rallysportlive.com/2011/08/fast-moving-goods-m-sports-global-logistics-challenge/)

[tfp]

FordWRC's Channel - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/user/FordWRC?gl=US&hl=en)

The new team HQ is the home 14 engineers, 5 coordinators, 2 medical/physio personnel, 2 chefs, 5 kitchen assistants, 4 front-of-house staff, 2 PR personnel, Malcom Wilson and Gerard Quinn…. a total of 36 people.

Drivers and co-drivers not mentioned. Maybe they sleep in a tent outside the HQ.

This is little more interesting.

Fast moving goods – M-Sports global logistics challenge (http://www.rallysportlive.com/2011/08/fast-moving-goods-m-sports-global-logistics-challenge/)

What do these people do I wonder? And 5 kitchen assistants? By the time they've fed the driver and co-driver, the car will be around 1s/km slower than the citroens :D

[focus206]

Haha :D
Another great success for M-Sport: after being the 2011 World Livery Champions with the black Fiesta, the title of 2011 World Headquarters Champions is their! Who cares about the car or the drivers when you have to win these titles???

[janvanvurpa]

FordWRC's Channel - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/user/FordWRC?gl=US&hl=en)

The new team HQ is the home 14 engineers, 5 coordinators, 2 medical/physio personnel, 2 chefs, 5 kitchen assistants, 4 front-of-house staff, 2 PR personnel, Malcom Wilson and Gerard Quinn…. a total of 36 people.

Drivers and co-drivers not mentioned. Maybe they sleep in a tent outside the HQ.

This is little more interesting.

Fast moving goods – M-Sports global logistics challenge (http://www.rallysportlive.com/2011/08/fast-moving-goods-m-sports-global-logistics-challenge/)


14 Engineers! you would think they would have been done with all the design and CAD and FEA engineering before the event wouldn't you?

Surely they aren't calling those guys spinning the wrenches and swapping struts and tires and taping prokken plastic bumpers engineers.
Those guys are spanner- monkeys...
I guess they get no mention... :(

[Barreis]

They need new blood.

[tfp]

Haha :D
Another great success for M-Sport: after being the 2011 World Livery Champions with the black Fiesta, the title of 2011 World Headquarters Champions is their! Who cares about the car or the drivers when you have to win these titles???

I agree, lets go and vote for our favourite roof livery :( Then watch JML get a puncture and Mikko come second to Loeb again, for the fifth(?) time this season.
M-sport really arent delivering the results I hoped for this season! :mad:

[Bobcat]

World Rally Championship - News - Fans to design Kuipers’ car livery (http://www.wrc.com/news/fans-to-design-kuipers-car-livery/?fid=15400)

[Bobcat]

Mikko Hirvonen at Frankfurt Motor Show - a set on Flickr (http://www.flickr.com/photos/fordeu/sets/72157627682539070/)

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6063/6152327053_1b2fab5548_b_d.jpg

[Bobcat]

Wall Photos | Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=289760187704175&set=a.164422696904592.42010.157932864220242)

Any colour you like, as long as it's black? WRC Ford - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5S84IG4_wr0)

http://a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/315406_289760187704175_157932864220242_1318067_851 28279_n.jpg

[Bobcat]

Wall Photos | Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=290257534321107&set=a.164422696904592.42010.157932864220242)

It's official - the Ford Abu Dhabi World Rally Team will be competing with the black livery on all three cars at Rallye de France!

[Juha_Koo]

Could someone photoshop some of those white lines to orange...? ;)

[N.O.T]

i would prefer if the sponsors were in colour though...but sure better than then current version.

At least they will lose in style in france...

[User]

Ken Block got the best of them ..


But I still like it :D

[Plan9]

I now have a small reason to like ford again. I don't know why they didn't have this as their official livery all along. Apparently they did debate having it, according to this article at least:

Ford to Run Black Fiesta Livery in France (http://www.mudsnowandtar.com/latestnews/ford-to-run-black-fiesta-livery)

[Bobcat]

Fiesta RS WRC Black - Rally de France 2011 | Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.290291587651035.86330.157932864220242)

http://a4.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/310441_290291687651025_157932864220242_1319888_195 5218218_n.jpg

http://a3.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/293180_290292114317649_157932864220242_1319893_175 0197701_n.jpg

http://a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/299472_290292167650977_157932864220242_1319894_213 7863423_n.jpg

http://a8.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/296061_253123548064038_106632069379854_764696_2137 116846_n.jpg

http://a4.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/304960_253123504730709_106632069379854_764694_3332 06956_n.jpg

[Barreis]

No more eggs on the roof.

[Daniel]

Nice livery. Now they just need a faster car to put it on....

[tfp]

Nice livery. Now they just need a faster car to put it on....

:up: +1

[Bobcat]

Ott Tänak Tests DMACK Tyres for Rally GB 2011 - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NUudY_iifyY)

[Bobcat]

World Rally Championship - News - FERM squad reveals winning livery (http://www.wrc.com/news/ferm-squad-reveals-winning-livery/?fid=15696)

http://www.wrc.com/news/660/111103_ferm.jpg

Draw n Race Competition | Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.215818835147276.55897.133150766747417&type=3)

[mousti]

So Ott will be on DMack then for Wales Rally GB ? A bit of a disadvantage I think ? :-/

[Bobcat]

The rally is just a test, it's almost like the run of Prokop. World Rally Championship - News - Prokop hopes GB run will lead to full 2012 bid (http://www.wrc.com/news/prokop-hopes-gb-run-will-lead-to-full-2012-bid/?fid=15692)

[focus206]

World Rally Championship - News - FERM squad reveals winning livery (http://www.wrc.com/news/ferm-squad-reveals-winning-livery/?fid=15696)

http://www.wrc.com/news/660/111103_ferm.jpg

Draw n Race Competition | Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.215818835147276.55897.133150766747417&type=3)

I like it :)
better than their usual blue and green in my opinion, even if it was also nice.

[Bobcat]

http://content.leaderspa.it/UTILITY/resize.stored.generic.php?filename=../uploaded/UPD_7310_IT.jpg&maxWidth=1000&sito=WR2&cid=7310