VW News 2012 & WRC 2013

[Sulland]

News that already is on here, but this deserve its own thread:
http://translate.googleusercontent.com/translate_c?hl=no&ie=UTF-8&sl=de&tl=en&u=http://www.motorsport-aktuell.com/automobil/volkswagen-2012-mit-vw-in-die-rallye-wm-2928055.html&prev=_t&rurl=translate.google.no&twu=1&usg=ALkJrhhEO-8XoD1KM0H2_FbvUh9sCowepA

[Allar]

Super new's!

[N.O.T]

so from 2012 we are going to have 4 manufacturers....great news....only missing part of the puzzle is now toyota...then we can say that the WRC is reborn from its ashes.

[Sulland]

It is not officially confirmed from VW yet, and they will deny as the article says...
But no fire without smoke !

[DonJippo]

so from 2012 we are going to have 4 manufacturers.....

There will be more.

[N.O.T]

the more the merier...lets just hope all of them will be serious about it and not just a 1-2 year publicity stunt like suzuki.

[ProRally]

There will be more.

How is TMR's progress with Korean manufacturer ?

[A.F.F.]

Skoda as a brand has changed their opinion towards WRC. But, of course they will have to follow VAG policy. Which means if VW is seriously coming to WRC, they won't bring Skoda :mark:

[Josti]

Massive news for WRC of course, and a most sensible move for VW.

I'm not sure about Toyota, last time around I heared they weren't so keen on the new rules. But VW is in (semi-confirmed at least), so maybe they'll change their minds now. I think it's Toyota's best option, instead of an unnecessary sports car program or something like that.

[Josti]

Skoda as a brand has changed their opinion towards WRC. But, of course they will have to follow VAG policy. Which means if VW is seriously coming to WRC, they won't bring Skoda :mark:

I think I read in another thread that Skoda would deliver customer cars only.

[Barreis]

Great news..

[A.F.F.]

I think I read in another thread that Skoda would deliver customer cars only.

I read an article from VM magazine where the head of Skoda rallysport or whatever rephrased his statement. He earlier said that Skoda will not participate WRC with that engine when they had a car ready for the current rules. But now he has changed his mind and said it would be possible and interesting.

I would rather see Skoda in WRC than VW. But, of course, the most I like to see is them both :)

[A.F.F.]

btw... sorry, I just noticed folks here are discussing this same matter in news & rumours thread.

[Rallyper]

It´s a logic step for VW to make after being involved in Desert racing. WRC is the future for every carmanufacturer.
Earning money on Skoda for privateers is just the way to make it go around.

[Josti]

I would rather see Skoda in WRC than VW. But, of course, the most I like to see is them both :)

As much as I like Skoda, I'm very anctious to see a manufacturer as a big as VW in WRC. It's just a massive impulse.

And yes, we should just cherish the fact that, despite in a lesser form, Skoda is at least involved.

[Allyc85]

Id prefer a more prestigious company like VW in WRC over Skoda any day!

Would love it to be a Scirocco as well!!

[Tom206wrc]

Great news if confirmed :)

[HaCo]

btw... sorry, I just noticed folks here are discussing this same matter in news & rumours thread.

No problem, I was questioning myself to start a new topic or not. But it deserves a new topic, if only it could be confirmed!

[Mirek]

I read an article from VM magazine where the head of Skoda rallysport or whatever rephrased his statement. He earlier said that Skoda will not participate WRC with that engine when they had a car ready for the current rules. But now he has changed his mind and said it would be possible and interesting.

The engine already exists for some time ;) It seems We'll see almost same car in WRC in VW bodyshell and elsewhere as Super Production in Škoda bodyshell :s mokin:

PS VW is actually quite worried about Škoda in the moment and decided to direct it towards different and cheaper opponents on car market as Renault (they already started to stop some extra equipment from stock cars on German market). The problem is that Škoda rose at the expense of VW especially on German market. So they will for sure try to present VW itself as higher profile brand.

[Barreis]

VW has bigger brand and will invest more money into the project..

[janvanvurpa]

Id prefer a more prestigious company like VW in WRC over Skoda any day!

Would love it to be a Scirocco as well!!

Prestigious is often a point of view.
VW has really done very little in WRC aside from Ericssons FIA Cup aka 2wd World Champignonskit way back in ä86.

Skoda fielded small but amazing little cars for decades under the great Pavel Janeba.
In my book in WRC context, Skoda has a proud history----which only went sideways when the Germans invaded Bohemia and took over the "management' placing some circuit race "genius" in charge..

Years more participation than VW, and since I am typically impressed by those who "do the most-est with the least-est" Skoda stands even higher..

The biggest cheers every stage I watched at Monte Carlo WRC in 1993 was for Pavel Sibera and Emil Triner in their 1.3 Skoda Favorits (If you ever saw some of the Youtube vids of Jean Ragnotti---those 2 guys were driving INSPIRED, great!)

[Motorsportfun]

Maybe Skoda will arrange a semi-works programme like Honda South America will do in 2011 WTCC. Isn't it?

[Barreis]

Still remember Baumschlager/Wicha Safari Golf F2 sixth place in 1998.. That year I was watching Safari Eurosport coverage and saw Kankunen's Ford Escort with Safari and Valvoline stickers on the car.. And said friend:"If I can just sit for once in that car.." A month later on Zagreb Autoshow on Valvoline stand the same car (ford).. I asked guy from Valvoline England (on english) is there any chance to sit in the car.. He unlocked door and said:"Sit in the driver's seat!" Dreams.. Maybe Valvoline will come back with VW..

[Mirek]

Prestigious is often a point of view.
VW has really done very little in WRC aside from Ericssons FIA Cup aka 2wd World Champignonskit way back in ä86.

Skoda fielded small but amazing little cars for decades under the great Pavel Janeba.
In my book in WRC context, Skoda has a proud history----which only went sideways when the Germans invaded Bohemia and took over the "management' placing some circuit race "genius" in charge..

Years more participation than VW, and since I am typically impressed by those who "do the most-est with the least-est" Skoda stands even higher..

The biggest cheers every stage I watched at Monte Carlo WRC in 1993 was for Pavel Sibera and Emil Triner in their 1.3 Skoda Favorits (If you ever saw some of the Youtube vids of Jean Ragnotti---those 2 guys were driving INSPIRED, great!)

We should be fair. In 1993 when VW bought Škoda, it was almost dead company. VW pumped huge money into Škoda and didn't transform it into just manufacture but also held development facilities which grew in time as the whole company did. In the end it wasn't bad business for VAG but also for the country because unlike many other investors after 1989 which just bought something for ridiculously small money and soon run further to the east, VW kept and rose something of high value. We're small country and Škoda Auto and all depending companies runs most of the economy...


Maybe Skoda will arrange a semi-works programme like Honda South America will do in 2011 WTCC. Isn't it?

Don't think so, it would be direct competition to VW.

[Tomi]

The problem is that Škoda rose at the expense of VW especially on German market. So they will for sure try to present VW itself as higher profile brand.

Quite unfair really if they now pick the glory when someone else has done the work.

[AndyRAC]

Quite unfair really if they now pick the glory when someone else has done the work.

I'm afraid it was always likely to happen....., that is VAG for you.

[Tomi]

I'm afraid it was always likely to happen....., that is VAG for you.

Sure it was likely, but it still would have been better if VW would have stuck to playing in the sandbox and only secured the resourses for Skoda to make a serious approache, this time Skoda seem to have the things in control, right people involved and so on.

[AndyRAC]

Sure it was likely, but it still would have been better if VW would have stuck to playing in the sandbox and only secured the resourses for Skoda to make a serious approache, this time Skoda seem to have the things in control, right people involved and so on.

Yeah, VW have always claimed each brand/ marque had it's own series; Skoda was the Rallying arm, VW was Rallye Raid, Audi - Sportscars, etc

So what changed??

[Tomi]

Yeah, VW have always claimed each brand/ marque had it's own series; Skoda was the Rallying arm, VW was Rallye Raid, Audi - Sportscars, etc

So what changed??

VW's has been in driven by good drivers Kalle Grundell for instance, and Audi has won a few World Championships.
This can well turn out same like Suzuki, if VAG want changes in who run the project, a few wrong people in key places can damage alot.

[AndyRAC]

VW's has been in driven by good drivers Kalle Grundell for instance, and Audi has won a few World Championships.
This can well turn out same like Suzuki, if VAG want changes in who run the project, a few wrong people in key places can damage alot.

Wasn't it Audi's Martin Muelheimer who was brought into Skoda? Not a success, as I remember.

[Josti]

Yes, Martin Muelheimer, that was a wrong move.

I do have faith in Kris Nissen though.

[bluuford]

Yeah, VW have always claimed each brand/ marque had it's own series; Skoda was the Rallying arm, VW was Rallye Raid, Audi - Sportscars, etc

So what changed??

Well, there are many reasons:
1.They finally found that it is pointless to fight against themselves in Dakar.

2. The amount of money they pumped in Dakar (It is roughly estimated that with the same budget they can run in WRC for the whole year and develop the car as well- 4 official teams, 2 partly supported teams, fast assistance race trucks etc. dont forget, much of the EUROSPORT TV program is also funded by VW) and only approximately 20 days of good publicity. And all those 20 days are in a row and during the next 340 days the publicity is nearly zero (The interest in Dakar series and rally-raid series is nearly nothing). Also, the location where the event takes place is not the richest in the World.

3. Ok, there is 20 days of good TV publicity but dont forget. There are only couple of the countries where the people actually can see the rally live.

4. In WRC, the stages take place in 13-14 different countries in the world, and many of those countries are important markets for VW. How many cars VW sells in Argentina +Chile? How many cars do they sell in Germany+France+Spain+GB+Italy+Sweden+Norway+Finlan d+Australia+Greece+Portugal+Mexico+Jordan+Argentin a and in some years you can add New-Zealand or Japan or China or Turkey or Poland.

5. In VW They have very good team, they can use in WR program as well and VW is their main brand and needs publicity all around the World. Skodas main market looks to be in Europe and therefore IRC is perfect publicity program for them, as most of the events take place in Europe.

6. Their VW raid cars can be used very successfully for a long time after the end of their official program and still produce some good publicity.

So, the move was somehow logical. It will be good for Dakar as well. Equalizes the competition and brings back more of its original spirit.

[Sulland]

As long as both VW and Skoda keeps within a given budget, I can not see any reason why they both can't have a go in WRC, As Pug and Citroen used to.

Double the commercial effect if they both succeed, and both of them has the know how to do so !

[Mirek]

No, that will never happen.

[sal]

Should keep the forum busy for the next year and a bit with bitching about who the drivers should be anyway even if it doesnt come to fruition.

VW may be the prestige brand in the group but Skoda as most people know has a pretty impressive motorsport pedigree so guess it will come down to the marketing department(s) want I suspect.

[Sulland]

No, that will never happen.

Probably not, but could have worked.
So what will happen if VW comes in: VW=WRC, Skoda=All below ?

[Mirek]

No, that couldn't have worked well. Too much money spent on useless fight of two sister brands with no more marketing value.

If VW goes to WRC, Škoda will probably concentrate on customer programs in IRC/ERC/regional and national championships with Super production car. But that's still "if"...

[Rallyblog]

I thought Kris Nissen said in an interview that 2013 would be realistic.


The head of Volkswagen's motorsport division says the manufacturer could be competing in the World Rally Championship as early as 2013 if plans are given the green light in the coming months.

[Woodeye]

I'm sorry, but isn't this whole "news" just speculating? Nothing is confirmed yet, right? I don't believe this before they "come out from the closet" with a letter from the company themselves.

[Brother John]

I'm sorry, but isn't this whole "news" just speculating? Nothing is confirmed yet, right? I don't believe this before they "come out from the closet" with a letter from the company themselves.

That is what many do here on the forum, just speculating and act that they are a company LEADER or a rally team manager. :s mokin:

[Mirek]

One of VAG brands definitely will enter WRC since the development is well under way. Anyway from sporting point of view it doesn't matter that much which logo the car has on the bonnet.

[dimviii]

it doesn t matter,but if its czech would be better. :D

[Gordini]

They will do a PSA: VW= WRC, Skoda = all classes below WRC

[Grant_RSA]

VW South Africa is apparently building new Polo's for 2011 using alot of the Skoda development, maybe its a sign of whats to come.

[Mise]

Have VW made this official?
If not, does somebody know when
or was it just a rumor?

[Brother John]

I hope in the future that rally go back in time and uses real group N cars for rally!!! :s mokin:

Volkswagen brings out possibly a more sport-loving, more powerful r version of the Jetta. Just like BMW with M-versies, have VW its r versions. Thus earlier already a golf R and Scirocco R came. A version with 3.6 litres V6 petrol engine under the cap showed the German constructeur at the European launching of the carriage, last week in Munich. How much pk which has engine, was not released. The carriage in every way DSG-versnellingsbak will have and the acquaintance 4Motion four wheel traction in house. If the Jetta R come there, depends according to reports of the question of the customer.

[alleskids]

Skoda /VAG had Juha Hanninen and Andreas Mikkelsen under it's wings. It would make a excelent line up in 2012

[A.F.F.]

Skoda /VAG had Juha Hanninen and Andreas Mikkelsen under it's wings. It would make a excelent line up in 2012

:up:

Agreed. Could even bring some surprise scoreboards :)

[MJW]

Now we have reached the 20th day of November, I read it somewhere that VW would announce in November if they were going to join WRC, anyone heard any updates if this is likely to be announced?

[ToughMac]

It would be nice if they used the Audi brand as retro seems to be the way forward e.g. mini and possibly Saab

[Allyc85]

VW interested in going around in circles fast apparently though its weird how the meeting was in January and the story has just come out.

http://msn.foxsports.com/nascar/story/Volkswagen-looks-to-make-NASCAR-splash-111910

[Ghostwalker]

It would be nice if they used the Audi brand as retro seems to be the way forward e.g. mini and possibly Saab

it would be nice but it is not very likely since Wolksvagen and Skoda are the Rally brands of the V.A.G (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Volkswagen_Group). , Audi is focused on Le Mans and DTM.

[MJW]

Not exactly VW story but Toyota were due to announce their motorsport comeback but have now decided to delay this until spring 2011, and have cited economic uncertainties as the reason. Any programme that is announced for Toyota's return "will have to be income generating" and the top tip is GT racing. source Autosport magazine, thursday 25th nov, in the racing section. Somehow as the months go by I am losing confidence in the new manufacturers queuing up story. Lets hope VW Group come in, I somehow think they will, even if its with Skoda, maybe they are allowing Hanninen and Mikkelsen to develop and will be the works WRC drivers in 2012.

[Mirek]

Škoda already started testing 1.6T WRC engine. Don't worry, they don't do that just for fun ;)

[MJW]

Škoda already started testing 1.6T WRC engine. Don't worry, they don't do that just for fun ;)
Good, i am pleased with that info. Apparently a senior person in Skoda was resported as saying Skoda is to stay in motorsport for a long time. This was at the Skoda function a week last Sunday.
What do you reckon, VW (Polo) or Skoda Fabia, I guess they are same platform just different panels?

[Mirek]

Frankly I don't know if they are allowed to go to WRC under Škoda banner or if they'll transform the car into VW body as You suggested. We'll see later. The only sure thing for me is super production Fabia.

[navtheace]

VW might come in with an R3Diesel rally car?

They are king of that for the road.

[uranium]

Škoda already started testing 1.6T WRC engine. Don't worry, they don't do that just for fun ;)

Škoda = :champion:

[Rallyper]

Škoda already started testing 1.6T WRC engine. Don't worry, they don't do that just for fun ;)

Nice to hear that. I trust in your words Mirec. ;)

BTW why not both (Skoda and VW) It´s called synergie effect.

[Mirek]

BTW why not both (Skoda and VW) It´s called synergie effect.

Because it costs twice more money for little more publicity...

[I am evil Homer]

Also having one brand beating another has a negative effect in the eyes of board members.

[noel157]

And we wouldn't want little Skoda continually beating the mighty mothership, would we.... :)

[ToughMac]

Both brands could compete against each other in the WRC provide they were filling different market segments. Citroen and Peugeot did this in the early 2000s with the Citroen Xsara and Peugeot 206, their respective WRC cars as one was a hot hatch and the other was a family sized family car. The only other manufacturer that I can think of that could do this today if they really wanted to is BMW Mini. The Mini (Crossover) WRC and the BMW 1 series could compete directly in the WRC as their ideal respective models represent different market segments.

[Sulland]

Petters old boss revealing a surprise
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tEtMi9RrFAE

[FabiaFan]

Petters old boss revealing a surprise
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tEtMi9RrFAE "...under the VW brand, rather than Skoda..." :-(((

[Sulland]

Yes he said that, but could they make the VW the WRC car and the Skoda the SP and S2000 brand ?

[PLuto]

Yes, it is possible...

[Sulland]

Norwegian media starts to speculate on Petter in a Polo in 2012 - would be cool !

Is the chance of VW entering WRC in 2012 more than 50/50 as of today ?

[rp]

Norwegian media starts to speculate on Petter in a Polo in 2012 - would be cool !

Is the chance of VW entering WRC in 2012 more than 50/50 as of today ?

Yes. It is much more. Within a couple of months there will be at least two big news in the WRC..!

[morganmilan]

Yes. It is much more. Within a couple of months there will be at least two big news in the WRC..!
VW entry, and?

[DonJippo]

VW entry, and?

And another one ...

[Mirek]

I bet on Toyota.

[rp]

I bet on Toyota.

Hopefully. And there is still some Saab rumours...

[Motorsportfun]

I bet on Toyota.

Today has been revealed the takeover from Antonov (which we all known since - at least - a month ago!), so Saab!

[Co-driven]

Just out of curiosity, here in Brazil we had an "works" VW team in the national championship in 2010. The cars were built and maintained by Mauricio Neves' team ProMacchina Rally. Mauricio is the Brazilian guy that took part in 2010 Dakar with the VW team.

Some pictures:

http://img30.imageshack.us/img30/827/rallycuritiba2010050111.jpg (http://img30.imageshack.us/i/rallycuritiba2010050111.jpg/)


http://img135.imageshack.us/img135/827/rallycuritiba2010050111.jpg (http://img135.imageshack.us/i/rallycuritiba2010050111.jpg/)

The car is a VW Gol (they are smaller than the Polo) and they were champions with driver Rafael Tulio and co-driver César Valandro. Rafael Tulio was 2nd place on the IRC 2wd championship too.

[Bruce D]

Not to mention the fact that they've won the last 6 South African Championships with the S2000 Polo up against close competition.

[Sulland]

Is this a photoshopcar or is it real:

http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=16983382&id=839360075

[N.O.T]

content currently unavailable

[Sulland]

content currently unavailable

Yes it is a facebooksite only open to his friends, but found the same thing here, with some more info:
http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_lBeAZROMInY/TMgsJSAjDJI/AAAAAAAAFKY/Qe4OgdtBLS0/s1600/poloS2000plus.jpg

So then it looked more like someones dream !

[N.O.T]

i think its on par with those useless photoshops bobcat posted of the fords....maybe.

[N.O.T]

LOL i just noticed...do they have an arab driving it ??? LOL....

[Mirek]

Is this a photoshopcar or is it real:

http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=16983382&id=839360075

Photoshop


Today has been revealed the takeover from Antonov (which we all known since - at least - a month ago!), so Saab!

Yes, but Saab 9-1 in my opinion can't be ready for 2012 but only 2013.

[J.Lindstroem]

i think its on par with those useless photoshops bobcat posted of the fords....maybe.

actually i think this isw much much worse...

[AndyRAC]

Not to mention the fact that they've won the last 6 South African Championships with the S2000 Polo up against close competition.

I very much doubt that will have any relation to a 'works' VW effort. Also, the S1.6T WRC Polo will look vastly different from the photos above.

[Viking]

Ok, maybe they will use an Polo, but if they chose the Scirocco this new rallycross Scirocco could look wery much like it. 627 hp?? Well seems to be fun anyway :)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c7meKDjJR38&feature=player_embedded

[I am evil Homer]

Scirocco is too big for the regs.

[JRodrigues]

Scirocco is too big for the regs.

Max width is 1820 mm, and Scirocco has 1810mm...

[Daniel Darrall]

Some info on here somewhere about new manufactures and VW. Tho since then I have heard that they will make an anouncment with in the next month or so about their WRC plans - http://danieldarrall.wordpress.com/2011/02/06/wrc-2011-season-preview/

[NikoP]

So VW should announce its plans this month?

http://translate.google.com/translate?js=n&prev=_t&hl=fi&ie=UTF-8&layout=2&eotf=1&sl=de&tl=en&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.rallye-magazin.de%2Ftop%2Ftopnews%2Fd16%2Fd%2F2011%2F03%2 F10%2Fvolkswagen-einstieg-perfekt%2Findex.html

[Barreis]

http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/89839

[I am evil Homer]

Max width is 1820 mm, and Scirocco has 1810mm...

so given the track needed you think the extra WRC bodywork would just be 10mm? It compromises the car too much already to use Scirocco as the base

[JRodrigues]

so given the track needed you think the extra WRC bodywork would just be 10mm? It compromises the car too much already to use Scirocco as the base

I don't follow you.. what's the problem of putting 10mm is the Scirocco's width? Compromise?? It's a car with a lower CG than the Polo!

[N.O.T]

they will use the car which want to promote the most....polo might be too small, the golf too heavy and the scirocco too narrow.....hmmmm maybe the tuareg then ...maybe :)

[Mirek]

If new VW WRC is based on Fabia S2000 than it's going to be Polo because both cars are almost same and it would be much easier. If they started from scratch, it may be also Scirocco but I believe it's Polo anyway.

[mm1]

rallye-magazin states it is Polo.

[J.Lindstroem]

What about the New Beetle? That would be NICE!

[Allyc85]

I don't follow you.. what's the problem of putting 10mm is the Scirocco's width? Compromise?? It's a car with a lower CG than the Polo!

Agreed, why is a car with a widely extended track better than one with it nearly wide enough anyway?

[A.F.F.]

I'd like to see them choose Touran. :)

[Andre Oliveira]

What about the New Beetle? That would be NICE!

To rivalize with MINI. 2 historics. Beetle vs MINI.

Hummm...

[Mirek]

I'd like to see them choose Touran. :)

How about Transporter than? :D

[tfp]

How about Transporter than? :D

Haha! Ford could enter a transit:-)

[A.F.F.]

How about Transporter than? :D

I challenged S2000 group at last NORF and gave Janne Tuohino hard time to pass me with Touran :D

[JRodrigues]

How about Transporter than? :D

2 years ago, I went to Rally of Portugal in a Transporter and that thing is bloody quick!!! We would pass most cars going between stages.. We called it the Devil's Van. Of course, it had a 2.5TDI engine it it..

[Mirek]

Yeah, we used Transporter several times for travel to Monte Carlo, so I know what it can do in closed stage on snow :D

[Roy]

Haha! Ford could enter a transit:-)

http://www.autoweek.nl/autonieuws/206/Transit-nieuwe-World-Rally-Car ;)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Pc0-0kMa5g&feature=related

[bluuford]

Yeah, we used Transporter several times for travel to Monte Carlo, so I know what it can do in closed stage on snow :D

Yes, my work car is 4wd Transporter 2.5 TDI. I just came from Latvia yesterday and from our hotel to our study area it was approximately 10 km tarmac and 30km on snow and ice.. veeery nice indeed:-)

[A.F.F.]

Maybe we could enter with private VW team. One Transporter and one Touran. We could kick some serious a** there :D

Or maybe not.

[tfp]

Maybe we could enter with private VW team. One Transporter and one Touran. We could kick some serious a** there :D

Or maybe not.

The size of the rollcage needed would probably weigh you down a bit:-)

[Rallyper]

Maybe my sence of humor isnt at highest level at this time of the day but could we go back to topic? Or do you really believe VW should enter a Touran or Transporter or whatever...?

[A.F.F.]

The size of the rollcage needed would probably weigh you down a bit:-)

No need for rollcage. I don't roll over. Ruins my sunroof :)

[René]

It will be the good tempo to promote new coupé "Eos" ..... why not??? ;)

[Allyc85]

A source on Britishrally forum says it will deffo be a Polo and its 90% certain that the drivers will be Petter Solberg and Nasser al-attiyah :)

[6789]

What about Juho? My guess is Nasser as a 3rd driver, like Khalid?

[Allyc85]

Should have said Nasser will step up to management in 2013. which im guessing would make space for Juho :)

[alleskids]

WRC 2012
Red Bull VW-Polo: P Solberg / Al Attiyah
Ford Abu Dhabi-Fiesta: Latvalla/Hirvonen
Mini-John CooperWorks: Meeke/Sordo
Total Citroen-DS3: Ogier / ?

We can expect Loeb to retire, so who will fill the second DS3? Hanninen is the only real rising star in WRC, winning on tarmac and gravel. Ostberg can be the second best, but lacks consistency of being real fast on all terrains at the moment. Hanninen would be perfect for Citroen, but VW group would not be that stupid to let Juha fly away to Citroen.

[N.O.T]

WRC 2012
Red Bull VW-Polo: P Solberg / Al Attiyah
Ford Abu Dhabi-Fiesta: Latvalla/Hirvonen
Mini-John CooperWorks: Meeke/Sordo
Total Citroen-DS3: Ogier / ?

We can expect Loeb to retire, so who will fill the second DS3? Hanninen is the only real rising star in WRC, winning on tarmac and gravel. Ostberg can be the second best, but lacks consistency of being real fast on all terrains at the moment. Hanninen would be perfect for Citroen, but VW group would not be that stupid to let Juha fly away to Citroen.

hanninen winning in village and b-class championships on tarmac and gravel...there is a difference. He is fast and it would be nice to have him in the wrc because he can develop but currently i think he is slower than Hirvonen.

[6789]

Juho would be faster than Nasser but? Petter needs to win some rallies before I think it would be a good business idea for VW to get Solberg. That said, I'd love Solberg to be there in 2012

[pettersolberg29]

WRC 2012
Red Bull VW-Polo: P Solberg / Al Attiyah
Ford Abu Dhabi-Fiesta: Latvalla/Hirvonen
Mini-John CooperWorks: Meeke/Sordo
Total Citroen-DS3: Ogier / ?

We can expect Loeb to retire, so who will fill the second DS3? Hanninen is the only real rising star in WRC, winning on tarmac and gravel. Ostberg can be the second best, but lacks consistency of being real fast on all terrains at the moment. Hanninen would be perfect for Citroen, but VW group would not be that stupid to let Juha fly away to Citroen.


hanninen winning in village and b-class championships on tarmac and gravel...there is a difference. He is fast and it would be nice to have him in the wrc because he can develop but currently i think he is slower than Hirvonen.

I agree with NOT that Hanninen isn't ready to be a main Citroen driver yet. I think Loeb may do one more year to be honest, especially if he doesn't win the title, and by then a 'New Ogier' may be found. Just thinking out loud, maybe Novikov is an option if he adds consistency? Or Juho to VW and Petter to the main Citroen team for a year? Or maybe Sordo back to Citroen and Hanninen to Mini? Whatever happens, 2012 should be interesting and may be the start of a new revolution in the WRC if it all goes well. 4 teams - two of them proven to be competitive, one an old classic and the other with a massive budget and reputation.

[Mirek]

hanninen winning in village and b-class championships on tarmac and gravel...there is a difference. He is fast and it would be nice to have him in the wrc because he can develop but currently i think he is slower than Hirvonen.

It's very hard to judge speed of drivers which are not fighting against each other. Hänninen and Hirvonen fought once in similar cars but on different tyres, Hirvonen won. Hänninen and Solberg fought once on same tyres and Hänninen won. Solberg and Hirvonen fights regularly. There are too many factors and one of them is that regular competitors know particular events very well. That's one of the reasons why coming into WRC is very difficult and usually takes few seasons.

[6789]

PS29.. There are so many combinations! Should be an awesome year hopefully

[N.O.T]

Hänninen and Solberg fought once on same tyres and Hänninen won.

same tyres...different cars...and in an event where tyre choice defined the winner not the speed.

[Mirek]

same tyres...different cars...and in an event where tyre choice defined the winner not the speed.

Accidentally this changed nothing on situation of these two as both made same disasterous choice. Except that it was clear. Even Sarrazin was way faster than Solberg. I wanted to show that it isn't possible to define explicit speed of a driver since in rallying there are way too many factors which are involved (of course unless they have same cars, same tyres, same road, same weather, same codriver, same testing...). And that applies for every event, not only Monte Carlo.

[TheFlyingTuga]

A Ford Transit doing Rally?

Nothing new here in Portugal :P

http://img231.imageshack.us/img231/1356/48190112541575472815104.jpg (http://img231.imageshack.us/i/48190112541575472815104.jpg/)
http://img146.imageshack.us/img146/9977/gal528img1853.jpg (http://img146.imageshack.us/i/gal528img1853.jpg/)
http://img853.imageshack.us/img853/2847/18362418739675301541270.jpg (http://img853.imageshack.us/i/18362418739675301541270.jpg/)

[fastboy]

i rally reports VW Preparing a Polo for WRC led by french engineer FX Demaison .This probably adds more fuel on the fire with the Petter rumour.

[nr7wave]

Even Sarrazin was way faster than Solberg. Not really. Until he and Juho did that horrible tyre choice, Petter was the quickest Peugeot. And bare in mind that he only had tested the car in wet conditions, so his speed was very impressive.

[Barreis]

This's silly.. This guys drive s2000 cars for years and P.Solberg drove only one rally..

[Plan9]

Should have said Nasser will step up to management in 2013. which im guessing would make space for Juho :)
I was listening to Total Rally podcast the other day and the point was raised that the VW Group does not like the way Juho has consistently outperformed Jan K. and that they only put Juho in the SWRC as a way to get rid of him and allow Jan K to win a IRC title (I think this will never happen however). My guess is that Petter and Nasser will be at VW for awhile and Juho will have to find a drive with someone else.

On that note, would VW do a full year in 2012 or do a small number of events like Mini this year??? Would Petter be happy to only do about 7 events in a incomplete car or would he be allowed to use the citroen?

[alleskids]

VW group has a future WRC star in Hanninen, and will probarly not let him go if they have any sence. So who should Citroen pick as a number two driver, fast enough to score points on gravel AND tarmac if Loeb is leaving WRC after this year? Who is available and fast enough right from the start on 2012?

[RS]

I was listening to Total Rally podcast the other day and the point was raised that the VW Group does not like the way Juho has consistently outperformed Jan K. and that they only put Juho in the SWRC as a way to get rid of him.

Yes, I am sure they are devastated they signed and developed such a talented driver. Maybe they put the wrong tyres on his car on Monte to make him lose that too.

I'm sorry, but I think that is rubbish. Maybe some marketing people at Skoda CZ would like Kopecky to do better but I can't see it going further than that.

Back to the topic, I think with a year or so experience of driving the WRC events and with the turbo cars it wouldn't take long for Juho to be ahead of Hirvonen. And on asphalt he is possibly Finland's best rally driver already.

[A.F.F.]

And on asphalt he is possibly Finland's best rally driver already.

Unfortunately that doesn't take much... we suck on tarmac :mark:

[Mirek]

Not really. Until he and Juho did that horrible tyre choice, Petter was the quickest Peugeot. And bare in mind that he only had tested the car in wet conditions, so his speed was very impressive.

That was because Sarrazin lost a lot of time in SS2 without intercom. Otherwise he was fastest Peugeot driver in most of the stages, especially last night. Anyway that wasn't my point which was to show how difficult is to judge driver's performance from occasional appearance in other series.


I'm sorry, but I think that is rubbish. Maybe some marketing people at Skoda CZ would like Kopecky to do better but I can't see it going further than that.

Škoda sells some 750 thousand cars per year. From this number some 6-7% in CZ. There's no sense in pushing Kopecký because of a marginal market. Of course his father has quite large influence on Škoda Motorsport activities and Juho in SWRC suits him to have his son more visible. But in the end it looks like Juho will most likely do both championships (although IRC limited). And by the way Juho and Jan are good friends...

[tfp]

Unfortunately that doesn't take much... we suck on tarmac :mark:

With the exception of Latvala!

[Plan9]

I don't think VW care much about Juho at all as they also have Andreas Mikkelsen so they are not pressed for talent at all. Beside the SWRC does not get as much press as the IRC so its really a sideways move for him.

[Rallyper]

VW group has a future WRC star in Hanninen, and will probarly not let him go if they have any sence. So who should Citroen pick as a number two driver, fast enough to score points on gravel AND tarmac if Loeb is leaving WRC after this year? Who is available and fast enough right from the start on 2012?

Sandell?

[Mirek]

I don't think VW care much about Juho at all as they also have Andreas Mikkelsen so they are not pressed for talent at all. Beside the SWRC does not get as much press as the IRC so its really a sideways move for him.

True about Mikkelsen but I don't agree with Your statement about Juho. You're right that SWRC doesn't have so high competition level but is run on same stages as WRC and that's the point. You can't just come to WRC and win since the very first stage. Gaining experience from these events is crucial.


Sandell?

In my opinion he won't be able to fight for podium on IRC tarmac events. Soon we'll see...

[Barreis]

Must be proved drivers-champs from WRC/JWRC/recent IRC..

[MikeD]

VW group has a future WRC star in Hanninen, and will probarly not let him go if they have any sence. So who should Citroen pick as a number two driver, fast enough to score points on gravel AND tarmac if Loeb is leaving WRC after this year? Who is available and fast enough right from the start on 2012?

First of all one has to remember that Citroën uses the WRC as an advertising tool, so they will look for a fast all-round driver that will create awareness in their key-markets. That would most likely be another french driver or a spanish driver but since their are no drivers ready from these two countries I am absolutely sure that Citroën will give Petter Solberg the seat alongside Ogier in 2012. PSolberg might not be french or spanish but he for sure is a popular driver in many countries and he has now proven for the last 2 years that he can deliver the nessesary point that Citroën needs for the Manufacturers' championship.

So should PSolberg get an offer from VW he will of course use that to get a better deal with Citroën. I don't see him wanting to start with a new team at his age - right now he wants to try and win raliies again.

[MikeD]

What!!! Latvala's best result is a 4th place on tarmac ... that's clearly in the "sucking"-zone.

[Barreis]

Latvala is a REAL sucker.. :D

[Francis44]

I dont think Latvala could do any better with the Focus, that thing looked like a Hot Dog sales van on tarmac.

[MikeD]

I dont think Latvala could do any better with the Focus, that thing looked like a Hot Dog sales van on tarmac.

Well, both Hirvonen and Duval were faster on tarmac in the same car, so that's a clear indication that Latvala is really poor on tarmac.

[N.O.T]

What!!! Latvala's best result is a 4th place on tarmac ... that's clearly in the "sucking"-zone.

do not worry 2 weeks until the childrens sport starts so the number of post not worth replying to to will be diminished....maybe.

[Francis44]

Well, both Hirvonen and Duval were faster on tarmac in the same car, so that's a clear indication that Latvala is really poor on tarmac.Both were faster some years ago, last year Latvala was faster than Hirvonnen and Duval on tarmac, Duval was only sixth before crashing in Germany.

[Barreis]

But fastest on the longest stage..

[Mirek]

No. First Panzerplatte 1. Loeb, 5. Duval +31. Second Panzerplatte crash...

[MikeD]

Both were faster some years ago, last year Latvala was faster than Hirvonnen and Duval on tarmac, Duval was only sixth before crashing in Germany.

Last year Latvala was faster than Hirvonen on 2 of the tarmac rounds but he was still slow. After all Loeb, Sordo and PSolberg were a lot faster than him. And the comparison with Duval last year is unfair. The guy hadn't driven a WRC car for a year and yet he was on par with Latvala. Nomatter how you twist and turn it Latvala is slow on tarmac - the guy hasn't got a single tarmac podium in a sport that has only had 2 manufacturers for the last 2 years - that says it all.

[Coach 2]

I think no one could run as fast as the Citroen in a Ford, in 2010. This was caused by both a very successful senterdiff for Citroen, as Ford's priorities of a good car on a slippery surface. Hope they do not have the same priority this year (am afraid they have made the same mistake again).
Big differences in the current homologated diffs respectively Ford and Citroen.

[vkangas]

the guy hasn't got a single tarmac podium

Latvala is not very fast on tarmac but it's good to get facts right before posting negative things. Latvala got his first WRC podium on tarmac (Ireland 2007).

[Barreis]

No. First Panzerplatte 1. Loeb, 5. Duval +31. Second Panzerplatte crash...

I thought about ford guys..

[MikeD]

Latvala is not very fast on tarmac but it's good to get facts right before posting negative things. Latvala got his first WRC podium on tarmac (Ireland 2007).

I wasn't counting Ireland as a pure tarmac event, but i guess you are right, so I stand corrected :) ...and btw I wasn't posting negative things - I was just stating that he was slow on tarmac and that's accurate not negative.

[cali]

Is this topic about VW joining WRC??

[Francis44]

Well, apparently VW made a 10 million offer to Loeb, which he refused.

[alleskids]

Maybe VW should offer him 10 millon euro for the VW rally team AND a seat for the Audi Le Mans team. This offer he would never refuse

[N.O.T]

funny stories.....do we expect an official announcement from VW ?

[alleskids]

Rally Portugal should be the big moment

[AndyRAC]

Maybe VW should offer him 10 millon euro for the VW rally team AND a seat for the Audi Le Mans team. This offer he would never refuse

Hmm, and which Audi driver would he replace...???

[tfp]

About Le Mans, I diddnt think Loeb liked endurance driving?
Back on topic, I cant see him joining VW. But they could do a lot worse than ask Petter. How about PG??

[N.O.T]

Rally Portugal should be the big moment

yes i heard that loeb is going to announce that he leaves rallying to do his great passion....le man series.

[N.O.T]

About Le Mans, I diddnt think Loeb liked endurance driving?
Back on topic, I cant see him joining VW. But they could do a lot worse than ask Petter. How about PG??

1 week until the season starts....Yay !!! Go F1 !!!

[Barreis]

NOT is mad again.. :D

[tfp]

1 week until the season starts....Yay !!! Go F1 !!!

Why do I get a hint of sarcasm with your post :D

[Halvis]

I'd like to see them choose Touran. :)

Then I can join aswell! Yeah!

[BleAivano]

About Le Mans, I diddnt think Loeb liked endurance driving?
Back on topic, I cant see him joining VW. But they could do a lot worse than ask Petter. How about PG??

if understood things correct, Mattias Ekström who is a "veteran" in the V.A.G racing department, are supposed to help PG with at least setting him up with some connections.

[alleskids]

About Le Mans, I diddnt think Loeb liked endurance driving?
Back on topic, I cant see him joining VW. But they could do a lot worse than ask Petter. How about PG??

I though endurance racing was Loebs "retirement" plan? He had enjoyed his Le mans effort with Pescarolo, he had plans to do Le Mans with Peugoet last year. Dr Ulrich (Audi's LM chief) and Mr. Nissen (VW's wrc chief) could make a good plan for Loeb to do endurance with the unstopable Audi R18 in the spare time between the selected WRC rallies with the VW Polo WRCar. But apparently Loeb chooses to start AND end his rally carreer with Citroen and not grab the challange of performing outside of his comefort zone in the PSA family.

[Rallyper]

if understood things correct, Mattias Ekström who is a "veteran" in the V.A.G racing department, are supposed to help PG with at least setting him up with some connections.

Both PG and Mattias could be a well respected and fast couple of guys in WRC for VW!! That would be a great solution. On top of that a third car with Petter....

[tfp]

I never even thought about Ekstrom....Looks like VW will have a good line up of quality drivers if they confirm at portugal!

[N.O.T]

one will be hanninen...the other we will see.

[Allyc85]

Well ive been told its 90% Petter, but didnt Citreon want him to sign some kind of agreement to not share the technical secrets of the DS3?

[6789]

Well ive been told its 90% Petter, but didnt Citreon want him to sign some kind of agreement to not share the technical secrets of the DS3?

Petter would be a major asset just because he has driven the DS3. How can they be sure he wont tell them the secrets or use his experience to help VW. Its a tough one

[N.O.T]

a driver usually drives....not many secrets he can share when it comes to stuff that really matter for the mechanics that develop a car...

common misconception by common people....

A good team for VW would be Hanninen and solberg and give ketomaa a chance to prove if he is worth of anything apart from losing championships from "never beens" like pons or he is just hype from the managers...but also depends on the target market they aim for.

Solberg is worth more from a publicity point of view than a driving one i think

[nr7wave]

Well ive been told its 90% Petter, but didnt Citreon want him to sign some kind of agreement to not share the technical secrets of the DS3?

And as a result of this agreement, Citroen is servicing Petters DS3. Petter wanted to use his own crew(the FX guys), but werent allowed by Citroen because they did'nt want to risk their secrets beeing leaked to other manufacturers.

[Tomi]

Well ive been told its 90% Petter, but didnt Citreon want him to sign some kind of agreement to not share the technical secrets of the DS3?

Lol, who told you that? Its more than unlikely that VW would sign him.

[COD]

Skoda / VW put Hänninen to SWRC to learn the events. Juho said on a Finnish interview that he would not have done Mexico unless he was surely coming back there.... So...

[MJW]

Tuesday march 22nd's much rumoured VW announcement has been postponed. They will re-schedule this for later in the year at a European round of the WRC. Germany would be logical, also later in the year and more likely to get driver announcements as well.

[peg306]

:D :p


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c7meKDjJR38&feature=player_embedded


http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=gxP7I7WcK04

[Abarth]

So pressconference thursday announcing Scirocco WRC for 2012.

[N.O.T]

safe info ? or speculation ?

...a scirocco rally car would be AMAZING !!!!!

[Zeakiwi]

I will think you will find the white vw is a KMS Scirocco rallycross car for Division one.

[Gard]

Surely a surprise. They had already build a Polo. I guess using the Scirocco is a better marketing strategi. Changing car is probably not a big thing. Most of the base development, would be the same. Polo should be in a better size thou.

Edit: the KMS Scirocco has nothing to do with this announcement. But could be a part of marketing

[Motorsportfun]

and... what about the new Beetle? :D

[Barreis]

+1

[HaCo]

safe info ? or speculation ?

...a scirocco rally car would be AMAZING !!!!!

Yep, much better than a Polo!!

[N.O.T]

again is the above safe info ??? or just a speculation ???

[Fly_Half]

Last I read the Scirocco is too big for the new regs.

[Allyc85]

The Scirocco would look stunning as a rally car, soo much better than a boxy Polo!

[Barreis]

The beetle. :D

[Motorsportfun]

Look at the tv commercial...


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-NGN4J6F_vI

hmmmm...

[noel157]

Could be a clue...... Retro Mini, Retro Beetle.

[Barreis]

Look at the tv commercial...


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-NGN4J6F_vI

hmmmm...

Saw it a month ago.

[cannyboy]

VW have been making noises that they want the new Beetle to shed it's image as a lady-mobile.
So would make sense that they would use it as the basis of a wrc car to boost it's image.

Will find out soon enough.....

[AndyRAC]

VW have been making noises that they want the new Beetle to shed it's image as a lady-mobile.
So would make sense that they would use it as the basis of a wrc car to boost it's image.

Will find out soon enough.....

Surely not - though, I agree with the Mini comparison - Herbie goes to Monte-Carlo......

If true, VW will have pulled off a minor miracle - most people are expecting a Polo WRC, even possibly a Scirocco WRC...
In fact, I'll eat my hat if it is the Beetle....

[noel157]

Bisto and HP sauce with it Andy? :)

[J.Lindstroem]

After looking at some pics of the 2012 Beetle i have to say it would look awsome as a Wrc car. I prefer it over the Polo any day, maybe even over the Scirocco. I look forward to the press conference tomorrow. This weekend will be one of the most interesting rally weekends for many years!

[MJW]

We may (hopefully) find out tomorrow what the VW WRCar will be. Couple of thought to ponder in the meantime:-
1. Why was the Portugal launch postponed - to allow for the Beetle to be advanced release, as per TV advert above?
2. Polo and Fabia are same platform with a 1.6T Fabia coming, for IRC and customers, that means Fabia and Polo don't compete?
3. More impact with a Beetle? Polo is after all another Euro Box, OK so is Fiesta, but DS and Mini are revivals of iconic names, although totally new.
Could be Beetle, but its a bit big I would have thought.

[Francis44]

To be honest I miss a big box in WRC like the Fabia, so I hope they go with the Polo.

[Mirek]

The concept of Beatle is really nice but looking a bit too much like a 911 shrunk in a washing machine (although I'm aware original Beatle was designed by Ferdinand Porsche). Anyway I agree that the dimensions are not ideal. For me bigger problem than quite a long bodyshell (4278 mm) is small wheelbase compared to overall length (2537 mm). Under S2000/WRC regs. it can be prolonged by 1% to 2562 mm but that is still not enough with comparison to body length. Too long overhangs cause a lot of inertia as Octavia WRC showed the best...

[MJW]

The concept of Beatle is really nice but looking a bit too much like a 911 shrunk in a washing machine (although I'm aware original Beatle was designed by Ferdinand Porsche). Anyway I agree that the dimensions are not ideal. For me bigger problem than quite a long bodyshell (4278 mm) is small wheelbase compared to overall length (2537 mm). Under S2000/WRC regs. it can be prolonged by 1% to 2562 mm but that is still not enough with comparison to body length. Too long overhangs cause a lot of inertia as Octavia WRC showed the best...

I agree with Mirek on the dimensions, based on that the Polo offers the best engineering solution but just remember that the marketing men got their way with the 307cc.

[Zeakiwi]

it would make more sense to bring back Audi/ Quattro as the WRC brand with a car like this http://carsspyphotos.com/2012-audi-s1-spied-by-reader/

and keep VW as the eco-minded brand with vehicles for the haus-frau or the business CEO of a business that needs eco-credibility.

[Hartusvuori]

So everyone's holding their breath... Any idea what time that press conference should take place?

[Daniel]

I hope the Polo gets the nod. The Scirocco is a foul looking car and the beetle is too girly.

[AndyRAC]

it would make more sense to bring back Audi/ Quattro as the WRC brand with a car like this http://carsspyphotos.com/2012-audi-s1-spied-by-reader/

and keep VW as the eco-minded brand with vehicles for the haus-frau or the business CEO of a business that needs eco-credibility.

Audi don't seem to be interested in Rallying - Le Mans/Sportscars/DTM is what they do. Dr Ulrich has stated that those series suit Audi best.

[Zeakiwi]

How much knowledge can VW obtain from Skoda ?

[JRodrigues]

Last I read the Scirocco is too big for the new regs.

wrong.

[Cloverleaf]

The Fabia S2000 is really a great rally car and if you look for a vw car to transfer all the experience you've gained with tha fabia, it would be polo.
But then, there was 307 CC WRC.

[Mirek]

How much knowledge can VW obtain from Skoda ?

AFAIK two Fabias have been in Hannover for a while...

[Ondra WRC]

http://a4.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/223262_10150180550248808_328397388807_6820988_4193 168_n.jpg

[JRodrigues]

Polo!

[Daniel]

Looks like a scirocco to me?

[JRodrigues]

Looks like a scirocco to me?

Scirocco is lower and has a wider front..

[Hartusvuori]

#VW (https://twitter.com/#%21/search?q=%23VW) announce that they will enter the #WRC (https://twitter.com/#%21/search?q=%23WRC) in 2013

https://twitter.com/#!/Becsywecsy

[N.O.T]

The car is going to be the polo.... once more people opened their mouths before knowing the facts....

[cannyboy]

The car is going to be the polo.... once more people opened their mouths before knowing the facts....

At least they talk through their mouths.

[Ondra WRC]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xs4donyiQgo&feature=youtu.be

[JRodrigues]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xs4donyiQgo&feature=youtu.be

awesome :cool:

[Ondra WRC]

http://a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/229178_10150180578633808_328397388807_6821221_8263 429_n.jpg

[N.O.T]

hmmm they do not even have an actual car running, they used a replica for the presentation.....lets see how serious they are about it. They already took the project 1 year further....

[CABAIO E'LONA]

nice car .. ;)

[Jafry]

http://www.rally-mania.cz/img_news/big/11026_ilustracni_foto_de309f2c79.jpg

http://www.rally-mania.cz/img_news/big/11026_ilustracni_foto_41eef97291.jpg

http://www.rally-mania.cz/img_news/big/11026_ilustracni_foto_f799b1d84b.jpg

More photos of new Polo R WRC HERE (http://www.rally-mania.cz/news.php?id=11026) ;)

[Allyc85]

Great to see it finally confirmed, but I was hoping for them to say they will do a few events in 2012!

[alleskids]

Next question, will Porsche take over the VW Dakar car-body and disguise it as a Porsche Cayenne? VW will make Race Touaregs available for privat teams for the Dakar rally? So we can expect a Team Barwa/Nasser Al Attiyah in the 2012 Dakar defending the Arabic title

[Rallyper]

Wonderful!! Now we can talk competition in WRC!!

[GigiGalliNo1]

Vw Polo R WRC has been confirmed for the WRC!!!! They are using the Fabia S2000 as a testing base. WRC.com have the story!!! :D

Good news for the WRC.

[GigiGalliNo1]

Is that Darth vadar launching the Polo R WRC in those pics? Haha

[Hartusvuori]

WRC.com down at the moment. Totalrally's tweet says VW's looking for a young German driver + established driver for the team. Is 2013 already too late for Petter and/or Juho?

[Motorsportfun]

I was at the press conference of Volkswagen, here's some pics taken during the launch :)

http://www.rallyemotion.it/news/811-wrc--la-volkswagen-nel-mondiale-con-la-polo-r-wrc

[N.O.T]

German rally driver....hmmmmmm no...

There are going to be plenty of choices for the established one by that year though.

[Barreis]

Happy. :)

[Tomi]

So it will be Juho and some German driver wonder who that might be, maybe they dig Schwartz from naftaline.

[N.O.T]

hanninen would be a top choice...but maybe they will go for something more marketable as their first driver and keep hanninen as support and to take his place after they establish themselves.

I do not believe they will risk to have a german driver in the team if they are serious and their aim is to win championships.

[Tomi]

hanninen would be a top choice...but maybe they will go for something more marketable as their first driver and keep hanninen as support and to take his place after they establish themselves.

I do not believe they will risk to have a german driver in the team if they are serious and their aim is to win championships.

If I would have to choose, I would choose Hänninen and the best possible of the young Czech drivers, he would cover the central Europe marketing thing.

[Francis44]

Problem is most Czech championships are tarmac and although they have some of the best drivers in the World, they have few experience on gravel, which might not come in andy in a gravel oriented championship.

[RS]

Great to see it finally confirmed, but I was hoping for them to say they will do a few events in 2012!

I guess they will get plenty of competition miles on the engine in the Fabia next year at least.

[jonkka]

Wonderful!! Now we can talk competition in WRC!!

2013... or later... not so wow...

[rp]

So it will be Juho and some German driver wonder who that might be, maybe they dig Schwartz from naftaline.

Hänninen and Gaßner are already competing SWRC this year and this VW´s entry reinforced the earlier speculation. There is no other German drivers and must be a plan that these two drivers will drive Polo R WRC and for sure Al-Attiyah has also somekind of role.

I think that Petter is not on their list and he is not ready to be out of the WRC next year and doing only Polo testing. And for sure Citroen will not give him a car anymore if they know that he will drive for VW in 2013...

[tfp]

Hänninen and Gaßner are already competing SWRC this year and this VW´s entry reinforced the earlier speculation. There is no other German drivers and must be a plan that these two drivers will drive Polo R WRC and for sure Al-Attiyah has also somekind of role.

I think that Petter is not on their list and he is not ready to be out of the WRC next year and doing only Polo testing. And for sure Citroen will not give him a car anymore if they know that he will drive for VW in 2013...

Maybe he's keeping it hush hush from citroen? Theres not many german drivers that are as well known as petter.

[Tomi]

Hänninen and Gaßner are already competing SWRC this year and this VW´s entry reinforced the earlier speculation. There is no other German drivers and must be a plan that these two drivers will drive Polo R WRC and for sure Al-Attiyah has also somekind of role.

I think that Petter is not on their list and he is not ready to be out of the WRC next year and doing only Polo testing. And for sure Citroen will not give him a car anymore if they know that he will drive for VW in 2013...

I belive you might be right about the drivers, I also dont think petter is on their list.

[Plan9]

I think that the Polo is a beauty of a car. However, I think that we can forget Solberg as a driver for VW. I don't think he would want to wait till 2013, even if they offer him Dakar. More likely Al-Attiyah and Hanninen plus someone else.

I'm sure a lot will also depend on what Loeb does, if he goes Solberg could be in line to replace him and I don't think there is anyone else better qualified.

[DonJippo]

Hänninen and Gaßner are already competing SWRC this year and this VW´s entry reinforced the earlier speculation. There is no other German drivers and must be a plan that these two drivers will drive Polo R WRC and for sure Al-Attiyah has also somekind of role.

I think that Petter is not on their list and he is not ready to be out of the WRC next year and doing only Polo testing. And for sure Citroen will not give him a car anymore if they know that he will drive for VW in 2013...

There will be more changes in who drives and where than most think.

[Brother John]

There will be more changes in who drives and where than most think.

I agree with you DonJippo. http://www.motorsportforums.com/forums/images/icons/icon14.png
VW has enough time to see who they want, in 2011 all the drivers must prove that they deserve those places.
Anyone who wants to talk about who they want in the teams would be better use http://www.motorsportforums.com/forums/showthread.php?141845-Rally-forum-discussions-and-comments.,
instead of wasting many other threads and starting for each subject their own thread.

[Micke_VOC]

The car looks great...

[N.O.T]

I'm sure a lot will also depend on what Loeb does, if he goes Solberg could be in line to replace him and I don't think there is anyone else better qualified.

Solberg to replace Loeb when he retires...LOL

[Rallylegend]

http://i890.photobucket.com/albums/ac102/Rallylegend/polo_r_wrc_1.jpg

Wolfsburg (05 May 2011). “We have invited you to join us here in Olbia to announce Volkswagen’s entry in the World Rally Championship starting in 2013.” – These were the words used by Volkswagen Management Board Member Dr. Ulrich Hackenberg as he declared Volkswagen’s entry into the most versatile of the four automobile world championships (World Rally Championship, WRC).

In front of 200 journalists he unveiled the concept of the Polo R WRC, the car with which Volkswagen will compete from 2013 onwards, together with Luca de Meo, Head of Marketing of Volkswagen AG, and Volkswagen Motorsport Director Kris Nissen. Luca de Meo: "Almost exactly two years ago, in May 2009, the most recent model of the Polo was presented here in Sardinia. Today we are proud to show you the hottest Polo of all time – the Polo R WRC.” For Kris Nissen and his team the World Rally Championship entry marks a new commitment. "We look forward to this new challenge and are working on this project with the same passion with which we won the Dakar Rally in the past three years,” said Kris Nissen

http://i890.photobucket.com/albums/ac102/Rallylegend/polo_r_wrc_2.jpg

After three consecutive victories at the Dakar Rally, Volkswagen has set itself new aims in top-calibre sport. With three car corporations currently involved in the championship and global media coverage, the WRC offers an attractive, highly competitive environment for Volkswagen. By 2013 the Wolfsburg-based brand will develop a near-300-hp rally vehicle with a 1.6-litre TSI engine and four-wheel drive based on the Polo.

Universal technological challenge, new rules

The World Rally Championship offers the most diverse technological challenge in worldwide car racing to the manufacturers involved. Various types of ground have to be considered during the concept design of a WRC vehicle such as all manner of gravel, scree, tarmac, ice, snow and mud. The calendar this season features 13 WRC rounds on four different continents. Hence a world rally car has to function in extremely different climatic conditions, from the blazing heat of South America to the icy ride in Scandinavia.

http://i890.photobucket.com/albums/ac102/Rallylegend/polo_r_wrc_3.jpg

In addition, new technical rules have come into effect in the WRC this year. For the first time, engines with a maximum displacement of 1,600 cc, direct injection and turbochargers are prescribed.

"The new Technical Regulations of the World Rally Championship are an ideal fit for Volkswagen's philosophy with respect to the development of production vehicles,” says Dr Ulrich Hackenberg, Member of the Management Board of the Volkswagen Brand, Development Division. "Downsizing, high efficiency and reliability are top priorities for our customers. The timing of the WRC debut is optimal for Volkswagen. The big task of engineering a vehicle that is competitive and capable of winning at a large number of challenges holds great appeal for us.”

http://i890.photobucket.com/albums/ac102/Rallylegend/polo_r_wrc_4.jpg

Proven squad, new aims: Volkswagen Motorsport's factory commitment

Volkswagen will prepare and enter the Polo R WRC as a factory commitment. In doing so, the Wolfsburg-based squad can build on structures which have been established over the past few years. The World Rally Championship is a new ambitious aim for the team that has won the "Dakar” in the past three years. "We can draw on an experienced and proven squad which has done an outstanding job in top-calibre sport in the past few years,” says Volkswagen Motorsport Director Kris Nissen. "Even though the WRC is new territory for us and involves learning in many areas the team already meets some important prerequisites now as it brings an unwavering professional attitude and resolve to deliver absolute perfection to this commitment.”

Volkswagen in the WRC: a success story

Volkswagen looks back on a small yet impressive rally tradition. Production-based vehicles from Wolfsburg celebrated rally racing successes in the middle end of the 1980s. The most important one: In 1986 the Swede Kenneth Eriksson and his German co-driver Peter Diekmann in the Volkswagen Golf GTI 16V claimed the world champion's title in the newly incepted Group A. In addition, Volkswagen vigorously promoted young rally talent through the Golf Rally Cup. The fielding of the Volkswagen Polo R WRC from 2013 onwards closes the loop: Today's WRC vehicles are still based on the philosophy of the Group A introduced back then, which enables rally sport to be conducted with vehicles based on production models.

[Text and photo's are from the site forums.vwvortex.com http://forums.vwvortex.com/showthread.php?5288548-Volkswagen-is-going-to-WRC-in-2012&p=71423635]

[GigiGalliNo1]

Or they will have a French man in the other VW seat ;)

[Rallyper]

I hope VW give Mattias Ekström a third seat when he retires from DTM after winning the series in 2011 or 2012. It would be great to see Mattias in WRC.

[N.O.T]

it would be great to see him 10 years ago.....now he has nothing to offer.

[alleskids]

it would be great to see him 10 years ago.....now he has nothing to offer.

publicity is one of the quality's of Petter. and determination in the stages.

[Daniel]

publicity is one of the quality's of Petter. and determination in the stages.

Does Petter still offer publicity?

[Fast Eddie WRC]

http://pix.crash.net/motorsport/360/AU748450.jpg


http://pix.crash.net/motorsport/360/AU748451.jpg



Not bad ... looks better than the Mini anyway :D

[N.O.T]

I was refering to mattias ekstrom.

[Daniel]

I was refering to mattias ekstrom.

Then why the hell did Alleskids start talking about Petter. Strange :p