Rally2 (ex-R5) News

[Fast Eddie WRC]

I've never really got why VW went and created an R5 when their sister firm Škoda already built a highly-successful one.

Was it really just to keep the VW Motorsport guys in a job after the WRC pull-out ?

[pantealex]

I've never really got why VW went and created an R5 when their sister firm Škoda already built a highly-successful one.

Was it really just to keep the VW Motorsport guys in a job after the WRC pull-out ?

Other plans for Skoda brand ?

and VW is much more known brand in world = bigger markets for those cars.

[Essaj]

Other plans for Skoda brand ?

and VW is much more known brand in world = bigger markets for those cars.

The amount of work they seem to be putting on to the new facelift version I don't see them leaving R5 project solely to VW anytime soon, unless they have hidden the secret WRC project into a R5 body :rolleyes:

[Mirek]

Hrabánek confirmed that Škoda will continue to develop and build R5 cars for several more years. I'm quite sure they will at least until new Fabia IV comes.

[dimviii]

Really curious what happened there. Did they go off and ripped the rear wheels off (would still be a lot of damage) or did it "just fall off"

https://www.autosport.com/wrc/news/138349/vw-defends-r5-car-strength-after-testing-crash



ok they used pirellis for very raw gravel,although road at photo doesnt seem so rough,but again this is something we havent see again.

"The roads in this place are used to test cars for Dakar; it's rougher than anything we would have seen on the Acropolis Rally. It's extreme, that's why we go there.

[Ucci]

Other manufacturers must be smiling after seeing those photos :D What a marketing nightmare for VW R5
Don't worry, they will learn from this situation and consequently they will be stronger.....it is VW we are talking about....

[Fast Eddie WRC]

It's a bit silly to 'test their car to destruction' but allow someone to be around to photograph it.

The pictures will be making the story before they can explain them.

[Barreis]

https://twitter.com/RallyeSport/status/1034340202263838722

Polo R5 testing problems...

link problem... any other link or photo?

[Franky]

link problem... any other link or photo?

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Dlq2j-QW0AIVciX.jpg
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Dlq2kqKXoAAnkbb.jpg

[Ralph-Mario]

Today :

https://www.rallye-magazin.de/int/artikel/d/2018/08/30/volkswagen-zeigt-ersten-kunden-den-polo-r5/

[AnttiL]

https://twitter.com/kiwiwrcfan/status/1036939655143284736

Tidemand and Petter Solberg rumored to drive Polo in Catalunya

[Hartusvuori]

https://twitter.com/kiwiwrcfan/status/1036939655143284736

Tidemand and Petter Solberg rumored to drive Polo in Catalunya

I'd say Camilli rather than Solberg, but of course the awesome level of Solberg Comeback would be huge.

[Tarmop]

Well, it is still a VW effort and like every other VAG motorsport division recently, including VW motorsport, they have been at the top from day 1+ they say already 15 cars are sold. So i think that Solberg, maybe not being able to be at the top, would still be great for publicity.

[dupanton]

Well, it is still a VW effort and like every other VAG motorsport division recently, including VW motorsport, they have been at the top from day 1+ they say already 15 cars are sold. So i think that Solberg, maybe not being able to be at the top, would still be great for publicity.

Afaik there are already nearly 100 pieces sold! Only 15 will be delivered this year. If you order now, you might get your car by 2020...

[Jarek Z]

They say that sales of the VW Polo GTI R5 have reached the 15 mark:
https://www.fiaerc.com/its-15-and-counting-for-erc-bound-polo-r5/

[tc10a]

They say that sales of the VW Polo GTI R5 have reached the 15 mark:
https://www.fiaerc.com/its-15-and-counting-for-erc-bound-polo-r5/

The first 15 customers have already been announced in their press realease on January 23rd 2018: https://volkswagen-motorsport.com/index.php?id=2316&L=1

[pantealex]

Afaik there are already nearly 100 pieces sold! Only 15 will be delivered this year. If you order now, you might get your car by 2020...

Yes, all 2019 cars are sold. I did read somewhere that 40 cars will be built 2019.

[Antreas]

Interesting thing of 2018 a lot of drivers of Ford Fiesta R5 change his car with a Skoda Fabia R5.Also the list of entries are full of Skoda.I don’t know what happened with Ford

[pantealex]

Interesting thing of 2018 a lot of drivers of Ford Fiesta R5 change his car with a Skoda Fabia R5.Also the list of entries are full of Skoda.I don’t know what happened with Ford

Old model, road fiesta model did change almost 2 year ago...

M-Sport should bring new R5 to market asap

[AnttiL]

Already last year the Fiesta seemed out of pace with Skoda, who has kept bringing updates. Also this year no major M-Sport WRC2 program apart from Greensmith, who seems still like a rookie

[Mirek]

There were also quite many technical problems with Fiestas lately, at least here in CZ.

[AnttiL]

There were also quite many technical problems with Fiestas lately, at least here in CZ.

Camilli retired Monte and Deutschland because of technical problems, also lost positions in last year's Catalunya. Suninen's power steering broke in Wales.

[Essaj]

Camilli retired Monte and Deutschland because of technical problems, also lost positions in last year's Catalunya. Suninen's power steering broke in Wales.

Let's not even start with the Fiestas power steering problem. That list will be a way too long. :D

[Mirek]

Let's not even start with the Fiestas power steering problem. That list will be a way too long. :D

Fiesta power steering problems come in my opinion mostly from its rather extreme castor of the front axle. If You remember Fabia S2000 at the beginning also had plenty of issues with the power steering, so had fiesta S2000 or WRC (especially at the beginning of the previous generation). All of these cars had the same huge castor on the front axle. It works like a lever. The bigger the castor the more You lift the car body with the steering, i.e. the bigger castor the higher forces in the steering. I believe that this was one of the reasons why Škoda came with the vertical damper mounted behind the upright with the introduction of the R5.

[Rally Power]

Best way for MSport to revamp the current Fiesta R5 (or to help launching the next one) is to give Luky a seat in next year WRC2!

[Rally Power]

Good weekend for the C3; Bonato won Mont Blanc and he’s back in the French title race and Tempestini become Romanian champ after winning Cotnari Rally, his first local outing in the new car.

[AnttiL]

Let's not even start with the Fiestas power steering problem. That list will be a way too long. :D

again power steering problems for Kajto and Heller in Turkey

[Jarek Z]

again power steering problems for Kajto and Heller in Turkey

Yes, Kajto lost nearly two minutes after power steering broke down already on SS4. That dropped him from 4th to 6th position in WRC2.

[Jarek Z]

Update - Kajetanowicz had power steering problems on all of the stages of the first loop - SS2, SS3 and SS4.

[Mirek]

Rovanperä and Nordgren tested Fabia R5 Evo in south Bohemia yesterday:

https://scontent.fprg1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/41860734_2044504945862437_2530936502825779200_n.jp g?_nc_cat=0&oh=dc391475340543402e2924a2919336d0&oe=5C342DD9

Photo by https://www.facebook.com/CKmotorsport.cz

Honestly I don't like the look of the facelifted car (just like the stock one).

[nafpaktos]

more aggressive,i like it,vids??????

[Jarek Z]

Let's not even start with the Fiestas power steering problem. That list will be a way too long. :D

Are you a prophet? Another power steering problem for Kajetanowicz on SS13 in Turkey. He lost over 2 minutes and a chance to win WRC2 :(

[Rally Power]

Rovanperä and Nordgren tested Fabia R5 Evo in south Bohemia yesterday:


Will current Fabia R5 owners be able to upgrade their cars with all the new parts or is it a different model homologation?

[Mirek]

I have no idea, sorry.

[Rally Power]

I have no idea, sorry.

No sorry needed; for sure you’ll soon know. Btw, the car looks great imo; just hope it wont be too strong for the competition...

[PLuto]

Will current Fabia R5 owners be able to upgrade their cars with all the new parts or is it a different model homologation?

no

[pantealex]

no

Can be upgraded NO

or

Different model NO

[Mirek]

Can be upgraded NO

or

Different model NO

42 :D

---------------------------
Sorry, I couldn't resist

[PLuto]

Can be upgraded NO

or

Different model NO

no, cannot be upgraded

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Dont know if this was posted elsewhere but Henning Solberg used Chris Ingram's 'ERC' Škoda R5 on Rally Turkey.

Ingram used a new Fabia R5 which he will also drive on Rally GB.

[Got Mail]

Dont know if this was posted elsewhere but Henning Solberg used Chris Ingram's 'ERC' Škoda R5 on Rally Turkey.

Ingram used a new Fabia R5 which he will also drive on Rally GB.

Not correct unfortunately. Chris used the test car on Turkey. He has a new car for Poland.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Not correct unfortunately. Chris used the test car on Turkey. He has a new car for Poland.

Re Turkey, I meant new as in different.

He also called it new, ie not his ERC car.

[Andre Oliveira]

If M-Sport wants sell Fiesta R5 MK8 need hire Lukyanuk to WRC2. Only one can beat the Škoda army.

Btw, look difference between Škoda’s yesterday in Portugal and the current model in same stage: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1824554931191501/permalink/2120835261563465/

[RS]

If M-Sport wants sell Fiesta R5 MK8 need hire Lukyanuk to WRC2. Only one can beat the Škoda army.

Btw, look difference between Škoda’s yesterday in Portugal and the current model in same stage: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1824554931191501/permalink/2120835261563465/

New one looks quicker out the hairpin.

[Mirek]

I can only say that it has different sound (and that's what we knew already). Anything else can't be judged from that video.

[dimviii]

Volkswagen Motorsport confirma los propietarios de los 15 polo que entregará en 2018.

3x BRR (Austria)
3x DIESA S.A. (Paraguay)
2x BMA Racing (Bélgica)
2x HK Racing (Italia)
2x Printsport (Finlandia)
1x THX Racing (Bélgica)
1x Kristoffersson (Suecia)
1x Portugal

https://www.instagram.com/p/BoO_N6OnnO6/?utm_source=ig_twitter_share&igshid=1xsruuw5rdad

[Mirek]

1x Portugal[url]

Pedro Meireles?

[skarderud]

+ 1polo R5 Petter Solberg.

Sent fra min SM-G950F via Tapatalk

[dimviii]

Tidemand testing 2019 evolutions for fabia
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qbBCTzc5LFg

[RS]

Tidemand testing 2019 evolutions for fabia
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qbBCTzc5LFg

Nice video. Car looks agile and powerful.

Just as others were closing the gap, I think Skoda and VW will move the goalposts again.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Car of Tom Cave for Rally GB:

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DoWXqLOWsAM-j37.jpg:large

[mousti]

Tidemand testing 2019 evolutions for fabia
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qbBCTzc5LFg

Loix will test for Skoda in the near future aswell.

[Sub_Skoda]

Nice to see the Fabia R5 at ParisMotorShow 2018!

https://www.lemagsportauto.com/mondial-de-lauto-skoda-met-en-avant-sa-fabia-r5/35250/

[Arnold Triyudho Wardono]

I wonder if VAG would allow Codies to adding Fabia R5 Evo to Dirt Rally 2.0..?

Sent from my A12 using Tapatalk

[Jarek Z]

Have you already seen the new VW Polo GTI R5?

http://www.autoklub.pl/media/201810/126644-polo.jpg

More photos at http://rajdy.autoklub.pl/news/barwy-polo-gti-r5,88277

[RS]

Couple more of new Fabia:

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=PytUXbqGeZY

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=eXIDJs8W8dc

[Ifox95]

Any news on a possible Toyota Yaris R5?

[pantealex]

Any news on a possible Toyota Yaris R5?

Suitable motor still missing...

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Anyone know if/when a Mk8 Fiesta R5 is coming ?

Seems strange when the WRC Mk8 car has already been out nearly two years...

[pantealex]

Anyone know if/when a Mk8 Fiesta R5 is coming ?

Seems strange when the WRC Mk8 car has already been out nearly two years...

You should know.

[Sulland]

`How competitive will the Polo be out of the box in Spain?
Will it be on level with the Fabia?

Will be surprised if there are no reliability issues, but lets see.

[RS]

`How competitive will the Polo be out of the box in Spain?
Will it be on level with the Fabia?

Will be surprised if there are no reliability issues, but lets see.

Maybe there will be some niggles but it should be fast and reliable out of the box. The Fabia was pretty good from the start and VW had the added advantage of Skoda's R5 knowledge as a base to work from.

[Mirek]

Anyone know if/when a Mk8 Fiesta R5 is coming ?

Seems strange when the WRC Mk8 car has already been out nearly two years...

Long time a go I heard that it shall come around spring 2019 but it may have changed since.

[NoName]

Anyone know if/when a Mk8 Fiesta R5 is coming ?

Seems strange when the WRC Mk8 car has already been out nearly two years...


Summer 2019, but I have not read any official statment from M Sport.

Any idea if there will be big change on aero packed? engine? Or will it just be a simple facelift ?

[Andre Oliveira]

New car. M-Sport has no worry to launch R5, need be profitable and fast from beggining.

e-Car projet seems to be secret too.

[br21]

Summer 2019, but I have not read any official statment from M Sport.

Any idea if there will be big change on aero packed? engine? Or will it just be a simple facelift ?

Aero can't be much different, as in R5 it's very limited. Engine will be totally different, as based on different standard engine. Will be more powerful. Other main components similar - Life Racing electronics, Sadev transmission, Reiger dampers... Car will be lighter than current model. Original plan was to release car in March 2019, for the moment it's delayed, maybe until autumn 2019.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Aero can't be much different, as in R5 it's very limited. Engine will be totally different, as based on different standard engine. Will be more powerful. Other main components similar - Life Racing electronics, Sadev transmission, Reiger dampers... Car will be lighter than current model. Original plan was to release car in March 2019, for the moment it's delayed, maybe until autumn 2019.

Thanks.

It could really do with coming sooner. Sales of the current car must be hit by the newer R5's and M-Sport relies on sales/parts to fund it's WRC programme...

[Sulland]

10 km/h difference btw Skoda and Ford they say. Time loss for the Ford boys when top speed is held for a period of time.

Has MSport classed more than on top gear ratio, or is it not allowed?

[bf1_IRL]

Any word on the Proton Iriz R5 homologation?
Thought it would have been signed off by now..

[Mirek]

10 km/h difference btw Skoda and Ford they say. Time loss for the Ford boys when top speed is held for a period of time.

Has MSport classed more than on top gear ratio, or is it not allowed?

Fiesta has two options (two are allowed I think), the other is even shorter. Škoda has engine with more torque and can afford to run longer gears than others. It was the same with S2000.

[dimviii]

Beto Rodriguez
‏


@Bet0Rodriguez
#RallyPy: The new Ford Fiesta R5 2019 will arrive in our country in August of 2019, with the help of Augusto Bestard. It #MSport plans to approve the car in July 2019. @LD1120AMPY #SomosRally

[Andre Oliveira]

Paraguay have a parc of gods.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Beto Rodriguez
‏


@Bet0Rodriguez
#RallyPy: The new Ford Fiesta R5 2019 will arrive in our country in August of 2019, with the help of Augusto Bestard. It #MSport plans to approve the car in July 2019. @LD1120AMPY #SomosRally

Finally some news !

With their WRC future seemingly in doubt, maybe M-Sport will switch to just entering WRC2 or ERC and go all out to promote their new R5.

There's clearly no market for selling WRC cars and they are, first and foremost, a business...

[skarderud]

Finally, the mirage R5 is allowed in Norwegian rallies in 2019.
It took 4 or 5 years.

Sent fra min SM-G950F via Tapatalk

[PLuto]

Finally, the mirage R5 is allowed in Norwegian rallies in 2019.
It took 4 or 5 years.

Sent fra min SM-G950F via Tapatalk

If they want, I think there is no problem to manage allowing them to start in Czech rallies ;)

[Sulland]

http://www.mitsubishir5.com/eligibility.html

here you can use the car, either in the R5 class or national class.
Not updated on Norway quite yet.

[pantealex]

http://www.mitsubishir5.com/eligibility.html

here you can use the car, either in the R5 class or national class.
Not updated on Norway quite yet.

Finland is not mentioned, Ketomaa did drive already 2 years ago...

[Essaj]

Finland is not mentioned, Ketomaa did drive already 2 years ago...

Pretty sure he was part of Baltic Rally trophy and not FRC

[Andre Oliveira]

Finland is not mentioned, Ketomaa did drive already 2 years ago...

http://web.archive.org/web/20160717152233/http://www.mitsubishir5.com:80/eligibility.html

[pantealex]

Pretty sure he was part of Baltic Rally trophy and not FRC

Yes, national class. (blue color in that map)

[dupanton]

The Mirage can't compete in the Belgian Championship.

[dodge33cymru]

OK, the Polo sounds a little bit better than the Skoda at least...

4.5/10 for noise

Looks VERY planted on the tarmac sectors of Catalunya shakedown.

[Mirek]

OK, the Polo sounds a little bit better than the Skoda at least...

4.5/10 for noise

Looks VERY planted on the tarmac sectors of Catalunya shakedown.

Works Škodas are still silent but some which use Vančík engines already have nicer sound. Check it here: https://youtu.be/wN42uTERO-I?t=77

[Mirek]

Small observation from Spain... Polo R5 uses the most common front suspension layout with rear-inclined strut. VW unlike Hyundai and Citroën didn't copy Fabia R5 but stayed with what they had on Polo WRC.

[Sulland]

Good debut rally for the Polo.

How many will they produce before MC 2019?

[AnttiL]

There’s been talk of delivering the 15 first cars before christmas

[PLuto]

There’s been talk of delivering the 15 first cars before christmas

But it was in time when they expected homologation in August...

[Hartusvuori]

But it was in time when they expected homologation in August...

This was written in the press release they sent out yesterday:

"The completion of the Polo GTI R5’s successful debut at the Rally Spain sees the next phase in Volkswagen’s new customer sport project get underway. The first 15 models have been sold to eight customer teams and are due to be delivered before the end of 2018."

Also, for general interest: "However, a competition like the Rally Spain is always different from testing – which is why a minor defect had a major impact. But the problem with the shift linkage is easy to solve and eliminate before the car is delivered to customers."

[Hartusvuori]

https://twitter.com/SaariJarno/status/1057190479358500864?s=19

Volkswagen considering WRC2 Pro entry.

[racerx1979]

VW looking good, but I still like the looks of the Skoda. Especially in person.. it looks more aggressive with more pronounced fender flares.

[TyPat107]

Works Škodas are still silent but some which use Vančík engines already have nicer sound. Check it here: https://youtu.be/wN42uTERO-I?t=77

Forgive the ignorance Mirek, but we don't use a system of rules anything like homologation rules here. Can any team build a car for R5 or does it have to be sourced from a manufacturer? And in the case you listed above, is the chassis supplied by Skoda and the engine sourced separately?

[Fast Eddie WRC]

VW looking good, but I still like the looks of the Skoda. Especially in person.. it looks more aggressive with more pronounced fender flares.

I agree, the Polo looks very tame.

But watching it in action in Spain it was very composed in its suspension, seeming to glide over the bumps. Not exciting to watch but pretty impressive.

[Mirek]

Forgive the ignorance Mirek, but we don't use a system of rules anything like homologation rules here. Can any team build a car for R5 or does it have to be sourced from a manufacturer? And in the case you listed above, is the chassis supplied by Skoda and the engine sourced separately?

Peugeot used to sell R5 cars also as a kit but others sell only complete cars. Anyway without works papers You can't legally use the car in FIA competition (on national level it depends on the local ASN decision). Otherwise what You can change/modify Yourself must always stay within the homologation - for example You can change damper internals to some extent or You can use own fuel maps if manufacturer allows that (I think M-Sport doesn't not).

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Volkswagen hints it could make more factory team appearances with its new R5 car in the WRC or ERC in 2019

https://t.co/SEBBo1ntr0

[Mirek]

He mentioned Barum and Ypres as another options. Nice!

[CWJ]

My personal guess is BRR will be there with AvTuT anyway ...

[dimviii]

Callum Black
‏
Prices of R5’s dropping, as anticipated in light of the new models being released next year. I think you’ll get a Fiesta R5 evo2 for sub £100,000 come the end of the year.
https://twitter.com/callumblack/status/1059770403579666432

[Mirek]

Czech Polo R5 premiere on 1st December in Prague rallysprint. The driver's name is kind of public secret but please wait few day for it to be officially announced. It's part of bigger project for 2019.

[dodge33cymru]

Was expected, but Johan Kristoffersen will be doing an event or more this winter in the Polo R5 his family team now owns. Hopefully he does a few rounds next year in various series too.

[skarderud]

Johan will do romjulsrally around Elverum 29. December.
Or "a double world champion in rallycross" as it says.
More likely he will test his polo R5 than Ekstrøm or petter do this rally.
Petter also has his hands on a polo, ekstrøm did fairly well in a EVO9 and a Fabia WRC some years ago, but don't know wich cars he has around these days.

Sent fra min SM-G950F via Tapatalk

[Andre Oliveira]

Luky?

[Ifox95]

Anyone know if M-Sport will be releasing a new Fiesta R5 based on the new model ?? Seems surprising they haven't done so already.

[Mirek]

Yes, they will. last time I heard it was scheduled for April/May 2019 but it may have changed already.

[AnttiL]

https://twitter.com/MM_Motorsport/status/1064807931185676294

MM Motorsport is selling a Fabia R5 which hasn't been driven at all. Bought for investigating details for Yaris R5 development? :cool:

[Andre Oliveira]

First road test of MK8 R5 should be this week.

[PLuto]

Yes, they will. last time I heard it was scheduled for April/May 2019 but it may have changed already.

For sure later.

[dimviii]

first polo r5 delivered to BRR
https://twitter.com/eWRCresults/status/1065607421521993728

[Mirek]

That's most likely the car which will run in Prague in less than two weeks.

[Andre Oliveira]

Yes, will be.

[Mirek]

New car, new livery. First hint.
https://scontent.fprg1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/46640318_1903914399686575_5556769515800363008_o.pn g?_nc_cat=107&_nc_ht=scontent.fprg1-1.fna&oh=000b263e03a8d9059175fad069aec573&oe=5C6A85DE

[pucky54]

New car, new livery. First hint.
https://scontent.fprg1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/46640318_1903914399686575_5556769515800363008_o.pn g?_nc_cat=107&_nc_ht=scontent.fprg1-1.fna&oh=000b263e03a8d9059175fad069aec573&oe=5C6A85DE

quite nice with the asymmetrical design on the bonnet

[Mirek]

Now it's official - Vojtěch Štajf with Polo R5 in Prague Rallysprint (world privateer use premiere) and in 2019. In Prague with BRR car, later with one of his own team.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Who else is likely to drive the Polo R5 in the 2019 ERC ?

[tommeke_B]

New car, new livery. First hint.

http://i63.tinypic.com/54vm2t.jpg

[WUff1]

Who else is likely to drive the Polo R5 in the 2019 ERC ?

vTuT I suppose.

[Mirek]

Herzig will start with Polo R5 on Mikulas Rallye in Hungary.

[dodge33cymru]

https://www.rallye-magazin.de/wrc/artikel/d/2018/11/25/solberg-legt-sich-polo-r5-zu-und-plant-einsaetze/ < if I read correctly Petter Solberg has bought the Polo he used in Spain?

[Mirek]

Yes and he wants to drive it in Rally Sweden. After that Oliver might use it in Latvian or Estonian events.

[Andre Oliveira]

Johan Kristoffersson allreay on entries to a swedish rally in february with Polo.

[dimviii]

polo r5 at Monza
https://www.rallyeslalom.com/rally/marcocariati/arrivata-in-italia-la-vw-polo-gti-r5-della-hk-corre-a-monza/

[pantealex]

Johan Kristoffersson allreay on entries to a swedish rally in february with Polo.

Entries for Sweden opens December 14th (friday)

Lars Stugemo also to RallySweden with Polo from Printsport.

Both Printsport Polo´s will be in Arcticrally January 26-27th

[dimviii]

skoda testing fabia 2019 for 5 days with Loix,Rovanpera,Kopecky
https://twitter.com/planetemarcus/status/1067142007171239937

[PLuto]

https://scontent.fprg1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/47048035_10157013009469973_267340823455072256_o.jp g?_nc_cat=105&_nc_eui2=AeEJ-b5kHu1l-GqCIkEe3FmxRWlbP1g6M9lEauve6IAqZPY1ICwysP_zEB867Ec kxJ8cK69dPA-N70EXG5dSo4-L1Anfz5zK4iNKbSTgvvZdTA&_nc_ht=scontent.fprg1-1.fna&oh=6b138db32bfabdba8207c7b43766478b&oe=5C75CF93
https://scontent.fprg1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/46856092_10157013009479973_2344333032946663424_o.j pg?_nc_cat=111&_nc_eui2=AeHA95SFxBLrdbit0E77TqZVU-f_8--M_6yuuBGRttwK91hcKpsrF0ZX3Hu7-f_TbeSbD2IcMxWJOSXopSvgqYfGmMnVENtfuZbEqqf1VXJYdQ&_nc_ht=scontent.fprg1-1.fna&oh=7ed478c17034b8364395950be54f8e73&oe=5C6B2C12
https://scontent.fprg1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/46788270_10157013009459973_2624372386773860352_o.j pg?_nc_cat=101&_nc_eui2=AeHrH-9FKsnjuvy7hiCbCeXEm4rodvW_5uk3ZoMWdGXrOqeF9JUDrIHc Cw-yJ6zbs5PjhOz4MJz60FC4aAg6jQB5DzO5YgcE_XFe69ypCcJrp A&_nc_ht=scontent.fprg1-1.fna&oh=b01ee258658377ab409b9a0c352c89b9&oe=5CAF0F94
https://scontent.fprg1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/46781380_10157013009804973_668334822933921792_n.jp g?_nc_cat=108&_nc_eui2=AeEZx2MRUZVf_RgFRPcSVnKYKPg5_O-zWKl5ofsU09MThJUk3WnsLxNXp2jot-mguJu9frX24jQL6LVQZeGlFXVJKf7NAJPihdq-AaY57pqAcg&_nc_ht=scontent.fprg1-1.fna&oh=57d6e324b8c6e56b1e69117220596105&oe=5C67FEAA

[hari]

Volkswagen Polo GTI R5 – a closer view: I had the opportunity to get a closer view at the brandnew VW Polo GTI R5 at the BRR workshop – chassis 03

Full gallery:http://www.ir7.at/content/fotos_vw_polo_gti_r5_a_closer_view_brr.html

http://www.ir7.at/content/fotos/2018/vw_polo_gti_r5_brr/vw_polo_gti_r5_brr_illmer_1.jpg
http://www.ir7.at/content/fotos/2018/vw_polo_gti_r5_brr/vw_polo_gti_r5_brr_illmer_4.jpg
http://www.ir7.at/content/fotos/2018/vw_polo_gti_r5_brr/vw_polo_gti_r5_brr_illmer_2.jpghttp://www.ir7.at/content/fotos/2018/vw_polo_gti_r5_brr/vw_polo_gti_r5_brr_illmer_23.jpghttp://www.ir7.at/content/fotos/2018/vw_polo_gti_r5_brr/vw_polo_gti_r5_brr_illmer_9.jpg

[Andre Oliveira]

THX Racing

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DtMOv7VWoAULPSb.jpg

[Got Mail]

Are THX Racing and DG Sport essentially the same business?

[br21]

Are THX Racing and DG Sport essentially the same business?

yes

[Jarek Z]

Vojtech Stajf is testing his new VW Polo GTi R5.

https://scontent-waw1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/47030039_2378246818859133_8414431422147723264_o.jp g?_nc_cat=102&_nc_ht=scontent-waw1-1.xx&oh=873ec5c3ddf9b466435facb0fe5cc93f&oe=5C9F9F4D

More photos at https://www.facebook.com/racing21rallyteam/

[Mirek]

Maybe some small additional information from the Škoda presentation. Hrabánek said they were very happy with the R5 category and that the other manufacturers seemed to be so as as well. He didn't see any signs of new category which would potentially replace the R5 rather only minor changes in R5 rules. He supposed that the R5 would stay as a main rally class (behind the WRC of course) for another years.

[pantealex]

Vojtech Stajf is testing his new VW Polo GTi R5.



It´s BRR Austia car (chassis #3) , not his or hers.

Paraguay and Belgia are other country´s which have Polo R5.

[Mirek]

Štajf's team shall receive their own car in March 2019.

https://scontent-ams3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/46998180_2378250878858727_6134898862898282496_o.jp g?_nc_cat=107&_nc_ht=scontent-ams3-1.xx&oh=b816eb7cd330c494d4c0bca8eb8a3144&oe=5C6ECFC1
https://scontent-ams3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/46936117_2378253032191845_1660771640415354880_o.jp g?_nc_cat=104&_nc_ht=scontent-ams3-1.xx&oh=2448c4cb5932219c2e6439ea2e572760&oe=5C66E54E

[mousti]

It´s BRR Austia car (chassis #3) , not his or hers.

Paraguay and Belgia are other country´s which have Polo R5.

HK Racing-DMax from Italy received theirs aswell.

[Jarek Z]

One more photo :)

https://scontent-waw1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/47117217_2379697622047386_1141752257470005248_n.jp g?_nc_cat=111&_nc_ht=scontent-waw1-1.xx&oh=e9b7c9e190688e7457f6951a0cfabdeb&oe=5C6CD44A

[Mirek]

Really impressed with the Polo R5 today! It looks like a very very good car, maybe the best of them all.

[gerrally]

HK Racing also received their Polo.
Their first rallye will be the Monza Rally Show with Alessandro Re.
1691

[dimviii]

https://twitter.com/thisisirishral1/status/1070015181206491141

[pantealex]

https://twitter.com/thisisirishral1/status/1070015181206491141

Fake car, not real R5 just like Mirage R5.

[Andre Oliveira]

No. Converted.

[pantealex]

No. Converted.

With FIA R5 you can drive anywhere, with that "R5" not, so it´s not real. (it was FIA R5 but isn´t anymore, it´s not legal)

[dimviii]

lol
https://twitter.com/CitroenRacing/status/1070351975219380225

[Andre Oliveira]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Dtv5O-2X4AEBvP7?format=jpg&name=medium

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.881357308724467&type=3

[pantealex]

Over 50 pictures of BMA Polo but no picture with chassis number.

Same thing has been with all other Polo´s, no pictures of chassis numbers.

Probably it isn´t that visible place.

[Andre Oliveira]

BRR one had

[Jarek Z]

lol
https://twitter.com/CitroenRacing/status/1070351975219380225

Ridiculous! :D

[Sulland]

Any news on the Proton homologation?
Will it be ready for 2019?

[Micke_VOC]

KMS (Kristoffersson Motorsport in Sweden) got there first R5-Polo today.
Johan Kristofferson will use it this winter. Swedish Championship sprint and Rally Sweden and more events maybe.

[skarderud]

KMS (Kristoffersson Motorsport in Sweden) got there first R5-Polo today.
Johan Kristofferson will use it this winter. Swedish Championship sprint and Rally Sweden and more events maybe.First rally is romjulsrally in Norway 28.december.


Sent fra min SM-G950F via Tapatalk

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Ridiculous! :D

Yep, a bit sad praising those results for a new R5.

Maybe the idea of putting Loeb in the C3 R5 to sort it out and give it some credibility isnt so crazy after all...

[pantealex]

Printsport (Finland) has Polo now.

[Jarek Z]

Volkswagen Polo R5 is going to make its debut in France in Rallye National Hivernal du Dévoluy on December 14. But there is one problem. It will be driven by Bertrand Pierrat, who is 63 years old :)

Entry list:
http://www.rallyego.com/wp-content/uploads/engages-hivdev18.pdf

http://www.autoklub.pl/news/foto/201812/news20181208_89692h.jpg

[pantealex]

Same Pierrat has made entry to WRC Monte19 with PoloR5.

[Barreis]

where do you see provisional entry list?

[Mirek]

A lot of very spectacular Polo R5 footage can be found it this (also very spectacular) video from Prague Rallysprint: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sp0_nHdnVac

Most of the stuff is proper action, nearly no donuts or other fun stuff in this video.

[AnttiL]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DuCaVgfW4AI-rWb.jpg

Emil Lindholm with Polo in Finnish championship, Rally Sweden and Rally Finland

[Andre Oliveira]

Chassis 007

[Got Mail]

I can't help but think that the Polo looks a bit 'cheap' next to the Fabia.

Cheap plastic dashboard with no flocking, accelerator pedal from the production car, fixed pedal box, no sill protection, etc etc

[Jarek Z]

Maybe the new Polo should have the classic Volkswagen Motorsport livery from the eighties? ;)

https://media.garaz.cz/images/articles/3/2/6/3005623/gallery/original/5a7e87f8d314e7fc31556f5d401d4144/5a7e87f8d314e7fc31556f5d401d4144.jpg

https://volkswagen-motorsport.com/fileadmin/user_upload/Fans_Friends/1%20WRC/Volkswagen%20im%20Rallyesport/Volkswagen_Rallye_Legenden/Emo_jpgs/Bilder_einzelnd/3_2012-03-08-SC-005.jpg

[Francis44]

I can't help but think that the Polo looks a bit 'cheap' next to the Fabia.

Cheap plastic dashboard with no flocking, accelerator pedal from the production car, fixed pedal box, no sill protection, etc etc

Doesnt really matter because just like with everyday cars people will stand in line to buy the Polo while the much cheaper and just as effective unit (Fabia R5) will be left behind.

Its just like with the production Polo, why would anyone pay 8% extra when they can simply buy a Ibiza which is exactly the same car.

[Mirek]

Uh, what? That doesn't make sense at all.

[Francis44]

Uh, what? That doesn't make sense at all.


In simple words, badge snobbery.

[pantealex]

In simple words, badge snobbery.

Well Fabia has different platform than Ibiza/Polo.

[Mirek]

In simple words, badge snobbery.

Still nonsense when it comes to rallycars. Besides that I don't know how did You come to a conclusion that Polo R5 is more expensive than Fabia R5 when nearly all R5 cost the same - what rules allow.

[Francis44]

Still nonsense when it comes to rallycars. Besides that I don't know how did You come to a conclusion that Polo R5 is more expensive than Fabia R5 when nearly all R5 cost the same - what rules allow.

I understand they will pretty much cost the same, but I feel like the Fabia will be cheaper on the 2nd hand market. Some teams using Fabia already confirmed the intention to change for the Polo in 2019. I mean, whats the point in that?! I really dont see why they want to have two cars in the same category, based on the same platform and with so many equal components. Might aswell retire the Fabia and sell only Polo's.

[Mirek]

I understand they will pretty much cost the same, but I feel like the Fabia will be cheaper on the 2nd hand market. Some teams using Fabia already confirmed the intention to change for the Polo in 2019. I mean, whats the point in that?! I really dont see why they want to have two cars in the same category, based on the same platform and with so many equal components. Might aswell retire the Fabia and sell only Polo's.

Polo and Fabia are not based on the same platform. Only Fabia IV will be.

Many teams are supported by importers or dealers. VW was not involved until now and that means that there is a large space for making new deals with VW dealerships.

The car is new and there is a lot more hype around it than about same old boring Fabias. The sponsors love attention You know.

VW has proven itself to be able to bring a winning car which means that there is a chance that the new car would bring an advantage over Fabia owners.

Škoda Motorsport is not the easiest team to work with. Maybe it's worth trying VW services.

[RS]

Some teams using Fabia already confirmed the intention to change for the Polo in 2019. I mean, whats the point in that?! I really dont see why they want to have two cars in the same category, based on the same platform and with so many equal components. Might aswell retire the Fabia and sell only Polo's.

It does seem that the Polo is slightly cannibalising sales of the Fabia, which doesn't sound too great for Skoda Motorsport but if you look at it from a group perspective they can share development knowledge and costs and probably Fabia + Polo sales will be greater than Fabia sales alone (for the reasons Mirek mentioned)

A bit like the road car business actually..

[pantealex]

New Fabia EVO2 is not available yet.

Only after summer.

Waiting line for new Fabia is almost as long as Polo waiting line.

[Andre Oliveira]

Chassis 10,11 and 12 to Paraguay. Via Beto Rodríguez

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DuZZWXQW4AA_r0T?format=jpg&name=medium

[dodge33cymru]

Doesnt really matter because just like with everyday cars people will stand in line to buy the Polo while the much cheaper and just as effective unit (Fabia R5) will be left behind.

Its just like with the production Polo, why would anyone pay 8% extra when they can simply buy a Ibiza which is exactly the same car.

a) all R5s cost basically the same
b) I have a Seat, the VW has much better quality interior, build and trim

Let's just enjoy a bit more variety when spectating.

Bentley, Porsche, Lamborghini and Audi all make GT3s and that's great for GT racing (and also the 'cheaper' Audi is the most popular).

[mknight]

Veiby senior says in an interview that son has not liked the C3 R5 and next season he will probably drive I20 R5.

(personally I don't think OC has shown he has potential to go to the top and I doubt he ever will, he's basically the new Matt Wilson)

[Jarek Z]

Volkswagen Polo R5 is going to make its debut in France in Rallye National Hivernal du Dévoluy on December 14. But there is one problem. It will be driven by Bertrand Pierrat, who is 63 years old :)

Very bad debut of Polo R5 in France. Bertrand Pierrat couldn't even keep the pace of some R2 cars, lost almost 4 minutes after 4 stages and, even though he was so slow, he managed to go off the road and crash his new car on SS6.
Gregoire Munster, who was driving Skoda Fabia R5 from the garage of his father, won the rally.

[Essaj]

Veiby senior says in an interview that son has not liked the C3 R5 and next season he will probably drive I20 R5.

(personally I don't think OC has shown he has potential to go to the top and I doubt he ever will, he's basically the new Matt Wilson)

That's one way to burn bridges, get kicked out of Skoda, blame Citroen for bad results. Now more then likely to fail on Hyundai aswell and OC can say good bye to his WRC dream unless dad Veiby is willing to pay for M-Sport.

[the sniper]

Very bad debut of Polo R5 in France. Bertrand Pierrat couldn't even keep the pace of some R2 cars, lost almost 4 minutes after 4 stages and, even though he was so slow, he managed to go off the road and crash his new car on SS6.
Gregoire Munster, who was driving Skoda Fabia R5 from the garage of his father, won the rally.

Not really representative of anything though. Looking at the videos there was a mixture of variably dry tarmac and snow/ice covered stages, with them all seeming to be on unstudded tyres.

[dupanton]

Not really representative of anything though. Looking at the videos there was a mixture of variably dry tarmac and snow/ice covered stages, with them all seeming to be on unstudded tyres.

And he is a 63 year old gentleman driver

[Rally Power]

More news (by Mr. Holmes) of the Iriz R5 on the last Autosport.pt issue: homologation still likely to happen on 1st January, but the first rally will only be in May (Whangarei, APRC 2nd round); it uses the Evo X engine block (reduced to 1600cc), Xtrac transmission and Reiger suspension; no plans to enter WRC2 Pro next season.

[Got Mail]

Very bad debut of Polo R5 in France. Bertrand Pierrat couldn't even keep the pace of some R2 cars, lost almost 4 minutes after 4 stages and, even though he was so slow, he managed to go off the road and crash his new car on SS6.
Gregoire Munster, who was driving Skoda Fabia R5 from the garage of his father, won the rally.

That was a great result for Gregoire on what I think was his first rally in an 4WD car.

[mousti]

That was a great result for Gregoire on what I think was his first rally in an 4WD car.Second rally. Already drove it in Luxumburg.

Verstuurd vanaf mijn SM-G935F met Tapatalk

[dimviii]

eWRC-results
Some figures about 2018 season and R5 cars (from our db) - Škoda Fabia R5 2.206 starts, Ford Fiesta R5 1.685 starts, Citroën DS3 R5 350 starts and Hyundai i20 R5 339 starts. @MotorsportSkoda @MSportLtd @CitroenRacing @HMSGOfficial

[Rally Power]

Nice onboard of Breen’s first outing (and win) on a C3 R5; it seems he had a good time: lots of waving to spectators and no stress on Tamara’s small mistakes. Video by Ferrario: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=flXv9hxP1JE&feature=youtu.be&fbclid=IwAR00WwudT1kvtAq6VXE3KRPEa8gbAWJCP9P5HPs_P wlNJnxwy_znJBBWgqk

[steve.mandzij]

Veiby senior says in an interview that son has not liked the C3 R5 and next season he will probably drive I20 R5.

(personally I don't think OC has shown he has potential to go to the top and I doubt he ever will, he's basically the new Matt Wilson)Not even Matt Wilson, I'd say PG Andersson...

[Barreis]

but PG was JWRC champ. Wilson was/is only rich son

[Rallyper]

Not even Matt Wilson, I'd say PG Andersson...

PG? You don´t know much history then.

[Sulland]

More news (by Mr. Holmes) of the Iriz R5 on the last Autosport.pt issue: homologation still likely to happen on 1st January, but the first rally will only be in May (Whangarei, APRC 2nd round); it uses the Evo X engine block (reduced to 1600cc), Xtrac transmission and Reiger suspension; no plans to enter WRC2 Pro next season.

had they homologated a few months earlier teams could have planned with it for 2019, now it could be too late.

Do we know anything of if anyone have ordered it, and if they have a backlog?

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Donagh Kelly’s new car for the 2019 Irish Tarmac Championship. He's finally switched to an R5 from his Focus 08 WRC which was winning 2018 ITC events, although not eligible for points. Declan Boyle has also switched to R5 for next year.

Hopefully this will provide competition for the Moffett's in the 2019 Championship.

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DvCnlS1WkAASnOZ.jpg:large

[Barreis]

any news on new proton r5?

[KiwiWRCfan]

any news on new proton r5?
2 weeks ago Mellors posted on Facebook "Right hand drive customer car ready for delivery" https://www.facebook.com/MellorsElliot/photos/a.859970887456012/1961798030606620/
Martin Holmes article in English can be found at https://rallysportmag.com/feature-up-close-with-the-all-new-proton-iriz-r5/ It is well worth apying a subscription to get access to RallySportMag's feature content if you have not already done so

[Sulland]

First overall victory for the Polo, from Johan Kristoffersson in Romjulsrally.
https://www.ewrc-results.com/results/55344-romjulsrally-2018/

A lot of testing for all, both on tires and new co drivers.
Grøndal got some gremlins, and chose not to drive.

But a win is a win. Johan is an impressive driver, lets see what 2019 will bring him.

[Jarek Z]

First overall victory for the Polo, from Johan Kristoffersson in Romjulsrally.
https://www.ewrc-results.com/results/55344-romjulsrally-2018/

(...)

But a win is a win. Johan is an impressive driver, lets see what 2019 will bring him.

Hmmm... I don't know... Is it so impressive? He was only 4 minutes quicker than Anders Kjær in his old Volkswagen Golf II. Don't you think that Kristofferson has overpayed for his new car? ;)

https://i2.wp.com/parcferme.no/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/pf18-9782-1024x683.jpg?resize=640%2C427

[Tarmop]

80 km and 4 minutes is quite sufficient...though i`m not sure, if it is "Kristoferson-perfect".

[Rally Power]

https://scontent.fopo1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/49203357_2406293766065311_1682307559920238592_n.jp g?_nc_cat=109&_nc_ht=scontent.fopo1-1.fna&oh=7ee7a591dd9c8ddfde7e16374888ef66&oe=5CCE1310

Confirmed! The ‘Portuguese’ Polo (chassis 9) came to Pedro Meireles, 2014 national rally champ; a second unit was also ordered by M&Costas (Meireles family company and a big VW dealer) and will be delivered in June, probably to be used by his older brother Paulo (a strong title contender in the 90’s and 00’s). Congrats to them!
www.facebook.com/pedromeirelesrally/

[dodge33cymru]

It's nice seeing how many of these Polo sales have been to customers who don't already own other R5s. If I'm correct, Meireles has only rented cars from TokSport for the last couple of years?

[Rallyper]

Hmmm... I don't know... Is it so impressive? He was only 4 minutes quicker than Anders Kjær in his old Volkswagen Golf II. Don't you think that Kristofferson has overpayed for his new car? ;)

https://i2.wp.com/parcferme.no/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/pf18-9782-1024x683.jpg?resize=640%2C427

Well, 1 min 11 sec quicker than FT Larsen in Fiesta, says something ... but not everything.

[PLuto]

It's nice seeing how many of these Polo sales have been to customers who don't already own other R5s. If I'm correct, Meireles has only rented cars from TokSport for the last couple of years?

I think Meireles always had his own car.

[Andre Oliveira]

It's nice seeing how many of these Polo sales have been to customers who don't already own other R5s. If I'm correct, Meireles has only rented cars from TokSport for the last couple of years?

Nothing more wrong. He sold to KG who sold to Toksport the cars. He allways own those cars (when rally).


I think Meireles always had his own car.

Yes, the cars were delivered by order. He choose only show now.

[dodge33cymru]

I think Meireles always had his own car.


Nothing more wrong. He sold to KG who sold to Toksport the cars. He allways own those cars (when rally).

Thanks for the correction guys, always happy to learn!

[Rally Power]

Thanks for the correction guys, always happy to learn!

Some extra info then: like Andre said, Pedro Meireles has always owned the cars he runs, althouhg he usually outsources other teams to service them during events or tests; through the last decade he has been among the CPR favourites, getting the title in 2014 with a Fabia S2000. This year he looked a bit less motivated than usual, but the Polo will certainly boost him up!

Paulo, the older brother, was a top national contender in the 90’s (vice-champ in 95), runing an ex-factory Golf Rallye and still was quite active in the mid 00’s on a Polo S1600. Last seasons he has only done a couple of events per year, most of the time runing rented cars (by Portuguese or spanish teams). With a Polo R5 at home, he may be tempted to do some events more!

[sindroms]

Oliver Solbergs season with VW Polo R5 will start in "Rally Alūksne" (LAT, 18.-19.01.)

[Francis44]

Some interesting news from PSA which may shed some light for the future of the R5 class.

The next 208 GTI is now confirmed to be full electric only, so will the next gen DS3/C3 Racing/performance hot hatch. So maybe this means the C3 wil stick around for a good few years. Renault on the other hand will use the 1.8 petrol engine with a mild hybrid configuration for the next Clio RS (they dont have much problems with the Co2 fleet emissions because of the ZOE), so will they finally make a R5 car?!

[the sniper]

Is it known what the hot Opel Corsa will have? Maybe PSA will push Opel instead for R5. Wasn't there some article a while ago about PSA considering Opel for rallying post-2020?

[Mirek]

Is it known what the hot Opel Corsa will have? Maybe PSA will push Opel instead for R5. Wasn't there some article a while ago about PSA considering Opel for rallying post-2020?

AFAIK PSA management said something like "once Opel is profitable we have no issue with them doing motorsports".

[Rally Power]

Some interesting news from PSA which may shed some light for the future of the R5 class.

The next 208 GTI is now confirmed to be full electric only (...)

Is it? The 208 EV expected in Geneva is a basic version based on the DS3 Crossback power train; for now this eGti talk (would it still be named Gti?) is just a rumour. Besides, there’s no sport version on the C3 range and that didn’t prevent PSA to make a WRC and a R5 car of it.

The new 208 will use a different platform (EMP1) than the C3, which may explain why they’ll take some time to get a 208 R5 replacement. Btw, this new EMP1 platform (also called CMP, allowing using petrol or electric engines) will also be taken by the Gen 6 Corsa, from 2020.

[Francis44]

Is it? The 208 EV expected in Geneva is a basic version based on the DS3 Crossback power train; for now this eGti talk (would it still be named Gti?) is just a rumour. Besides, there’s no sport version on the C3 range and that didn’t prevent PSA to make a WRC and a R5 car of it.

The new 208 will use a different platform (EMP1) than the C3, which may explain why they’ll take some time to get a 208 R5 replacement. Btw, this new EMP1 platform (also called CMP, allowing using petrol or electric engines) will also be taken by the Gen 6 Corsa, from 2020.

Yes it is confirmed by the PSA engineering chief Alain Raposo. The car is in Peugeot Sport hands now and it will be full electric as the Hybrid powertrain being developed will only be used on the next generation 308 GTI and bigger cars.

[Rally Power]

Yes it is confirmed by the PSA engineering chief Alain Raposo. The car is in Peugeot Sport hands now and it will be full electric as the Hybrid powertrain being developed will only be used on the next generation 308 GTI and bigger cars.

Can you put a link? It's really hard to believe they won't get a ICE Gti version.

[Francis44]

Can you put a link? It's really hard to believe they won't get a ICE Gti version.

Yes ofcourse! Sorry I didnt before but is was not so easy while on the phone.

https://www.largus.fr/actualite-automobile/diesel-hybride-electrique-la-feuille-de-route-de-psa-jusquen-2025-9568392.html

Pretty interesting interview on the future strategy of PSA.

[Rally Power]

Yes ofcourse! Sorry I didnt before but is was not so easy while on the phone.
https://www.largus.fr/actualite-automobile/diesel-hybride-electrique-la-feuille-de-route-de-psa-jusquen-2025-9568392.html
Pretty interesting interview on the future strategy of PSA.

Thanks for the link. It seems PSA future strategy isn’t totally decided and it may evolve according to EU future rules. I still can’t get how they’ll launch the 208 without a top ICE version, especially once that 208 sporty EV won’t be ready before the end of 2020 and they got the 1.6 Pure Tech immediately available.

Anyway, if they want to keep their involvement in rally they must get ASAP a R2 car (maybe around the 1.2 Pure Tech), before deciding on their future R5. Probably in March (Geneva show) we’ll know more about all this.

[TWRC]

Thanks for the link. It seems PSA future strategy isn’t totally decided and it may evolve according to EU future rules. I still can’t get how they’ll launch the 208 without a top ICE version, especially once that 208 sporty EV won’t be ready before the end of 2020 and they got the 1.6 Pure Tech immediately available.

Anyway, if they want to keep their involvement in rally they must get ASAP a R2 car (maybe around the 1.2 Pure Tech), before deciding on their future R5. Probably in March (Geneva show) we’ll know more about all this.
I think Bruno Famin (and also a couple others here) have said that they are working on it, so I would assume it is only a matter of time. However, about two years ago he also said that they will build an R5 from the new 208 as well, so we will see...

[Sulland]

Have anyone seen any news on the Proton homologation?
Postponed again?

[skarderud]

https://cbmediasweden.se/proton-tillbaka-i-wrc/


In swedish, but seems proton will do WRC2 in 2019?

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[Fast Eddie WRC]

Proton planning some APRC events and selected WRC2.

Also the Iriz is the only R5 homologated in RHD - useful for the Asian market and Ireland.

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DwuGGuMXQAAz0xr.jpg:large

[Andre Oliveira]

Homologated in LHD too?

[steve.mandzij]

Proton planning some APRC events and selected WRC2.

Also the Iriz is the only R5 homologated in RHD - useful for the Asian market and Ireland.

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DwuGGuMXQAAz0xr.jpg:largeAre RHD R5s not allowed elsewhere? What about WRGB?

[Sulland]

Is it normal to homologate, specified with side of the steering wheel?

Why should that matter?

[Mirek]

It doesn't matter but you have to have it as homologated. That means if the company homologates the car with a steering wheel on the left you can not put it on the right unless the manufacturer homologated both options - and people in UK or in some Asian countries are used to drive on the left like all of us did before Napoleon decided to change it just for the sake of the change.

[dodge33cymru]

If my German translation is correct, it doesn't sound like Hyundai are ready to write off their i20 R5 just yet: https://www.rallye-magazin.de/wrc/artikel/d/2019/01/14/der-i20-r5-die-andere-baustelle-des-hyundai-teamchefs/

New one planned for 2021? Unfortunately doesn't mention if the factory have any plans to run the current one this year.

[Mirek]

Yes, they continue with the R5 programm. Adamo basically says that the main issue of the current car is that it was developed in very short time with just a few people (only four at the beginning while now the customer department (R5 + TCR) has sixty people. Despite that he is confident the car is competitive after new modifications done during last year. He says the engine is the strongest point of the car (as most of us noticed I think). The new R5 car will come in 2021.

[Jarek Z]

If my German translation is correct, it doesn't sound like Hyundai are ready to write off their i20 R5 just yet: https://www.rallye-magazin.de/wrc/artikel/d/2019/01/14/der-i20-r5-die-andere-baustelle-des-hyundai-teamchefs/

New one planned for 2021? Unfortunately doesn't mention if the factory have any plans to run the current one this year.

I know some German. Andrea Adamo says that he is happy with the progress they made with Hyundai i20 R5 last year (although the car was developed in very short time with limited team of workers). He says that last year they have developed and homologated many new things. Performance of the car has been improved, which can be seen in victories in Italy, Eastern Europe and in good results in WRC2. They want to homologate new things for i20 R5 also this year. Homologation of the current model lasts until end of 2020. In 2021 a new model should be introduced.

[Mirek]

Homologation of any FIA car is valid for at least 7 years if not prolonged. Therefore it's not true that the current homologation lasts till 2020.

[PLuto]

Homologation of any FIA car is valid for at least 7 years if not prolonged. Therefore it's not true that the current homologation lasts till 2020.

I think it is about interpretation. I dont have time to check the rules yet, but I think there is some period when manufacturer should homologate a new car, no?

[Mirek]

It's not about interpretation. The minimum time the homologation is valid is granted so that those who bought the car can also use it and not throw it away after two years.

EDIT: It may be a misunderstanding - Adamo may have meant that in 2021 they are finally free to homologate major jokers of the current homologation which is frozen until 2020.

[Jarek Z]

I don't understand it too, but this sentence clearly stands in the article - "Bis Ende 2020 läuft die Homologation des i20 R5, erst danach soll ein komplett neues Fahrzeug folgen." Maybe something was lost in translation from Italian :)

[ToughMac]

'Homologation' is probably the incorrect word used here, maybe he meant 'the end of the life cycle of the current model' which makes a lot more sense.

[Sulland]

What do you know of the challenges with the C3 ?

Are they more or less the same as for the WRC, or very different?
Veiby was not impressed when he drove it, and quickly moved on.

[Tarmop]

He is not that impressive driver also...

[dodge33cymru]

What do you know of the challenges with the C3 ?

Are they more or less the same as for the WRC, or very different?
Veiby was not impressed when he drove it, and quickly moved on.

From results, it seems similar. Seems to work very well on French tarmac (Bonato in France, Lefebvre in Condroz) and certain conditions but when it's outside that window (wet mud, snow) it struggles. Ostberg will show what the car is properly capable of hopefully and may help 'open' that window. Hopefully a couple of other good drivers have outings in it this year to show more (Lefebvre, Breen, Lukyanuk). Bonato's pace at MC will be inconclusive either way.

[Mirek]

Condroz isn't any typical French asphalt. It's very high speed, bumpy and very dirty event with a lot of mud on the roads.

[dupanton]

Condroz isn't any typical French asphalt. It's very high speed, bumpy and very dirty event with a lot of mud on the roads.

Last year it was very dry and there wasn't much mud ;)

[Rally Power]

From results, it seems similar. Seems to work very well on French tarmac (Bonato in France, Lefebvre in Condroz) and certain conditions but when it's outside that window (wet mud, snow) it struggles. Ostberg will show what the car is properly capable of hopefully and may help 'open' that window. Hopefully a couple of other good drivers have outings in it this year to show more (Lefebvre, Breen, Lukyanuk). Bonato's pace at MC will be inconclusive either way.

Apparently the small window of a optimal use explanation was only valid for the WRC car. The R5 suffered from some minor reliability issues but it looked competitive in all surfaces, although it was mainly driven by 3rd class drivers (no offense). Having Ostberg is a really boost for the program.

[Jarek Z]

The launch of new Ford Fiesta R5 is postponed until July - says Richard Millener.

“We’ve done about 10 or 12 days testing at the moment, and have the same amount again still to do."

“The idea is that it will be released with July homologation, so hopefully from Finland onwards we’ll be seeing some new cars appear.

“That is the next big step for us, because that’s where we were making the budget which allowed us to go rallying in WRC. It is all linked together, so it’s really important that the R5 is successful as well.”

More about it at:
https://rallysportmag.com/feature-richard-millener-is-the-new-team-principal-at-m-sport/

[EightGear]

Condroz isn't any typical French asphalt. It's very high speed, bumpy and very dirty event with a lot of mud on the roads.It isn't even French.. :)

[dodge33cymru]

It isn't even French.. :)Sorry, my bad, I went back and edited to add that example and forgot to update the adjective.


Surprised that "July" is considered a delay for the Fiesta R5, that's the only date I've heard before!

[itix]

I don't know if this has been brought up but I just noticed something interesting.

There is no chassis number 13 of the polo, the Skoda, the two Citroen or the Hyundai... However the Peugeot and the Fiesta both have chassis number 13 (and they are both faring relatively well).

This must for be the same reason large cruise liners don't have lifeboat number 13 and some buildings don't have floor number 13.

Who thought superstition was a thing in rallying.

[mousti]

Number 13 is almost never used in a rally..

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[itix]

Number 13 is almost never used in a rally..

Verstuurd vanaf mijn SM-G935F met TapatalkI've seen many SS13 in my life.

[ToughMac]

Number 13 is almost never used in a rally..

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A perfect example is Subaru. The S12 had three different variations i.e. A, B, C and skipped right to S14. Think this was more of a Japanese cultural thing though.

[Mirek]

I've seen many SS13 in my life.

But nearly never You can find starting number 13 in the start list. The Italians often skip even more numbers.

[pantealex]

But nearly never You can find starting number 13 in the start list. The Italians often skip even more numbers.

In Finland every rally has #13

[tommeke_B]

In Finland every rally has #13

Except for THE Rally Finland then. ;)

[pantealex]

Except for THE Rally Finland then. ;)

NO, you can choose it for WRC+

[itix]

Interesting (and a bit silly tbh). Had no idea superstition was so prevalent in rallying.

[stefanvv]

a bit silly tbh

Haven't You had really bad day on 13th? Last one was very bad for me.

[Mirek]

Haven't You had a really bad day on other date in the calendar?

It is somewhat silly but people aren't always rational and various superstitions, rituals or talismans actually really help them - simply because they believe in them.

[stefanvv]

Haven't You had a really bad day on other date in the calendar?

It is somewhat silly but people aren't always rational and various superstitions, rituals or talismans actually really help them - simply because they believe in them.

Yeah, but I realized it was 13th after that bad day, wasn't aware of it until then.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Autosport:
M-Sport had originally hoped to get its latest R5 version of the Fiesta ready for the start of the season, but it will now be unavailable until the middle of 2019.

"The FIA's homologation procedure takes longer and, being honest, we're committing more technical resource than ever to this new car," Wilson explained.

"I want this car to follow our own trend of cars coming out of the box ready to win.

"We wanted to look at the competition first, we wanted to see what the Volkswagen was looking like, we're putting a huge emphasis on this car within the company."

I understand they want the Fiesta to be a winner, but have they left it too late and can it be better than the VW-MS Polo ?

[Mirek]

We don't know if Polo is the benchmark, do we? It looks strong, no doubt about that, but nevertheless I'd say it's too early to call it the best when it actually haven't won anything important yet.

[Mirek]

Also... Look at it from the following logic...

Everytime you bring something on the market there MUST be something best on the market already. It means there is always this challenge in front of you (except if you are the first on the market and enjoy a monopoly like M-Sport did with the R5 at the beginning). Škoda came late both into S2000 and R5 market and won. VW also came late into the business yet it seems it was able to bring a great product. M-Sport sure can do that too. We'll see.

[PLuto]

Autosport:
M-Sport had originally hoped to get its latest R5 version of the Fiesta ready for the start of the season, but it will now be unavailable until the middle of 2019.

"The FIA's homologation procedure takes longer and, being honest, we're committing more technical resource than ever to this new car," Wilson explained.

"I want this car to follow our own trend of cars coming out of the box ready to win.

"We wanted to look at the competition first, we wanted to see what the Volkswagen was looking like, we're putting a huge emphasis on this car within the company."

I understand they want the Fiesta to be a winner, but have they left it too late and can it be better than the VW-MS Polo ?

Pfff, has any sense to comment it? I have read only first sentence and that is enough for me. M-Sport originally hoped to get latest R5 ready for start of the season, but this plan was broken almost one year ago. Since middle of last year it was sure that homologation will be in the middle 2019 or later. Car is not ready yet...

[Tarmop]

Don`t know how it has been interpreted in the magazine, but Toyota PR cordinator said in an interview that TGR WRT Finland operations is already constructing a R5.

[dimviii]

https://twitter.com/BRRBaumschlager/status/1090634703307190273

[Mirek]

Don`t know how it has been interpreted in the magazine, but Toyota PR cordinator said in an interview that TGR WRT Finland operations is already constructing a R5.

Would be interesting to know which engine they picked as the base.

[Micke_VOC]

First wintertest for C3R5 today, Mattias Adielsson are the driver.

https://www.facebook.com/Adielssonmotorsport/videos/339812360206435/

[Tarmop]

How do yo call Östberg testing and competing last week(end) then? :D