Rally2 (ex-R5) News

[Jarek Z]

Yes, Rossel defeats the Skoda army in Croatia! Congratulations!
https://www.ewrc-results.com/results/80237-croatia-rally-2023/?s=413824&sct=1682

[mknight]

This is definitely good for competition. Skoda army with tons of good drivers and money for car development could possibly kill the Rally2, good we are not there (yet?).
Notably both C3, Polo and Fiesta won stages. As he says Fourmaux actually had quite good speed when you look on Saturday and Sunday.

Already after Monte we discussed that Croatia will be a real test of where the new Fabia might struggle on bumpy/tricky tarmac and it seems it did. Maybe not stuggle, but at least not dominate like on some other rallies. Kopecky also seems a bit slower than before in Czech championship.

[RS]

i think the speed was there for the Fabia RS in Croatia, but their fastest drivers also had various problems (Solberg setup, Lindholm gear linkage, Greensmith punctures etc) but it’s also clear the Citroen was more competitive than Monte and Rossel did a perfect job too.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Meeke driving an i20 Rally2 in WRC Rally Portugal could be interesting. Will it let him compete with the Skodas et al and will he help develop it.

[TWRC]

His feedback if nothing else can be valuable. I have heard that the new i20 is more of a neutral and driver friendly car than the previous one, dont know if that is correct though. Having a high profile driver showcasing the cars abilities can be good for the category, to have an option besides the usual "Fabia is the best" motto.

[mknight]

Meeke driving an i20 Rally2 in WRC Rally Portugal could be interesting. Will it let him compete with the Skodas et al and will he help develop it.

I am not quite sure what is the starting order though. If he starts 1 hour later after all Rally 3/4 cars the road conditions can be either much worse or much better.

[Sulland]

Something i need to understand.
Solberg said during Croatia that he had gambeled on more wet condition, and had a wrong setup, and could not change it to suite the current condition.

Are there something in the regulations preventing them, or did they not have the correct parts present for the car?

[PLuto]

Something i need to understand.
Solberg said during Croatia that he had gambeled on more wet condition, and had a wrong setup, and could not change it to suite the current condition.

Are there something in the regulations preventing them, or did they not have the correct parts present for the car?

There is nothing in regulations and also nothing with missing parts. I think he had no chance to change it between the stages as he was out of the service. In service area, there is no problem to do it. To change some things on setup of the car is not so easy, so needs proper work and time in service area.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

I am not quite sure what is the starting order though. If he starts 1 hour later after all Rally 3/4 cars the road conditions can be either much worse or much better.

On the Rali Terras Daboboreira Meeke was fastest in Qualifying and chose to start 15th. He was also fastest on SS1. For Rally Portugal I hope he gets some kind of seeding with the WRC2 boys.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Fourmaux praises Fiesta development...

https://www.wrc.com/en/news/2023/wrc2/fourmaux-praises-fiesta-rally2-developments/

[Walach]

Good to hear more updates are coming. Better late than never.

[Jarek Z]

Raimund Baumschlager, Thomas Zeltner and the whole BRR-Team test their Skoda Fabia RS Rally2 in the Austrian forest:
https://www.ir7.at/content/fotos_brr_test_020523_baumschlager.html?fbclid=IwA R3JbnQAD0zXjO93IEQ25kJE6Nxa2vdQkHTeG5k6y3t3Upg2iy8 aMq-DwHQ

[Jarek Z]

OK, so now we have the proof that the new Skoda is not unbeatable.
Bonato won Rally Islas Canarias:
https://www.ewrc-results.com/final/79918-rally-islas-canarias-2023/
and Crugnola won Rally Targa Florio:
https://www.ewrc-results.com/results/81290-targa-florio-rally-internazionale-di-sicilia-2023/

[Fast Eddie WRC]

For Rally Portugal I hope he gets some kind of seeding with the WRC2 boys.

Meeke is only #68 on the Rally Portugal entry...

[Fast Eddie WRC]

https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/m-sport-coy-about-upcoming-rally2-upgrades/

[Fast Eddie WRC]

@MSportLtd at Rally Portugal today:

Two stage wins from two for monsieur Fourmaux this morning !

Fiesta Rally2 updates working a treat. Adrien is running some updated dampers this weekend and also a new set of diff ramps.

[Jarek Z]

Fiestas R5 dominate Tipperary Sean Conlon Memorial Forestry Rally in Ireland:
https://www.ewrc-results.com/results/80334-tipperary-sean-conlon-memorial-forestry-rally-2023/

[Jarek Z]

Fabias R5 dominate Rally Copa Gobierno de San Luis in Argentina:
https://www.ewrc-results.com/final/82920-rally-copa-gobierno-de-san-luis-2023/

[ictus]

Fiestas R5 dominate Tipperary Sean Conlon Memorial Forestry Rally in Ireland:
https://www.ewrc-results.com/results/80334-tipperary-sean-conlon-memorial-forestry-rally-2023/
DRIVERS in Fiestas dominate....


https://www.ewrc-results.com/final/8...san-luis-2023/[/url]
DRIVERS in Fabias dominate...

Cars don't drive themselves...

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Fiestas R5 dominate Tipperary Sean Conlon Memorial Forestry Rally in Ireland:
https://www.ewrc-results.com/results/80334-tipperary-sean-conlon-memorial-forestry-rally-2023/

Off-topic, but as you like old rally cars...

Did you see the highest 2WD car, finishing in 12th place !!

https://rallygroupbshrine.org/the-group-b-cars/rally-cars/lada-2105-vfts/

[Jarek Z]

Off-topic, but as you like old rally cars...

Did you see the highest 2WD car, finishing in 12th place !!

https://rallygroupbshrine.org/the-group-b-cars/rally-cars/lada-2105-vfts/

Yes, I did! :D

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Now this is what you call domination... :disturb:

Rally Adriatico entry:
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FwLEqTmXsAE6EQx?format=jpg&name=large

[Jarek Z]

I counted 28 Skodas! Is this a world record? :D

[ouvreur]

I counted 28 Skodas! Is this a world record? :D

https://www.ewrc-results.com/entries/80669-rallye-cesky-krumlov-2023/

41 here...

[manthey]

https://www.ewrc-results.com/entries/80669-rallye-cesky-krumlov-2023/

41 here...ok but in italy there are top level rally2/R5, not skoda in general

[ictus]

https://www.ewrc-results.com/entries/80669-rallye-cesky-krumlov-2023/

41 here...

I counted 12... but maybe I'm blind

[ouvreur]

He just said Skoda... :laugh:

[Andre Oliveira]

Paddon testing Hyundai i20 N Rally2 in Sardegna

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Fw7EIc5WcAEW4Aq?format=jpg&name=large

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Nil Solans was also there testing the i20 Rally2...

https://www.instagram.com/p/CssvCuZsTJz/?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

[Jarek Z]

Another win for Ford Fiesta Rally2 in Great Britain:
https://www.ewrc-results.com/results/79901-beatsons-building-supplies-jim-clark-rally-2023/

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Info from WRCWings @llluis555

Citroën used 2 Jokers in April for suspension & engine on the C3 Rally2 & M-Sport 1 Joker on bodywork on the Fiesta Rally2,

[Sulland]

Good to see that the Fiesta is improving. Fourmaux is doing a good job with it!

[skarderud]

Seems the fiesta has get some great upgrades!
And maybe the new fabia is not that overwelming i was afraid it should be.

Sent fra min SM-S901B via Tapatalk

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Excellent improvements in the Fiesta shown by Fourmaux is great to see. And this even without any engine upgrades yet !

[becher]

Info from WRCWings @llluis555

Citroën used 2 Jokers in April for suspension & engine on the C3 Rally2 & M-Sport 1 Joker on bodywork on the Fiesta Rally2,

Do we know what changed with the bodywork joker?

[AMSS]

Do we know what changed with the bodywork joker?

Mirrors and rear spoiler I think

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Rossel unhappy with C3 on gravel...

https://www.wrc.com/en/news/2023/wrc2/frustrated-rossel-highlights-geometry-flaws/

[mknight]

The most interesting part is that he says Pirelli gravel tires are harder this year. That could have wide-ranging consequences for settings of all cars.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

https://www.wrc.com/en/news/2023/wrc2/fourmaux-applauds-fiesta-rally2-progress/

[Jarek Z]

It's good to finally see Fourmaux happy about the Fiesta Rally2. Let's see what he can do in Ypres. It won't be easy!
https://www.ewrc-results.com/entries/79664-ardeca-ypres-rally-2023/

[Sal yet again]

Interesting that Copi Sport and Enrique Cruz in the Canary Islands who have been one of the most consistently successful teams running the Fiesta have so far had a poor year with some niggling faults. Will be interesting to see if they up their game on the next round

[Andre Oliveira]

Enrique Cruz car not upgraded.

[Jarek Z]

I have just noticed that Proton Iriz R5 is competing in Rallye Vosges - Grand-Est, the 4th round of French rally championship. Oliver Mellors is currently 11th after SS3. Good to see that this car is still active:
https://www.ewrc-results.com/results/80608-rallye-vosges-grand-est-2023/

[skarderud]

Seems the Citröen C3 has gone wrong way on loose surfaces, seems a lot of upgrades has been done this season:
https://www.wrc.com/en/news/2023/wrc2/citroen-plans-evolutions-for-c3-rally2/

Those 3 development drivers they mention in the article is nowhere near Østberg on loose surface, why on earth do Citröen use those guys? On tarmac yes, but on gravel?


Sent fra min SM-S901B via Tapatalk

[Jarek Z]

I have just noticed that Proton Iriz R5 is competing in Rallye Vosges - Grand-Est, the 4th round of French rally championship. Oliver Mellors is currently 11th after SS3. Good to see that this car is still active:
https://www.ewrc-results.com/results/80608-rallye-vosges-grand-est-2023/

Unfortunately Proton lasted only until SS6. Withdrawn after technical problem.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

GR Yaris Rally2 development team is testing on tarmac this week in Catalonia.

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Fzs2K9gXgAAnb3o?format=jpg&name=medium

[RS]

Nice. Looks less silly than the Rally1 car.

[Jarek Z]

New car for Jan Cerny in Rally Bohemia:
https://www.facebook.com/jancernyracing/posts/pfbid023U2G4Gi2z6tKK91FDxAHX54EqXk9NijFiMnrMnWkCEM 3WPV8Q94zFEPwqzbfLoWpl

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Yaris Rally2 tarmac test video:

https://youtu.be/Ma9G__LOFRc

[Andre Oliveira]

Video of Passats de Canto

https://www.ewrc-results.com/video/45715-new-toyota-yaris-gr-rally2-tarmac-test-2023-passats-de-canto/

[Sulland]

Will as always be a perfect chance for the locals to find out where their national series stands against the best in ERC.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

The Yaris Rally2 demo car is at the Goodwood Festival of Speed this weekend.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

https://www.wrc.com/en/news/2023/wrc2/fiesta-development-continues-at-m-sport-ford/

[Jarek Z]

https://www.wrc.com/en/news/2023/wrc2/fiesta-development-continues-at-m-sport-ford/

Italians apparently don't believe in Ford. Their entry lists are still full of Fabias!
https://app-cdn.sportity.com/acceb15a-3394-4ae4-997a-0d86f36ec3c8/5a1b4d1b-a826-4053-b976-de5546d63aa3_Elenco%20Iscritti_web_Adr23_Cirt_lugl io.pdf

[Fast Eddie WRC]

The Yaris Rally2 demo car is at the Goodwood Festival of Speed this weekend.

Video of Latvala taking up the hill in the wet:

https://youtu.be/PerF9D10ILo

[Arnold Triyudho Wardono]

Do you think that it's possible for Ralliart to developing the Colt Rally2 since the new one is basically a rebadged Clio??

Sent from my M2010J19CG using Tapatalk

[Andre Oliveira]

The problem is not past models. Mirage could be done.

But a Colt Rally3/4/5...

[Sal yet again]

Is there the money or appetite for Mitsubishi to come back to competition officially though?

[ouvreur]

Do you think that it's possible for Ralliart to developing the Colt Rally2 since the new one is basically a rebadged Clio??

Sent from my M2010J19CG using Tapatalk

I think the problem there would be that Ralliart, as a constructor of rally cars / rally team based in England, doesn't really exist any more. It was bought out and became MML Sport, which runs some R4 Evo X customers in Africa - whether they'd have the capability to design, manufacture and support a Rally2 car would probably depend on how much money Mitsubishi put behind it. Considering Mitsubishi have completely stopped selling cars in the UK, and only sell re-badged Renaults elsewhere in Europe, I'd doubt that is likely.

[Jarek Z]

Sami Pajari to drive Toyota GR Yaris Rally2?
https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/the-driver-surely-destined-for-a-toyota-rally2-seat/?fbclid=IwAR3Nycp7MSuuClaN6gR9xeAx7IcJq8U-tbRYH_EjHQOwwn-94AIaVByHo6U

[Fast Eddie WRC]

JM Latvala's name is on the entry list for Rally Hokkaido 2023 driving the Yaris Rally2 Concept.

https://www.ewrc-results.com/entries/80761-rally-hokkaido-2023/

[Fast Eddie WRC]

https://dirtfish.com/rally/what-latvala-learned-from-a-rally-in-toyotas-rally2-car/

[Fast Eddie WRC]

M-Sport has rolled out a raft of updates for the Fiesta Rally2 this season and there are still more to come, including further upgrades to the engine.


“We have changed a lot of things on the car,” Fourmaux explained. “We had the new subframe last year, then we had the gearbox, rear diff, anti-roll bar, dampers, engine. And now we have another engine upgrade coming.


“We have been working quite a lot, I have been helping this and I’ve been pleased to work with developing it and showing the car’s performance. We have been able to show good pace and it’s a good team effort, I would say.”

[Jarek Z]

That's good news, but I'm afraid they need beeter drivers in WRC2 or ERC to show those improvements.

[PLuto]

That's good news, but I'm afraid they need beeter drivers in WRC2 or ERC to show those improvements.

Problem is that almost everybody who had Ford has changed it for car of different brand...

[Fast Eddie WRC]

It's been a double-whammy for M-Sport with having to spend on developing the Rally1 Puma and then hardly selling any; and this also led to neglecting the Fiesta Rally2 and losing sales of that too.

[PLuto]

It's been a double-whammy for M-Sport with having to spend on developing the Rally1 Puma and then hardly selling any; and this also led to neglecting the Fiesta Rally2 and losing sales of that too.

Problem with Fiesta Rally2 came before Puma Rally1. Problem is lack of interest in Rally2 project, from beginning there were lot of mistakes and understimation the situation...

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Problem with Fiesta Rally2 came before Puma Rally1. Problem is lack of interest in Rally2 project, from beginning there were lot of mistakes and understimation the situation...

The same applies, previously they were more focused on the Fiesta WRC.

[PLuto]

The same applies, previously they were more focused on the Fiesta WRC.

With Fiesta R5 or previously S2000 it was not so bad. Believe me, not so big success of latest Fiesta R5 is not related to WRC project, but understimation of the situation.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Yaris Rally2 nearing homologation...

https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/toyota-gr-yaris-rally2-nearing-homologation/

[Jarek Z]

Yaris Rally2 smashes the competition in Rally Hokkaido:
https://www.ewrc-results.com/final/80761-rally-hokkaido-2023/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RXubyBxiZBY

[HKSjbg]

I still find it surprising how awful it looks in all black, but in the TGR livery the proportions all look pretty good

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Yaris Rally2 smashes the competition in Rally Hokkaido:
https://www.ewrc-results.com/final/80761-rally-hokkaido-2023/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RXubyBxiZBY

What competition, one Fabia R5 of Kovalainen who wasn't even beating some of the lower class cars on some stages ?!

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Interesting article on the homologation process of a Rally2 car (Škoda Fabia RS):

https://www.skoda-motorsport.com/en/under-the-hood-the-homologation-of-the-competition-car/

[Jarek Z]

What competition, one Fabia R5 of Kovalainen who wasn't even beating some of the lower class cars on some stages ?!

What can I do? That's the reality in the Japanese championship :)

[Jarek Z]

That's good news, but I'm afraid they need better drivers in WRC2 or ERC to show those improvements.


Problem is that almost everybody who had Ford has changed it for car of different brand...

We didn't have to wait long. Here comes a good driver with Ford Fiesta Rally2 :)
https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/tanak-enters-estonian-event-with-virves-as-his-co-driver/

[HKSjbg]

The trouble is a driver of Tänak’s ability would blitz the opposition even in a first-gen Fiesta R5 :D

[Steve Boyd]

The trouble is a driver of Tänak’s ability would blitz the opposition even in a first-gen Fiesta R5 :D
Yes - but what a master class for Virves!

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Yaris Rally2 - Czech test with Juho Hanninen..

https://youtu.be/aIg6z2Y4MH0?si=fuMO8VdqiDUCwbzV

https://youtu.be/jIFN1T7sHyo?si=ivElB8V_6fppoSpZ

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Fiesta Rally2 - the final piece of the puzzle...

https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/m-sports-ultimate-fiesta-rally2-set-for-cer/

[RallyFan13]

Not an ERC new but included in R5 News

In MERC best 2 drivers with R5 machineries Al Attiyah and Al Rawahi after Cyprus Rally latest round,have the same points, same winners same 2nd places and same DNF so things are not easy for FIA..

“The Sporting Regulations for FIA Regional Rally Championships state that the FIA now reserve the right to determine the outcome of the championship after the tie decider failed to solve the situation. The decision will now go to the FIA Rallies Commission.”

We wait the decision with a lot interest

Watch some highlight of Cyprus Rally here: https://youtu.be/tVLXoEhzD1Y?feature=shared

[dimviii]

Not an ERC new but included in R5 News

In MERC best 2 drivers with R5 machineries Al Attiyah and Al Rawahi after Cyprus Rally latest round,have the same points, same winners same 2nd places and same DNF so things are not easy for FIA..

“The Sporting Regulations for FIA Regional Rally Championships state that the FIA now reserve the right to determine the outcome of the championship after the tie decider failed to solve the situation. The decision will now go to the FIA Rallies Commission.”

We wait the decision with a lot interest

Watch some highlight of Cyprus Rally here: https://youtu.be/tVLXoEhzD1Y?feature=shared
Galatariotis was leading but retired due to radiator.Must be at the big jump
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZK_pC-uiwRA

[Steve Boyd]

Not an ERC new but included in R5 News

In MERC best 2 drivers with R5 machineries Al Attiyah and Al Rawahi after Cyprus Rally latest round,have the same points, same winners same 2nd places and same DNF so things are not easy for FIA..

“The Sporting Regulations for FIA Regional Rally Championships state that the FIA now reserve the right to determine the outcome of the championship after the tie decider failed to solve the situation. The decision will now go to the FIA Rallies Commission.”

We wait the decision with a lot interest

Watch some highlight of Cyprus Rally here: https://youtu.be/tVLXoEhzD1Y?feature=shared
I hope FIA will do what the Olympic high jump competitors did and share the win.

[PLuto]

I hope FIA will do what the Olympic high jump competitors did and share the win.

Usually next step should be to count up all times from stages together.

[Jarek Z]

According to this article Toyota is going to debut its new Yaris GR Rally 2 in Monte Carlo:
https://www.motorsport.com/wrc/news/toyota-eyeing-monte-carlo-2024-wrc-debut-for-rally2-car/10531869/

[PLuto]

According to this article Toyota is going to debut its new Yaris GR Rally 2 in Monte Carlo:
https://www.motorsport.com/wrc/news/toyota-eyeing-monte-carlo-2024-wrc-debut-for-rally2-car/10531869/

For a long time they are saying that their focus is to have debut on Monte...

[Jarek Z]

Ford Fiesta Rally2 wins its class in Herbst Rallye in Austria:

https://www.ewrc-results.com/final/81126-herbst-rallye-2023/

https://www.ewrc-results.com/image/823038/?entry=3848120

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Two of Toyota’s young Japanese drivers will step up to Rally2 competition on selected European events for 2024, the manufacturer has announced.

The pair will likely compete in Toyota’s all-new GR Yaris Rally2, the Japanese marque’s first Rally2 car which is set to debut in 2024.


https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/toyota-promotes-two-of-its-youngsters-to-rally2/

[Jarek Z]

They are trying very hard to finally find some Japanese rally talent!

[the sniper]

Seems to me they're stepping up in terms of events and car/category way too soon... Both need a few years somewhere like Italy, one of the Baltic Championships or even UK, off the radar competing at a lower level.

[rp]

Thought that Renault Rally3 would be their car next year, but it seems that Toyota´s new Rally2 car was too attractive option and of course it´s also understandable it this situation. Maybe the main program is still in the national events and only a couple of WRC starts.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

From PAAVO / PanteAlex @PanteAlex

One of the biggest Fabia R5/Rally2 customer's Printsport has sold all “their” Skoda's !

1)Yaris Rally2 armada is coming

or

2)Hyundai wants Rally2 results - Lappi, Lindholm and Suninen all have Printsport background.

[Walach]

Followed up today with quote by Eero Raikkonen, Printsport CEO/GM:

Nothing special, just swapping to fresh ones, Skoda Fabia RS #69 coming in next week. We continue running #skodamotorsport cars.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

M-Sport's Fiesta Rally2 upgrades applauded...

https://www.wrc.com/a/news/w26941

[PLuto]

M-Sport's Fiesta Rally2 upgrades applauded...

https://www.wrc.com/a/news/w26941

And like I am saying from beginning - too late...

[wyler]

And like I am saying from beginning - too late...

maybe not. i don't see any change in regulation soon, and they ll use fiesta until they finish the shells. toyota will shuffle things up and new skoda is leaving some doubt...can be time for more variety...

[PLuto]

maybe not. i don't see any change in regulation soon, and they ll use fiesta until they finish the shells. toyota will shuffle things up and new skoda is leaving some doubt...can be time for more variety...

Yes, but they have lost most of customers from old days. Lot of competitors who were connected to M-Sport has switched to different brand.

[wyler]

Yes, but they have lost most of customers from old days. Lot of competitors who were connected to M-Sport has switched to different brand.

true, but that's the market. they can come back or others will move as easily if the car is working and the price is good. their "core-business" regions like uk are still running and on exotic /extra eu championship (Africa especially) they're pretty much lonely.

[Andre Oliveira]

3 Ford Fiesta Rally2 arrived in Taiwan to D2 Racing Sports.
2 Hyundai i20 N Rally2 arrived in Indonesia to ASHRT.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

The Fiesta isnt alone in having slow development and sales. There's been quite a few R5 / Rally2 cars that have had tough starts and come good eventually and gained popularity. The i20 and the C3 both had poor receptions, and even the Polo had issues that put people off it for a while. Pricing and running costs will also be a consideration and M-Sport could do very competitive deals to sway buyers.

[Mirek]

The Fiesta isnt alone in having slow development and sales. There's been quite a few R5 / Rally2 cars that have had tough starts and come good eventually and gained popularity. The i20 and the C3 both had poor receptions, and even the Polo had issues that put people off it for a while. Pricing and running costs will also be a consideration and M-Sport could do very competitive deals to sway buyers.

Eddie, the current Fiesta has been in competition since 2019. In motorsport that's like forever. The VW managed to introduce, to fix and to retire the Polo R5 in just two years.

[br21]

You also need to remember brexit, it's not making dealing with M-Sport any easier

[JRodrigues]

Meeke testing the Skoda in Portugal today:

https://twitter.com/PauloAr23028946/status/1726594902627373314

[Andre Oliveira]

Yes.

https://scontent.fopo5-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.15752-9/386877137_2006579039725816_2971571393659892603_n.j pg?_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=8cd0a2&_nc_ohc=PfS3Wj_ILnIAX8v4AIq&_nc_ht=scontent.fopo5-1.fna&oh=03_AdSF567kQsKA_LkRsjpaL9lkM56eE28CdhoqUJnuUSTQ mg&oe=65830AFB

[RS]

Must be testing some upgrades since there are no upcoming events to prepare for.

[mousti]

Meeke is test driver for Skoda since last year atleast.

Verstuurd vanaf mijn 2201123G met Tapatalk

[Fast Eddie WRC]

150 requests for new Toyota GR Yaris Rally2 - 50 cars to be delivered in 2024

This weekend, Japan got a taste of what to expect with the Toyota GR Yaris Rally2 next year. After six stages in Forum8 Rally Japan, Norihiko Katsuta - father of Toyota's Takamota Katsuta, was tenth overall, driving a prototype Toyota Yaris GR Rally2. To gain miles and test endurance, a prototype was released to Japan for the National Championship. The speed was there but on ss8 a wheel was driven away and Katsuta broke.

Interest in the car was great in Japan when manufacturers and competitors from Europe came to visit and were allowed to inspect the car, which is broadly the car making its international debut in Rallye Monte Carlo. There were also many questions for team manager Jari-Matti Latvala, who had previously revealed that the plan is five cars in Rallye Monte Carlo. It is not clear who will drive the cars, but that we will see a Finnish rental team with strong connections to Toyota's operations is to be expected for a couple of the cars.

'We have received around 150 requests', Latvala told the media in Japan and explains that it is competitors in the World Cup who have priority, then teams for the European Championship are next on the top of the list, a series that starts towards the spring. After that, teams for national championships are expected to have the chance to buy off cars. The interest is great and the plan is to build and deliver 50 cars in the first year when the popular customer segment is now growing with a new manufacturer that will challenge the dominant Skoda.

https://www.emotorsport.se/nyheter.php?in=2&nyhets_id=24392

[Fast Eddie WRC]

https://www.fiaerc.com/a/news/w27014_Rally2ToyotaYarisoncourseforERCaction

[RS]

Meeke test: https://youtu.be/D9ycNs8BGGQ?si=Cl53XTWQWHnwFw9t

And (interestingly) Erik Cais was the other driver:


https://youtu.be/WNRBVLJNoVA?si=O1xp9D5lYQ-7sUNA

[Andre Oliveira]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GAe7Oh7WMAAYn6K?format=jpg&name=4096x4096

[Andre Oliveira]

https://cdn-cpfgb.nitrocdn.com/dRxFEBZBvMUrSIsoXplluqPbGwZVXSCF/assets/images/optimized/rev-ab272b7/www-dirtfish.imgix.net/2023/12/dea4c52a4db10e463b52dab803f6288b.Rally2-GR-Yaris-2.jpeg

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Yaris testing before homologation sign-off...

https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/toyotas-2024-ready-gr-yaris-rally2-breaks-cover/

[Fast Eddie WRC]

The keys to success of the revamped Ford Fiesta Rally2 by WRCWings:

https://www.wrcwings.tech/2023/12/04/the-keys-to-success-of-the-revamped-ford-fiesta-rally2/

[Andre Oliveira]

https://youtu.be/DmcNZvd0ifg?si=ozqqQgAV6XbHAvpN

[Andre Oliveira]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GAhLf1eXMAMS890?format=jpg&name=large
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GAhLf1eXMAIPjjd?format=jpg&name=large
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GAhLf1XXMAAHfB5?format=jpg&name=large

https://www.facebook.com/DamienPatouxTeam

[Jarek Z]

https://youtu.be/DmcNZvd0ifg?si=ozqqQgAV6XbHAvpN

1:54 - new toy already damaged :)

[Andre Oliveira]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GAsQ9EUW0AAWpNS?format=jpg&name=large
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GAsQ9EZXAAARmHT?format=jpg&name=large

[Andre Oliveira]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GA0zJ8uW4AAdr1K?format=jpg&name=large
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GA0zJ8pW4AA-cZP?format=jpg&name=large

[Mirek]

For some reason I like the look of the Yaris Rally2 much more than the Rally1.

[ictus]

For some reason I like the look of the Yaris Rally2 much more than the Rally1.

cause it's more of a car an less of an aero box ;)

[Jarek Z]

So Rallye National Hivernal du Dévoluy was won by Gryazin. Anybody knows if he was faster than the New Yaris? :)
https://www.ewrc-results.com/final/85777-rallye-national-hivernal-du-devoluy-2023/

[PLuto]

So Rallye National Hivernal du Dévoluy was won by Gryazin. Anybody knows if he was faster than the New Yaris? :)

Yaris was not competing, so no official times ;)

[Jarek Z]

Yaris was not competing, so no official times ;)

Yes, of course ;)

Here's a new video showing Solans and Ciamin testing Toyota Yaris Rally2 before Rallye Monte Carlo 2024:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9pH4_cA6mkI

[Andre Oliveira]

Toyota Gazoo Racing Paraguay create a GR Yaris R5 (Etios R5 mechanics?) to race until new FIA TGR GR Yaris Rally2 debut.
Photo via Circuito Motor

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GBZUsMbXoAAmvON?format=jpg&name=large

[RS]

According to Dirtfish, Toyota had a Fabia RS Rally2 for benchmarking:

https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/why-the-yaris-rally2-should-be-a-game-changer/

[ictus]

There was a video from some gravel test where they had the Fabia R5 for comparison

[RS]

There was a video from some gravel test where they had the Fabia R5 for comparison

I remember that but not with the new car.

[Tom206wrc]

According to some italian newspaper(La Nuova Sardegna), the future Lancia Ypsilon would replace the current Citroën C3 Rally2 in 2025 season(devellopment all along the current season for the Ypsilon on basis of the C3) :confused: :confused:

[PLuto]

According to some italian newspaper(La Nuova Sardegna), the future Lancia Ypsilon would replace the current Citroën C3 Rally2 in 2025 season(devellopment all along the current season for the Ypsilon on basis of the C3) :confused: :confused:

https://www.lanuovasardegna.it/sport/2024/01/03/news/la-lancia-ritorna-nel-rally-con-la-ypsilon-l-esordio-nel-2025-1.100449177

[HKSjbg]

Nice if its true, but I’ll hold my breath until at the very least we see if the new Ypsilon isn’t so ugly only its mother could love it :p

[Kenneth]

Well looking on the leaks and the teaser... I think it will be very subjective :D

[Jarek Z]

Toyota GR Yaris Rally2 was granted homologation by the FIA. First car goes to Akio Toyoda himself:
https://www.motorsport.com/wrc/news/toyota-rally2-car-wrc-debut-monte-carlo/10562529/

[Tom206wrc]

The original article about the return of Lancia was in fact by Autosprint Italia ;)

http://autosprint.corrieredellosport.it/news/rally/2024/01/03-6956654/il_clamoroso_ritorno_della_lancia_nei_rally

Lancia is aiming 2027 WRC because of the future FIA rules, but would prepare an Ypsilon Rally2 for the 2025 season...

[Andre Oliveira]

ERACE WRT (100% Sport) unit delivered

https://scontent.fopo5-2.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/417745183_7661125443916816_4943952841954504058_n.j pg?_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c42490&_nc_ohc=dHJY7rA138YAX9-avAg&_nc_ht=scontent.fopo5-2.fna&oh=00_AfCfwYNGMJBDPlqDfn_7AgdfEx1YVT85YOSjpnf4wFvQ Wg&oe=659D7644

[Andre Oliveira]

And Burton Racing one…

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GDINXydX0AAxb2S?format=jpg&name=large

[Sulland]

Always good with a dash of uncertanty before the season,
Toyota comes in to a new class. Will their new car be as dominant as a Polo in the right hands was a few years back?
Will the Yaris be easier to set up, will it have a wider "Sweet spot" and so on?

Will it have set a new benchmark for the others to try to match?
what improvements have the others hav done in the too small window since season 23?

EXITING times in the most competitive class in WRC!

WOW, 300 000 limit is broken!!

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Whatever the Rally2 car, the quality of the driver nearly always decides its speed and results...

[manthey]

Whatever the Rally2 car, the quality of the driver nearly always decides its speed and results...

I would like to see Kalle one spot wrc2 race with Yaris Rally2

[Mirek]

And Burton Racing one…

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GDINXydX0AAxb2S?format=jpg&name=large

I love the look of the car!

[dimviii]

I love the look of the car!

+1 better than wrc yaris imho

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Re Fiesta Rally2

Two former multiple British Rally Champions, Matt Edwards & Keith Cronin, have signed up for the 2024 Irish Tarmac Rally Championship... both in Fiesta Rally2 cars.

Cronin explained the switch from the VW Polo GTi R5 he has campaigned since the beginning of the 2022 season to a Ford Fiesta

‘The VW Polo is still a very fast car but there hasn’t be any development. M-Sport have a few upgrades and based on the car in the WRC2 series, it performs well.’

Hopefully this will produce some good results and a resurgence in the popularity and sales of the M-Sport car in Ireland.

[mousti]

Sarrazin Motorsport works from now off together with MSport and will enter already 3 Fiesta Rally2 for the FFSA championship.

Verstuurd vanaf mijn 2201123G met Tapatalk

[Jarek Z]

Former Formula 1 driver Heikki Kovalainen is going to drive Toyota GR Yaris Rally2 in the Japanese championship this year.

[PLuto]

Former Formula 1 driver Heikki Kovalainen is going to drive Toyota GR Yaris Rally2 in the Japanese championship this year.

Maybe not only japanese championship...

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Sarrazin Motorsport works from now off together with MSport and will enter already 3 Fiesta Rally2 for the FFSA championship.

Verstuurd vanaf mijn 2201123G met Tapatalk

https://cdn-4.motorsport.com/images/amp/6D1X3o40/s800/2024-iron-lynx-rallye-ford-fie.webp

[Arnold Triyudho Wardono]

Basically Iron Lynx with Sarrazin Motorsport

Sent from my M2010J19CG using Tapatalk

[wyler]

Basically Iron Lynx with Sarrazin Motorsport

Sent from my M2010J19CG using Tapatalk

Iron Lynx will field a two-car entry in the upcoming French Rally Championship with the Ford Fiesta Rally2 car, with a third entry being run under the Iron Dames banner.

Jean-Baptiste Franceschi, 27, is the first driver to be announced for the team
The second driver announced is Réhane Gany promising 22-year-old second-generation driver
In the Iron Dames-run car will be piloted by Sarah Rumeau, 2022 French Women’s Champion

https://www.ironlynx.com/news/iron-lynx-adds-rallying-programme/

[Andre Oliveira]

Yamamoto

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GENgdVvWcAACBRm?format=jpg&name=large

Kogure

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GENgdVxWEAA7GXp?format=jpg&name=medium

[HKSjbg]

Much nicer livery than the Rally1 cars. I think white works much better in this car than black

[TWRC]

Maybe it was discussed, but it seems that the 2024 evo for the C3 contains a reworked turbo/intercooler/exhaust area, which could explain the slightly different sound of the car:
https://scontent.fbud6-3.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/421009641_7657675530938474_2751627982519916358_n.j pg?_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=a73e89&_nc_ohc=panWfSLwI6UAX_ThzOY&_nc_ht=scontent.fbud6-3.fna&oh=00_AfBVIEaoFu5Xp_R_d7O7xKs50IN7aces3Ryrv81E2HHk Fg&oe=65AF7F2F

[RS]

Maybe it was discussed, but it seems that the 2024 evo for the C3 contains a reworked turbo/intercooler/exhaust area, which could explain the slightly different sound of the car:
https://scontent.fbud6-3.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/421009641_7657675530938474_2751627982519916358_n.j pg?_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=a73e89&_nc_ohc=panWfSLwI6UAX_ThzOY&_nc_ht=scontent.fbud6-3.fna&oh=00_AfBVIEaoFu5Xp_R_d7O7xKs50IN7aces3Ryrv81E2HHk Fg&oe=65AF7F2F

Better sound IMO.. it lost that annoying put-put-put sound that made it sound like a two stroke outboard motor.

[RS]

Better sound IMO.. it lost that annoying put-put-put sound that made it sound like a two stroke outboard motor.

I saw some other videos and it didn’t after all, but maybe the driver was running without the updates.

[fiscorpun]

Much nicer livery than the Rally1 cars. I think white works much better in this car than black

White cars are so old school. Love it

[TWRC]

I saw some other videos and it didn’t after all, but maybe the driver was running without the updates.

Rossel had the new part and had the usual sound on his Monte PET. Looks like other updates will have to come that change the sound. :D

[Jarek Z]

Arctic Lapland Rally starts on February 1 in Finland. Entry list looks good already. Five Toyotas GR Yaris Rally2 are present:
https://www.ewrc-results.com/entries/84758-arctic-lapland-rally-2024/

[Tom K]

Sesks, Loubet and Ostberg will go to Qatar International Rally with Skoda from SRT. Would be interesting to see them against Nasser.

[RS]

Have Skoda played any jokers for the Fabia RS yet?

[Sulland]

Any ideas on why the Rally2 Yaris seems down on speed compared with the others?

[rp]

Any ideas on why the Rally2 Yaris seems down on speed compared with the others?

3 cylinder engine. Maybe it would be great Rally3 car :)

[Mirek]

3 cylinder engine. Maybe it would be great Rally3 car :)

3-cylinder itself doesn't mean that the car is less powerful than 4-cylinder. It can be vice versa because for the same volume you may have less innertia, less friction etc.

The question is how this particular engine suits the regulations. Škoda, VW or MSport always selected larger 1.8-2.0 engines and modified them to be 1.6 with ideal bore/stroke ratio. That is usually different than what is ideal for a stock car where priorities are different (fuel consumption, emissions etc.). The larger block was also said to be better for cooling I think.

If I remeber right (correct me if I don't, please) in the past Prodrive (Mini) or PSA suffered quite a lot from selecting a stock 1.6 I4 engine for WRC or R5 cars because it was a long stroke one with narrow cylinders placed very close from each other. I think that because the bore could not be enlarged they couldn't use as large valves as the regulations allowed and also had issues with cooling.

Anyway with a three cylinder engine there shall be no issue with too narrow cylinder but it can be something else.

[Sulland]

I am guessing Toyota in both Finland, Germany and Japan are analyzing all the data they collected im Monte. They will test, adjust and plan jokers if needed!

[Jarek Z]

Next rally for the new Yaris? Already this week!
https://www.ewrc-results.com/entries/84758-arctic-lapland-rally-2024/

[Sal yet again]

https://automovilismocanario.com/2024/01/29/kris-meeke-y-alexander-lukyanuk-correran-para-hyundai-canarias-en-2024/

Will be interesting to see if this duo go with Hyundai this season!

[fiscorpun]

Lukyanuk!!! YESSSSS

[PLuto]

Lukyanuk!!! YESSSSS

Only 1-2 events per driver. But still better than nothing.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Keith Cronin wins the Galway International Rally ! :bounce:

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GFgFHnNXYAAudbo?format=jpg&name=large

Great to see the M-Sport Fiesta Rally2 back on top in Ireland after the years of Polo & Hyundai domination and recent C3 popularity.

[Hartusvuori]

Next rally for the new Yaris? Already this week!
https://www.ewrc-results.com/entries/84758-arctic-lapland-rally-2024/

Mikko Heikkilä in Yaris Rally2 won over Teemu Asunmaa in Fabia RS Rally2. Asunmaa lead for a good part, but in the end Heikkilä won by 7,2 seconds.

Other Yaris Rally2 entries finished 3rd Roope Korhonen, 4th Georg Linnamäe, 8th Kogure and 9th Yamamoto.

Curious detail about the TGR development program drivers having completed the event (199,95 stage km) their difference was only 1,7 seconds.

Of the top entries, only the Bulgarian driver in C3 Rally2 retired.

[Sal yet again]

https://automovilismocanario.com/2024/02/06/m-sport-y-past-racing-llegan-a-un-acuerdo-para-los-mercados-de-espana-y-portugal/

M Sport have signed a distribution/promotion deal with Past Racing to push their products on the Iberian peninsular especially the revised Rally 2 Fiesta. Will be interesting to see if the rumoured drive for Enrique Cruz in the Spanish tarmac series comes to fruition now.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Arctic Rally proved Yaris Rally2 pace says Tom Fowler...

https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/what-toyotas-gr-yaris-rally2-proved-in-lapland/

[Jarek Z]

Much nicer livery than the Rally1 cars. I think white works much better in this car than black

Another white one for you :)
https://www.fiaerc.com/a/news/w27317_ERC-ace-Heikkil--begins-with-a-win

[HKSjbg]

Not the most exciting livery but IMO plain white looks better than plain black - black seems to show the weird proportions of the Yaris more.

[Jarek Z]

How about this one?
https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=770569441788644&set=a.657784059733850

[HKSjbg]

It’s alright, I still think Katsuta Snr.’s TGR livery in last year’s Japanese championship is my favourite look for that car :D

[Fast Eddie WRC]

i20 Rally2 fixes required and coming...

https://dirtfish.com/rally/the-fix-needed-to-make-hyundais-rally2-car-fast-again/

[PLuto]

i20 Rally2 fixes required and coming...

https://dirtfish.com/rally/the-fix-needed-to-make-hyundais-rally2-car-fast-again/

This is nothing new. There will be update of the car soon, thats why drivers like Lindholm or Sunninen are starting season later...

[Fast Eddie WRC]

This is nothing new. There will be update of the car soon, thats why drivers like Lindholm or Sunninen are starting season later...

Yes, nothing new that Hyundai are again playing catch up with their Rally2 car. Suninen has made the same comment in Feb 2022 and Feb 2023.

[PLuto]

Yes, nothing new that Hyundai are again playing catch up with their Rally2 car. Suninen has made the same comment in Feb 2022 and Feb 2023.

But difference is that there are really upgrades in process. Thats also reason why Hyundai didnt wanted to have any official car in Monte and Sweden. Ok, there will be Lindholm in Sweden with older spec, but they are betting everything to that upgrades.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

But difference is that there are really upgrades in process. Thats also reason why Hyundai didnt wanted to have any official car in Monte and Sweden. Ok, there will be Lindholm in Sweden with older spec, but they are betting everything to that upgrades.

But it could be too late if they want to pick up any customer sales. Even M-Sport have moved ahead of Hyundai and got their Fiesta development done and shown its now competitive.

[PLuto]

But it could be too late if they want to pick up any customer sales. Even M-Sport have moved ahead of Hyundai and got their Fiesta development done and shown its now competitive.

For most of the season it is ok and upgrades will come in time. And their customers knows about it...

[Sulland]

I am still not sure about the Yaris, and if it is on par with the Fabia yet. Maybe it is closer on snow.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

For most of the season it is ok and upgrades will come in time. And their customers knows about it...

Not the early starters though. Irish ex-Champion Josh Moffett has switched from the i20 to the Citroen C3 for this season. Others there have also gone to the C3 and the two BRC Champs who have gone to the ITRC this year have preferred the Fiesta.

[fiscorpun]

Those rare Peugeot 208 "R5" are actually on rally2 performanceISH? I never understood those cars

[Mirek]

Those rare Peugeot 208 "R5" are actually on rally2 performanceISH? I never understood those cars

R5 is the original name for the Rally2 class. The 208 R5 were built under the same rules but they are outdated now with their development long abandoned. Fiesta R5 and 208 R5 were the very first cars of the class.

[HKSjbg]

With regard to the Lancia Rally2 rumours, both stories I’ve seen on Autocar about it only mention it as an EV:

https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/new-cars/official-lancia-ypsilon-revealed

[NaBUru38]

A mild hybrid version of the Lancia Ypsilon is expected indeed.

https://uk.motor1.com/news/708663/lancia-ypsilon-2024-debut/

[HKSjbg]

Aha, I did wonder whether the ‘launch edition’ spec is EV-only with ICEs to follow…

[Fast Eddie WRC]

From the WRC2 Thread...


Polo R5 has had 6 new homologations from 11/2023

This done by Wevers Sport team in Belgium.

[Andre Oliveira]

Netherlands

[Sal yet again]

https://motorsport.hyundai.com/new-i20-n-rally2-european-challenge/

Not sure this will persuade many crews to change to the i20 but...

[Jarek Z]

https://motorsport.hyundai.com/new-i20-n-rally2-european-challenge/

Not sure this will persuade many crews to change to the i20 but...

It seems an interesting initiative. But it will be difficult to win this credit. Jest checked entry list for the first round of the Belgian championship and there are only 3 Hyundais among 20 Rally 2 cars. Perhaps it will be easier in some other countries.

P.S. I like the name of the rally in Slovenia - Valley of the Green Gold Rally sounds impressive :)
https://www.slovenia.info/imagine_cache/1200x800/uploads/TTA%202023/september%202023/Destinacijska_naslovnica_tiskan_katalog.png

[Jarek Z]

From the WRC2 Thread...



This done by Wevers Sport team

Wow! I thought they were a small company, but look at that:
https://www.weverssport.com/

[Jarek Z]

Another Toyota GR Yaris Rally2 hits the stages. Alejandro Cachón will drive the new Yaris Rally2 in the Spanish rally championship. He will be supported by official Toyota España team:
https://prensa.toyota.es/alejandro-cachon-y-borja-rozada-correran-con-el-toyota-gr-yaris-rally2-en-el-supercampeonato-de-espana-de-rallys/

[Fast Eddie WRC]

News on the planned i20 Rally2 upgrades...

https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/hyundai-reveals-its-rally2-plans/

[Jarek Z]

If someone would like to see what Toyota GR Yaris Rally2 looks and sounds like in Rally Sweden 2024 here's a video:
Toyota GR Yaris Rally2 | PURE SOUND | Pajari Linnamäe Heikkilä Solans | Rally Sweden 2024:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=quwtef56sIw

[Jarek Z]

https://motorsport.hyundai.com/new-i20-n-rally2-european-challenge/

Not sure this will persuade many crews to change to the i20 but...

The first winner is Cedrc Cherain from Belgium:
https://www.ewrc-results.com/results/85630-rally-van-haspengouw-2024/?s=451523

[Jarek Z]

Toyota GR Yaris Rally2 wins the 3rd round of Finnish rally championship. The driver is Roope Korhonen, who was faster than Asunmaa and Gronholm:
https://www.ewrc-results.com/results/84759-sm-tuuri-ralli-2024/

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Alejandro Cachon was 2nd on the Rally Tierras Altas de Lorca making the Spanish championship debut of the Yaris Rally2.

https://autohebdosport.com/media/xt-adaptive-images/480/images/cach%C3%B3n-tc.webp

[Jarek Z]

Mikko Heikkila and his new Toyota easily win Rally Città di Foligno, the first round of Italian gravel championship. Heikkila was fastest on 8 out of 9 stages:
https://www.ewrc-results.com/results/86703-rally-citta-di-foligno-2024/

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Mikko Heikkila and his new Toyota easily win Rally Città di Foligno, the first round of Italian gravel championship. Heikkila was fastest on 8 out of 9 stages:
https://www.ewrc-results.com/results/86703-rally-citta-di-foligno-2024/

https://rallyjournal.com/mikko-heikkila-drives-toyotas-new-rally2-car-to-an-opening-victory-in-italy/

[Jarek Z]

Very good debut of Giandomenico Basso in his new Toyota GR Yaris Rally2. He was second overall in Rally Il Ciocco, just 25 seconds behind Andrea Crugnola:
https://www.ewrc-results.com/final/86701-rally-il-ciocco-e-valle-del-serchio-2024/

https://www.rallylink.it/cms23/images//2024_ciocco_img/tre/02.jpg

[Andre Oliveira]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GI8neuIXEAA6Anx?format=jpg&name=large

"Castrol teams up with Melvyn Evans Motorsport to launch new Castrol MEM Rally Team for 2024 British Rally Championship

Rolls of Monmouth, 18 March 2024 – Castrol, a global leader in lubricants, announced today its partnership with Melvyn Evans Motorsport (MEM) UK, to form the new Castrol MEM Rally Team, that’s set to compete in the 2024 Probite British Rally Championship (BRC). The team will showcase their talent with a pair of Toyota GR Yaris Rally2 cars adorned in the iconic Castrol rally livery.

Meirion Evans, along with co-driver Jonathan Jackson, will pilot the first car in the UK’s premier rally series – beginning with the North West Stages this weekend (22/23 March). After strong performances in Ireland on asphalt in recent years, Meirion tried his hand at the Wyedean Stages Rally in the Forest of Dean last year and showed equally good speed on gravel. This has resulted in the Welshman stepping up to concentrate on the BRC in 2024.

The second car is slated for delivery ahead of the third round and will be driven by the 2019 FIA European rally champion Chris Ingram and co-driven by the American ace Alex Kihurani. The cars have been built by Toyota Gazoo Racing in Finland and will be maintained and run in the UK by Melvyn Evans Motorsport – a two-time BRC Teams champion.

The new Castrol MEM Rally Team paid tribute to Castrol’s rich rallying history with Toyota, displaying the ex-Carlos Sainz Castrol Toyota GT-Four ST185 owned by Nicky Grist at their launch event held at the Rolls of Monmouth country estate.

Nicola Buck, chief marketing officer, Castrol, said: “This partnership marks a thrilling chapter in our racing legacy, as we join forces with Melvyn Evans Motorsport UK to unleash the potential of the Toyota GR Yaris Rally2 cars. Racing with Castrol lubricants in an extreme rally environment demonstrates the confidence we and our customers have in delivering high performance.”

Meirion Evans said: “This opportunity is the most exciting one I've had in my career to date. For us as a team to be trusted by Toyota Gazoo Racing to bring the first Toyota GR Yaris Rally2 into the UK means a lot to us and to re-establish the iconic Castrol Toyota link and livery is phenomenal, not only for us but for rallying in this country. To have Chris [Ingram] as part of the team is fantastic. We have been friends since we were both very young, so to get the opportunity to finally work together and represent a brand like Castrol is something we are both excited for. It will be a bit of a change for me having driven a Polo for the last few years, but we will try to adapt as quickly as possible to the Yaris so that we can chase results from the outset in what is undoubtedly the strongest field the BRC has seen in over ten years.

Chris Ingram said: “It’s a dream come true to have the opportunity to drive in Castrol colours in the prestigious British Rally Championship in the latest Toyota GR Yaris Rally2, prepared by the esteemed British team Melvyn Evans Motorsport. The British Rally Championship’s announcement that it will be covered by ITV will provide a huge boost to UK motorsport and our partners. To represent such an iconic brand is a huge opportunity and I am going to give it my best shot. Including my team-mate Meirion Evans, we are going to face serious competition from some of the UK and Ireland’s best drivers. No driver in history has ever won both the British Rally Championship and the European Rally Championship, so that is my ultimate ambition for the season ahead.”

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Fantastic news, I didnt see that coming !

[Jarek Z]

What a beautiful livery! Have a look at that! :)
https://www.facebook.com/RallyTroll/posts/pfbid0fabvwBjhDqtEpHfNAGdZULVe8cqZfen8sZd3nXp7Neo9 4jtKVpcV4AiVk7pc6PrPl

[Andre Oliveira]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GI93JoWWoAA3fMI?format=jpg&name=large
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GI93JoQWEAEYVT_?format=jpg&name=large
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GI93JoOW4AAqDim?format=jpg&name=large

Pics by Black Mountains Media

[the sniper]

The early BRC rounds this year should see some of the highest possible number of different R5/Rally 2 models represented, I should think, given that the Proton has been rarely seen outside of the UK, other than France.

The first round at least will have:
Volkswagen Polo GTI R5, Ford Fiesta Rally2, Ford Fiesta R5, Toyota GR Yaris Rally2, Škoda Fabia R5, Škoda Fabia Rally2 evo, Hyundai i20 N Rally2, Hyundai i20 R5, Proton Iriz R5, Citroën C3 Rally2 & Citroën DS3 R5

The second round could additionally have the Škoda Fabia RS Rally2, if Roger Hodenius and/or Jos Verstappen make it.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

The BRC North West Stages has over 40 Rally2/R5 entries over the various Championships.

[RS]

Updates for Fabia RS:

https://www.instagram.com/skodamotorsport/reel/C4vvdVxruP4/?hl=en-gb

Anyone know if these have already debuted or when they will?

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Updates for Fabia RS:

https://www.instagram.com/skodamotorsport/reel/C4vvdVxruP4/?hl=en-gb

Anyone know if these have already debuted or when they will?

WRCWings @llluis555

Development continues for the Škoda Fabia RS Rally2 with a new front splitter tested in the Audi wind tunnel (and tuft flow visualization on the sides of the car) & in field with Oliver Solberg on Scandinavian stages.

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GJIEKIxXAAAU1Xl?format=jpg&name=medium

Other modifications under evaluation are new gear ratios (longer) and new dampers, already tested by Erik Cais in Portugal, soon to be homologated.

[Jarek Z]

Nicky Grist seems happy about the new Toyota:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5VTwgowV908

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Just for info.. Chris Ingram won today's NW Stages Rally in the VW Polo R5 beating his MEM team-mate Osian Pryce in the Yaris Rally2 into 3rd place. (Will Creighton was 2nd in an M-Sport Fiesta).

[the sniper]

Just for info.. Chris Ingram won today's NW Stages Rally in the VW Polo R5 beating his MEM team-mate Osian Pryce in the Yaris Rally2 into 3rd place. (Will Creighton was 2nd in an M-Sport Fiesta).

Meirion Evans. :)

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Meirion Evans. :)

Got my Welshmen mixed up ! But the point was that the VW Polo R5 is still very competitive in the right hands, even versus the very latest Rally2 cars.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Nice aero ! Aerodynamics was one of the key areas of the Škoda Fabia RS Rally2 development.

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/cBeayL9tbmc3dXhD/

[Jarek Z]

But the point was that the VW Polo R5 is still very competitive in the right hands, even versus the very latest Rally2 cars.

It seems Ford Fiesta Rally2 is still competitive, either. 4 Fiestas in top 5 in the third round of Irish championship:
https://www.ewrc-results.com/results/86128-circuit-of-ireland-rally-2024/?s=455860

[Andre Oliveira]

Filip Mares

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GKOx2eRWwAEj5Mq?format=jpg&name=large

[Jarek Z]

Nice! More and more Toyotas around the world! Now also two new ones in 2024 Australian Rally Championship:
https://www.toyota.com.au/news/toyota-to-campaign-new-gr-yaris-rally2-in-2024-australian-rally-championship

[Jarek Z]

Tomáš Enge is testing Toyota GR Yaris Rally2 on a racing track in Czech Republic:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vKXBlr2k3oE

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Citroen trying to improve the C3 on gravel...

https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/how-citroen-is-trying-to-close-the-skoda-gap/

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Hyundai i20 Rally2 has had its upgrades homologated.

https://motorsport.hyundai.com/debut-of-the-latest-i20-n-rally2-updates-at-rally-croatia/

Will any ERC entries like Paddon have them yet ?

[RS]

Hyundai i20 Rally2 has had its upgrades homologated.

https://motorsport.hyundai.com/debut-of-the-latest-i20-n-rally2-updates-at-rally-croatia/

Will any ERC entries like Paddon have them yet ?

The results in Croatia didn’t seem too promising. Let’s see if they show better in Portugal.

[Jarek Z]

Tomáš Enge is testing Toyota GR Yaris Rally2 on a racing track in Czech Republic:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vKXBlr2k3oE

And now he is competing in Rallye Český Krumlov, the second round of Czech rally championship, but he is only 9th overall, with a huge time loss:
https://www.ewrc-results.com/results/85735-rallye-cesky-krumlov-2024/

[WRC1]

And now he is competing in Rallye Český Krumlov, the second round of Czech rally championship, but he is only 9th overall, with a huge time loss:
https://www.ewrc-results.com/results/85735-rallye-cesky-krumlov-2024/

....and a BIG Crash on final stage (Crew ok)

[Fast Eddie WRC]

The Citroen C3 is now able to take the fight to the others on gravel says Rossel...

https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/why-citroen-is-now-a-match-for-skoda-on-gravel-in-wrc2/

[saco0o]

VW is quitting motorsport for good with this last adventure
https://www.diariomotor.com/competicion/noticia/volkswagen-motorsport-cierra-circulo/
how long since the Polos were last upgraded in rallying? i know brands have those "jokers" to work on each year but i dont remember reading anything regarding the Polos. are they really behind the other rally2 brands?

[Mirek]

VW is quitting motorsport for good with this last adventure
https://www.diariomotor.com/competicion/noticia/volkswagen-motorsport-cierra-circulo/
how long since the Polos were last upgraded in rallying? i know brands have those "jokers" to work on each year but i dont remember reading anything regarding the Polos. are they really behind the other rally2 brands?

The last package of updates was homologated in November 2023. https://www.fia.com/sites/default/files/voiturescomplet_mars.2024.pdf

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Official info on the C3 Rally2 upgrades, now available to customers...

https://www.media.stellantis.com/em-en/citroen-racing/press/the-citroen-c3-rally2-true-class-reference-now-boasts-new-technical-upgrades-to-stay-at-the-top-of-the-game

[Jarek Z]

New Yaris for Freddy Loix:
https://www.rallylovers.be/nb/13588/Ardeca-Ypres-Rally--Freddy-Loix-met-een-Toyota-Yaris-Rally-2?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR3BKRKCJ-dGFGAmd2wVFppPLAtdO9hNunh296Ud6xTUkIb7K7ai92pIaGo_ aem_ATLcaLs0xsG_qAQW_NjOsUUwYAqznkeRJwTg5SXc6uls37 VKCkoaQvqADD2oemEooT6Hh9_FNqs25I-iEkpKNsQm

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Any thoughts on the side impact safety of Rally2 cars following the Ostberg / Barth crash in Italy ?

Can anything be done or is it too late and costly to fit any improvements retrospectively?

[Mirek]

Any thoughts on the side impact safety of Rally2 cars following the Ostberg / Barth crash in Italy ?

Can anything be done or is it too late and costly to fit any improvements retrospectively?

You can't do much more with Rally2 because there are limits given by the stock bodyshell. The Rally1 is better thanks to it being a prototype spaceframe design but I guess you didn't consider that when you called for Rally2 being used in the top class.

Anyway look at it from the brighter side. If this accident happened twenty years ago, it was likely fatal.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Mads' update...
https://www.instagram.com/p/C-BbHeXIOwC/?igsh=eWFyY251ZXJ1MDVv

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Paddon development testing the i20 in Spain yesterday. It's a good job somebody is !

https://x.com/llluis555/status/1818382228549955718

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Abiteboul confirms more development for the i20 Rally2 but production will be discontinued at the end of the year...

https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/whats-the-future-for-hyundais-rally2-car/

[saco0o]

skoda looks to be doing so well selling R5s. toyota looks to be at the start of doing the same thing. it looks lucrative, idk why hyundai would stop doing that, but ehh, i dont have all the real details on that. no ideia what the next cycle will be, this class is just ideal

[Fast Eddie WRC]

As you say, so many Rally2 cars have and are still being sold. I dont know how any new Regs could be much different to allow new cars to compete with all the current cars and vice versa.

Regarding Hyundai, it could be the finances were/are being concentrated on the Rally1 car.

[486]

Any thoughts on the side impact safety of Rally2 cars following the Ostberg / Barth crash in Italy ?

Can anything be done or is it too late and costly to fit any improvements retrospectively?

I would add to the roll cage a third lateral beam running horizontally between bases of A and B pillars, in parallel with the X. It would help a bit. This is already being done by some small workshops when preparing (under the former group A/N regulations) bodyshells of models from the 80s, 90s, and 00s. These chassis are not as robust as the cars nowadays, and it has been proven at the field that makes a big difference. Some guys call them "tree-pullers" for that instance. Although, I am not sure if this is a mod that could be applied to already built Rally-2 cars (I would have to investigate on the thermal hardening / tempering / welding "brittlening" effect - sorry, I am not anymore up to date with the metallurgical specs / characteristics / workmanship processes of Rally 2 roll cages - my time is limited :mark: ). For new built cars this could help a bit (not a lot) in my humble preliminary opinion (detailed structural FEM calculations would be needed).

[Fast Eddie WRC]

This sounds quite a good idea to better protect the side of the car but I suppose the big issue would be it making access into and out of the car more difficult.

So instead of adding to the roll cage, couldn't the beam be welded onto the door itself and the whole door frame be strengthened ?

[saco0o]

interesting! thats the kind of "new set of rules" R5s need. some safety upgrade.
after reading cyril interview i started to wonder if they were jumping out from this class because there would be a total shifting in everything, but yea, as eddie said, theres way too many R5s already out there and new skodas, msports and toyotas being selled right now. theres c3s, polos and i20 still being bought and sold among racers and teams. cyril was probably making excuses to not say "hyundai is just not interested in rallying anymore"

[486]

This sounds quite a good idea to better protect the side of the car but I suppose the big issue would be it making access into and out of the car more difficult.

So instead of adding to the roll cage, couldn't the beam be welded onto the door itself and the whole door frame be strengthened ?

I would not put the beam in the door itself, but I would definitely reinforce the door frame adding as much energy dissipative material as possible, waiting for a lateral crash to happen......This is a crash structure.

[saco0o]

saw some 2013-2014 wrc footage with those top class cars. they look veeeery similar to current R5s, eh? in terms of speed and driving, are them similar as it looks? tho they (wrc top class in 14') were waaaay more "loose" - on the visual aspect - while current modern R5s looks super tight, almost glued to the surface.

[Jarek Z]

Abiteboul confirms more development for the i20 Rally2 but production will be discontinued at the end of the year...

https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/whats-the-future-for-hyundais-rally2-car/

That is sad news. Just 6 months ago they introuced their i20 N Rally2 European Challenge and now they leave?
https://motorsport.hyundai.com/new-i20-n-rally2-european-challenge/

[Fast Eddie WRC]

saw some 2013-2014 wrc footage with those top class cars. they look veeeery similar to current R5s, eh? in terms of speed and driving, are them similar as it looks? tho they (wrc top class in 14') were waaaay more "loose" - on the visual aspect - while current modern R5s looks super tight, almost glued to the surface.

2014 WRC cars... that's 10 years ago. There's been a lot of technological development since then in suspension and aero, even in the R5/RALLY2 cars.

[saco0o]

2014 WRC cars... that's 10 years ago. There's been a lot of technological development since then in suspension and aero, even in the R5/RALLY2 cars.

yes, true. but what I tried to say (and failed) was that those cars looked cooler than modern R5s because they looked way more loose on the tracks. personal taste, probably.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

yes, true. but what I tried to say (and failed) was that those cars looked cooler than modern R5s because they looked way more loose on the tracks. personal taste, probably.

I agree and have said before that the 2011-2016 WRCars were still great to watch.

Despite the next 2017-2021 cars having all the 'looks' with the extra aero, this actually made them too pressed to the ground and less dramatic (though faster).

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Hyundai targets making the i20 Rally2 a top tarmac car in 2025 using several jokers:

https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/hyundai-focusing-on-making-its-rally2-a-tarmac-car/

[Steve Boyd]

Hyundai targets making the i20 Rally2 a top tarmac car in 2025 using several jokers:

https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/hyundai-focusing-on-making-its-rally2-a-tarmac-car/Might get to see a few in Ireland - if they get it right!

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Might get to see a few in Ireland - if they get it right!

Josh Moffett might go back for one after his swap to the C3 Rally2 hasn't worked out well.

[saco0o]

i think france e espana have decent tarmac championships, so maybe theres a good market oportunity there too. lots of citroens, they are getting more competition of that happens.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Mikkelsen and Camili tarmac testing the Hyundai i20 Rally2

https://youtu.be/ZuGdE4TBCfU?si=lLBTO_P0IIaa1zIL

[Jarek Z]

Skoda Fabia Rally2 number 600 goes to Mapo Motorsport!
https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=923376493170107&set=a.621620046679088

[saco0o]

600 cars!!!!!! man, fia CANNOT screw the next rules for this class.
they need to focus ONLY on: "current R5s and the next gen need to be able to compete together" - because this transition period, until theres another thousand of the next gen cars competing around europe. Then they can rule R5s out.