Rally2 (ex-R5) News

[mknight]

I read Suninen was testing Yaris R2.

Makes sense if Pajari is moving to more Rally1 drives they need experienced driver for development/showcase of the car.

[saco0o]

meeke can win the portuguese title this weekend... but he cannot win the title because only portuguese drivers can become national champion .............??? haha weird

[saco0o]

remember sean johnston? he was doing some wrc2 events last year! its a good character that would be really fun to have in erc!

[Jarek Z]

meeke can win the portuguese title this weekend... but he cannot win the title because only portuguese drivers can become national champion .............??? haha weird

He didn't win, but seems happy. So is he now a Portuguese champion or not?

https://www.facebook.com/krismeeke/posts/pfbid02jpLHVKVypLwvQgyjgCt6xYvcSKdteXVrm9SLsnXqfwv QuqoNRLGNtUWf36oCmQjPl

https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=1241299020420969

[Fast Eddie WRC]

So Paddon wins a consecutive ERC in the Hyundai Rally2 and Meeke the Portuguese title. These cars clearly still have the speed in the right hands.

Maybe these two guys should share their development set-ups with the Hyundai customers and get them in contention against the other cars in the Class...

[Fast Eddie WRC]

On the subject of older Rally2 cars, the M-Sport Fiesta is showing it's not dead yet.

Jon Armstrong was winning stages on the recent ERC Rally Silesia and was 2nd overall. Also Keith Cronin won the 2024 Irish Tarmac RC and is in contention to win the BRC, as well as William Creighton in another Fiesta.

You would think the newer Fabia RS and Yaris GR would be unbeatable but the older cars are still holding their own in the right hands, conditions and surface. This rally car formula has to be the best ever created.

[tommeke_B]

Maybe these two guys should share their development set-ups with the Hyundai customers and get them in contention against the other cars in the Class...

Why would anyone in their right mind share all info they worked on during those years? Also, what works for one driver doesn't necessarily work for another.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Why would anyone in their right mind share all info they worked on during those years? Also, what works for one driver doesn't necessarily work for another.

If they're not in the same Championship then why not ? Plus I'm sure Hyundai would give them some payment for the info if it helps their customer programme with a more competitive i20.

[dodge33cymru]

On the subject of older Rally2 cars, the M-Sport Fiesta is showing it's not dead yet.

Jon Armstrong was winning stages on the recent ERC Rally Silesia and was 2nd overall. Also Keith Cronin won the 2024 Irish Tarmac RC and is in contention to win the BRC, as well as William Creighton in another Fiesta.

You would think the newer Fabia RS and Yaris GR would be unbeatable but the older cars are still holding their own in the right hands, conditions and surface. This rally car formula has to be the best ever created.

Agreed - for my own personal preference/enjoyment, it's a shame to see MSport throw all their money in the Rally1 hole instead of focusing on properly developing and running a Rally2 programme a la Skoda; with a pro driver they're plenty competitive in that class. The Skoda and Yaris may be ahead, but the C3, i20 and Fiesta are all perfectly competent with the right drivers.

[Sulland]

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

And if you add 400+ Fabia R5 they have sold over 1000 RC2 cars, and that is quite impressive!!

[manthey]

And if you add 400+ Fabia R5 they have sold over 1000 RC2 cars, and that is quite impressive!!

I thought R5 were yet counted in the Rc2 class...

[Sulland]

I thought R5 were yet counted in the Rc2 class...

They are, but not as Rally2.

[Andre Oliveira]

No no.

600 is R5 + Rally2 evo + RS Rally2

[Andre Oliveira]

I read Suninen was testing Yaris R2.

Makes sense if Pajari is moving to more Rally1 drives they need experienced driver for development/showcase of the car.

Toyota GR Yaris Rally2

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Agreed - for my own personal preference/enjoyment, it's a shame to see MSport throw all their money in the Rally1 hole instead of focusing on properly developing and running a Rally2 programme a la Skoda; with a pro driver they're plenty competitive in that class.

My disappointment is that they took so long to make it competitive, launching it in 2019 when undercooked and leaving it until 2023 to get it upgraded.

I know these were tough times for M-Sport with Covid and the Rally1 Puma to be dealt with, but surely the development of the Fiesta wouldve been worth it in sales.

[Jarek Z]

So Paddon wins a consecutive ERC in the Hyundai Rally2 and Meeke the Portuguese title. These cars clearly still have the speed in the right hands.

Both speed and reliability. Gabriele Rizzo, team principal of BRC Racing Team, said that they have never had any technical problem with their Hyundai in ERC:

"In ERC our team has been absolutely flawless for two consecutive seasons and together with a super-reliable car like the Hyundai i20 N Rally2, we have never had a technical problem while offering excellent performance in every type of condition and against every type of competitor."
https://www.fiaerc.com/a/news/w28822_Paddon-s-success-means-there-s-a-new-ERC-team-on-top

[RallyFan13]

Abdulaziz Al-Kuwary from Qatar is the new Middle East champion for 2024, ending Nasser's 12 years consecutive championships…

Video from the Latest Race of the season in Cyprus https://youtu.be/4PFktKVdTkY?feature=shared

[saco0o]

cyprus looks the thoughest rally for the R5s imo. i remember watching it in ERC 2019 (nasser won), i couldnt stop thining "these cars are all going to break in half" at some stages. i 'dont feel' that in acropolis or safari, only in some cyprus stages.
btw... why is it part of the middle east series?

[Jarek Z]

He didn't win, but seems happy. So is he now a Portuguese champion or not?

https://www.facebook.com/krismeeke/posts/pfbid02jpLHVKVypLwvQgyjgCt6xYvcSKdteXVrm9SLsnXqfwv QuqoNRLGNtUWf36oCmQjPl

https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=1241299020420969

Meeke. Resurrection:
https://dirtfish.com/rally/how-portugal-reinvigorated-meekes-career/?fbclid=IwY2xjawGGL2BleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHSzmUWnKU6G6 tuQpIQtVf5F4zbTNkq58-v1-4j-6hxEvEzXWPdn1CscoSw_aem_krTuybAQpyDrlN3j8DzUQA

[saco0o]

heikki kovalainen won his first "event" in a Yaris (R5) - and its also the first after his open heart surgery. awesome!
the guy is rooted in japanese motorsport but it'd be really cool to have him in ERC, like in the swedish round at least

edited to include more info

[Andre Oliveira]

He is a tarmac driver.

[focus206]

heikki kovalainen won his first "event" in a R5 (Yaris) in japan. awesome!
the guy is rooted in japanese motorsport but it'd be really cool to have him in ERC, like in the swedish round at least

First? He has won plenty of events with Fabia R5 already, he's Japanese champion 2022 and 2023.
https://www.ewrc-results.com/profile/90555-heikki-kovalainen/

[saco0o]

First? He has won plenty of events with Fabia R5 already, he's Japanese champion 2022 and 2023.
https://www.ewrc-results.com/profile/90555-heikki-kovalainen/

sorry, first after the open heart surgery and first on a Yaris! going to edit that. cheers!

[focus206]

sorry, first after the open heart surgery and first on a Yaris! going to edit that. cheers!

Ah, then you're right. Hopefully everything went right and he can continue rallying.

[saco0o]

chris ingram is the 24' british champion! HEEECK YEAAAH!
go to 15min to see the post stage interview
https://www.facebook.com/BRCrally/videos/1629654621295016/

[saco0o]

if rally2 cars are to change for 2027, what you fellas think we are going to get? just a move to smallcrossover models (to follow road models) and maybe some upgrades on the safety cell? i imagine they are not going crazy over changes here. hope theres also a big transition period where current R5s can still compete with the next car rules for a while, at least until more drivers and teams on national levels can reach the budget to get the new specs. fia cannot ruin national championships with rushed changes cuz we need the local entries to make up the numbers in erc's top class.

[Mirek]

If it was up to me I would not change the cars which already compete. I would allow privately homologated cars to compete and a space frame, so as not to limit the options for the future teams to enter the series. The spaceframe can be made cheap if the panels are not made of carbon but insted from heavier glassfibre laminate. Due to the coming lack of options I would also allow using engine from another manufacturer (that also applies automatically for the private cars) because too many carmakers don't produce suitable engines anymore.

I also think that EV or hybrid could be allowed to compete but alongside the current Rally2. If some team has the desire to build an EV or hybrid let's give them the chance and the media space they need for financing. For that reason I would give them quite a big freedom of choice in terms of design. Let them do what they need and see if they can build a competitive machine.

I mean instead of fixed rules designed by big heads sitting at the FIA table let's start with mission-oriented development. The mission is to finish given rally calendar as quick and as reliably as possible with a car which is safe. Let's see if they come with something competitive and if so we can use such design as a basis for future rally cars, maybe it can be even an option for Rally1.

[saco0o]

If it was up to me I would not change the cars which already compete. I would allow privately homologated cars to compete and a space frame, so as not to limit the options for the future teams to enter the series. The spaceframe can be made cheap if the panels are not made of carbon but insted from heavier glassfibre laminate. Due to the coming lack of options I would also allow using engine from another manufacturer (that also applies automatically for the private cars) because too many carmakers don't produce suitable engines anymore.

I also think that EV or hybrid could be allowed to compete but alongside the current Rally2. If some team has the desire to build an EV or hybrid let's give them the chance and the media space they need for financing. For that reason I would give them quite a big freedom of choice in terms of design. Let them do what they need and see if they can build a competitive machine.

I mean instead of fixed rules designed by big heads sitting at the FIA table let's start with mission-oriented development. The mission is to finish given rally calendar as quick and as reliably as possible with a car which is safe. Let's see if they come with something competitive and if so we can use such design as a basis for future rally cars, maybe it can be even an option for Rally1.

Rally2/R5 is really good, eh? i hope they manage not to destroy it haha. i mentioned smallcrossovers because theres this talk about current "hatchbackISH" models being phased out from production from brands, like the fiesta, the polo, the c3. idk how stuff actually work in europe, the hole homologation thing (how are new fiestas being made in rally when ford doesnt produce them anymore, for example) but it looked the simplest suggestion so far. keep same business model but for smallcrossover models. BUT YES, allowing current r5s to compete together, because we need probably 5 to 10 years to complete the replacement of current cars - IF thats the reasoning behind the courtains with manufacturers. like ford thinking "yes, we need pumas, no more fiestas, lets change this". It is a 5 to 10 year plan in my view, because of all the national championships. money is short for everybody haha

[Steve Boyd]

(how are new fiestas being made in rally when ford doesnt produce them anymore, for example)M-Sport bought a stock of Fiesta bodyshells from Ford before they stopped making them. When they run out there won't be any new Rally2, 3 or 4 Fiestas. Any cars that have been made to the homologation rules can be used until the homologation runs out (I think it's 5 years after the cars were last made) so M-Sport can keep building and selling cars for another few years even though they are no longer manufactured by Ford.

[saco0o]

M-Sport bought a stock of Fiesta bodyshells from Ford before they stopped making them. When they run out there won't be any new Rally2, 3 or 4 Fiestas. Any cars that have been made to the homologation rules can be used until the homologation runs out (I think it's 5 years after the cars were last made) so M-Sport can keep building and selling cars for another few years even though they are no longer manufactured by Ford.


hmmmm thats interesting.
but if the rules are set to change in 2027, wouldnt that be a factor for when drivers are looking for new cars? like... if i were to buy a new R5 in 2025, i would probably think "naaah, theres new rules for 2027, im going to rent someone's car for the year and then buy a new model just in 2027, with the new rules, so then I can use the new car for yeeeaars to come".
did my question made sense? im terrible at english
also, question 2) do we know how many bodyshells msport bought? now im worried they will end up with pilles of cars on their shop because these new rules are so close. i imagine rally3 rules will not change tho, so they may use the cars there

[Fast Eddie WRC]

If it was up to me I would not change the cars which already compete. I would allow privately homologated cars to compete and a space frame, so as not to limit the options for the future teams to enter the series. The spaceframe can be made cheap if the panels are not made of carbon but insted from heavier glassfibre laminate. Due to the coming lack of options I would also allow using engine from another manufacturer (that also applies automatically for the private cars) because too many carmakers don't produce suitable engines anymore.

I also think that EV or hybrid could be allowed to compete but alongside the current Rally2. If some team has the desire to build an EV or hybrid let's give them the chance and the media space they need for financing. For that reason I would give them quite a big freedom of choice in terms of design. Let them do what they need and see if they can build a competitive machine.

I mean instead of fixed rules designed by big heads sitting at the FIA table let's start with mission-oriented development. The mission is to finish given rally calendar as quick and as reliably as possible with a car which is safe. Let's see if they come with something competitive and if so we can use such design as a basis for future rally cars, maybe it can be even an option for Rally1.

The switch to a spaceframe chassis for Rally 1 in 2022 was supposed to attract new manufacturers, with a re-sizing of any model they had like SUV, crossovers etc. This didn't happen.

Do you think any new manufacturer would come in with a spaceframe Rally2 car in 2027, or will it be purely private teams ?

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Interesting piece on Dirtfish on the return of Lancia at Rally4 level and how Rally2 is the ideal for return on investment according to the Lancia rally guys...

https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/a-lancia-wrc-comeback-is-in-the-fias-hands/

[Steve Boyd]

hmmmm thats interesting.
but if the rules are set to change in 2027, wouldnt that be a factor for when drivers are looking for new cars? like... if i were to buy a new R5 in 2025, i would probably think "naaah, theres new rules for 2027, im going to rent someone's car for the year and then buy a new model just in 2027, with the new rules, so then I can use the new car for yeeeaars to come".
did my question made sense? im terrible at englishYes, you did make sense. Your English is better than you think!

A lot of cars are rented from preparation companies anyway and the prep companies will need to buy them so M-Sport will need shells to build cars for that market. There will also be cars that are damaged that will need a new shell, so some will be used that way.



do we know how many bodyshells msport bought? now im worried they will end up with pilles of cars on their shop because these new rules are so close. i imagine rally3 rules will not change tho, so they may use the cars thereI can't remember if they said how many shells they bought, but it wouldn't have been a huge number. Don't forget that M-Sport have good market in National rallying so they can continue to supply to that market even after the Fiesta homologation runs out for International rallies. There are people in the UK still rallying Fiesta S2000 cars with an M-Sport turbo kit fitted to make them competitive with old 2 litre WRC cars that are used in National level events in the UK. M-Sport did that to keep their parts business going for those cars after people stopped using them on International rallies. Some of those guys may well move to R5 or Rally2 cars in future.

For M-Sport there's a big difference between the current Rally1 cars and the old WRC Escorts and Fiestas. They could sell the old cars for use in National rallies and supply parts and preparation services for them. They can't do that with Rally1 as they aren't allowed outside WRC, except with special permission. Keeping Rally2 cars in use Nationally helps their business stay alive.

[saco0o]

interesting! thanks for sharing these clarifications, mate! haha im less worried now. i love msport work, always cheering for the best for their bussiness! sometimes i focus only on erc and wrc (and nz/aussie haha) that i forget that local/national european series all count on stuff like that!

[Jarek Z]

Interesting - Hyundai only won 2 rallies in the whole history of ERC. One last year and one this year. Both in the hands of Hayden Paddon:
https://www.fiaerc.com/a/news/w28875_Abarth-Grande-Punto-S2000-v-Hyundai-i20-N-Rally2-in-first-ERC-Greatest-Car-vote

[saco0o]

Interesting - Hyundai only won 2 rallies in the whole history of ERC. One last year and one this year. Both in the hands of Hayden Paddon:
https://www.fiaerc.com/a/news/w28875_Abarth-Grande-Punto-S2000-v-Hyundai-i20-N-Rally2-in-first-ERC-Greatest-Car-vote

that is SO weird! just two rounds! Weeeeird

[Andre Oliveira]

https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/m-sport-ready-to-build-puma-rally2-subject-to-fia-change/

[Andre Oliveira]

Chatgpt creation

https://scontent.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.15752-9/465189216_1305785740447349_1162260615666098277_n.j pg?stp=dst-jpg_s480x480&_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=0024fc&_nc_ohc=klfHNlzAn6IQ7kNvgHiD1MS&_nc_ad=z-m&_nc_cid=0&_nc_zt=23&_nc_ht=scontent.xx&oh=03_Q7cD1QFAEm8plBDn0cktVykXEEAyP_v63tySHrHP2XGr oHpEUA&oe=676F9D07
https://scontent.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.15752-9/467462295_1290445838538455_8846222806214356404_n.j pg?stp=dst-jpg_s480x480_tt6&_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=0024fc&_nc_ohc=iRqv22FX_7oQ7kNvgFn5avQ&_nc_ad=z-m&_nc_cid=0&_nc_zt=23&_nc_ht=scontent.xx&oh=03_Q7cD1QGYOeyghP2iemKj1w_GPnv0GtW5E4KC5P-y2E1fqcfwhQ&oe=676FBBF3

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Hyundai i20 Rally2 gets major update - the Step2:

https://rallyjournal.com/hyundais-rally-car-gets-a-major-update-naturally-theres-pressure/

[Jarek Z]

Hyundai i20 Rally2 (with Cedric Cherain at the wheel) wins 2024 Belgian Rally Championship.

https://www.facebook.com/belgianrallychampionship/posts/pfbid038GN38aPXa9mwfFhgDTEr4tDNPkoctukxmpd1R8V2c9V CEwy6dXNBrUPv1PLT4sZBl

https://www.ewrc-results.com/results/85636-spa-rally-2024/

https://www.ewrc-results.com/image/929221/?entry=4206620

[Fast Eddie WRC]

https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/m-sport-ready-to-build-puma-rally2-subject-to-fia-change/

By 2027, when the next Regs are starting, Ford is due to be launching the Mk2 Puma, which will be electric-only...

[Jarek Z]

Toyota GR Yaris Rally2 goes to Llarena Racing:
https://www.fiaerc.com/a/news/w29048_New-ERC-team-Llarena-Racing-takes-delivery-of-Toyota

[Jarek Z]

Hyundai i20 N Rally2 Step2 will be homologated in 2025. It will take advantage of 7 jokers, allowing the largest single package of upgrades for the i20 N Rally2 since its launch. Kris Meeke already drove the new car - as a course car on last month’s Rallye du Var in France:
https://www.fiaerc.com/a/news/w29057_Hyundai-takes-a-Step2-in-ERC

[mousti]

Hyundai i20 N Rally2 Step2 will be homologated in 2025. It will take advantage of 7 jokers, allowing the largest single package of upgrades for the i20 N Rally2 since its launch. Kris Meeke already drove the new car - as a course car on last month’s Rallye du Var in France:
https://www.fiaerc.com/a/news/w29057_Hyundai-takes-a-Step2-in-ERCCamilli is driving it now aswell as 0 car in Devoluy.

Verstuurd vanaf mijn 2406APNFAG met Tapatalk

[Sal yet again]

One of Ford's stalwart customers of the last few seasons Copi Sport, has announced it will be running a Yaris in '25 for Enrique Cruz instead of the Fezza.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Škoda Fabia RS Rally2 bodyshell number 200! That's a lot of new cars and spare bodyshells for a lot of customers all around the world!

https://www.facebook.com/100064932935333/posts/972938278213928/

[HKSjbg]

I just posted this in the TGR thread in WRC but this is a Rally2-based car so here it is for those who don’t check every corner of the forum - official TGR Corolla Rally Concept:

https://dirtfish.com/archive/toyota-reveals-all-new-gr-corolla-rally-concept/

[Tom206wrc]

Looks like there should be a Lancia Ypsilon HF Rally2 around the 2027 season :confused:

http://www.rallyeslalom.com/crugnola-ometto-citroen-e-pirelli-chi-li-batte/

[wyler]

Looks like there should be a Lancia Ypsilon HF Rally2 around the 2027 season :confused:

http://www.rallyeslalom.com/crugnola-ometto-citroen-e-pirelli-chi-li-batte/

ideal would be some round on c3 this season preparing a full season by lancia rally4 official team alongside winner of Italian cup (the prize is a full erc campaign), then new stellantis rally2 in 2027...

[Andre Oliveira]

Pic by Leandro Lemos Motorsport

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GjRpTyRXAAA0f6l?format=jpg&name=large

[Jarek Z]

4 Mitsubishis Mirage R5 are still active in Sweden:
https://www.ewrc-results.com/final/90899-north-rally-boden-2025/

One of them in the hands of the famous Mats Jonsson, the winner of Rally Sweden 1993!
https://www.ewrc-results.com/final/529-international-swedish-rally-1993/

[Sulland]

Think there are more swedish mirages, some are maybe wrecked, but not sure.
Mats Johnson also har a Celica 165 that he drove the historic part of this years rally Sweden. Might be the same car as he won in in 93?

https://www.ewrc-results.com/cars-owners/57-mitsubishi-mirage-r5/

[Jarek Z]

How about some Hyundais? :)

https://scontent.fktw1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/480881403_4044208685799142_4692702183689122329_n.j pg?_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=127cfc&_nc_ohc=4Kkd4mNzkKwQ7kNvgHGqPq7&_nc_oc=AdjBXspZCqPfO-5pQDcSO3w8Rb3uXT8oF9OatJFvjbsoOwDJfxbH_brgGqZm_idx Xyg&_nc_zt=23&_nc_ht=scontent.fktw1-1.fna&_nc_gid=A5OSpDp6WIa9H_WaCjcSaTo&oh=00_AYCcvuhB295nbArtiv-MltOrncVAzyfgrWcWA6XQQte2Gw&oe=67BC0E13

[Fast Eddie WRC]

C & M Motorsport Rally Car Sales team take on the Hyundai Motorsport Franchise for UK & Ireland. They aim to make the Hyundai Marque and its Hyundai i20N Rally2 variant a force to be reckoned with once more.

The team will be one of the first in Europe to take delivery of the eagerly awaited i20N “Step 2’.

Upgrades to the car for 3x British champion Matt Edwards will be available for Rd2 in West Cork, whilst customers will be able to order their Hyundai Motorsport parts from C & M Motorsport going forward.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

What a battle between McErlean and Edwards on the Midland Stages in Ireland. Times were nip & tuck all rally, with McErlean taking the win on the final stage by just 0.5sec !

A tremendous drive by Edwards showing himself and the updated i20 Rally2 have great speed ahead of the 2025 ITRC.

https://www.ewrc-results.com/results/91391-jeremy-oconnor-longford-arms-hotel-stages-rally-2025/

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Pics of the i20 Step 2 on Italian launch..

https://www.instagram.com/p/DGBRU4sNhMm/?igsh=MTNub2d0bW54cDdncw==

[Sulland]

What does step 2 contain?

[TWRC]

What does step 2 contain?

If I remember well, upgrades to the engine & software, new gear ratios, suspension kinematics and maybe rear differential. They said that they know the car is not good on gravel and will never be, so all these developments are basically aimed at tarmac performance

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Sesks on Rally2 Fiesta in Portugal:

You have driven several Rally2 cars. Tell me, please, is the difference between these Rally2 cars big ?

"Each Rally2 car is different with its own little nuances. There are some Rally2 cars where the adaptation time is shorter, and you can drive fast quite quickly, but with other Rally2 cars you have to work more, in more detail. With Ford, you have to find the right settings quite precisely, and that golden mean is quite narrow, so it's not so easy to hit it exactly and find very good settings right away. This time we managed to find the right settings quite quickly, which also allowed us to drive fast. Our ''Past Racing'' Ford Fiesta Rally2 car was very competitive."

[Sal yet again]

Luky made his debut with Hyundai Canarias's Step 2 i20 in Lanzarote and set one fastest time whilst finishing in 3rd place.

[Jarek Z]

Pics of the i20 Step 2 on Italian launch..

https://www.instagram.com/p/DGBRU4sNhMm/?igsh=MTNub2d0bW54cDdncw==

Hyundai Rally Team Italia / Friulmotor cars will be driven by Fabio Andolfi, Liberato Sulpizio and Rudy Michelini:
https://www.rallylink.it/cms23/index.php/blog/friulmotor-cala-gli-assi-al-rally-del-ciocco-in-gara-tre-hyundai-i20-n-rally2-step-2

[Fast Eddie WRC]

I hope Hyundai got some quick sales of their upgraded i20 Step 2, as Skoda have now released their Package 25 for the Fabia RS.

[Sal yet again]

Luky's feedback about the Step 2 I20 after his first run in the car during the Lanzarote rally a couple of weeks ago is that the car is still too lively at the back end so will be interesting to see how quickly that they can dial that out.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Jon Armstrong builds his own Fiesta Rally 2:

https://youtu.be/jQcHjAwPVEY?si=2yejZ0UEYEGrPiq4

[Fast Eddie WRC]

An insight into buying and running Yaris Rally2 Cars with MEM Castrol Team in the BRC:

https://youtu.be/MjOJU8OUAdo?si=lhL1bCWDSGGwpIlc

[Jarek Z]

Ford Fiesta Rally 2 can still win rallies.

Estonian Romet Jurgensson wins the second round of British championship, Kielder Carlisle Stages 2025:
https://www.ewrc-results.com/final/93300-kielder-carlisle-stages-2025/
https://www.ewrc-results.com/image/957234/

Garry Jennings wins the second round of Motorsport UK Asphalt championship, Manx Rally 2025:
https://www.ewrc-results.com/final/91110-proflex-manx-rally-2025/

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Ford Fiesta Rally 2 can still win rallies.

Estonian Romet Jurgensson wins the second round of British championship, Kielder Carlisle Stages 2025:
https://www.ewrc-results.com/final/93300-kielder-carlisle-stages-2025/
https://www.ewrc-results.com/image/957234/



Yes, with a top driver it's still quite possible.

Jon Armstrong has also set good times in Ireland and ERC in his Fiesta.

Citroen and Skoda have been forced to offer prizes to take more sales and Hyundai to make big upgrades with stars like Paddon and Lefebvre on development.

[saco0o]

Jon Armstrong builds his own Fiesta Rally 2:

https://youtu.be/jQcHjAwPVEY?si=2yejZ0UEYEGrPiq4

so fun! ah mate i want to see him getting some wins in erc

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Pulling this into right thread...


i was reading about the 40k that skoda is 'paying' to their top 3 drivers in each round. but reading this i understood that its not actual cash, its 'discount' for new parts bought with the skoda motorsport. i mean, im all in, for sure. i wish all the brands had more stuff like that, especially in erc and national series, but it was curious to learn that its not aaaactual money hehe
https://www.fiaerc.com/en/news/first-erc-%C5%A1koda-motorsport-bonus-programme-vouchers-handed-out

None of these 'prizes' from Manufacturers are from the goodness of their heart. They get something too. In this case hoping for more sales of their Cars by teams/drivers seeing a chance to win discounts. Citroen Ireland have a similar scheme for Citroen Rally2 drivers, in that case bringing extra publicity to the brand by there being more Citroens on the events.

[Jarek Z]

Ford Fiesta Rally 2 can still win rallies.

Estonian Romet Jurgensson wins the second round of British championship, Kielder Carlisle Stages 2025:
https://www.ewrc-results.com/final/93300-kielder-carlisle-stages-2025/
https://www.ewrc-results.com/image/957234/

Just 2 weeks ago young Estonian was the hero of the day. But life is full of ups and downs. On Canary Islands he crashed on the very first stage:
https://www.ewrc-results.com/media/90019-rally-islas-canarias-rally-of-spain-2025/4530/