Hyundai i20 WRC

[litifeta]

Should be pretty clear to people by now that this is about building brand awareness and selling cars.

[Eli]

come on, show the i20 WRC allready....i don't remember last year's VW presntation being so boring...

[Kalm]

VW didnt have to deal with introduceing their brand in Europe...

[Eli]

true,true...now they will announce the drivers....

[litifeta]

the theatrics are really bad.

[litifeta]

had to post this twitter comment from the webcast

Carlos Fraile 50% budget of Hyundai motorsport is for hairsparay for this guy

[leighton323]

Shell Sponsorship for 2014!!

[MartijnS]

Nice news, big name!

[Francis44]

wow looks really good.

[Juha_Koo]

Fantastic design! :)

[Eli]

nice Chris Atkinson is in the mix, but they messed up the livery!!!

[MartijnS]

I really like the livery!

[makinen_fan]

Colour scheme looks horrible to me. Trying to be something like the classic 'Gulf' livery

[AndyRAC]

Surprised to see Shell, I was expecting Castrol Edge....

Looks good, wish them luck!!

[Allyc85]

Well thats eye catching!

[noel157]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BbHl32hCEAEENia.jpg

[focus206]

original livery, that kind of light blue and orange... not like it very much though :\
But it's probable M-Sport will win the award for worst livery of the year again :D

[Eli]

nice to see they are using all of their test drivers as part of their driver line-up for next year

[Eli]

a part from bouffier actually

[noel157]

Yes, disappointed not to see Bouffier there.

Shell taking a lot of space...:

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BbHmRQ1IAAACwR_.jpg

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

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BbHoHVDCEAAV2mt.jpg

[Eli]

they should have gone for darker blue or just black alongside the yellow, would have looked much better...

[Andre Oliveira]

https://www.facebook.com/PLANETEMARCUS/ ... 56600733:0 (https://www.facebook.com/PLANETEMARCUS/posts/10152055856600733:0)

[N.O.T]

very nice livery... all the best to the team and drivers.

[RS]

What does the big "N" on the bonnet stand for?

[Mirek]

they should have gone for darker blue or just black alongside the yellow, would have looked much better...

Black is nonsense and dark blue isn't much better. It only raises car inner temperature...

[jarredw]

It sounds like Chris will just be doing Australia in 2014. Makes sense for Hyundai Australia...

"Awesome news to announce Stefan and I will be joining the Shell Hyundai Motorsport WRC (Hyundai Shell World Rally Team) team and competing on my home event Coates Hire Rally Australia in 2014!"

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid ... =1&theater (https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=608025045940673&set=a.133961413347041.32600.122684831141366&type=1&theater)

[dimviii]

nice livery,wish them good luck.
wouldn t choose Atko though.

[WUff1]

So what about Bouffier? Dropped from Hyundai? Other plans/contract?

[makinen_fan]

So what about Bouffier? Dropped from Hyundai? Other plans/contract?

According to Colin Clark he was there at the presentation though! Not clear if he may be involved in the project or was just an invitation because he worked for the team for 2013. Maybe he will still do some test driving?

[dimviii]

https://scontent-a-ams.xx.fbcdn.net/hph ... 8958_n.jpg (https://scontent-a-ams.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-frc3/q71/s720x720/1483001_566111523468907_1512178958_n.jpg)

[RS]

Just Oz for Chris plus some testing is not too bad, doesn't dilute the lineup too much.

[dimviii]

What does the big "N" on the bonnet stand for?

probably Namyang(r&d centre)

[Andre Oliveira]

What does the big "N" on the bonnet stand for?

probably Namyang(r&d centre)

Yes it is.

[Eli]

it is a nice livery, but don't forget the livery it had back in Geneva Motor Show, it was better looking, although the black colour does make it warmer inside the car.
and why are their uniforms aren't matching the livery?

[WUff1]

Just Oz for Chris plus some testing is not too bad, doesn't dilute the lineup too much.

Oz and Mexico.

And Sordo wants to do gravel rallies too ... Curious how much starts Hänninen will really get then!

I think when Sordo came Bouffier had to go - otherwise they would have let Bouffier do some tarmac rallies. Sorry for him, think this was one of his last chances.

Bouffier´s co-driver Xavier Panseri seems really dissapointed on his facebook account, he said that there were also thoughts about Citroen.

[COD]

I wonder why Huyndai name is not more visible in the car?

Oz and Mexico for Atkinson seem reasonable, but why would they give Sordo any gravel events? Was there any gravel this year where he was at all competitive?

[er88]

I wonder why Huyndai name is not more visible in the car?

Oz and Mexico for Atkinson seem reasonable, but why would they give Sordo any gravel events? Was there any gravel this year where he was at all competitive?

Agree, sordo for any gravel events is a shocking decision :mad:

[EightGear]

I wonder why Huyndai name is not more visible in the car?

Oz and Mexico for Atkinson seem reasonable, but why would they give Sordo any gravel events? Was there any gravel this year where he was at all competitive?

He was fighting for the lead in Portugal but crashed.

[Allar]

I wonder why Huyndai name is not more visible in the car?

Oz and Mexico for Atkinson seem reasonable, but why would they give Sordo any gravel events? Was there any gravel this year where he was at all competitive?
2th in Agropolis, 4th in Italia and Mexico. He is good for earning points.

Anyone know if this list was only events where they can score manufacture points for Huyndai and they will do more events for their drivers champ or not?

[Mirek]

What does the big "N" on the bonnet stand for?

probably Namyang(r&d centre)

I heard the N Performance shall be a new naming for Huyndai Motorsport stock cars like the M with BMW. There can be of course a relevance to the Namyang too. Anyway I don't know if it is true.

[dimviii]

http://translate.google.fr/translate?hl ... &sandbox=1 (http://translate.google.fr/translate?hl=fr&sl=de&tl=cs&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.rallye-magazin.de%2Frallyes%2Fwm%2Fnachrichten%2Fnews-detail%2Fd%2F2013%2F12%2F10%2Fhyundai-praesentiert-wm-team%2Findex.html&sandbox=1)

[dimviii]

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set ... 429&type=1 (https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.627259133982296.1073741828.113087855399429&type=1)

[litifeta]

Atko is an excellent choice. Manufacturer points guaranteed.

[N.O.T]

Atko is an excellent choice. Manufacturer points guaranteed.

LOOOOOOOL

[makinen_fan]

Interviews by Colin Clark:
http://www.wrc.com/fanzone/podcasts/

Juho is a legend! @ 1:00

[sollitt]

Great presentation, fantastic looking car, competent driver line up. I think many of you will be very surprised how competitive this team will be next season.

[N.O.T]

Great presentation, fantastic looking car, competent driver line up. I think many of you will be very surprised how competitive this team will be next season.

if they manage to be on par with the fords and the citroens then it will be a good start.

[RS]

So it sounds as if 2014 will be like an audition for the second drivers for a full time seat in 2015.

[litifeta]

Sport gets a little boring with these continual understatements. I remember VW saying something similar about their expectations for 2013. Man up and say you want to win.

[pino]

Great presentation, fantastic looking car, competent driver line up. I think many of you will be very surprised how competitive this team will be next season.

I agree, and I wish them all the best, but I want to see them in real action, and compare them with WV, Citroen, and Ford, before start dreaming...

[Andre Oliveira]

So, autosport.pt wrote:

Sordo: Monte Carlo, France, Germany, Spain, Portugal and Argentina

Hänninen share with Atkinson the others.

[Andre Oliveira]

My guess:

Monte Carlo: Neuville - Sordo
Sweden: Neuville - Hänninen
Mexico: Neuville - Atkinson
Portugal: Neuville - Sordo
Argentina: Neuville - Sordo
Italy: Neuville - Atkinson
Poland: Neuville - Hänninen
Finland: Neuville - Hänninen
Germny: Neuville - Sordo
Australia: Neuville - Atkinson
France: Neuville - Sordo
Spain: Neuville - Sordo
Wales: Neuville - Hänninen

Neuville: 13
Sordo: 6
Hänninen: 4
Atkinson: 3

[jacko]

So, autosport.pt wrote:

Sordo: Monte Carlo, France, Germany, Spain, Portugal and Argentina

Hänninen share with Atkinson the others.

They can write what they want because they had to write something. But it's just a guess. Fact is that Hyundai already had talked about the possibility to bring even three cars to the rally's in the second part of the season. And why not ? That will be a complete new situation. My guess ?
Monte Carlo: Neuville - Sordo
Sweden: Neuville - Hänninen
Mexico: Neuville - Atkinson
Portugal: Neuville - Sordo
Argentina: Neuville - Sordo
Italy: Neuville - Hänninen
Poland: Neuville - Hänninen
Finland: Neuville - Hänninen
Germany: Neuville - Sordo - Hänninen
Australia: Neuville - Hänninen - Atkinson
France: Neuville - Sordo - Hänninen
Spain: Neuville - Sordo - Hänninen
Wales: Neuville - Hänninen - Atkinson or Abbring :)

[Andre Oliveira]

Maybe Magic Marcus at Finland :colour:

[Andre Oliveira]

http://youtu.be/szPsFcgTUx8

[Mintexmemory]

So, autosport.pt wrote:

Sordo: Monte Carlo, France, Germany, Spain, Portugal and Argentina

Hänninen share with Atkinson the others.

They can write what they want because they had to write something. But it's just a guess. Fact is that Hyundai already had talked about the possibility to bring even three cars to the rally's in the second part of the season. And why not ? That will be a complete new situation. My guess ?
Monte Carlo: Neuville - Sordo
Sweden: Neuville - Hänninen
Mexico: Neuville - Atkinson
Portugal: Neuville - Sordo
Argentina: Neuville - Sordo
Italy: Neuville - Hänninen
Poland: Neuville - Hänninen
Finland: Neuville - Hänninen
Germany: Neuville - Sordo - Hänninen
Australia: Neuville - Hänninen - Atkinson
France: Neuville - Sordo - Hänninen
Spain: Neuville - Sordo - Hänninen
Wales: Neuville - Hänninen - Atkinson or Abbring :)

Abbring is a Peugeot-contracted driver for ERC in 2014. I suspect the small print in his contract will prevent him driving WRC for a different manufacturer.

[GigiGalliNo1]

Sport gets a little boring with these continual understatements. I remember VW saying something similar about their expectations for 2013. Man up and say you want to win.

Yeh. You want them to say "We will win. We will win the title" etc and then you'll make fun of them at the end and come back saying they were clowns to say that they will win where in fact they're being honest with the public and sponsors! VW, really - they could have NOT won in 2013!

[Mirek]

Some people forget that VW had one year in the circus before they came winning. They had cars built by other team to test themselves with and to gain experience from. Hyundai starts from true zero. It would be miracle if they would be able to win little more than half a year after the team was established...

[stefanvv]

VW had and understatements, I didn't believe them. But now beleive Hyundai's

[mousti]

Great graphic! :D

https://scontent-a-ams.xx.fbcdn.net/hph ... 7870_n.jpg (https://scontent-a-ams.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn2/1484725_613653805367173_1459527870_n.jpg)

[HaCo]

Great graphic! :D

https://scontent-a-ams.xx.fbcdn.net/hph ... 7870_n.jpg (https://scontent-a-ams.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn2/1484725_613653805367173_1459527870_n.jpg)

:bounce: Funny!

[litifeta]

Sport gets a little boring with these continual understatements. I remember VW saying something similar about their expectations for 2013. Man up and say you want to win.

Yeh. You want them to say "We will win. We will win the title" etc and then you'll make fun of them at the end and come back saying they were clowns to say that they will win where in fact they're being honest with the public and sponsors! VW, really - they could have NOT won in 2013!


that is simply nonsense. Sports bosses now adjust their messaging to cater for people with personality and behaviour disorders who DO say what you replied. The majority of people have cognitive reasoning who can cater for disappointment. I prefer the truth. We are in this to win. And when they stuff up, they admit it, or say they intend to try harder or be smarter next time.

Really, the news was all over the place about how good the VW was going to be. I still find it odd that Loeb retired with 9 championships and not ten.

[bluuford]

Great graphic! :D

https://scontent-a-ams.xx.fbcdn.net/hph ... 7870_n.jpg (https://scontent-a-ams.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn2/1484725_613653805367173_1459527870_n.jpg)
3 GoPros destroyed:-)

[rage82]

Sordo said in his interview with Colin that he want's to drive in Portugal and Argentina but nothing more! Personally I prefer him to drive only the tarmac rounds and see Juho to drive the gravel rallies.

[Andre Oliveira]

At Portugal he did very well and Santander is portuguese too;) Argentina is hispanic, so, to me sounds good.

[mousti]

Video footage from the tests in France (Bouffier), Finland (Hanninen), Spain (Atkinson) and Lapland (Neuville).

U see some improvement of the performance + some changes like the rear spoiler.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GuxizacCCtU

[pantealex]

Lapland = Vanttauskoski,Rovaniemi,Finland (snow test)

[hanshyundaii]

Hyundai is one of two leading car manufacturers in India.Its latest addition Grand i10 is talk of the town.Hyundai is making first competitive appearance at the 2014 Rallye Monte Carlo and we are very much sure it will be a success.

Hyundai i20 price in Delhi

[Rallyper]

Video footage from the tests in France (Bouffier), Finland (Hanninen), Spain (Atkinson) and Lapland (Neuville).

U see some improvement of the performance + some changes like the rear spoiler.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GuxizacCCtU

The car sounds really good and performs visually the same as Fords, Citroens and VW´s. Will be very interesting 2014 no matter Nandan plays down their goals...

[makinen_fan]

Toyota Motorsport is developing a rally version of the GT86 sports car that will be eligible to compete in the World Rally Championship. The car, known as the TMG GT86 CS-R3, will be built to R3 regulations, with a 2000cc boxer engine, rear-wheel drive and a six-speed sequential gearbox.
Toyota Dealers in Delhi ncr (http://www.galaxytoyota.in)

What does this have to do with Hyundai???


Quite so, post deleted as not relevant and old news anyway - MM (mod)

[dimviii]

Neuville testing for Monte.Much better look at plain white.
https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/1472833_628039957257441_1940279775_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn2/1471158_628041630590607_944826019_n.jpg

[jbmarcus21]

long [VIDEO] ... Neuville prepares Monte Carlo 14
http://bit.ly/1ejopue

[adr17]

as you guys on this forum can normally tell by the noise

what horsepower each wrc car has , size of wastegate and als map it was

fiesta 75bhp
citroen 375bhp
VW 490bhp :eek:

before the m-sport haters make suggestion of the hyundai having 507 bhp :D

remember its a pipo designed global engine as in the fiesta ; )

and hyundai borrowed a fiesta off a Austrian rally team for 6 months and took it to korea for some reason :laugh:

xtrac box and reigers

[EightGear]

long [VIDEO] ... Neuville prepares Monte Carlo 14
http://bit.ly/1ejopue

That certainly looks fast..

[A FONDO]

big images available for posting already? :bounce:

or dimvi is a hacker undercover :D

[Rallyper]

Looks fast yes, and sounds like Fiesta. Not at all like the Polo, which has a turbo sound more like a truck...

[Andre Oliveira]

long [VIDEO] ... Neuville prepares Monte Carlo 14
http://bit.ly/1ejopue

Minute 0:15 :vader:

[danon]

as you guys on this forum can normally tell by the noise

what horsepower each wrc car has...
from 2014 on, donkey power is what counts

[Mirek]

as you guys on this forum can normally tell by the noise

what horsepower each wrc car has , size of wastegate and als map it was

fiesta 75bhp
citroen 375bhp
VW 490bhp :eek:

before the m-sport haters make suggestion of the hyundai having 507 bhp :D

remember its a pipo designed global engine as in the fiesta ; )

and hyundai borrowed a fiesta off a Austrian rally team for 6 months and took it to korea for some reason :laugh:

xtrac box and reigers

What? Such numbers are pure bollocks.

[adr17]

as you guys on this forum can normally tell by the noise

what horsepower each wrc car has , size of wastegate and als map it was

fiesta 75bhp
citroen 375bhp
VW 490bhp :eek:

before the m-sport haters make suggestion of the hyundai having 507 bhp :D

remember its a pipo designed global engine as in the fiesta ; )

and hyundai borrowed a fiesta off a Austrian rally team for 6 months and took it to korea for some reason :laugh:

xtrac box and reigers

What? Such numbers are pure bollocks.

no sh1t , sherlock

[harpreetfordd]

The new hyundai wrc 2014 powered by 1.6-liter four-cylinder engines is ready to do its debut with minimum weight 1,350 kilograms.
http://www.motorauthority.com/news/1089016_2014-hyundai-i20-wrc-revealed

Ford Showrooms in Delhi

[jbmarcus21]

Hyundai targets Monte event now with Test in France this week
full story with PHOTOS & VIDEOS here => http://planetemarcus.com/objectif-monte ... otorsport/ (http://planetemarcus.com/objectif-monte-carlo-pour-hyundai-motorsport/)

http://img594.imageshack.us/img594/4108/2sqi.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/594/2sqi.jpg/)

[Mirek]

These videos certainly look promising - at least for spectacle :)

[jbmarcus21]

new video with interview

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DXpyQ0QxA6M

[Andre Oliveira]

3:13 :eek:

When Sordo will test?

[Kielder]

3:13 :eek:

When Sordo will test?

He will test this week for three days.

[Andre Oliveira]

Want see other driver with i20 again. To know, if the difference are on the car or on the "piece behind the wheel" :D

[SubaruNorway]

Did anyone see what Chrstian Lorioux posted about Hyundai on FB yesterday? It was some explosive stuff i think Colin Clark described it as…

[Roy]

Did anyone see what Chrstian Lorioux posted about Hyundai on FB yesterday? It was some explosive stuff i think Colin Clark described it as…

I read the post of Colin, but he delete it after some reactions that Christan has not an active facebook-account.

I think Colin didn't read it by himself and he picks a false rumor.

[EightGear]

What was it?

[dimviii]

come on guys what was it? :confused:

[Roy]

It was nothing. Colin says something as this: "Do you read Loriaux facebook. It is explosive stuff. What do you think?" That was it. Nothing more, nothing less. The post is delete after some reactions about the account of Christian.

[SubaruNorway]

Of course there's nothing if we don't know what Lorioux wrote…

[Roy]

Of course there's nothing if we don't know what Lorioux wrote…

Question is not what he wrote, but wrote he something...

[Andre Oliveira]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BcG54m8CQAASIn_.jpg
https://twitter.com/ChristianWRC1/statu ... 48/photo/1 (https://twitter.com/ChristianWRC1/status/414817022950658048/photo/1)

[HaCo]

Who was the driver?

[stefanvv]

Who was the driver?
Looks like Sordo

[Andre Oliveira]

Yes, it was Dani Sordo ;)

[RICARDO75]

wtf
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ODxQcdwJcwI&feature=em-uploademail

[noel157]

wtf
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ODxQcdwJcwI&feature=em-uploademail

What rally was that? Don't recognise the stages.....:)

[stefanvv]

wtf
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ODxQcdwJcwI&feature=em-uploademail

What rally was that? Don't recognise the stages.....:)
I think there was some part in New Zealand where "The Hobbit" was filmed :D

[mousti]

I like the mirrors but for the rest it's more something for Ken Block than for a serious WRT with Neuville as their first pilot. 3D images looks bad anyways..

[Juha_Koo]

wtf
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ODxQcdwJcwI&feature=em-uploademail

Amazing jump at 00:41! :eek:

( :D )

[N.O.T]

wtf
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ODxQcdwJcwI&feature=em-uploademail

stupid video... it belongs with that useless garbage Block does now and then... pffft.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

wtf
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ODxQcdwJcwI&feature=em-uploademail

stupid video... it belongs with that useless garbage Block does now and then... pffft.

Do you ever say anything positive about anything or anyone ever ??

Just a bit of video game fun for the kids in the Far East probably.. chill out FFS.

[N.O.T]

I just think that it is a stupid way to promote your professional team by using CGI and video game culture antics...

The ad looks like something an amateur team would do to promote its WRC effort, not a multimillion dollar giant like hyundai...

[danon]

... Just a bit of video game fun for the kids in the Far East probably.. chill out FFS.

What's the video game fun for kids Far West?

[Rallyper]

I just think that it is a stupid way to promote your professional team by using CGI and video game culture antics...

The ad looks like something an amateur team would do to promote its WRC effort, not a multimillion dollar giant like hyundai...

Well, I kind of agree with N.O.T. on this.

[GigiGalliNo1]

I just think that it is a stupid way to promote your professional team by using CGI and video game culture antics...

The ad looks like something an amateur team would do to promote its WRC effort, not a multimillion dollar giant like hyundai...

Well, I kind of agree with N.O.T. on this.

It's a silly advert - and not done very well. No Hyundai.. No! :confused:

[jonlint]

This video is a reflection of the times. The days of realistic games like Colin McRae Rally and such have given way to the Dirt Gymkana s%^t and Need For Speed crazy stuff. It is what the masses want and what Hyundai are appealing to. Blame the masses, not Hyundai!

[Franky]

The days of realistic games like Colin McRae Rally and such ...

Sorry, but Colin McRae series has never been realistic. The closest so far has been Richard Burns Rally but even that has downsides.

[jonlint]

By realistic, I mean cars that are part of the championship, proper length stages, stages that are not just loops or variants of the same piece of road like Dirt, etc. It seems the masses think Dirt and Need for Speed is their reality now!

[KiwiWRCfan]

An interview (in Spanish) by Nacho Villarin with Dani Sordo has just been published http://www.revistascratch.com/wrc/notic ... roen-16375 (http://www.revistascratch.com/wrc/noticia/sordo-el-hyundai-aun-no-es-ni-un-volkswagen-ni-un-citroen-16375)
It provides some of Dani's thoughts on strengths & weaknesses of the i20.

[Prisoner Monkeys]

I would love to hear Sordo's thoughts.

Unfortunately, I can neither speak nor read Spanish.

Would it be too much to ask for people to provide a link to a translated version of what they post, or at least summarise its contents?

[ThomasS]

You can pop the url into google translate, easy

http://translate.google.com/translate?s ... roen-16375 (http://translate.google.com/translate?sl=auto&tl=en&js=n&prev=_t&hl=en&ie=UTF-8&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.revistascratch.com%2Fwrc%2Fnoti cia%2Fsordo-el-hyundai-aun-no-es-ni-un-volkswagen-ni-un-citroen-16375)

[lewalcindor]

By realistic, I mean cars that are part of the championship, proper length stages, stages that are not just loops or variants of the same piece of road like Dirt, etc. It seems the masses think Dirt and Need for Speed is their reality now!

I agree. If you ask people who aren't fans or familiar with rallies about them, I would bet that most would say that they're about fast 4WD cars/trucks racing and drifting through dirt. I mean, look no further than the title of that game - "Dirt".

One example of this ignorance and misconception of rallies is in an argument I was having on another forum. The person I was arguing with claimed that the Ferrari 288 GTO was never built for the WRC in mind because "mid engine/RWD vs. AWD everything else would have been laughable". I countered that, besides the fact that the engine displacement to weight ratio and total number of 288 GTOs manufacture was very close to the Group B homologation requirements, the Lancia 037 already existed as a mid-engine/RWD car that took the 1983 WRC manufacturer's title and had won several rallies. The point is that this person believed that rally cars needed AWD because they raced exclusively on dirt and other loose surfaces, whereas the 037 typically won tarmac-heavy rallies because its drivers dealt with less understeer than the drivers of the mighty Quattros did, and as such didn't have to fight their cars as much.

As to your other point, I'm not sure if we can define what "proper" is anymore. The reality of rallies has changed since the 1980's, and not just because of less power compared with the peak Group B days. The Special Stage Rallies back then seemed to mimic the traditional rallies in that they were true endurance events lasting 10 or more hours over the course of 3-5 days. They also typically had over 40 special stages. By contrast, WRC rallies nowadays seem to slot in around 3-5 hours typically with maybe ~20 special stages (including those short super special stages meant to please crowds in cities), but typically over the same 3-5 days.

And though you mention "loops or variants of the same piece of road", it's actually not that much different for many rallies in the WRC. Admittedly, I'm just a novice in learning about and watching the modern WRC, but it still shocked me a bit that many of the special stages were just repeats of previous stages. During one day of competition, the organizers would typically run 4 special stages in the morning (one of them being a short super special stage)...and then run the exact same special stages in the afternoon. Those 8 stages that day would really be just 4 stages run twice in the exact same direction, not even in reverse!

It seems like what's "proper" nowadays is an emphasis on having rallies be a relatively short series of all-out sprints, whereas the 1980's WRC seemed to emphasize not just the sprints that the special stages represented, but the endurance aspect of traditional rallies as well. Whatever the reason for this change in the spirit of rallies (I suspect driver/co-driver safety by reducing fatigue plays a part here), it is what it is.

[Rallyper]

But still - Dirt doesn´t content 20 different stages no matter what on tarmac or gravel which are 350 K´s... Dirt is still a roundabout game for computer youngsters... :p

[Prisoner Monkeys]

The problems with the DIRT franchise are endemic to the entire video game industry. It costs millions of dollars to develop these games, and so studios will naturally have to make millions of dollars in sales just to cover their costs and break even before they can even think about making a profit. So Codemasters were forced to go as broad in their appeal as possible so as to try and attract as many potential customers as they could. That got them the biggest budget. On the other hand, a hardcore rally simulator would be something of a niche (I'm a dedicated rally fan, but only as casual gamer, and when I do play, I prefer the likes of Assassin's Creed to racing games), which makes it harder to turn a profit, and so gets them a smaller budget. And for a studio that is as small as Codemasters, one loss-making game could kill the entire studio.

[Rallyper]

I really miss a Richard Burns update WRC 2013.... :bounce:

[lewalcindor]

IMO, the only remotely feasible way for a studio to release a true WRC simulation game is piece-by-piece. In this model, a studio would sell you the base game for the price a regular game, and then sell you each rally as individual downloadable content (DLC) until you buy them all to complete a whole season. I would imagine the DLC rallies would probably be priced higher than the typical DLC add-ons to games because each of them are going to be in unique settings, and not just set in the same setting as the original game (like in the Grand Theft Auto games).

That said , there's a reason why I call this idea "remotely feasible". As Prisoner Monkeys stated, a true rally simulator game would simply be too niche for normal market to bear. Instead, I would imagine something akin to what's happening with RBR nowadays, but with a modern graphics engine. Basically, it will be up to a dedicated gaming community (mostly scattered around in Europe) to create most of the special stages for the rallies from scratch. Of course, no matter how dedicated they are, nobody will go out of their way o create a full season of full rallies for what amounts to little to no compensation.

[Prisoner Monkeys]

That's always been Codemasters' problem - they don't support the modding community. I get that studios aren't keen on gamers modifying their product, but Codemasters go out of their way to discourage it by coding those barriers into the product.

For me, the thing that killed Dirt 3 was the lack of variety in the stages. I did not mind the handling, but it felt like a bit of a rip-off when most of the events ran over the same pieces of the road - especially when Colin McRae Rally 2.0 had over eighty individual stages. Sure, some were run in reverse, but they were long enough and challenging enough that they felt original.

If it's really such an issue for Codemasters, all they have to do is make a hardcore option for dedicated gamers along with the more arcade-style handling, and then release a stage designer as DLC. The scenery might be generic, but it's the challenge of the design that matters. Perhaps there could be some way of submitting designs to Codemasters, which they could render properly, bundle them together and release them as DLC packages.

[lewalcindor]

Though I've never played any of the Dirt games, I suspect that Codemasters have already decided what direction they want to go with this series. As I said before, there it is in the title - "Dirt". With a title like that, do any of us honestly believe that they're going to throw even the tiniest bone to true rally enthusiasts?

For this generation of young gamers, "rally" is all about drifting, driving through and throwing around dirt, those Ken Block Gymkhana videos on youtube, etc. This is especially true in the U.S., which is definitely the market Codemasters was looking to attract when it decided to change the game from "Colin McRae Rally" to "Dirt". The rally presence in the U.S. is essentially nil. And for many who do have an inkling of the term "rally", it's due in large part to the X-Games. Whereas in Europe and elsewhere in the world, rallies are seen as they are presented in the WRC and other rally championships, here in the U.S., rally racing is seen as a ToTaLLY EXTReMe SPoRT practiced by guys like Ken Block, Travis Pastrana, and other drivers who chug copious amounts of Monster energy drink.

The fact that it's an X-Games event means that winning and fast times are essentially meaningless because, well, who the hell even remembers the winners from any of the X-Games (besides maybe Shaun White, who seems to win every time at whatever event he's doing)? For fans of the X-Games, it's all about the spectacle (and chugging energy drinks), not the results. The same goes for the Dirt game series vs. what actual WRC rallies represent. For most American gamers who play Dirt, winning isn't about setting the fastest times or winning a championship, but rather bragging to your bro after you beat him by sending his car into the guardrail on the last turn.

[Prisoner Monkeys]

They did release Dirt Showdown, which was made up mostly of the non-rally events like Gymkhana, and added in demolition derbies and so on. It appeared to be an attempt to bundle all of those game modes together and launch them as a spin-off franchise. The game appears to have been a critical and commercial failure, but I suspect it was an experiment to try and separate them out and explore the possibility of making Dirt 4 a rally-only game (possibly with Rallycross and Trailblazer events attached).

[306 Cosworth]

Meanwhile, it's less than 2 weeks until the cars competition debut. I can't wait to see the i20 in the flesh!

[lewalcindor]

Meanwhile, it's less than 2 weeks until the cars competition debut. I can't wait to see the i20 in the flesh!

I'm curious to see how well it can perform with such a short testing period (especially by its number one driver).

It did seem that VW team took a rather "German" route* with how it developed the Polo WRC, since they didn't bring it to competition until they deemed it ready to match the other WRC cars. By contrast, the Hyundai team seems to be taking a "Korean" route with the i20 WRC by throwing it immediately into competition (even if it's still somewhat half-baked) and continuing to develop it as the season progresses. It's a route that Hyundai has taken with their normal cars, so it comes as no surprise to me that they would do this with their WRC cars as well.


* Perhaps it's also a "Japanese" route to development, since Toyota Team Europe (by orders from Toyota Japan) had shrouded the development and technical details of the ST165 Celica in secrecy, and kept it from competing too much before they deemed it ready to take down the dominant Lancia Delta Integrales. It was all about "keeping face" and "not bringing shame" to the parent company in Japan.

With that in mind, is it any wonder that Japan and Germany were allies in WWII, and that it's been said that the only people in the world who wouldn't dare walk across a deserted intersection in the middle of a night if they didn't have the green light signal are the citizens brought up in the respective cultures of both countries?

[ThomasS]

Meanwhile, it's less than 2 weeks until the cars competition debut. I can't wait to see the i20 in the flesh!

I'm curious to see how well it can perform with such a short testing period (especially by its number one driver).

It did seem that VW team took a rather "German" route* with how it developed the Polo WRC, since they didn't bring it to competition until they deemed it ready to match the other WRC cars. By contrast, the Hyundai team seems to be taking a "Korean" route with the i20 WRC by throwing it immediately into competition (even if it's still somewhat half-baked) and continuing to develop it as the season progresses. It's a route that Hyundai has taken with their normal cars, so it comes as no surprise to me that they would do this with their WRC cars as well.


* Perhaps it's also a "Japanese" route to development, since Toyota Team Europe (by orders from Toyota Japan) had shrouded the development and technical details of the ST165 Celica in secrecy, and kept it from competing too much before they deemed it ready to take down the dominant Lancia Delta Integrales. It was all about "keeping face" and "not bringing shame" to the parent company in Japan.

With that in mind, is it any wonder that Japan and Germany were allies in WWII, and that it's been said that the only people in the world who wouldn't dare walk across a deserted intersection in the middle of a night if they didn't have the green light signal are the citizens brought up in the respective cultures of both countries?

I can't believe I'm reading this bollocks... Is it any wonder people still think like this.

[Mintexmemory]

@ThomasS - I think you meant 'It is a wonder that people still think like this' conveying your incredulity.
As it stands your statement says they've got justification for such outdated views ;)

But hey, when 70% of people polled in France see nothing wrong with reverse 'heil' salutes (quenelle) then it's clear most people learn nothing from history :rolleyes:

[N.O.T]

Meanwhile, it's less than 2 weeks until the cars competition debut. I can't wait to see the i20 in the flesh!

I'm curious to see how well it can perform with such a short testing period (especially by its number one driver).

It did seem that VW team took a rather "German" route* with how it developed the Polo WRC, since they didn't bring it to competition until they deemed it ready to match the other WRC cars. By contrast, the Hyundai team seems to be taking a "Korean" route with the i20 WRC by throwing it immediately into competition (even if it's still somewhat half-baked) and continuing to develop it as the season progresses. It's a route that Hyundai has taken with their normal cars, so it comes as no surprise to me that they would do this with their WRC cars as well.


* Perhaps it's also a "Japanese" route to development, since Toyota Team Europe (by orders from Toyota Japan) had shrouded the development and technical details of the ST165 Celica in secrecy, and kept it from competing too much before they deemed it ready to take down the dominant Lancia Delta Integrales. It was all about "keeping face" and "not bringing shame" to the parent company in Japan.

With that in mind, is it any wonder that Japan and Germany were allies in WWII, and that it's been said that the only people in the world who wouldn't dare walk across a deserted intersection in the middle of a night if they didn't have the green light signal are the citizens brought up in the respective cultures of both countries?

another "special" one... oh well...

[Mad cat jnr]

I am concerend that they will end up like Suzuki, struggling as the car isnt fully developed and then pulling out as they arent getting the results they wanted...I really hope not though as they have a very good driver line up and adding a new spice to the WRC!

[lewalcindor]

If you want to agree that today's modern world and globalized economy means that every country and culture is the same and that we're all no different from one another, then by all means, go ahead and believe that. But if you look at history (as some of you put it), then you can see that the Japanese and Korean do indeed go through different routes when it comes to releasing their cars to the general market or their racing cars through FIA racing series (which is scant, outside of the Accent WRC from a decade ago and whatever Rhys Millen does).

For example, look at the history of Honda in the U.S. Early American workers at Honda have stated that the first thing they did when they joined the company was not to build motorcycles from scratch, but to continuously disassemble and reassemble an already-built Japanese-built Honda motorcycle to learn the intricacies of the design, build, and quality behind Honda products. By contrast, Hyundai released its Excel to the U.S. in the 1980's by immediately chasing after the big dogs, having the gall to go after BMW with a sub $6k car in its commercials despite the fact that the Excel was one of the worst cars at that time. By contrast, American consumers started to move in large numbers towards Japanese cars during the 1970's gas prices because the comparable Japanese compact was so much more reliable and better than the comparable American compact.

And can we not agree that Hyundai remained in the marketplace despite the Excel, and continued to slowly and steadily improve its products in that marketplace instead of "saving face" by pulling all of their products and properly developing them behind closed doors before releasing them? Even nowadays, automotive journalists agree that while Hyundai and Kia products have come a long way since the Excel and Sephia days, they still lack some of the refinement of their Japanese competitors (mainly in steering feel and effort, structural stiffness, and suspension refinement and sophistication, the latter of which the i20 WRC may finally help to address).

So perhaps we can acknowledge that there are some differences between cultures which pertain to the manufacturers brought up in the respective cultures instead of immediately jumping on our high horses playing PC police here, no?

[N.O.T]

LOL...

[RS]

It did seem that VW team took a rather "German" route* with how it developed the Polo WRC, since they didn't bring it to competition until they deemed it ready to match the other WRC cars. By contrast, the Hyundai team seems to be taking a "Korean" route with the i20 WRC by throwing it immediately into competition (even if it's still somewhat half-baked) and continuing to develop it as the season progresses.

Maybe we should think of this year for Hyundai like VW's year with the Fabia.. learning some stuff about how to run a rally team, developing the car in background. Afterall they will have a brand new car next year so this one doesn't matter too much.

[ThomasS]

@lewalcindor

Dude , linking cultural practices in manufacturing with why the Germans and Japanese were allies in the war is going to open you up to mockery and derision. It was a dumb comment. Don't try and justify it , best to leave it be and move on while your ahead. At any rate its completely off topic.

[lewalcindor]

Maybe we should think of this year for Hyundai like VW's year with the Fabia.. learning some stuff about how to run a rally team, developing the car in background. Afterall they will have a brand new car next year so this one doesn't matter too much.

The only differences, I suppose, is that Hyundai is actually putting their name on their development car (though it's not like they have any subsidiary brands that they can use, unless you count Kia), and that the i20 is going to be built to the full WRC formula specs rather than the S2000 formula specs that the Fabia did (and still does).


@lewalcindor

Dude , linking cultural practices in manufacturing with why the Germans and Japanese were allies in the war is going to open you up to mockery and derision. It was a dumb comment. Don't try and justify it , best to leave it be and move on while your ahead. At any rate its completely off topic.

I admit it was a throwaway comment that I'm not completely serious about (though I still think that there's at least a grain of truth behind it - it's not like they just became allies for no reason, right?). The problem is that you linked my entire post and called it "bollocks" rather than just referring to that statement, so I took it upon myself to say what I had to say in my following post.

I apologize for it, but next time, call me out on specific statements instead of calling my entire post bullshit.

[ThomasS]

I would love to see your references for "keeping face " and " not bringing shame". Where did you get that from ?

[stefanvv]

Maybe we should think of this year for Hyundai like VW's year with the Fabia.. learning some stuff about how to run a rally team, developing the car in background. Afterall they will have a brand new car next year so this one doesn't matter too much.
Absolutely. I think this year's result's won't matter much for them, they'll count on Neuville's ambition to get some, if he will be capable of course, but mostly it'll be tesing and development I believe.

[lewalcindor]

I would love to see your references for "keeping face " and " not bringing shame". Where did you get that from ?

Graham Robson's book on the Celica GT-Four from his "Rally Giants" series. You could literally buy it for less than a dollar (it goes closer to $5 US when you add shipping, but it's still a great deal. You almost can't not buy it for that price, and I highly recommend it.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1845841840/ref=cm_cr_ryp_prd_ttl_sol_1

So if you do have the book at hand, or when you do buy it, turn to Page 29 to see this quote for yourself:


Because the Japanese have a policy of not 'losing face' if it can be avoided, Toyota's initial approach to campaigning the four-wheel-drive Celicas was to reveal as little as possible about the cars to the media, and particularly to keep many of their problems behind closed doors.

There it is in writing, and from the pen of a very well respected racing and rally journalist. I did muck up what he actually wrote a bit, but the meaning is still there.

Look - I know in today's modern less-savage world, we like to think of ourselves as totally enlightened and completely willing to look at all cultural stereotypes as nothing more than fiction. But the problem with that thought process is that every culture IS different, and that many cultural stereotypes don't just exist for the sheer reason that some nasty individuals in the past decided one day to make them up on the spot to try to spite that culture and the people who grew up within it. Stereotypes exist because enough has been acted upon or done by the culture for others (even the culture and the people themselves) to label them with such generalizations. I'm not saying everybody from that culture fits these stereotypes, obviously.

As for the Koreans, their stereotype here is trying to beat Japan at their own game, whether it's automobiles or electronics. The origins behind this one is obvious - Japan during the first half of the 20th Century had occupied and ruled over Korea, and the Japanese essentially tried to completely quash the Korean language and culture altogether. There's no love lost between the two nations, and even if Japan doesn't necessarily see Korea as a competitor, Korea does see Japan as a competitor.

And my statement of the Koreans "putting products on the market even if they're not perfect" is borne out by Samsung. Do you see many Sony flat-panel TVs out there, or is Samsung dominating the market? Samsung didn't necessarily produce the best TVs. They simply put them out on the market even if they were somewhat flawed at first, continued to develop and improve the TVs, and let the consumers keep buying them until the name "Samsung" was synonymous with high end TVs. Meanwhile, Sony did what it had always done - they developed their flat panel TVs the "Japanese" way, and didn't put their TVs out on the market until they deemed it good enough. Of course, by that time, Samsung was already well ahead in market share.

[Rallyper]

Isn´t this post-bar-talk in an empty afterparty, 5 o clock in the morning after a wet evening? Very off topic, I would say.

[danon]

... Do you see many Sony flat-panel TVs out there, or is Samsung dominating the market? ...

share your opinion on the Colorado Beetle vs the Asian Longhorned Beetle and their impact on the Global Warming next...

[N.O.T]

I would love to see your references for "keeping face " and " not bringing shame". Where did you get that from ?

Graham Robson's book on the Celica GT-Four from his "Rally Giants" series. You could literally buy it for less than a dollar (it goes closer to $5 US when you add shipping, but it's still a great deal. You almost can't not buy it for that price, and I highly recommend it.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1845841840/ref=cm_cr_ryp_prd_ttl_sol_1

So if you do have the book at hand, or when you do buy it, turn to Page 29 to see this quote for yourself:


Because the Japanese have a policy of not 'losing face' if it can be avoided, Toyota's initial approach to campaigning the four-wheel-drive Celicas was to reveal as little as possible about the cars to the media, and particularly to keep many of their problems behind closed doors.

There it is in writing, and from the pen of a very well respected racing and rally journalist. I did muck up what he actually wrote a bit, but the meaning is still there.

Look - I know in today's modern less-savage world, we like to think of ourselves as totally enlightened and completely willing to look at all cultural stereotypes as nothing more than fiction. But the problem with that thought process is that every culture IS different, and that many cultural stereotypes don't just exist for the sheer reason that some nasty individuals in the past decided one day to make them up on the spot to try to spite that culture and the people who grew up within it. Stereotypes exist because enough has been acted upon or done by the culture for others (even the culture and the people themselves) to label them with such generalizations. I'm not saying everybody from that culture fits these stereotypes, obviously.

As for the Koreans, their stereotype here is trying to beat Japan at their own game, whether it's automobiles or electronics. The origins behind this one is obvious - Japan during the first half of the 20th Century had occupied and ruled over Korea, and the Japanese essentially tried to completely quash the Korean language and culture altogether. There's no love lost between the two nations, and even if Japan doesn't necessarily see Korea as a competitor, Korea does see Japan as a competitor.

And my statement of the Koreans "putting products on the market even if they're not perfect" is borne out by Samsung. Do you see many Sony flat-panel TVs out there, or is Samsung dominating the market? Samsung didn't necessarily produce the best TVs. They simply put them out on the market even if they were somewhat flawed at first, continued to develop and improve the TVs, and let the consumers keep buying them until the name "Samsung" was synonymous with high end TVs. Meanwhile, Sony did what it had always done - they developed their flat panel TVs the "Japanese" way, and didn't put their TVs out on the market until they deemed it good enough. Of course, by that time, Samsung was already well ahead in market share.

Are you a real person ?

[dimviii]

lololol

[Fast Eddie WRC]

In Monte-Carlo ready to be driven in anger for the first time ...

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Bdy44lICQAAteVg.jpg:large

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Bdy1AP0CAAARHfN.jpg:large

[OnlyRally]

What cars do they use for the recce?

[Mirek]

BMW 1er, probably X-drive. Photos in RMC thread I think.

[OnlyRally]

thanks!
Looks like it could be a 135i xDrive, great car! 320hp 4wd and 0-100km/h in 4,7s :facelick:

[Zeakiwi]

Samsung and Sony had a joint tv venture for a few years, so Koreans and Japanese have 'worked' together.

I think Neuville if he drives as well as he did in 2013 will 'carry' the Hyundai to a few results in 2014.

[Mirek]

thanks!
Looks like it could be a 135i xDrive, great car! 320hp 4wd and 0-100km/h in 4,7s :facelick:

Some guy wrote on our autosport.cz forum that those cars are ordinary 120d equipped with racing seats and sumpguard only! Same cars are said to be on the way to Mexico...

[mousti]

RWD cars for recce? Odd choice.

[mm1]

You can buy 120d with xDrive.

[Andre Oliveira]

First rally plates and chassis of i20 WRC are on ewrc-results.com

http://ewrc-results.com/cars.php?cid=55 ... ai-i20-WRC (http://ewrc-results.com/cars.php?cid=55&t=Hyundai-i20-WRC)

[EightGear]

Maybe from the summer onwards they will enter a 3rd car:

http://www.rallye-magazin.de/rallyes/wm ... index.html (http://www.rallye-magazin.de/rallyes/wm/nachrichten/news-detail/d/2014/01/21/hyundai-ab-fruehsommer-mit-drei-autos/index.html)

[RICARDO75]

That would be very good.

[kober]

Hyundai will tackle RMC '15 with their current car. The new one is postponed by a few (?) months.

[kober]

http://www.rallye-magazin.de/rallyes/wm ... index.html (http://www.rallye-magazin.de/rallyes/wm/nachrichten/news-detail/d/2014/01/29/modellzyklus-bringt-nachteil-fuer-hyundai/index.html)

[Andre Oliveira]

Need help.

Here (http://www.hyundaiglobalnews.com/prCenter/news/newsView.do?dID=2539) said to Monte Carlo:

Sordo:
Chassis 1 -> ALZ WR 31

Neuville:
Chassis 2 -> ALZ WR 30

Here (http://www.hyundaiglobalnews.com/prCenter/news/newsView.do?dID=2610) Said to Sweden:

Hänninen:
Chassis 1 (without plate, but as we can see on photos: ALZ WR 42)

Neuville:
Chassis 3 (without plate, but as we can see on photos: ALZ WR 43)

In other forum, someone wrote:

ChrisB » 17 Jan 2014 00:52
For who is interested: The cars in Monte Carlo are

Sordo = C001 / ALZ-WR 41
Neuville = C002 / ALZ-WR 42

My notes: Neuville's MC car can't be on Sweden because crash, so ALZ WR 42 can't be chassis 1.

[dimviii]

Andre why cant be ready for Monte Neuvilles i20? Not so big damage,not roll cage damage according to hyundai

[stefanvv]

So they don't have separate asphalt and gravel chassis yet...

[Andre Oliveira]

Andre why cant be ready for Monte Neuvilles i20? Not so big damage,not roll cage damage according to hyundai

Ok, but have other question again. Chassis 1 can't be ALZ WR 41 and ALZ WR 42 at same time;)

[dimviii]

Andre why cant be ready for Monte Neuvilles i20? Not so big damage,not roll cage damage according to hyundai

Ok, but have other question again. Chassis 1 can't be ALZ WR 41 and ALZ WR 42 at same time;)

it will not be the first time a chassis changed plate numbers.So its possible.

[Mintexmemory]

Ever wondered why you never see Nandan and an Oompa Loompa in the same room?

http://insideportland.com/portland/wonka/oompa.jpg



http://www.autonewsinfo.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/WRC-2014-MONTE-CARLO-Equipe-HYUNDAI-Michel-NANDAN.jpg


I think we should be told the truth as to MN's commitment to his Hyundai role

[Sulland]

Those of you that has seen the color on the top part of the i20, what would you call the color?
Big discussion on the radio today!!!

[focus206]

Those of you that has seen the color on the top part of the i20, what would you call the color?
Big discussion on the radio today!!!
to me sometimes it looks more kinda gray, sometimes more kinda light cerulean, I guess depending on the light... that's why I don't like much Hyundai's livery, on cars I hate most colours that you can't really define :s (like cream colour, for example)

[Mintexmemory]

Those of you that has seen the color on the top part of the i20, what would you call the color?
Big discussion on the radio today!!!

Gulf racing blue - much more white in it than sky blue. When reflecting cloud in photographs it can appear almost white / grey but it certainly is blue when shot through a polarising filter

http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3747/12046395493_0cf9b1f6e6_z.jpg


http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2572/4191209634_6eac90737e_z.jpg

[Tom206wrc]

Second disastrous rally in a row for Hyundai :(

[vino_93]

Speed was interesting by the way.

Sweden 2013 :
Hänninen was 1"02/km slower than Ogier at the end (0"84/km after day 1)
Neuville was 0"91/km slower than Ogier at the end (0"92/km after day)

Sweden 2014 :
Hänninen was 0"57/km slower than Latvala when he retired (0"66/km after day 1 on Ogier)
Neuville was 0"50/km after day 1 on Ogier.

Of course raod conditions are different, but it looks quite good.

[Hasselhoax]

I've searched around without result - Does anyone know what caused Juhos off? Was the wheel broken on impact with the snowbank or did it break before?

Heard someone talking of possible parts fatigue or something?

Seeing the VW's offs both in RMC and maybe here in Sweden - the thing looks to be a tank! I still can't understand how Ogier came through unscathed in Monte after hitting the barriers?

[dimviii]

I've searched around without result - Does anyone know what caused Juhos off? Was the wheel broken on impact with the snowbank or did it break before?

Heard someone talking of possible parts fatigue or something?

Seeing the VW's offs both in RMC and maybe here in Sweden - the thing looks to be a tank! I still can't understand how Ogier came through unscathed in Monte after hitting the barriers?

Juho probably hit a stone/rock inside a snowbank or close.We will never know how Ogier escaped from barriers.Maybe didn t touched the wheel from barrier,or the wheel touched at a point that could cope with these forces,at this particular angle etc.Every stone/rock is ''different''.You can t compare.

[stefanvv]

Probably the Polo is as strong as a tank. Only hinkelstein can stop it :D (Latvala in Germany 2013)

[Hasselhoax]

I've searched around without result - Does anyone know what caused Juhos off? Was the wheel broken on impact with the snowbank or did it break before?

Heard someone talking of possible parts fatigue or something?

Seeing the VW's offs both in RMC and maybe here in Sweden - the thing looks to be a tank! I still can't understand how Ogier came through unscathed in Monte after hitting the barriers?

Juho probably hit a stone/rock inside a snowbank or close.We will never know how Ogier escaped from barriers.Maybe didn t touched the wheel from barrier,or the wheel touched at a point that could cope with these forces,at this particular angle etc.Every stone/rock is ''different''.You can t compare.

Thanks. Ofcourse you can't compare but it looked bad when he hit it in the video. Have seen DNFs for less (by the looks)

[Hasselhoax]

Probably the Polo is as strong as a tank. Only hinkelstein can stop it :D (Latvala in Germany 2013)
I see what you did there :D

[stefanvv]

Probably the Polo is as strong as a tank. Only hinkelstein can stop it :D (Latvala in Germany 2013)
I see what you did there :D

A bot OT, but is this what you mean?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X9s_CQx4ylU

[Hasselhoax]

Probably the Polo is as strong as a tank. Only hinkelstein can stop it :D (Latvala in Germany 2013)
I see what you did there :D

A bot OT, but is this what you mean?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X9s_CQx4ylU

:D or maybe this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xnWKz7Cthkk

Descent speed from the Hyundais today.

[RS]

Watching yesterday's highlights, it seems that Hyundai have a weakness in their suspension. The incidents of the two drivers was so similar it can't be a coincidence I think.

Speed looks ok, although slowest of the 4 cars I think they are not doing bad considering how rushed their preparation was.

[litifeta]

:D or maybe this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xnWKz7Cthkk


Here in Aus we swear by Toyotas and Nissans. oh ... and old Volvos. If it can survive our conditions, it will live anywhere.

[litifeta]

The i20 will be fine. They have to expect when you choose TN he wants to compete. I felt sorry for Dani in MC. Atkinson I think will be told to bring it home and play a role like he did for Mini, just get 'some' points.

[Sulland]

It is a cool colour, is some light conditions it looks like white, gray, light blue and some times it has shades of lilac. Good job!

I think it has one of the best liveries this year!

[stefanvv]

One more thing about i20. They also need to change their side mirrors, these are joke, often after a stage at least one of them is broken. I know drivers/co don't use them much, but it's about safety anyway.

[stefanvv]

One more thing about i20. They also need to change their side mirrors, these are joke, often after a stage at least one of them is broken. I know drivers/co don't use them much, but it's about safety anyway.
Like this:
http://www.rallye-sport.fr/wp-content/gallery/suede-2014/aurelien_vialatte-9_1.jpg

[Hasselhoax]

http://i265.photobucket.com/albums/ii226/after12motorsports/Subaru/b9741484.jpg

What happened to the good old stubby wrc side mirrors?

[jonlint]

Guessing these carbon fiber specials are expensive vs. the catalogue off the self items on the Hyundais.

[Hasselhoax]

Watching the highlights from Sweden it looked like the rock Hanninen hit was sticking out from the snowbank. Unlucky if anything.

As for Neuville it didn't look as he had so much steering lock hitting the rock. You've seen much smaller rocks beeing hit and ending in a DNF for even the more experienced teams. Look at the stone that caught Petter out two years in a row in Catalunya. Will happen to even the best cars. Hopefully if it would after all be a material issue they now know it and will have fix it.

Man am I psyched for Mexico. This season will be a great one I'm sure!

[ironseb]

According to RTBF, Hyundai can't fix material issue before Mexico because it need an homologation by FIA.

[JTGANG]

I do not know if it was mentioned somewhere else but Hyundai will have 3 cars in Portugal with Neuville,Hanninen,Sordo...I think it is great news !!!

[Mintexmemory]

Nice that there is an extra WRC car running, just think they should have waited until they were able to get 2 cars to the finish before expanding the size of the task.

[Franky]

Nice that there is an extra WRC car running, just think they should have waited until they were able to get 2 cars to the finish before expanding the size of the task.

Well, it might be easier to get two cars to the finish if you start with three.

[kiil]

And Hayden Paddon for 7 rounds :-)

https://www.facebook.com/HyundaiWRC

[Simmi]

Great news for Hayden. Seems the N team is the equivalent of Mikkelsen's VW Motorsport II.

So after Mexico there's 10 rounds to go. 7 with Paddon, 1 with Hanninen as third car.

I assume we could see 3 cars everywhere apart from maybe Argentina? Not sure if they could stretch to a fourth realistically.

[EightGear]

Great news for Hayden. Seems the N team is the equivalent of Mikkelsen's VW Motorsport II.

So after Mexico there's 10 rounds to go. 7 with Paddon, 1 with Hanninen as third car.

I assume we could see 3 cars everywhere apart from maybe Argentina? Not sure if they could stretch to a fourth realistically.

I don't think Paddon will be in the 3rd official car. Looks more like a separate entry.

[Plan9]

Will there be 4 i20's with Paddon included for the rest of the rounds or will Paddon be the're number 3?

[dimviii]

I don't think Paddon will be in the 3rd official car. Looks more like a separate entry.

thats my thought too.Here we can see his sponsors too.
http://img11.hostingpics.net/pics/4763885011.png

[Simmi]

Nope - official third car and factory driver according to this release - http://www.hyundai.co.nz/new-thinking/m ... rc-program (http://www.hyundai.co.nz/new-thinking/media-centre/news/show/55/paddon-signs-with-hyundai-motorsport-for-seven-round-wrc-program)

[EightGear]

Come to think now though: if Hyundai will continue to enter 3 cars, only 2 of them will score manufacturer points. It looks logical to have a seperate team for a 3rd car....

[dimviii]

Seems that he will be the 3rd official car according to this link
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The crew will drive alongside the two Hyundai Shell World Rally Team i20 WRC branded cars, driven respectively by Thierry Neuville and Juho Hänninen while Dani Sordo and Chris Atkinson sharing the drive in the other car.

June's Italian WRC event, Rally Italia Sardegna, will be Paddon and Kennard's first rally with Hyundai but the Kiwis head off to next week's Rally Mexico to complete pre-event reconnaissance to further their learning of all WRC event routes.

Rallies in Poland in late June, Finland in early August, Australia in September and Great Britain in November are also confirmed with the other two yet to be decided from the remaining three events (Germany, France and Spain).

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"From Rally Sardegna onwards, we will be contesting all but one of the events until the end of the WRC season. They are all events that I am looking forward to, and other than Italy and Poland, events that we have experience of. I am particularly excited to also contest Rally Australia, a huge market for Hyundai and also the closest event we now get to home.

"It is literally a dream come true to have a good programme in a world rally car within one of the most exciting teams and manufacturers in world motorsport," says Paddon.

"This is culmination of 18 years of work, with a lot of sweat and tears and a lot of support from New Zealanders to help make this possible. Now we have to take this massive opportunity with both hands, maximise the potential learning and results from our seven events in the Hyundai i20 world rally car and build our career in the WRC."

Hyundai Motorsport team principal Michel Nandan says he is pleased to have the two Kiwis on board.

"Hayden is one of the very talented drivers on the WRC scene at the moment and we will support him as much as we can to reach the highest level possible. We are very pleased to welcome him and John to our WRC adventure and we look forward to seeing them in action at the wheel of the Hyundai i20 WRC in a couple of months' time."

Paddon says he is keen to set modest targets.

"To begin, our targets will be to simply learn, particularly as our first event in Italy is not a rally we have before done. It is also vital for the team to get as many miles and data as possible for the continued development of the car.

"As the season progresses we will certainly be measuring and hopefully matching some of our team-mates. But it's also important to work hard with the team who are still relatively new to the WRC, to learn, develop and grow with them, as a team."

Kennard, who's been Paddon's co-driver since Paddon entered the New Zealand Rally Championship for the first time as a 17-year-old, is equally excited by the opportunities before them.

"This is an incredible chance for Hayden to take his career to the next level," Kennard says.



Hayden Paddon’s 2014 competition schedule with Hyundai Motorsport N

NB. Only two of the TBC events will be contested

WRC Round 6 – Rally Italia Sardegna – 5-8 June

WRC Round 7 – Lotos Rally Poland – 27-29 June

WRC Round 8 – Neste Oil Rally Finland – 1-3 August

WRC Round 9 – ADAC Rallye Deutschland – 22-24 August TBC

WRC Round 10 – Coates Hire Rally Australia – 12-14 September

WRC Round 11 – Rallye de France-Alsace – 3-5 October TBC

WRC Round 12 – RallyRACC-Rally de Espana – 24-26 October TBC

WRC Round 13 – Wales Rally GB – 14-16 November

- © Fairfax NZ News

http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/motorsport ... -WRC-drive (http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/motorsport/9770063/Hayden-Paddon-lands-Hyundai-WRC-drive)

[vino_93]

Great news for Hayden. Seems the N team is the equivalent of Mikkelsen's VW Motorsport II.

So after Mexico there's 10 rounds to go. 7 with Paddon, 1 with Hanninen as third car.

I assume we could see 3 cars everywhere apart from maybe Argentina? Not sure if they could stretch to a fourth realistically.

no third car in Argentina (Michel Nandan, Autohebdo)

[pantealex]

Great news for Hayden. Seems the N team is the equivalent of Mikkelsen's VW Motorsport II.

So after Mexico there's 10 rounds to go. 7 with Paddon, 1 with Hanninen as third car.

Sordo is third driver in Portugal, Hänninen and Neuville for manu points.
But maybe Sordo for "N" team in Portugal

[rallyfiend]

Plenty of room in the service area for 4 cars, plus the spectator viewing area.

[WUff1]

So now they have four drivers for 2/3 cars and one driver for another car - cannot follow their politics?

And two drivers from Oz/New Zealand - so it´s car sale marketing I suppose, not from a sportive point of view (becaus then they would have choosed Bouffier, which in my opinion is very much faster - as we´ve seen in ERC last year).

[Miika]

Plenty of room in the service area for 4 cars.

Good to have an extra car close by, in case one of their cars gets lost in that service tent.

[kirungi okwogera]

So now they have four drivers for 2/3 cars and one driver for another car - cannot follow their politics?

And two drivers from Oz/New Zealand - so it´s car sale marketing I suppose, not from a sportive point of view (becaus then they would have choosed Bouffier, which in my opinion is very much faster - as we´ve seen in ERC last year).

I agree Bouffier has proven himself in RMC and deserves more. But they may be looking for a driver who is not in his mid thirties. At his age only a few others can be compared to Paddon at the moment. He is 26 which seems to be the age (26-29) when you can jump up to be a top level contender or prove you never will be. Also I think there is a funding link with Hyundai's NZ organisation, which along with Aus has been a big growth market for them, so his car may not cost as much as another driver.

[Munkvy]

I wonder if they are also looking for future drivers to build a career with them, just like Citroen did with the Seb's and VW are doing with Andreas. They have their ace in Neuville and some old hands in the form of Sordo, Atkinson and Juho. The latter three all come from relatively lengthy careers and two of them from countries that are probably quite desirable for sales growth to Hyundai too?

Now they are starting to look for their future talent. So doing half a season is a pretty safe, small scale (comparatively) way to do this with Paddon. And I imagine there is a fair bit of money being provided towards that from various parties in NZ who want to see him get the chance he deserves.

So really it seems win-win for everyone. If he does well, they can consider signing him long term maybe in a third car or taking the second car? And if he doesn't perform, they can distance him from the main team and effectively treat it as a customer operation. Then next year do it again with someone else?

[biggyg]

Stoked to see Hayden get the drive, been following him for ages, and had the pleasure of meeting and working with him a bit too, can't wait to see how he goes. As a graphic designer I thought it only fair I had a crack at a livery for his car!

http://i.imgur.com/rQZALNf.jpg

[dimviii]

very nice design!

[biggyg]

Thanks! Looks like I got the dimensions wrong (spot the newbie,haha) so the front has been cut off, no editing of posts on this forum?

[A FONDO]

stunning livery !

[Mintexmemory]

Nice livery, feel there will be more NZ black and the prominent Shell logos in the real version

[biggyg]

I got the feeling the way Hayden has changed his branded logo to feature the blue gradient that it might be seen on the car. He's also backed by "Z Energy" (Shell became Z Energy in NZ a few years back), so not sure if that conflicts or it's all good, in his release he says he will still be supported by Z, so who knows if there will also be some Helix on there. Also just used his old number, not really sure what he'll run, maybe #20?

I might do a more "NZ" version tomorrow, went for the out and out Hyundai brand for this one.

Higher Res if anyone would like to see it: http://i.imgur.com/cHibBCS.jpg

[stefanvv]

Excellent livery, but why is not in Paddon's own thread?

[Eli]

his livery is better than the two other drivers.

[dimviii]

Thanks! Looks like I got the dimensions wrong (spot the newbie,haha) so the front has been cut off, no editing of posts on this forum?

if you open this photo in new page you can see whole car.

[Andre Oliveira]

Need help.

Here (http://www.hyundaiglobalnews.com/prCenter/news/newsView.do?dID=2539) said to Monte Carlo:

Sordo:
Chassis 1 -> ALZ WR 31

Neuville:
Chassis 2 -> ALZ WR 30

Here (http://www.hyundaiglobalnews.com/prCenter/news/newsView.do?dID=2610) Said to Sweden:

Hänninen:
Chassis 1 (without plate, but as we can see on photos: ALZ WR 42)

Neuville:
Chassis 3 (without plate, but as we can see on photos: ALZ WR 43)

In other forum, someone wrote:

ChrisB » 17 Jan 2014 00:52
For who is interested: The cars in Monte Carlo are

Sordo = C001 / ALZ-WR 41
Neuville = C002 / ALZ-WR 42

My notes: Neuville's MC car can't be on Sweden because crash, so ALZ WR 42 can't be chassis 1.

Mexico:
Chassis 3 to Neuville
Chassis 1 to Atkinson

[EightGear]

This is from last week's Autosport Magazine:

http://www.imgdumper.nl/uploads7/5318868653e70/53188686536b3-Hyundai.png

So, maybe that means four Hyundais on some events?

[stefanvv]

So, maybe that means four Hyundais on some events?
I think they announced 3 cars on some rounds before Paddon to join, so that makes 4 cars, yes.

[Brother John]

How much more WRC cars during rallies is so much better for the fans. ;-)

[mousti]

Weird that their "home" event Germany is not included especially with Neuville, Sordo and Hanninen in their ranks who have all good pace on asphalt.

[sindroms]

Hyundai Motorsport ‏@HyundaiWRC
Exciting times!We are happy to welcome back Bryan #Bouffier and Xavier Panseri into our team as test crew for 2014!

[dimviii]

welcome back??????

[dimviii]

Hyundai Motorsport ‏@HyundaiWRC 16 λεπ.
We are also taking part to Rallye Antibes with #Bouffier,a chance to test the Hyundai i20 #WRC & to prep for the asphalt rounds of the #WRC

Hyundai Motorsport ‏@HyundaiWRC 17 λεπτά
Bryan & Xavier will participate in a series of development tests throughout the year to prepare the 2015 season.

[PLuto]

Aaaa, poor Bryan. Again only test driver with one extra outing "only" on Antibes...

[WUff1]

Yeah, don´t expect him in a WRC rally with Hyundai ever. And he´ll get sacked at the end of the year again. At least some money for him.

[Toyoda]

Yeah, don´t expect him in a WRC rally with Hyundai ever. And he´ll get sacked at the end of the year again. At least some money for him.


Next year or the end of this year
Paddon and Bouffier in the N team
Neuville and Sordo the other

That's my pick

[litifeta]

Bouffier wins. Is this Hyundai's first recorded win in the i20?


http://www.antibes-rallye.com/content/view/385/1/lang,en/

[Rallyper]

Jepp

[Andre Oliveira]

Paddon's car in sardegna with french plate :confused:

[Langdale Forest]

It was a bad move for Nueville to drive for Hyundai this year, if he was with Ford he could have been winning rallies.

[Zeakiwi]

It was a bad move for Neuville to drive for Hyundai this year, if he was with Ford he could have been winning rallies.
or

standing on the side of the road watching a Fiesta getting burnt. Fingers crossed - Neuville's long game for Hyundai pays off.

[miniwintz]

It was a bad move for Nueville to drive for Hyundai this year, if he was with Ford he could have been winning rallies.

Absolutely true. Unfortunately M-Sport didn't have a € 3 million contract for him...

[noel157]

Next season's i20:

[Frostmourne]

I was wondering the same about Nueville? Is it the car? because every event we have a mechanical issue with i20 with at least 2 i20 cars!! I know its their first season but I am not sure if the car will be competitive with the others for the seasons to come!

[Mintexmemory]

I was wondering the same about Nueville? Is it the car? because every event we have a mechanical issue with i20 with at least 2 i20 cars!! I know its their first season but I am not sure if the car will be competitive with the others for the seasons to come!

I suggest we reserve judgement until after the tarmac rallies. I note that Sordo and Bouffier are listed unofficially as entries for Rally Deutschland. My view is that it was too early in Neuville's career for him to be given Team Leader responsibility.

[kirungi okwogera]

I was wondering the same about Nueville? Is it the car? because every event we have a mechanical issue with i20 with at least 2 i20 cars!! I know its their first season but I am not sure if the car will be competitive with the others for the seasons to come!

I think to start a successful team you need at least one year just for everything technical to be running well, which is why Nandan kept referring to 2014 as their development year like how VW ran Ogier in a Fabia S2000 just to establish the mechanical and practical team running. I believe Neuville is the same driver who was on the podium regularly before Hyundai and from interviews with him it sounds like the car is still not there speed wise.

If the mechanical retirements are like this in 2015 then I think we know the car is not competitive. If the drivers are wrecking all the time in 2015 then we know the drivers are not competitive and the car may or may not be. But I think they will get to a competitive level, the resources they're putting into the programme are not incomparable to VW's WRC spending.

[Eli]

http://www.rallye-magazin.de/rallyes/wm/nachrichten/news-detail/d/2014/09/05/hyundai-komplett-neues-wrc-2015/index.html

[OldF]

It would be cool if the i20 coupe would be the base for the new Hyundai WRC.

[pantealex]

It would be cool if the i20 coupe would be the base for the new Hyundai WRC.

it will, current i20 WRC is 3-door model, so I don´t think new one is 5-door model. There will not be 2 versions of i20 road car.

[traxx]

https://scontent-ams2-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xtf1/v/t1.0-9/12027692_896806897056812_4451042689382438726_n.jpg ?oh=6e9e6fb87551f1c53f4bbdb7788c23d6&oe=5667BEE4

[dimviii]

from google translate

After performing a test session in Corsica with the current i20 WRC last week. The Hyundai team made a stop in the Maritime Alps this week to develop the car for next year. There are 10 days it was on earth was rolling the i20 WRC in 2016 with Kevin Abbring, Tuesday is the tar same crew that took place in the Hyundai for two days on asphalt. It is on several configurations around the neck of Bleine (used on some editions of Monte Carlo) that the team spent four days to develop its new car for next year. Thierry Neuville made a pass on site but simply because visitors had to go on a promotional event at the wheel of the current i20 on earth. For some, the fact that the Belgian is not running with the new car does not bode well for next year; for the team it is simply a calendar conflict.

Yesterday it was the turn of Dani Sordo to drive the i20 WRC 2016. The first runs are not transcendental: it goes off the ropes, the width of the road is not exploited, in short it rolls in the middle of the road . All the Spanish morning appears to look repeatedly, it does not traverse the entire basis of trials, making U-turns on the course. Dani Sordo made its mine bad days while affirming that all is well. A facade of attitude that casts some doubts. Spanish does not seem comfortable with the car, it is on the reservation. Kevin Abbring showed a more aggressive riding in the previous days. In a lengthy stretches, the engine of the i20 appeared to be pushed to switch systematically longer when Kevin Abbring was driving. But the Spanish passages improves a bit late in the day, the runs of three successive passages are more common, the steering is always very clean but seems more effective. The words of Spanish on the engine are more convincing when he speaks of a marked increase on one of the weaknesses of the current i20 WRC.

Today is Hayden Paddon making the final day of testing. The New Zealand makes the sessions to prepare Corsican tower. He first performed a preparation on the track at Le Mans with the guidance of Nicolas Bernardi before making his test day in Corsica and debugging in Germany before developing the i20 WRC 2016.

The partners are present on this session: one could see Sadev for transmission, Brembo has tried several types of disc brakes or PKM (seen with Renault Sport) to work on the dampers. Pipo was also on hand for the preparation and the engine operating, its manager and founder has even made the trip by asking his chopper a few dozen meters from the assistance.

The team used a new fund rising lately in German workshops. Incidentally livery camouflage has evolved. By mixing blue and orange patterns on a dark background, the car seems rosy. A rally is also the links, the car was then flanked by a French plate to travel on the road and check its operation. Thus, it was on the hotel trips - test based on the open road.

The i20 WRC 2016 will still perform a few practice sessions by the end of the year and its homologation. Hopefully this new car is a real step forward for the team and she can go play in front to tickle a little domination that Volkswagen is already working on it in 2017 while it seems remained still a lot of work just at Hyundai 2016 .

Michel Nandan: "We stopped testing in a small summer months because we repeated a chassis that is more consistent with the car next year. We will try to keep pace with 2 sessions per month. We entered the development phase where we look for performance. It is not intended to take part in a rally like the Var in preparing the Monte Carlo. We prefer to focus on the test program. "

Thierry Neuville: "It would be a shame not to take advantage of all the efforts made since 2 years. I invested a lot to me. I want to reap the fruits of my labor in 2016. This project is very important. I am confident because the first driving experience was positive. I am very motivated as the whole team. I confirmed that I was staying at Hyundai next year. After that, it's another story ... "

http://www.worldrallyisfree.com/2015/09/25/hyundai-sur-2-fronts/

[jbmarcus21]

the full story of Hyundai test days this week with new i20Wrc 2016 :)
include photo and 2 videos
http://planetemarcus.com/hyundai-continue-les-tests-de-la-i20wrc-2016/

[Arnold Triyudho Wardono]

Is this just me or McKlein Hyundai account hasn't been actived since TdC day 2..

[skarderud]

http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/11/11/07a9bce6408a900e68401a0a42c46fcc.jpg

[dimviii]

The detachment has been heralded several months ago. Intensive tested Hyundai i20 the new WRC with which you want to advance to the top. Unlike the competition, are the Koreans the only manufacturer, who will take up with a completely new car 2016th Citroën, M-Sport and Volkswagen will focus on the current vehicles before 2017 a new technical regulations come into force.

While Hyundai no times are known from the tests, should be significantly faster than its predecessor, the new i20 WRC. "How fast our secret. The fans and all others must wait until the Monte ", said team manager Alain Penasse who takes the answer to the next question Right away. "It is not yet decided whether we can bring a new i20 WRC at the start for all drivers."

A driver looking forward to the new car especially contrary: Thierry Neuville. The Belgian was downgraded for the season finale in Wales in the second row, so he again gets your head and go with a good result possible in the short winter break. Penasse hoping to experience the 'old' Neuville again in January. "The important thing is that he finds the form in the coming year that we know of him. In Wales he has no pressure and will easily find the right rhythm and build trust. "

The statements of Neuville that he had lost his motivation, because the car was not as competitive as he had hoped, Penasse can not understand. "Everyone knew that we will not have a top engine. Even Thierry knew that very well. But I do not think that our car is so bad considering the performance of Hayden (Paddon) and Dani (Sordo) look at "Penasse said.

While Hyundai Neuville, Sordo and Paddon already confirmed for the coming year with a full World Cup program, there have been no statements about Kevin Abbring. "His program, we have not yet been determined," said Penasse. Is "clear that he remains a test driver, because his two-year contract is still valid. We have seen some strong actions from him, especially in Sweden and Corsica. Apart from Australia, he could see the tracks of all the WRC rounds, which gave the more experiences. Now we need to see what is possible in order to offer him an attractive possible program. "

http://www.rallye-magazin.de/wm/nachrichten/artikel/d/2015/11/09/hyundai-tschuess-i20-wrc-hallo-i20-wrc/

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Sordo testing the 2016 car...

https://youtu.be/zASPY4ptAaA

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CUGwbTfWEAA2An6.jpg:large

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

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CUGwbMcWUAQLBW2.jpg:large

[dimviii]

http://forum-rallye.com/uploads/monthly_11_2015/post-1430-0-41922900-1447878640.jpg

[EightGear]

Proper rally car, looks very nice.

Actually reminds me a bit about the 2L WRCs. But I guess some people will keep calling this a shopping trolley or wife's car.

[dimviii]

like it too,except the finish of rear fender with bumper.

[Rallyper]

Could the difference mean we see a 2017 car on latest pic?

[dimviii]

Sordo again

https://youtu.be/-NfJ5rLI4No

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CUH0OfvWsAAGDYz.jpg

[manthey]

While Hyundai Neuville, Sordo and Paddon already confirmed for the coming year with a full World Cup program, there have been no statements about Kevin Abbring. "His program, we have not yet been determined," said Penasse. Is "clear that he remains a test driver, because his two-year contract is still valid. We have seen some strong actions from him, especially in Sweden and Corsica. Apart from Australia, he could see the tracks of all the WRC rounds, which gave the more experiences. Now we need to see what is possible in order to offer him an attractive possible program. "

http://www.rallye-magazin.de/wm/nachrichten/artikel/d/2015/11/09/hyundai-tschuess-i20-wrc-hallo-i20-wrc/

imho Kevin is a very good driver, he demostrated last year vs Lappi he was faster but the 208t16 was weak in terms of reliability
I hope he could find a proper seat, he has speed

[EightGear]

Well this is from WRC.com driver report: http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/11/19/b1b60a91a2f71a18332a90e30e393358.jpg

[dimviii]

Sordo
https://youtu.be/i4HzOdHHB3E

[jbmarcus21]

Neuville today https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VtNeB5vNg1E&feature=youtu.be

[dimviii]

Neuville

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xMxKp2AxWEM