2013 ERC News and Results

[RS]

If Kubica in ERC, he's clearly the favourite, even above Kopecky :p :

I expect him to be fast, but favourite?

I would put Kopecky and Basso (if he gets a full programme) ahead.

[Jarek Z]

Yeah, but in another language ;)

So it's not just a simple copy&paste. There is also some translation involved ;)

[Jarek Z]

Dennis Kuipers and Eyvind Brynildsen are far from being slow drivers.

Really? How many titles did Brynildsen win? Even Kosciuszko had more successes and he is far from being a particularly fast driver.

[Jarek Z]

If Kubica in ERC, he's clearly the favourite, even above Kopecky :p :

You must have drunk too much French wine today Tom ;)
Kubica has never won anything important in rallying, as opposite to Kopecky.

[PLuto]

Really? How many titles did Brynildsen win? Even Kosciuszko had more successes and he is far from being a particularly fast driver.

Brynildsen is better driver than Kosciuszko :)

[Jarek Z]

Brynildsen is better driver than Kosciuszko :)

Maybe he is. But being faster than Kosciuszko doesn't mean much :)

[Georgi]

Brynildsen is better driver than Kosciuszko :)

Of course !

[Motorsportfun]

Both of them are trying.... ...to find money.

Better say: actually Rossetti is factory driver for Skoda Turkey. If any sponsor want fund an ERC-campaign for him, then he goes...

[liposh]

If Kubica in ERC, he's clearly the favourite, even above Kopecky :p :

Tom, have you seen last SS of Jaenner rally 2013? (especially onboard on mediasport.cz is great) This is current shape of Kopecky. Bouffier is not any kind of loser, but he lost.

[PLuto]

If you are interested, interview with Daniel Oliveira before this season - Autosport (http://www.autosport.cz/clanek.php?cl=14943) (it is in czech language, but understandable with translator)

[RS]

So is Oliveira working on an ERC programme?

[Barreis]

Robert Kubica commits to European Rally Championship with Citroen - ERC news - AUTOSPORT.com (http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/105759)

[PLuto]

Robert Kubica commits to European Rally Championship with Citroen - ERC news - AUTOSPORT.com (http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/105759)

This link was here yesterday, still nothing new...

[PLuto]

So is Oliveira working on an ERC programme?

He doesnt want confirm his next programme now before if everything will be finished. When it will be sure, we will know all details.

[Plan9]

Will Ketomaa do more ERC rounds/try for the title?

[PLuto]

Will Ketomaa do more ERC rounds/try for the title?

I hope yes.

[cosmin_sb]

It is only a rumor but we shall see what happen later. Sebastian Barbu, a former alpine skier, is looking for budget to do some round in ERC this year, possible with Citroen DS3. Possible rounds: Ypres, Sibiu, Barum, Croatia and San Remo.

[RS]

Is Ketomaa a real possibility? I can't say I've seen anywhere that he is trying for ERC.

[liposh]

It is only a rumor but we shall see what happen later. Sebastian Barbu, a former alpine skier, is looking for budget to do some round in ERC this year, possible with Citroen DS3. Possible rounds: Ypres, Sibiu, Barum, Croatia and San Remo.

DS3 is not enough info :D It could be DS3 R1 or DS3 R3T or DS3 RRC? It is big difference :p

[cosmin_sb]

DS3 is not enough info :D It could be DS3 R1 or DS3 R3T or DS3 RRC? It is big difference :p

It is DS3 R3T rent from Wurmbrand Racing .

[PLuto]

Is Ketomaa a real possibility? I can't say I've seen anywhere that he is trying for ERC.

I hope yes :)

[PLuto]

He doesnt want confirm his next programme now before if everything will be finished. When it will be sure, we will know all details.

As I promised, here is the calendar of Oliveira's starts in ERC - Autosport (http://www.autosport.cz/clanek.php?cl=14945)

[RS]

As I promised, here is the calendar of Oliveira's starts in ERC - Autosport (http://www.autosport.cz/clanek.php?cl=14945)

Not the fastest driver but a nice adition to ERC.

[Raven]

I'm really disappointed by his choice, ERC needs such star to again become a meaningful series. The fact that ERC is (and was) my favourite championship is also a reason.
From what I understand there is a chance Robert will participate in few rounds, but it's only a chance.

Robert Kubica opts for the Citroën DS3 RRC - Citroën WRC (http://www.citroen-wrc.com/en/2013/news/wrc-news/4702/robert-kubica-opts-for-the-citroen-ds3-rrc/#WRC)

[Bartek]

In my opinion he want to start in WRC, first step is to know stage in little bit slower car and then he will fight with top guys. ERC is very good series but for me it is like with F1, ERC is like GP2...

[Raven]

So what? For me ERC is more interesting. I understand his choice but I'm still disappointed.

[RS]

I'm disappointed too and I also don't think it is a great choice for Robert. I expect it is the choice of Citroen as they are WRC, Peugeot is ERC.

For me, learning how to drive properly is more important than learning the rallies. Look at someone like Matthew Wilson who has been "gaining experience" and "learning the rallies" for how many years, but he didn't get any quicker.

Recently WRC support series have not been good at developing new talent. The rallies are too long and because of the way the points system works they are endurance championships.

IRC/ERC are more sprint events where you can't dither around hoping to pick up a win. Hence they have produced or developed people like Hanninen, Mikkelsen, Neuville in recent years.

[PLuto]

I completely agree with RS. And I am disappointed by the choice too...

[mousti]

I agree too, but I think he want to take experience to get at the WRC top level although I hope he has not the ambition to be a world champion. Don't see him getting that achievement when there are Sebs competing in those rallies too.

[Mirek]

I agree too, but I think he want to take experience to get at the WRC top level although I hope he has not the ambition to be a world champion. Don't see him getting that achievement when there are Sebs competing in those rallies too.

Seriously, can You elaborate your way of thinking?

[mousti]

Offcourse everyone wants to win (as a sportsman u have to do that otherwise u better retire) , but I think he won't beat a Seb Ogier with a top car for the World Championship. He can prove me wrong..

[Mirek]

You can of course think whatever You want but I fail to see how it is related to ambitions of another man especially when it's usually the ambitions what makes the best what they are.

[Jarek Z]

I completely agree with RS. And I am disappointed by the choice too...

I join you in your disappointment guys :)

[WUff1]

Well, some bad news for the new ERC. This championship still looks just like a series of testing occasions for drivers wanting to compete in WRC or WRC2 shortly afterwards, and who participate in ERC only for one or maybe a few races, but without any ambition to win or at least shine at this challenge - as if IRC had never been abandoned. Apart for Teams like Peugeot and Skoda (the latter this year probably to a lesser extent) and drivers like Delecour of course. But still no news of guys like Basso, Bouffier, Ketomaa etc. - it looks like they´re not able to finance an ERC program - at least at the moment.

[Jack4688`]

According to Autosport.com Craig Breen will do Rally Islas Canarias - although the source is that utter moron David Evans.

With his crayons he scribbled down that Breen finished fourth on his ERC debut in Rally Liepaja-Ventspils (not second, and he couldn't spell Liepaja-Ventspils so he just said Latvia) and that Rally Islas Canaris (or Canaries Rally according to Evans) will be a chance to size up Kubica as a title threat - that'll be because the earlier story from today about Kubica's WRC2 plans was written by a different journalist on Autosport.com. Or Evans is just a complete idiot and thinks his story from last week about Kubica committing to the ERC must ​be true.

So Breen might be doing Rally Islas Canarias, but I will believe it when I see it from a credible source.

[PLuto]

According to Autosport.com Craig Breen will do Rally Islas Canarias - although the source is that utter moron David Evans.

With his crayons he scribbled down that Breen finished fourth on his ERC debut in Rally Liepaja-Ventspils (not second, and he couldn't spell Liepaja-Ventspils so he just said Latvia) and that Rally Islas Canaris (or Canaries Rally according to Evans) will be a chance to size up Kubica as a title threat - that'll be because the earlier story from today about Kubica's WRC2 plans was written by a different journalist on Autosport.com. Or Evans is just a complete idiot and thinks his story from last week about Kubica committing to the ERC must ​be true.

So Breen might be doing Rally Islas Canarias, but I will believe it when I see it from a credible source.

This info was confirmed by organisers last week. Also Peugeot officially confirmed it (http://www.autosport.cz/clanek.php?cl=14949)...

[Jack4688`]

Thanks, I can trust it now :D

[RS]

Motorsport News today report/speculate that Kubica could do as many as 15 rallies this year to compete for both WRC2 and ERC titles.

There is a quote from a Eurosport guy saying that they are doing everything they can to help this happen.

MN also quite rightly point out that it would make sense from a commercial point of view for Kubica to compete on the next 2 ERC events after Canarias as these both have live tv.

[PLuto]

I know that Kubica is (or was) talking with Acores organisers about his start.

[Jarek Z]

Thanks for the news guys. It would be great to see Robert competing in ERC on a regular basis. WRC-2 is good for tourists ;)

[[WRCRR]]

WRC-2 is good for tourists ;)

So tourists like Esapekka Lappi who won Rally Poland last year on first try? Or drivers like Evans or Kruuda, who will be in factory seats in WRC in the future? Or even guys like Wiegand, Brynildsen or even Al Rajhi - tourists?

Yes, last year it was a bit of a joke, but still, there was Breen, PG and Paddon - all very fast drivers in SWRC/WRC-2. Actually, it is still a rarity in ERC events if there are more than 3 really fast drivers competing - of course the best events of ERC being the exception. In reality there are as many (if not even more) tourists in ERC.

[Raven]

]So tourists like Esapekka Lappi who won Rally Poland last year on first try? Or drivers like Evans or Kruuda, who will be in factory seats in WRC in the future? Or even guys like Wiegand, Brynildsen or even Al Rajhi - tourists?

Yes, last year it was a bit of a joke, but still, there was Breen, PG and Paddon - all very fast drivers in SWRC/WRC-2. Actually, it is still a rarity in ERC events if there are more than 3 really fast drivers competing - of course the best events of ERC being the exception. In reality there are as many (if not even more) tourists in ERC.
You are not thinking ERC way, you just don't have it's spirit ;-)
Wiegand, Brynildsen, Al Rajhi, Kruuda - LOL real aces of the future...

[bluuford]

I think that WRC2 can be considered real success in terms of WRC. We have something like 25 drivers confirmed (and the list is getting longer day by day) or near confirmed.. Some are slow, some are medium some are fast.. as it should be according to the normal distribution rule :-)

[Mirek]

Get real guys, ERC so far has shown little competition (I mean championship contenders, not counting one-off starters). Let's hope it gets better.

EDIT: That was meant to our Polish friends and PLuto.

[[WRCRR]]

You are not thinking ERC way, you just don't have it's spirit ;-)
Wiegand, Brynildsen, Al Rajhi, Kruuda - LOL real aces of the future...

Well, lets see:

Wiegand, was testing VW Polo R WRC just days ago, so surely VW believes in him - also still very young. Likely to get some VW outings in 2014, or do you disagree?
Brynildsen, ok maybe the train is starting to go past him a bit but just look at his times in Rally Sweden before the car broke down. And let's remember that Ketomaa won in the same car in Latvia...he is not that much slower.
Al Rajhi, well he is not gonna be the best but surely not tourist? Win in first snow event, quite fast in Finland also last year.
Kruuda - well, if you think he will not have a future in WRC I think you are badly wrong =)

What about the "real aces of future" in ERC?

Kopecky is one of the best for sure, and would be fine in WRC too - but is not getting any younger.
Breen - yes, will be in WRC in the future
Bouffier - good fast driver, but starting to be past his prime
Delecour - LOL - real ace of the future...

Also very much agree with bluuford.

[Mirek]

Was this here?

Andreas Aigner to do ERC with Impreza R4: Autosport (http://www.autosport.cz/clanek.php?cl=14957)

His program: Rally Islas Canarias, Geko Ypres Rally, Rally San Marino, Rally Sibiu, Barum Czech Rally Zlín and Rally Croatia

[tolis]

M-Sport has today announced plans to launch a one-make series for the Ford Fiesta R2 in this year’s edition of the FIA European Rally Championship (ERC).M-Sport to support one-make Ford Fiesta R2 series in ERC (http://www.m-sport.co.uk/index.php/news/1331-m-sport-to-support-one-make-ford-fiesta-r2-series-in-erc)

[RS]

M-Sport has today announced plans to launch a one-make series for the Ford Fiesta R2 in this year’s edition of the FIA European Rally Championship (ERC).M-Sport to support one-make Ford Fiesta R2 series in ERC (http://www.m-sport.co.uk/index.php/news/1331-m-sport-to-support-one-make-ford-fiesta-r2-series-in-erc)

Nice idea and nice prize.

[Mirek]

Yes, great!

[PLuto]

]So tourists like Esapekka Lappi who won Rally Poland last year on first try? Or drivers like Evans or Kruuda, who will be in factory seats in WRC in the future? Or even guys like Wiegand, Brynildsen or even Al Rajhi - tourists?

Yes, last year it was a bit of a joke, but still, there was Breen, PG and Paddon - all very fast drivers in SWRC/WRC-2. Actually, it is still a rarity in ERC events if there are more than 3 really fast drivers competing - of course the best events of ERC being the exception. In reality there are as many (if not even more) tourists in ERC.

Jarek Z wrote, that WRC-2 is good for rally tourists, not that all drivers there are rally tourists. It is not only about quality of drivers, but mainly about system of championship, about points and superally. In last years, era of SWRC and PWRC was only about reliability and be able to finish the rally, not about speed. For example Sepp Wiegand, who is leading WRC-2, was doing most of IRC events last year without big success...

[Raven]

]
Kruuda - well, if you think he will not have a future in WRC I think you are badly wrong =)

The time will tell.

As to your LOL, I nowhere wrote about future aces in ERC. I don't need them, I like the mix of local drivers and ERC contenders.
And the most important is that ERC was not so overhyped and puffed up as WRC. Unfortunately it will probably change, it's inevitable. We live in times where everything must be amazing or hopeless. There is no space for everything in the middle.

You like WRC, I like ERC. Let's not try to convince each other - beacuse in my case it's impossible ;)

[RS]

Jarek Z wrote, that WRC-2 is good for rally tourists, not that all drivers there are rally tourists. It is not only about quality of drivers, but mainly about system of championship, about points and superally. In last years, era of SWRC and PWRC was only about reliability and be able to finish the rally, not about speed. For example Sepp Wiegand, who is leading WRC-2, was doing most of IRC events last year without big success...

Spot on. This is why I think Matt Wilson has a serious chance of the WRC2 title.

[Jarek Z]

Jarek Z wrote, that WRC-2 is good for rally tourists, not that all drivers there are rally tourists. It is not only about quality of drivers, but mainly about system of championship, about points and superally. In last years, era of SWRC and PWRC was only about reliability and be able to finish the rally, not about speed. For example Sepp Wiegand, who is leading WRC-2, was doing most of IRC events last year without big success...

Thank you PLuto. That is indeed exactly what I wanted to say. I don't follow WRC, but last year by coincidence I had an occasion to watch a TV-Report from Rally New Zealand. The SWRC category was won by Hayden Paddon. PG Andersson finished 33 minutes behind him, but that was still enough to be in a second position. Maciej Oleksowicz finished 43 minutes later, but was still third in SWRC. Do you consider it a real sport? To me it seems more like some adventure and exploration activity.

My apologies to anyone who felt offended, because I didn't mean to say that all drivers competing in SWRC are bad. But if you look at the list from this year:
1. Sepp Wiegand
2. Yuriy Protasov
3. Yazeed Al Rajhi
4. Armin Kremer
5. Anders Grondal
6. Rashid Al Ketbi
7. Ricardo Trivinio
8. Nicolas Fuchs
9. Arman Smailov
10. Alexander Villanueva
11. Martin Hudec

then you can see, that maybe two of them can be considered successful sportsmen.

[Jarek Z]

Thanks for the news guys. It would be great to see Robert competing in ERC on a regular basis. WRC-2 is good for tourists ;)

Just one word of explanation from me. What I wanted to say by this comment was that I want Robert to compete in a championship where he is able to win rallies, not fight for the 13th place.

[mousti]

Young French driver Léandri will do an ERC program with Saintéloc! More on https://www.facebook.com/TACrally

[PLuto]

Leandri will do 5 tarmac and 3 gravel events with Peugeot - Autosport (http://www.autosport.cz/clanek.php?cl=14961)

[Jarek Z]

Young French driver Léandri will do an ERC program with Saintéloc! More on https://www.facebook.com/TACrally

Good! Now we wait for some Italians. What kind of ERC is it without Italians? ;)

[mousti]

Around Corse I expect some Italian(s). Because like you said ERC without Italians that doesn't exist :p

[Mirek]

At least Marco Cavigioli in Zlín is sure :D

[Jarek Z]

At least Marco Cavigioli in Zlín is sure :D

(sigh of relief) Good to know that Cavigioli still carries the Italian flag in ERC ;)

[RS]

Malcolm Wilson says in today's Motorsport News that he hopes to run a Fiesta R5 on selected rounds of the ERC this year for Neuville, Ostberg and Novikov. First should/could be Neuville on Ypres.

[Mirek]

Malcolm Wilson says in today's Motorsport News that he hopes to run a Fiesta R5 on selected rounds of the ERC this year for Neuville, Ostberg and Novikov. First should/could be Neuville on Ypres.

If true than just wow!

[wwbroe]

Malcolm Wilson says in today's Motorsport News that he hopes to run a Fiesta R5 on selected rounds of the ERC this year for Neuville, Ostberg and Novikov. First should/could be Neuville on Ypres.

Latest news on homologation was that R5 Fiesta will not be homologated before 1th of juli, so if Neuville wants to run in Ypres it will be as a zero car?

[RS]

Latest news on homologation was that R5 Fiesta will not be homologated before 1th of juli, so if Neuville wants to run in Ypres it will be as a zero car?

Malcolm said:

"I think the car will be pretty much ready for Ypres, and I had thought about putting him (Neuville) in for that one. We'd have to try and seek some dispensation from the FIA, but it's not something I've looked into yet."

[Jarek Z]

Robert Kubica revelead his plans during the official press conference in Warsaw today. He will drive Citroen DS3 RRC in 4 ERC rounds (Rally Islas Canarias, SATA Rallye Acores, Tour de Corse, Rajd Polski) and 7 WRC-2 rounds (Rally de Portugal, Akropolis, Rally d'Italia-Sardegna, Finland, Deutschland, Rallye de France and Rally RACC Catalunya Costa Daurada). His new sponsor is LOTOS. His new co-driver - Maciej Baran, former co-driver for Michal Solowow.

His goal? Learn, learn, learn.

http://img.rallynews.pl/f/2013/3/530-1363259976.jpg

http://oi49.tinypic.com/i6kors.jpg

http://www.lotos.pl/upload/media/89_app_header_images_path_kubica1.jpg

[Raven]

He will drive Citroen DS3 RRC in 4 ERC rounds
Only four... :(

[Bartek]

Only four... :(

At this moment only four... of course many WRC rounds are week before ERC so for example this close his way to start in Barum... :/

Anyway good to see my old teacher back to sport ! :)

[mousti]

Same with Ypres, Sardegna week before..

[Mirek]

At this moment only four... of course many WRC rounds are week before ERC so for example this close his way to start in Barum... :/

Yes, that's a shame for us. Imagine the crowds if there is 2x more Polish spectators than usually :)

[Tom206wrc]

Young british driver Black Callum wants to run a few ERC rounds(added to his BRC program)with his DS3 R3 ;)

[Jack4688`]

*Callum Black

[liposh]

*Callum Black

Black Callum sounds better, it sounds like name of superhero (Green Lantern, Red Mist, Black Callum) ;) :D

He can use it for his publicity, like czech duo Cerny-Kohout (Black-Rooster) do: http://img9.rajce.idnes.cz/d0901/3/3896/3896547_b1561ad90e98f03e87f5e3cd8817b7b2/images/Foto_051_57_Cerny-Kohout_Renault_Clio_R3.jpg See above front wheel. :D
Btw. When talking about Jan Cerny (and because you will hear about him a lot in future in ERC), you will definitelly like this onboard: http://www.mediasport.cz/jezdci---rally/cerny-jan/1557.html

[RS]

At this moment only four...

Did he actually say whether there was a possibility that could be extended?

[Bartek]

Did he actually say whether there was a possibility that could be extended?

No, but with Kubica you can't be sure where and when he will start :)

Of course ERC callendar isn't good for WRC2 but for example Valais is after all his starts in WRC2

Kubica also said that at monday (?) ERC have some official test before rally in Canarias.

[Jeppe]

When talking about Jan Cerny (and because you will hear about him a lot in future in ERC), you will definitelly like this onboard: V?e o Rally CZ, AutoCrossu, RallyCrossu, Kartingu ? MediaSport.cz (http://www.mediasport.cz/jezdci---rally/cerny-jan/1557.html)

What is that?!? Kohout reading finnish pace notes? I´m amazed, hope the result was good also ;) ;) ;)

But, I really like it...

[Kielder]

No, but with Kubica you can't be sure where and when he will start :)

Of course ERC callendar isn't good for WRC2 but for example Valais is after all his starts in WRC2

Kubica also said that at monday (?) ERC have some official test before rally in Canarias.

He tested last Monday. Only a single photo was published:

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bldOqwKE0GA/UT7xVVKMnNI/AAAAAAAAFA4/BNaoZive1Zo/s1600/test+rk.jpg

[Mirek]

That was from Prague Rally Sprint which is just a show ;)

[PLuto]

Kubica also said that at monday (?) ERC have some official test before rally in Canarias.

Yes, there is a test on Monday on Canarias :) Lot of teams will be there.

[106 sport]

Yes, there is a test on Monday on Canarias :) Lot of teams will be there.

The same that last three years...

[Rasantes]

Yes, there is a test on Monday on Canarias :) Lot of teams will be there.

Yes, in Tejeda. Last year video.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=394EbF5pZ7A

[Jarek Z]

If you are interested, here is a small presentation from Kubica's press conference.
Kubica wraca! - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=9ZzA64bs8Co)

[qbus]

And he said that there is a chance to do more ERC rounds! :)

[Bartek]

Basso only in 2 rounds in San Marino and San Remo...

[RS]

Basso only in 2 rounds in San Marino and San Remo...

Did you just deduce this from his CIR programme or has he said there is no chance of more ERC events?

[mousti]

Michal Solowow will not stop with rallying and will continue with another co driver after many years. Preperation for Polish Championship and probably ERC has been going on now. (fb page of Cersanit Rally team)

[Bartek]

Did you just deduce this from his CIR programme or has he said there is no chance of more ERC events?

Polish Autoklub today morning put this info about Basso

[WUff1]

Michal Solowow will not stop with rallying and will continue with another co driver after many years. Preperation for Polish Championship and probably ERC has been going on now. (fb page of Cersanit Rally team)

Do you know which car? He has sold both his cars as written here some days ago.

[br21]

Do you know which car? He has sold both his cars as written here some days ago.

he still has Peugeot I think

[Mirek]

Somebody said that his Peugeot was sold to Kuchar? Is that true or not?

[Bartek]

Somebody said that his Peugeot was sold to Kuchar? Is that true or not?

I heard that he bought car which was used by Grzyb in last season.

It's confirmed that Polish driver Sławomir Ogryzek will start in 5 or 6 rounds (Corsica, Ypres, Barum, Croatia, San Remo, Valais(?) ) and for training in Rally Bohemia. I think it's very good plan that he want to learn in new stages not in Polish rallies which are usually the same year by year. He will use C2 R2 Max

[br21]

Somebody said that his Peugeot was sold to Kuchar? Is that true or not?

for sure no.
Kuchar bought a car from TRT I think, but I'm not 100% sure about that. Now he has some problems with budget as one of the sponsors withdraw, but we will see...

[Jarek Z]

It's confirmed that Polish driver Sławomir Ogryzek will start in 5 or 6 rounds (Corsica, Ypres, Barum, Croatia, San Remo, Valais(?) ) and for training in Rally Bohemia. I think it's very good plan that he want to learn in new stages not in Polish rallies which are usually the same year by year.

I have just read about it too. When I read Ogryzek's words I started laughing. Really, some Polish drivers should start their own cabaret :) As far as I know he started competing in Polish championship in 2011. So after 2 years he already knows all the stages? Why doesn't he have any achievements then? :)

Still I wish him good luck. I saw him on the stages and it didn't look bad. But to choose Ypres is for someone like Ogryzek a brave move. He's the best candidate to repeat Scandola's underwater accident from 2006 :)

Can you see any similarities? ;)
Scandola Splash Car Ypres 2006 Full - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=er4Ea4XIBbU)
S?awomir Ogryzek zatapia Citroena C2 R2 na Rajdzie Karkonoskim (http://www.mototube.pl/film/7923/slawomir-ogryzek-zatapia-citroena-c2-r2-na-rajdzie-karkonoskim/)
Citroen C2 R2 S?awomira Ogryzka wydobyty z jeziora (http://www.mototube.pl/film/7936/citroen-c2-r2-slawomira-ogryzka-wydobyty-z-jeziora/)

[Bartek]

I have just read about it too. When I read Ogryzek's words I started laughing. Really, some Polish drivers should start their own cabaret :) As far as I know he started competing in Polish championship in 2011. So after 2 years he already knows all the stages? Why doesn't he have any achievements then? :)

Still I wish him good luck. I saw him on the stages and it didn't look bad. But to choose Ypres is for someone like Ogryzek a brave move. He's the best candidate to repeat Scandola's underwater accident from 2006 :)

Can you see any similarities? ;)
Scandola Splash Car Ypres 2006 Full - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=er4Ea4XIBbU)
S?awomir Ogryzek zatapia Citroena C2 R2 na Rajdzie Karkonoskim (http://www.mototube.pl/film/7923/slawomir-ogryzek-zatapia-citroena-c2-r2-na-rajdzie-karkonoskim/)
Citroen C2 R2 S?awomira Ogryzka wydobyty z jeziora (http://www.mototube.pl/film/7936/citroen-c2-r2-slawomira-ogryzka-wydobyty-z-jeziora/)

He was second in RPP in 2012.

For sure he don't have talent like Kubica or even Kajto but i think that he chose the right path.

[Jarek Z]

He was second in RPP in 2012.

Maybe, but we both know what the level of RPP is.
But they say that fortune favours the brave, so good luck to him!

[Kielder]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2vizQuyK2Ag&feature=player_embedded

This one could be Monzón's motto:

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

[tolis]

Mexican Victor Rodriguez (http://ewrc-results.com/profile.php?p=21658&t=Victor-M-Rodriguez) will do 8 ERC events in a Fabia S2000.

Mexi?an v ?panielskom tíme ASM Motorsport :: Autosportfoto.sk (http://www.autosportfoto.sk/spravodajstvo/clanok/mexican-v-spanielskom-time-asm-motorsport)

[werner]

he still has Peugeot I think

I would like to see Solowow with Fiesta, again.

[Georgi]

I would like to see Solowow with Fiesta, again.

What is the rumour for him? Maybe he will go for RRC car?

[Sulland]

I would like to see Solowow with Fiesta, again.

Why not a T16?

[Jack4688`]

Ughhh Carlton Kirby is back commentating this weekend. :rolleyes:

[Kielder]

The calendar is expected to be cut to 11 or 12 events for 2014. On the other hand, Ribeiro wants to see the UK
back in the series next year. The choice is between The Circuit or a gravel rally based in Sunderland.

[RICARDO75]

Easter Stages Rally (ex-Circuit of Ireland) was cancelled for this weekend

http://www.easterstages.net/uploads/4/6/5/9/465983/easter_stages_rally_cancelled__-_final.pdf

[PLuto]

M-Sport confirmed presence their Ford Fiesta R5 with factory drivers on selected rounds of ERC - Autosport (http://www.autosport.cz/clanek.php?cl=15037)

[Jack4688`]

The calendar is expected to be cut to 11 or 12 events for 2014. On the other hand, Ribeiro wants to see the UK
back in the series next year. The choice is between The Circuit or a gravel rally based in Sunderland.

Did you see this story in Motorsport News? I noticed it also said Rally Estonia was another possibility for nect season and that Islas Canarias is likely to be dropped. A UK gravel event in the north i.e Kielder and/or North York Moors would be fantastic, so too Rally Estonia!

[PLuto]

Molly Taylor will start on eight ERC events with Citroen DS3 R3T - Autosport (http://www.autosport.cz/clanek.php?cl=15040)

[Jack4688`]

Sunderland drive to host stage of European rally - All News - Sunderland Echo (http://www.sunderlandecho.com/news/local/all-news/sunderland-drive-to-host-stage-of-european-rally-1-5407396)

Little more info on this Sunderland rally. Surprising that it's about a month old this story...

[Jarek Z]

Guys, do you think, that Daniel Oliveira, who competes in ERC this year, is a better driver or guitarist?
World Rally Championship - Calendar & Rallies - Neste Oil Rally Finland (http://www.wrc.com/calendar-and-rallies/2011/neste-oil-rally-finland/features/oliveiras-ungodly-past/?fid=14965&page=5329)
Ungodly - Murderers in The Name of God - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6rGl-9Mv-0o)

[stefanvv]

Guys, do you think, that Daniel Oliveira, who competes in ERC this year, is a better driver or guitarist?
World Rally Championship - Calendar & Rallies - Neste Oil Rally Finland (http://www.wrc.com/calendar-and-rallies/2011/neste-oil-rally-finland/features/oliveiras-ungodly-past/?fid=14965&page=5329)
Ungodly - Murderers in The Name of God - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6rGl-9Mv-0o)

Not bad, not bad :D (I've listen several bands of this music style, this one is not bad).

PS: Anyway, Norway rules in Black Metal! :D

[PLuto]

I was thinking to organise a concert of his music group, but Daniel told me that they are not existing now.

[stefanvv]

Well, Ari Vatanen himself believes Rally and music are related somehow, may be Oliveira's results in WRC are not stunning so far, but I'm glad to see competition, especially in ERC now from around the world. It's really good for the sport. Best wishes to him in his Rally career!

[Jarek Z]

It's confirmed that Polish driver Sławomir Ogryzek will start in 5 or 6 rounds (Corsica, Ypres, Barum, Croatia, San Remo, Valais(?) ) and for training in Rally Bohemia.

A new livery of Ogryzek's car looks like this:

http://ogryzekrallysport.pl/images/stories/001%20barwy.jpg

[Jack4688`]

Skoda enters Jan Kopecky for Azores Rally, closes on ERC title bid - ERC news - AUTOSPORT.com (http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/106614)

If this is true then it's very good news. ERC needs factory Skodas and Jan Kopecky to add some stature to the series

[RS]

I don't think the news of Azores changes anything. IMO Skoda will do whatever is the minimum necessary for Kopecky to take the title. This probably won't be all the rounds, considering he has a 100% win rate so far.

[Jack4688`]

True but if they do decide to enter in enough rounds to realistically challenge for the title then that's good news. So far we've heard from Kopecky that he wants to do more rounds but Skoda wouldn't commit to a season programme - just the Janner, then Islas Canarias. If they were to say 'we're doing Corsica, Ypres, San Marino, Zlin, Poland and San Remo' (for example) then we'd know and expect to see Kopecky in a factory Skoda at a few more events this year

[Mirek]

In my opinion they will sure do some more rounds. From those You picked I guess most is realistic except San Marino which clashes with Škoda home event Rally Bohemia.

[mousti]

‏@voiceofrally (https://twitter.com/voiceofrally)16u (https://twitter.com/voiceofrally/status/324040852466982913)
Heard in Portugal that Robert Kubica is planning on doing all remaining rounds of the ERC. He's going to be a busy boy! Great news for ERC!

[Tom206wrc]

Great news indeed :bounce:

[tolis]

Basso will start in Tour de Corse in a 207 S2000!

[Jarek Z]

After finishing Rajd Swidnicki only in 8th position in the FWD category Slawomir Ogryzek decided to fly to Italy and go to school. His teachers? Not bad - Vittorio Caneva and Luca Rossetti. But will they guarantee success in ERC for their schoolboy? ;)
Ogryzek's second event (after Liepaja Ventspils) in ERC will be Tour de Corse. Good luck!

http://foto.rallyonline.pl/GALERIA/2013/04/swidnicki/jzagorny/swidni2013_jzagorny_13.jpg

[RS]

Basso will start in Tour de Corse in a 207 S2000!

This is great news, but I am still disappointed his programme with the A-Style Fiesta didn't continue.

[Ucci]

This is great news, but I am still disappointed his programme with the A-Style Fiesta didn't continue.

I prefer to see G.Basso in S2000 car on Tour de Corse, as with RRC he would be 100% winner. But with N/A engine things can be more equal and interesting...

[RS]

I prefer to see G.Basso in S2000 car on Tour de Corse, as with RRC he would be 100% winner. But with N/A engine things can be more equal and interesting...

Fair point. I still think he could have taken on Sordo last year were it not for the incident with the spectator car.

[Tom206wrc]

Basso will start in Tour de Corse in a 207 S2000!

What about his CIR program(in Italy)after he crashed in 1000 Miglia :confused:

[Jack4688`]

Jan Kopecky was just asked 'What rally next?'

Answer: 'Rallye de Corse'

[WUff1]

Hope Bouffier can strike back anytime soon against Sainteloc - I suppose it was them who refused to help ...

[PLuto]

Officially confirmed - Rally San Marino is out of ERC calendar - http://www.autosport.cz/clanek.php?cl=15190

[Bartolbia84]

iRally | The free independent Rally App for the iPhone, iPad and Android (http://irallylive.com/ir_news.htm?00003866)

San Marino OUT

[mousti]

So Ypres is now the last rally of the first group of events of the ERC.

[PLuto]

So Ypres is now the last rally of the first group of events of the ERC.

Yes

[Jarek Z]

Officially confirmed - Rally San Marino is out of ERC calendar - Autosport (http://www.autosport.cz/clanek.php?cl=15190)

Good! The less events the better.

[A FONDO]

I doubt it will be the only rally this year to refuse paying 300 000 for Koepcky and Breen

[Mirek]

I doubt it will be the only rally this year to refuse paying 300 000 for Koepcky and Breen

lol, Kopecký would not be in San Marino anyway. Where is Your values come from? Maybe some events pay that much but definitely not all.

Some little statistics for You of this ongoing season...

Jänner
Entries - 94, foreign entries - 50, percentage of foreign entries - 53%
Foreign crews in final top 10 - 8, percentage of foreign crews in top 10 - 80%

Latvia (here it's difficult for me to combine national event with international, so only ERC)
Entries - 40, foreign entries - 33, percentage of foreign entries - 83%
Foreign crews in final top 10 - 8, percentage of foreign crews in top 10 - 80%

Canarias
Entries - 30, foreign entries -17, percentage of foreign entries - 57%
Foreign crews in final top 10 - 8, percentage of foreign crews in top 10 - 80%

Acores
Entries - 42, foreign entries - 27, percentage of foreign entries - 64%
Foreign crews in final top 10 - 7, percentage of foreign crews in top 10 - 70%

The strongest events are yet to come...

[RS]

Besides, the extra entries and higher profile will also bring more fans to the stages, more team personnel and other staff to stay in the local area. Eurosport TV coverage and additional press coverage give extra potential for event sponsors and extra publicity to the region. 300,000 Euros (if the figure is true) really isn't very much in the big scheme of things.

[bluuford]

Anyway, it is not very sensible to held two events of the same series in the same country. And while the economy of the country is not in its best state.

[Mirek]

I agree with that but on the other hand the event organizers are free to negotiate with the promoter so such cases may happen.

[Plan9]

If Kopecky wins the title this year, would Skoda/VW ever consider putting him in WRC/WRC2?

[Mirek]

Sure not. WRC is playground of VW and that's why Wiegand is in WRC2. Besides that I don't find WRC2 to be a place for Škoda. No media presentation, no marketing value for manufacturer to finish 10th overall...

[WUff1]

Breen is being massively overhyped now at fiaerc.com - 3 news features about him out of the last 8. Is this necessary?

[Jarek Z]

Breen is being massively overhyped now at fiaerc.com - 3 news features about him out of the last 8. Is this necessary?

Of course not. But you know what the media world looks like today. It's full of people who think that writing the same thing multiple times is more important than writing one really good article. As a result, you, as a reader, have to click three pieces of news. Unfortunately, after reading them you realize that you learned nothing. But the media owner will be happy, because you clicked his s/hitty website three times.

Then you also have that twitter-s/hitter, the popularity of which will forever remain a mystery to me.

[A FONDO]

Of course not. But you know what the media world looks like today. It's full of people who think that writing the same thing multiple times is more important than writing one really good article. As a result, you, as a reader, have to click three pieces of news. Unfortunately, after reading them you realize that you learned nothing. But the media owner will be happy, because you clicked his s/hitty website three times.

Then you also have that twitter-s/hitter, the popularity of which will forever remain a mystery to me.

+1 (for when one "Like" is not enough)


This is the typical IRC marketing approach from years, they just want to publish anything as often as possible just to remind people their boring series still exist. When I was still following their FB page they were spamming even during WRC events with really pointless things in 4-5 lines.

[RS]

+1 (for when one "Like" is not enough)


This is the typical IRC marketing approach from years, they just want to publish anything as often as possible just to remind people their boring series still exist.

One thing I find curious about internet forums is that people who allegedly hate something so much spend a lot of time on forums about said subject.

Maybe it's a bit like homophobia, the ones that protest too much are secretly a bit interested...

[Jarek Z]

This is the typical IRC marketing approach from years, they just want to publish anything as often as possible just to remind people their boring series still exist. When I was still following their FB page they were spamming even during WRC events with really pointless things in 4-5 lines.

Thanks for your comment Slowson! This is exactly what I mean. I have never thought about it this way, but you are right - this IRC way of marketing is like spam indeed. When the series existed, I always had the impression, that they were trying to ram it down my throat!

[Tom206wrc]

+1 (for when one "Like" is not enough)


This is the typical IRC marketing approach from years, they just want to publish anything as often as possible just to remind people their boring series still exist. When I was still following their FB page they were spamming even during WRC events with really pointless things in 4-5 lines.



IRC ???? Boring ???? :confused:

[bluuford]

representatives from Eursport events visited Estonia during the last week. They are interested in including Rally Estonia into the ERC calendar from 2014 already. This trip was also important to convince some national funding agencies (Enterprise Estonia and Ministry of Culture) to support the event. As far as I can understand then there is a will from ERC and everything depends on the national politicians and some additional funding.

[Jeppe]

representatives from Eursport events visited Estonia during the last week. They are interested in including Rally Estonia into the ERC calendar from 2014 already. This trip was also important to convince some national funding agencies (Enterprise Estonia and Ministry of Culture) to support the event. As far as I can understand then there is a will from ERC and everything depends on the national politicians and some additional funding.

Great! This is very nice news! I really hope that Rally Estonia will become a part of ERC.

Only doubt is money, or how much they are willing / able pay for it. Hope it does not fall to that...

[PLuto]

Rally Estonia will be in ERC 2014, instead of San Marino :-)

[cali]

Great news if true, but we need to get the funding and knowing our current economic climate, it will not be an easy task.

[catty]

As far as I can understand then there is a will from ERC and everything depends on the national politicians and some additional funding.
This is all that matters to the ERC.
Money is all that matters to Eurosport events

[catty]

Breen is being massively overhyped now at fiaerc.com - 3 news features about him out of the last 8. Is this necessary?
To be fair, if I was spending as much as he is this season, I'd expect my PR team to be flat out with press releases too

[Mirek]

This is all that matters to the ERC.
Money is all that matters to Eurosport events

Maybe You don't believe in that but there are events in ERC which pay way less than the new ones. Those pay a lot because there is much more of them than free spaces in calendar. High demand always creates high prices. In everything. It just shows Eurosport is doing things good enough to attract organizers. Nobody force them to choose ERC. If Eurosport product was not good there would not be loads of organizers willing to pay crazy money to join.

[RS]

This is all that matters to the ERC.
Money is all that matters to Eurosport events

They are not a charity. It is not free to put on a WRC event either..

[tolis]

Kris Meeke will start in Corsica in a 208 R2!

[PLuto]

Kris Meeke will start in Corsica in a 208 R2!

But only as zero car :(

[Plan9]

Maybe it will lead on to something else. Peugeot is better than being stuck with Prodrive. I havn't heard who will co-drive for him?

[noel157]

Driving the zero car was always the plan. Peugeot is a partner in the event. I believe Chris Patterson will co-drive.

[RS]

Maybe it will lead on to something else. Peugeot is better than being stuck with Prodrive. I havn't heard who will co-drive for him?

He has already been testing the 208 T16 and DS3 R5 so I think we can expect to see him do some events in one of those later in the year. As you say, great to see him working with a manufacturer after the disappointing treatment by Prodrive.

[Kielder]

Driving the zero car was always the plan. Peugeot is a partner in the event. I believe Chris Patterson will co-drive.

Remember that Sarrazin did the same job last year.


http://img542.imageshack.us/img542/3848/208r2n0sarrazinveillasc.jpg


I suppose this means that Meeke will be on the entry list next year :D .

[PLuto]

Driving the zero car was always the plan. Peugeot is a partner in the event. I believe Chris Patterson will co-drive.

There were more plans. Also to be in the fieldn with 208 R2 or zero car with 208 T16.

[Jarek Z]

This is the typical IRC marketing approach from years, they just want to publish anything as often as possible just to remind people their boring series still exist. When I was still following their FB page they were spamming even during WRC events with really pointless things in 4-5 lines.

The quality of fiaerc.com news service is still falling down. I have just noticed a piece of news titled "ERC winner Tlusťák set for Czech Rallysprint action"
ERC winner Tlus (http://www.fiaerc.com/news/detail/id/730)
Since when is Tlustak ERC winner? Have I missed something?

[Mirek]

He won 2WD ERC title three or four years a go. That shows how terrible the quality of competition was that time...

[PLuto]

Since when is Tlustak ERC winner? Have I missed something?

Yes, you have missed. He was ERC 2WD champion in 2009 :)

[PLuto]

Lukasz Kabacinski will do 7 ERC rounds with Clio R3 - Autosport (http://www.autosport.cz/clanek.php?cl=15241)

[noel157]

There were more plans. Also to be in the fieldn with 208 R2 or zero car with 208 T16.

Was the T16 ever an option Pluto, even as zero? Asphalt testing hasn't even started yet.
But whatever, it's good to see Meeke out again.

[Jarek Z]

Yes, you have missed. He was ERC 2WD champion in 2009 :)

No, I didn't miss that. I thought that was what they meant. In my opinion it is an exaggeration. The title "ERC winner" is reserved for real stars. And such writing style makes ERC website look like spam. But maybe it's just my impression.

[liposh]

No, I didn't miss that. I thought that was what they meant. In my opinion it is an exaggeration. The title "ERC winner" is reserved for real stars. And such writing style makes ERC website look like spam. But maybe it's just my impression.

Sorry Jarek Z, it is maybe also my fault. During Rally Azores I have responded to fia articles on facebook about "Czech star Tlustak" that he isn´t only star, but "czech hyper superfast megastar" (or something like that) and it seems they took it all to heart...somebody just don´t understand sarcasm :D

[Jarek Z]

Sorry Jarek Z, it is maybe also my fault. During Rally Azores I have responded to fia articles on facebook about "Czech star Tlustak" that he isn´t only star, but "czech hyper superfast megastar" (or something like that) and it seems they took it all to heart...somebody just don´t understand sarcasm :D

Liposh Liposh what have you done? Now they will be calling him megastar on a regular basis! Tour de Corse - the return of the MEGASTAR! ;)

[Plan9]

He has already been testing the 208 T16 and DS3 R5 so I think we can expect to see him do some events in one of those later in the year. As you say, great to see him working with a manufacturer after the disappointing treatment by Prodrive.

That is fantastic to hear. I do hope his deal with PSA is not just limited to testing. He is not getting any younger as we all know. Does anyone know why he hasn't been joining Craig on events in a 207?

[catty]

That is fantastic to hear. I do hope his deal with PSA is not just limited to testing. He is not getting any younger as we all know. Does anyone know why he hasn't been joining Craig on events in a 207?
Craig is paying for Sainteloc to run a Peugeot 207 for him out of his own (well his dads) pocket

Kris has never had to money to be able to pay to drive a rallycar

[Jarek Z]

Just visited the official ERC website and learnt new things. First of all, they confirm that Tlustak is THE ERC STAR:
Differing fortunes for GPD Mit Metal stars in Czech rallysprint - News - ERC European Rally Championship - Eurosport (http://www.fiaerc.com/news/detail/id/750)

Secondly, now they claim that Ancian is ERC star too!
Why five would be fine for ERC star Ancian - News - ERC European Rally Championship - Eurosport (http://www.fiaerc.com/news/detail/id/744)

I always thought that ERC stars were Rossetti, Basso, Jean-Joseph, maybe Bouffier or Delecour, but Tlustak and Ancian??? What do I know about rallying?

[RS]

This is normal. Anyone who can pay to be behind the wheel of a rally car is a "star"

Matt Wilson was always the "Stobart Star" when he was in WRC according to bland WRC voiceover man IIRC.

[Barreis]

40 CROATIA RALLY (http://www.rallycroatia.com/)

[Mintexmemory]

The latest issue of MN has a story on the 4 UK competitors for an ERC round:- in the running
Circuit of Ireland
Scottish Rally
Sunderland Rally (rebirth of the. 2011. WRC. Idea)-Kielder and Lakeland
And ,please rally gods let it be
Rally Yorkshire - Dalby, Cropton and Langdale. - HQ in York

[Jack4688`]

The latest issue of MN has a story on the 4 UK competitors for an ERC round:- in the running
Circuit of Ireland
Scottish Rally
Sunderland Rally (rebirth of the. 2011. WRC. Idea)-Kielder and Lakeland
And ,please rally gods let it be
Rally Yorkshire - Dalby, Cropton and Langdale. - HQ in York

I wish all four of those could run, along with Rally GB and Rally Isle of Man, as a British International championship with Skoda UK Motorsport Fabia S2000s/R5s, Peaugeot UK backed 208 T16s, Citroen UK backed DS3 R5s and M-Sport Fiesta R5s. It would give much needed domestic support to whichever one does get the nod for ERC and for the WRC round.

Ah well just another one of my pipe dreams.....

[RS]

The latest issue of MN has a story on the 4 UK competitors for an ERC round:- in the running
Circuit of Ireland
Scottish Rally
Sunderland Rally (rebirth of the. 2011. WRC. Idea)-Kielder and Lakeland
And ,please rally gods let it be
Rally Yorkshire - Dalby, Cropton and Langdale. - HQ in York

More on this here: Britain edges closer to European Rally Championship slot in 2014 - ERC news - AUTOSPORT.com (http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/108070)

I can see two UK rounds being possible if one if mainland UK and the other is COI maybe... wasn't part of COI in Southern Ireland, therefore technically it could be counted as a different country?

[Jack4688`]

Republic used to be part of it yes, but I think that it is irrelevant. Even if COI ran purely in Northern Ireland I agree with you and could see justification for a mainland Britain one too.

[Plan9]

Is Jari Ketomaa going to be doing any other event this season?

[werner]

I dont know if there exist a thread for the European Rally Cup, here the Entry List of Rally Bulgaria that Weekend:

Entry list (http://www.rallybulgaria.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=181&Itemid=96&lang=en)

and a Link with Info about Live Streaming SS1 tonight:

[url=http://www.rallybulgaria.com/index.php?option=com_k2&view=item&id=279:рали-„българия-2013”-на-живо-на-evobgbg&Itemid=57&lang=en]Ð*али „БългариÑ

[Allyc85]

Any news or rumours of the next live coverage? :)

[PLuto]

Rajd Polski

[Kalm]

Martin Kangur said in Rally Estonia press conference that he is aiming for some ERC events with Fiesta R5.

[Mirek]

Hope he comes back to Barum! :)

[Jarek Z]

Today we raise a glass to Armin Schwarz who turns 50! Happy Birthday Armin! :)
Back in 1996... (http://www.fiaerc.com/news/detail/id/1100)

[makinen_fan]

1996 in Cyprus Rally was the first time I had a taste of World Rally level driver and top car! I was astonished by Armin and really hooked me in rallying, he was super spectacular. Look at 0:50 in the video:


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

[edgars944]

Nice!

[quote="makinen_fan"]1996 in Cyprus Rally was the first time I had a taste of World Rally level driver and top car! I was astonished by Armin and really hooked me in rallying, he was super spectacular. Look at 0:50 in the video:

[Andre Oliveira]

Entry list (http://www.ewrc-results.com/startlist.php?e=7750&t=Rali-Vinho-da-Madeira-2013)

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-frc3/971875_368907579905157_2080274893_n.png

[Jack4688`]

Rally Poland to be part of WRC again from next year, so that's one event lost to bring the ERC down to a sensible number of events...

[Mirek]

There was some talking about two events in Poland - both WRC and ERC one.

[Jack4688`]

I don't like that idea - it may suggest that ERC should be a support category to the WRC. Their calendar of events should remain separate

[Mirek]

I don't like that idea - it may suggest that ERC should be a support category to the WRC. Their calendar of events should remain separate

Why? The talking was about TWO events not one joint together. There are plenty of countries where You have both WRC and ERC - France, Italy, Portugal, Spain, some time a go it was also Greece or Great Britain.

[liposh]

There was some talking about two events in Poland - both WRC and ERC one.

Two GRAVEL events?

[Jack4688`]

Why? The talking was about TWO events not one joint together. There are plenty of countries where You have both WRC and ERC - France, Italy, Portugal, Spain, some time a go it was also Greece or Great Britain.

Ahhhh I misunderstood. June and September maybe?

[bluuford]

Urmo Aava told that they have an agreement with ERC that Rally Estonia can run as ERC rally in 2014 July (same date as now). They just need to make sure their funding (governement support). Decision will be most likely in August.

[Jarek Z]

According to Autoklub.pl Toshi Arai is going to compete in 4 ERC events this year - Sibiu, Poland, Barum and Sanremo. He will drive Subaru Impreza prepared by Manfred Stohl. Hopefully Arai doesn't replace Aigner in this team?

[Jack4688`]

Urmo Aava told that they have an agreement with ERC that Rally Estonia can run as ERC rally in 2014 July (same date as now). They just need to make sure their funding (governement support). Decision will be most likely in August.

This can only be good news. I haven't seen much of Rally Estonia, but what I have seen is fantastic. A great loose-surface rally to add to the sealed-surface heavy ERC calendar

[Bartolbia84]

Bertelli start in Poland and Sanremo with Fiesta RRC by M-Sport

[WUff1]

According to Autoklub.pl Toshi Arai is going to compete in 4 ERC events this year - Sibiu, Poland, Barum and Sanremo. He will drive Subaru Impreza prepared by Manfred Stohl. Hopefully Arai doesn't replace Aigner in this team?

I´d consider it possible that Aigner´s sponsors stopped engaging in his ERC program (Stohl Racing is only the team providing the car). Nothing is known about further appearances of him in ERC ...

[PLuto]

Toshi's 4 event programme was planned few months ago...

[mousti]

Toshi Arai signs on for three more ERC rounds [PLUS PHOTO GALLERY] | HANDBRAKES & HAIRPINS (http://handbrakeshairpins.wordpress.com/2013/08/06/toshi-arai-signs-on-for-three-more-erc-rounds-plus-photo-gallery/)


Arai will do 4 other ERC events.

[Jarek Z]

But what with Aigner? This guy is great and I hope we will see him in the second part of the season.

[Adler]

But what with Aigner? This guy is great and I hope we will see him in the second part of the season.

He will be back in Zlin, after Barum he will compete in croatia

[Mirek]

Are You sure? I thought Arai would start in Zlín instead of Aigner. In my understanding they will share same car in next events.

[Adler]

Are You sure? I thought Arai would start in Zlín instead of Aigner. In my understanding they will share same car in next events.
According Aigners homepage, yes....red also in an stohl press release that both drivers (Arai and Aigner) will start in Zlin.

[Mirek]

That would be perfect!

[PLuto]

That was previous plans. Actually it looks like Aigner will be missing in Zlin...

[Adler]

That was previous plans. Actually it looks like Aigner will be missing in Zlin...
Sad news, if it´s true....I think Andi Aigner showed good performance so far this season...

[mousti]

My previous post was old news, thought I deleted it but it seems not.. :p

About Bertelli.. He won't do Poland and Sanremo. He will only start with the RRC of MSport in Spain and Wales.

[Jarek Z]

About Bertelli.. He won't do Poland and Sanremo. He will only start with the RRC of MSport in Spain and Wales.

Nobody will miss him. But I will for sure miss Aigner. I wonder if he would have been faster than Kajto and Harrach in Janner?

[sindroms]

"Rally Liepāja-Ventspils @LVRally (https://twitter.com/LVRally) to remain in @FIAERC (https://twitter.com/FIAERC) next year! Latvian government approved funding."

[Hartusvuori]

Nobody will miss him.

Bertelli was surprisingly spectacular last weekend in Finland. In a sense you'd never know what will happen when he goes by, total contrast to what I saw in Sweden with him and Impreza (was it?).

[pantealex]

Nobody will miss him. But I will for sure miss Aigner. I wonder if he would have been faster than Kajto and Harrach in Janner?

I like Bertelli more than Aigner.

Aigner always drives old model cars, I don´t like those.

[cali]

I like Bertelli more than Aigner.

Aigner always drives old model cars, I don´t like those.
:p

[Mirek]

Can somebody (Italian members probably) comment rumors that Sanremo is canceled due to financial problems?

[pucky54]

Can somebody (Italian members probably) comment rumors that Sanremo is canceled due to financial problems?

Decision has to be made on August 20...

[focus206]

Can somebody (Italian members probably) comment rumors that Sanremo is canceled due to financial problems?

I've read that there is a "high risk of cancellation", and that they still miss 20% of the budget needed...
If it's cancelled it would probably replaced by Rally di Como in Italian Championship, but I guess no replacement in ERC...

[Mirek]

Thanks guys.

[tolis]

Jourdan Serderidis will drive the Fiesta R5 in Poland. He'll also do WRC Wales GB.

[pucky54]

Jourdan Serderidis will drive the Fiesta R5 in Poland. He'll also do WRC Wales GB.

Are you sure?


Serderidis wrecked his car during a test... Possibly, they wont repair the car anymore??

[tommeke_B]

Are you sure?
He crashed it. And I think the car will be repaired OR replaced. But it can't be repaired or replaced in time for a rally next week... I know that Serderidis intends going international (WRC) next year, so this is not a surprise. :)

[tolis]

Riku Tahko is aiming for an ERC campaing in 2014: Riku Tahko makes a step improvement in spite of technical issues on Neste Oil Rally Finland - Press Release (http://www.pressreleasemanager.co.uk/viewPressRelease.asp?ID=2A4B9A5E-3884-4AE8-A5D9-529AB860A1B2)

[Rallyper]

Riku Tahko is aiming for an ERC campaing in 2014: Riku Tahko makes a step improvement in spite of technical issues on Neste Oil Rally Finland - Press Release (http://www.pressreleasemanager.co.uk/viewPressRelease.asp?ID=2A4B9A5E-3884-4AE8-A5D9-529AB860A1B2)

May well be Fiesta R5.

[mousti]

Program Rally San Remo

http://acisanremo.it/rallysanremo/documenti/Programma%20Rallye%20Sanremo%202013%20ENG.pdf

[Jarek Z]

I don't know if it was posted here or not, but I read that Estonian driver Martin Kangur announced his attendance on the Rally of Poland in September. As far as I know he will drive Ford Fiesta R5.

[Jarek Z]

Guys, have you already arranged your homes? Because if not, Luca Betti has some new furniture for you :D
From the special stage to the small screen for Betti - News - ERC European Rally Championship - Eurosport (http://www.fiaerc.com/news/detail/id/1302)

What do you think? Is he a better driver or an actor? ;)
Promozione Chateau d'Ax Marzo 2013 - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gIryUQlK4oM)

[Andre Oliveira]

I don't know if it was posted here or not, but I read that Estonian driver Martin Kangur announced his attendance on the Rally of Poland in September. As far as I know he will drive Ford Fiesta R5.

Yes, on National topic


from Martin Kangur facebook: Dear fans! We are happy to announce that Martin Kangur and Andres Ots will participate in Rally Kurzeme on 30.-31. august and ERC Rally Poland on 13.-15. september. Car will be Ford Fiesta R5!

[Andre Oliveira]

Rumours about a R5 project to Bruno Magalhães for ERC 2014.

[polo10]

Rumours about a R5 project to Bruno Magalhães for ERC 2014.

Where you read it?

[Andre Oliveira]

On somethng about the Peugeot 208 R2 debut of Inside Motor Sport:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=H-zr_XkGyYM

[Adler]

Andi Aigner still plans to take the PC-title and compete in last 3 rounds (Croatia, Sanremo, Valais).

Google Übersetzer (http://translate.google.com/translate?sl=de&tl=en&js=n&prev=_t&hl=de&ie=UTF-8&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.motorline.cc%2Frallye%2F2013%2F Rallye-EM%2FERC-Barum-Rallye-Die-Formel-Austria-in-Zlin-181456.html)

[PLuto]

Andi Aigner still plans to take the PC-title and compete in last 3 rounds (Croatia, Sanremo, Valais).

Google Übersetzer (http://translate.google.com/translate?sl=de&tl=en&js=n&prev=_t&hl=de&ie=UTF-8&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.motorline.cc%2Frallye%2F2013%2F Rallye-EM%2FERC-Barum-Rallye-Die-Formel-Austria-in-Zlin-181456.html)

Will it be enough? I am afraid his absence on Barum should cost him the title...

[kober]

It's going to be busy time in the championship for the next few weeks. Czech, Poland, Croatia and Sanremo are all just a fortnight apart.

[Fiat-131-Abarth]

Will it be enough? I am afraid his absence on Barum should cost him the title...If he wins the Produchtion Cup of all three Events it should be possible. It would help him a lot if Jakes could win PC at Barum and Kajto at Rajd Polski.

[Jarek Z]

Michal Solowow started his preparations for Rally Poland. A video from his test session at the wheel of Ford Fiesta RRC can be found here:
Rally Poland 2013 | Synthos Cersanit Rally Team | pre-event testing 1 - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=tKYcFPMNFt8)

[Jarek Z]

Maybe it's a little off topic, but I'd like to recommend you this very interesting and wise interview with Robert Kubica who describes his new life to the BBC:
BBC F1 2013: Robert Kubica on his new life - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yfhfszO5kxA) (4,5 minutes)

[Tom206wrc]

Any news about entrylist of Rajd Polski(held in two weeks) :confused:

[RS]

Any news about entrylist of Rajd Polski(held in two weeks) :confused:

Kopecky is entered.

I think Kubica will stand a real chance of winning his home rally though!

[br21]

Any news about entrylist of Rajd Polski(held in two weeks) :confused:

Usual polish champs drivers will take part, also Solowow, Kubica. Kosciuszko planned to be, but now not sure after his problems after Germany. Holowczyc probably in Fiesta RRC, local Staniszewski could be in RRC also. Kangur with Fiesta R5 was supposed to come, but now after his big off in Kurzeme I have some doubts. Bouffier plans to come with something faster than his usual 208R2 (probably 207 S2000). This year Polski is also round of Lithuanian Championships so probably few fast drivers will come, at least I heard about Butvilas coming, Svedas not sure after he damaged the car completely during last round...

[miniwintz]

I think Bouffier was desperately looking for someone who could pay him the ride in a S2000. If he fails to find that, he would indeed compete in a 208 R2. I am not aware of any progression on that matter, but I hope it's going in his way

[cosmin_sb]

a rumor: it is in discussion to move the Sibiu rally from July in the end of February to be a snow event in 2014

[Mirek]

Could be very interesting! Can You tell us how do You see that from Romanian point of view?

[WUff1]

Bouffier, Breen and Ancian will be at San Remo next.

[Andre Oliveira]

Great news, i hope that Sanremo will be the big event of the season :vader:

[kober]

So, if Kopecky had secured the title, why have Skoda comitted to run him in Croatia? Seems like a waste of money.

Also, any chance that he will try to defend the title next year?

[WUff1]

I don´t think he will try (or be allowed) to defend it - next year is development year of Fabia R5.
I think he will do only selected events like Jänner, Barum and Bohemia - as ist was originally planned for this year already.

[Mirek]

So, if Kopecky had secured the title, why have Skoda comitted to run him in Croatia? Seems like a waste of money.

Also, any chance that he will try to defend the title next year?

Škoda confirmed Jan will start in Croatia. For next season I guess it's going to be like Wuff wrote but as we saw in this season - if they win what they touch than they might go for it again.

[Jack4688`]

So, if Kopecky had secured the title, why have Skoda comitted to run him in Croatia? Seems like a waste of money.

Also, any chance that he will try to defend the title next year?

Ummm, I didn't think Kopecky had secured the title yet?

[Mirek]

He did. Nobody can't reach him in the last three events, moreover when neither Bouffier nor Breen entered Rally Croatia. For some strange reason Škoda keeps quiet about that although they know that. Maybe they prepared some celebration to Cratia or something :D

[kober]

@FIAERC are actually denying Kopecky's title: https://twitter.com/FIAERC/status/379525061331283968

[liposh]

Do you remember Bouffier having priority FIA A thanks to winning just Monte 2011? From that time I do not trust anything from FIA. (Sad but true) So if Bouffier won´t be in Porec next Wednesday it will be sure.

[Jack4688`]

Given the less than simple way in which the final points are calculated (best X scores from Y rallies etc etc) maybe it's not as simple and maybe we have to wait and see who turns up at Croatia Rally. I'm not sure if there's been any further news on this but Kopecky's words when interviewed after the final stage yesterday were "...hope to see you in Croatia"

Also on the British Eurosport coverage they mentioned that Kajetanowicz had secured the Polish title with that result - it would be odd if they missed the fact that Kopecky took the European title too, especially as they kept talking about how he had been doing the event in a very calm and measured way as he was close to securing it and didn't need to take any unnecessary risks.

[ik1911]

I know many people will hope to see J.Kopecky and Skoda Team in Croatian Rally 2013.