[WRC] News & rumours (part III)

[EightGear]

So that's 2017, not next year already. :)

[AndyRAC]

Monte Carlo will start in Valence again next year, with stages the Drome and Ardeche region. So next year, a lot of completely new stages again, at least for the WRC crews.. :)

Good!! Is that instead if this years stages? Or in addition to this years stages.

[nafpaktos]

http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/117559 let's hope they bring it back

What will be the gain for eurosport events if they reach a consensus with wrc promoter??to downgrade its product??

[AndyRAC]

Maybe Eurosport/ ERC should replace Corsica with Valais - why they dropped it is just madness.

[Jack4688`]

Maybe that's WHY they dropped it - to replace Valais beacuse Tour de Corse returns to the WRC because Alsace went tits up because the local fans realised they don't like rallying, just a local hero!

[nafpaktos]

Why they should prefer rally du valais than a rally with HUGE BRAND name??i think they have agreement with the organisers of tour de corse.by switching cosre with valais they downgrade their product and the same moment give a big boost to their rivals.they throw to garbage a rally with huge reputation(everyone knows tour de corse even if he is irrelevant to rallying) for a rally that only rallyfans know and the people of the general area.are we serious?DO I MISS SOMETHING??????all my irrelevant friends to rallying know tour de corse,monte carlo,sweden,rac,but none of them rally du valais,sorry i dont get it.pluto can you help us?

[RS]

Maybe WRC give Monte back to Eurosport so they have one French event each :D

Apart from the name, I don't see Corse - Valais as a downgrade really. Valais is a nice rally with beautiful scenery and is easier to get to for teams.

[bluuford]

Why they should prefer rally du valais than a rally with HUGE BRAND name??i think they have agreement with the organisers of tour de corse.by switching cosre with valais they downgrade their product and the same moment give a big boost to their rivals.they throw to garbage a rally with huge reputation(everyone knows tour de corse even if he is irrelevant to rallying) for a rally that only rallyfans know and the people of the general area.are we serious?DO I MISS SOMETHING??????all my irrelevant friends to rallying know tour de corse,monte carlo,sweden,rac,but none of them rally du valais,sorry i dont get it.pluto can you help us?

ERC Corsica rally was just an underfunded and pale shadow of the real Tour de Corse. If they get money for proper Tour de Corse and Valais is back in ERC then rally world has won a lot.

[nafpaktos]

Maybe WRC give Monte back to Eurosport so they have one French event each :D

Apart from the name, I don't see Corse - Valais as a downgrade really. Valais is a nice rally with beautiful scenery and is easier to get to for teams.
If someone see an adveritsment to tv such as <tommorow night stay tuned because you will see action from legendy etc ,tour de corse>and on the other side<tommorow stay tuned because you will see some nice action from the beautiful swiss landscape>which do you think is more attractive?i dont speak for guys like us.anyway its their problem, for me of course i prefer corse on wrc but i just try to understand why people from eurosport can do such a strange and not clever move.i wonder because eurosport always did very clever moves about rallying.

[stefanvv]

Seems Eurosport like a diversity in ERC calendar. Valais is quite unique in that respect, kind of Monte Carlo conditions, stage characteristics, etc. The key point here might also be "easier to get for teams", Looks like this is also very important and we had really good competition in Valais last years, while Corsica was kind of boring, just not enough competition, local drivers were very strong, but that didn't helped much as it seems, and I'm not sure the stages and organisation had anything to do with the classic Corsica event. Perhaps another island event is too much for the calendar.
And don't think "scenery" factor is not important. Eurosport know how to take advantage of this in excellent way.

[giu canbera]

Do you guys think Ford will bring the Focus to WRC? Cuz the new street car (Focus 2016) will be a 4wd 320HP manual shif.!!
are 'murican Subaru fans going nuts now? =P

[EightGear]

No.

[pantealex]

Do you guys think Ford will bring the Focus to WRC? Cuz the new street car (Focus 2016) will be a 4wd 320HP manual shif.!!
are 'murican Subaru fans going nuts now? =P

VW has Golf R 4wd and +300hp and they still use Polo.

so, NO!

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Do you guys think Ford will bring the Focus to WRC? Cuz the new street car (Focus 2016) will be a 4wd 320HP manual shif.!!


Ford official release of the 4WD Focus RS: https://media.ford.com/content/fordmedia/fna/us/en/news/2015/02/03/all-new-ford-focus-rs.html

https://media.ford.com/content/dam/fordmedia/North%20America/US/2015/02/03/FordFocusRS_02.jpg/_jcr_content/renditions/cq5dam.web.480.480.jpeg

https://media.ford.com/content/dam/fordmedia/North%20America/US/2015/02/03/FordFocusRS_04.jpg/_jcr_content/renditions/cq5dam.web.480.480.jpeg

[AndyRAC]

Should really be a Fiesta, with 3 doors, 1.6T & 4WD..... That's if RS still means Rallye Sport.

[Jack4688`]

nafpaktos I think you're putting too much emphasis on the tradition and history behind Tour de Corse. Honestly I wouldn't get a single positive answer if I asked non car guys or non motorsport fans what Tour de Corse is.

Also the ERC and WRC can't really be considered rivals - the WRC needs manufacturers to thrive, while ERC needs privateers to thrive. This means the rallies themselves have a very different feel to them. In ERC circles the Rallye du Valais is certainly not a downgrade. The fans watching on Eurosport will certainly not be disappointed, the rally will have plenty of spectators and the competitors will enjoy it.

Valais will be good for ERC, Tour de Corse can be good for WRC (if they don't fuck it up).

[Mk2 RS2000]

http://www.stuff.co.nz/timaru-herald/sport/65741905/Kiwi-Hayden-Paddon-leads-Hyundai-team-in-World-Rally-Champs

Hyundai Motorsports second team.

[liposh]

Jack4688: You are right in some points, but not in all of them. In this specific case it is not downgrade to replace Corse with Valais (at least for spectators) , but it is not possible to do it repeatedly. ERC and WRC should not be rivals but in fact they are. Because of better coverage ERC is much more than second league. And for example such manufacturers as Skoda don´t need WRC for promo, they need ERC .

nafpaktos: In my opinion people from ERC received the money from Tour de Corse organizers (0,4 mio Eur, right?) and they will not return it back. Something like fine (penalty) for Tour de Corse organizers for leaving ERC. And after that the case is closed for people from ERC. That is why they agreed. That is definitely the way of Mr. Ribeiro´s thinking. I don´t say he is bad guy or good guy, but he is exactly THAT kind of guy.

[COD]

http://www.stuff.co.nz/timaru-herald/sport/65741905/Kiwi-Hayden-Paddon-leads-Hyundai-team-in-World-Rally-Champs

Hyundai Motorsports second team.

Hopefully they will run other drivers than Abbring also alongside Paddong during the year

[jbmarcus21]

Tour de Corse 2015 Wrc is officially confirmed http://planetemarcus.com/le-rallye-wrc-france-2015-de-retour-en-corse/

[AL14]

News about the itinerary? Near Ajaccio?

[Barreis]

More about Corsica...
http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/117610

[vino_93]

News about the itinerary? Near Ajaccio?
From a city to another

[Barreis]

Capito on drugs again...
http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/117624

[stefanvv]

:D

[nafpaktos]

Capito on drugs again...
http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/117624
He says those lies to show that vw's wins will have value with such strong competitors as Evans.what else will we hear???

[nafpaktos]

Evans

http://m.crash.net/wrc/feature/214513/1/msport-column-monte-carlo-what-could-have-been-for-evans.html

[jbmarcus21]

News about the itinerary? Near Ajaccio?

3 cities rumours... with Ajaccio + Porto Vecchio + Bastia .. we will see ... some rumours speak also long very long stage but only 8 :)

[AndyRAC]

Good - I hope we see something like this. Events should be different, and used to be, instead of the identikit events we have now. About time other events grew some balls and put on more challenging events.

[Zeakiwi]

Australians Pedder and Moscatt in Ford Fiesta R5 for WRC2.
http://www.speedcafe.com/2015/02/12/scott-pedder-take-wrc2-plunge/

[jbmarcus21]

Standings after Sweden Wrc
http://planetemarcus.com/saison-wrc

[AL14]

Does anybody know if Novikov is still alive? If yes, what is he doing?

[rp]

Does anybody know if Novikov is still alive? If yes, what is he doing?

yes, he will be a codriver for Gregory Berezkin (Ford Fiesta R5) next weekend in VaakunaRalli, 2nd Round of the Finnish Rally Championship...

[AdvEvo]

yes, he will be a codriver for Gregory Berezkin (Ford Fiesta R5) next weekend in VaakunaRalli, 2nd Round of the Finnish Rally Championship...

No money no steering wheel in you're hand!

[Vaggelis27]

http://www.ewrc-results.com/carinfo.php?cid=13&spz=277 Where is this car?

[makinen_fan]

http://www.ewrc-results.com/carinfo.php?cid=13&spz=277 Where is this car?

Just different number plates:
http://www.ewrc-results.com/carinfo.php?cid=13&car=978

[KAMV]

News about the itinerary? Near Ajaccio?

Only 5 stages over 3 days in Corsica? 1 of 70 kms on friday, 2 stages of 70 kms on saturday and sunday a stage of 70 & 20 kms...
http://www.rallye-sport.fr/corse-pourrait-faire-sa-revolution/

Planned to go spectating, but have to reconsider.
Not much possibility to see the cars a lot. And what when a stage has to be cancelled due to accident for example?
I hope they still change some things...

[AL14]

Only 5 stages over 3 days in Corsica? 1 of 70 kms on friday, 2 stages of 70 kms on saturday and sunday a stage of 70 & 20 kms...
http://www.rallye-sport.fr/corse-pourrait-faire-sa-revolution/

Planned to go spectating, but have to reconsider.
Not much possibility to see the cars a lot. And what when a stage has to be cancelled due to accident for example?
I hope they still change some things...

I still think this isn't true. It's simply useless for everyone. And if it will happens, it means drugs in Corsica are very good, way better than Capito's ones.

[A FONDO]

If the roads are all different it is a great idea and I hope they do it. This is the real meaning of rally.

[Rallyper]

New Opel Corsa R5 https://pbs.twimg.com/media/B-O3DOdIAAIY0O4.jpg:large

[AndyRAC]

That looks more like the S2000 Corsa from a few years ago. Mikkelsen drove one in Barum Rally Zlin.

[Sulland]

New Opel Corsa R5 https://pbs.twimg.com/media/B-O3DOdIAAIY0O4.jpg:large

Made by Opel Motorsport or some other firm?

[kiil]

New Opel Corsa R5 https://pbs.twimg.com/media/B-O3DOdIAAIY0O4.jpg:large

No it is not.

[Rallyper]

You´re right. It´s the old S2000. Some rumour was up on twitter half an hour ago...

However the car could well be a start for Opels´new project over R5 in the future.

[PLuto]

It is mentioned in R5 thread, this picture was from old S2000 car made by MSD and picture was from 2008.

[PLuto]

But Opel is developing R5 car, so dont be worry ;)

[Barreis]

Neuville...
http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/117830

[RICARDO75]

Neuville...
http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/117830

Being second on the road and with 145 km of specials stages only on the first day, he is going to have a dificult rally

[jbmarcus21]

New 2015 PLANETEMARCUS fly is available on free HD Download ==> http://bit.ly/1BpSen2

[Barreis]

China again, maybe...
http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/117856

[vino_93]

there's a lot of crews starting in chinese rallies, some local brand interested in rallying, and it's a plac to go to promote the manufacturers. so, why not ?

[AndyRAC]

Yes, why not? Hopefully there'll be more than 1 man and his dog watching like in 1999. No point going if there's no spectators.

[omer yetis]

there will be spectators but those are just interested in seeing any event around them... those are the local villagers... but trust me they are crowded ;)
and also have to consider the local media... there are hundreds of automobile magazines and their crew following the China Rally championship all around the country. I am sure the attention to WRC will be great by Chinese media

if the rally is going to be around Beijing, I guess this will be a strategic plan... first of all the Automobile federation (FASC) is located in Beijing which means more and easier handling of the rally.
FAW VW rally team also located in Beijing. maybe they will be the main sponsor of the rally? they are trying hard to be the best team in China rally champ these days...
I am sure they have more then enough power to persuade the FASC ;)
another factor is the accommodation; as rallies in China usually located in suburbans and/or small villages where there are not enough hotels or facilities...
we can also count transportation/accessability

besides, I also support the idea of having WRC in China as its becoming one of the biggest automobile markets in the World.
many big manufacturers survived the crisis or bankruptcy because of China. and as mentioned above many local brands are also trying to involve in rallying...

but the biggest question is the Safety and correct organisation. does FASC yet ready to handle this big event?

[vino_93]

About FAW team : FIA authorize local homologated car to take part to WRC events. So, according this rule, the Golf SCRC developped by Prodrive for FAW could be part of this potential event, couldn't it ?

[omer yetis]

Most probably yes, if not it will compete in the same rally as part of China Rally championship...
in other words might have possibility to see Chris Atkinson back in the WRC :)

[KiwiWRCfan]

can anyone provide some background to this Peugeot 307 WRC testing video ? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7105DdbQOaM

[trifonvl]

Most probably yes, if not it will compete in the same rally as part of China Rally championship...
in other words might have possibility to see Chris Atkinson back in the WRC :)

It was a test before the Boucle De Spa legend rally 2015 in Belgium

[Livewireshock]

China again, maybe...
http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/117856

This is quite interesting. The WRC Promoter wants to be in China but only if it is held in the eastern China near a major city. The problem is that there are no suitable gravel events close to any major city.

The Beijing Rally to be held at the end of June is a tarmac event, on concrete roads, 60km north of the Great Wall and 120km from central Beijing (2.5 hours driving). The service park is held in a tiny village called Baoshanzhen, only 2,000 people, with no hotels nearby, with the nearest big hotels are in Huairou, 68km south, where the APEC last year was held. It consists of two concrete roads used twice in one direction, then run twice in reverse direction the next day. There is no connection with Beijing at all except for name of the municipal area, only diehard local fans come to the event. Last year, I stayed in a tiny peasants house in very basic accommodation in the village, not ideal for an international level event. There is no direct or frequent public transport except for a few buses that are very rough and ready.

The strange thing was that two years ago, Zhangye was put forward as a WRC Candidate Rally but no one, from the FIA or WRC, bothered to show up. It is a fantastic event, the best in China, but is a desert event in western China, far from the major cities. That scared the promoters off. However they are definitely missing out for being so short sighted. The roads are fantastic, the landscape is unique and delightful, with sand dunes, stoney desert, green crops and snow capped mountains all visible from a single vantage point. It even has sections of the Great Wall through there but of the crumbly mud brick section disappearing back into the desert. While it is served by a small airport itself, it is one to two hours by bullet train to 3 larger international airports in Xining, Lanzhou and Jiayuguan. Has several nice hotels with more being built, has a population of over 300,000 that goes rally mad every time the rally is on. The local government has built over 100km of roads just for hosting a rally, a set service park area and a 3,000 seat stadium for the super-special. More importantly, it is the only Chinese rally that caters to spectators, with designated viewing areas with bus transport and taxi access.

There were worries and concerns about logistics, because it is so far west from regular lay persons thinking, far from any ports. However, with increasing trade, there are container trains passing through Zhangye that would take 12 to 16 days to/from Europe, faster than any ship. The distance for air cargo is shorter or equal to Australia, Argentina or Mexico.

I have attended many Chinese events, four last year alone and Zhangye is the best option by far. The FASC want the WRC there but the European promoter and the car companies are blindly pushing for an Eastern venue where none exists, except possibly for Chongqing but no rally event has ever been hosted there. I can not see the Beijing Rally impressing any onlookers.

[AndyRAC]

I read that article - and I just shake my head. "We/ the Championship doesn't want another Tarmac event" Er, why? The WRC should be an even split between gravel and tar. Or am I missing something? They talk about 'road relevance', yet don't want the surface that the majority of road cars run on.

That Ciesla bloke needs firing, he has no idea about the WRC, and I'm not sure RedBull do either.

[omer yetis]

well detailed Livewireshock! thanks for sharing your experiences.

this also reminds me of the 2008 IRC China rally held in Fujian province Shao Wu city. Fujian province is in middle east part of the country facing the Taiwan strait. and Shao wu is Northern eastern of the province.
the Xiamen port is one of the busiest of all Chinese ports and connected to Shao Wu with train lines and highways.

Shao wu is city with over 100.000 people lives and has enough accommodation for 72 crews and the teams.... but of course the question here will be for the guests and spectators accommodation

in order to give you guys some idea about the event and the stages below I have some incar videos from the event....
we also had a special stage where I never seen so many spectators... after the special stage it took us over 45 mins to reach 3km's distance park ferme due to mad crowd...

the stages were 99% gravel and some short areas with concrete. but was one of the best rallies for me in China...

https://www.youtube.com/user/omeryetis77/videos

I suggest this event shouldn't be left away either with beautiful mountain stages and an international competition experience in the past.....

[Livewireshock]

Long haul events have to be gravel events. Gravel spec cars, spares and equipment are loaded up for Rally Mexico, then travel to Argentina before arriving at Rally Australia this year. The cost of transport tarmac spec cars for a single event is out of reach for competitors. So it does not make any sense to be looking at Beijing as a Chinese based round. Yet the WRC Promoter and Car companies refuse to see past the major eastern Chinese cities. Any Chinese competitor or western onlooker like myself will tell you that Zhangye is the choice event for the WRC within China that is ready to go. Any other event would have to be built up from the ground up, as no other event exists that will correlate with the WRC wishes.

[Jack4688`]

I read that article - and I just shake my head. "We/ the Championship doesn't want another Tarmac event" Er, why? The WRC should be an even split between gravel and tar. Or am I missing something? They talk about 'road relevance', yet don't want the surface that the majority of road cars run on.

That Ciesla bloke needs firing, he has no idea about the WRC, and I'm not sure RedBull do either.

Remember when David Richards was in charge of the WRC? As far as I remember when Rallye sanremo was dropped it was because 'the WRC had too many tarmac events'. That was 5 (if you include Rallye Monte Carlo) out of 14! Madness

[Jack4688`]

About FAW team : FIA authorize local homologated car to take part to WRC events. So, according this rule, the Golf SCRC developped by Prodrive for FAW could be part of this potential event, couldn't it ?

Can you clarify this? As it has a 2.0ltr engine I don't understand how it would run as part of a WRC event...

[vino_93]

There is this new rule :
4.4 NATIONAL/REGIONAL CARS (NOT VALID IN EUROPE)
4.4.1 Cars homologated or approved by the ASN of the organising country will be permitted to take part in WRC events outside Europe, without eligibility to score Championship points.
4.4.2 Prior to the rally, the organiser will propose to the FIA a list of cars for approval.
4.4.3 Drivers entered in the national class shall always use a different entry form.

http://www.fia.com/sites/default/files/regulation/file/2015%20WRC%20Sporting%20Regulations_all_2.pdf

[Barreis]

Corsica...
http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/117891

[AL14]

Corsica...
http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/117891

Yes, I read somewhere else that Michelin and Pirelli also complained about their proposal and have asked for keeping the route like this but splitting each stage into two stages.
Not a reliable source btw.

To be honest, it would be great but I would like to go there and I won't go if I can see only a pass per day. Let's see.

[AndyRAC]

Leave it as it's proposed. It's different - and a challenge from the start. More events should try something different. It's what the sport of rallying is all about.

[PLuto]

Yes, I read somewhere else that Michelin and Pirelli also complained about their proposal and have asked for keeping the route like this but splitting each stage into two stages.
Not a reliable source btw.

To be honest, it would be great but I would like to go there and I won't go if I can see only a pass per day. Let's see.

But this time it is true. But with one "minor" change - it is nor proposal from corsican organisers, but it is idea of FFSA. Also corsican people from organisation are against this stupid idea.

[AL14]

Leave it as it's proposed. It's different - and a challenge from the start. More events should try something different. It's what the sport of rallying is all about.
The meaning of rally are also people in the stages. This would kill it. Who's gonna book a trip to see cars once and then go back home? I'd like more different rallys and big challenges too but I think this is not a right way to differentiate.

[A FONDO]

How many people go to see the bicycles once a day? Much more than the rally. So you are wrong.

[AL14]

That is not a fair comparison. But well if it remains like this we just have to wait to see who's wrong.

[N.O.T]

How many people go to see the bicycles once a day? Much more than the rally. So you are wrong.

were you always that special ??

the difference between going to see a rally and a worthless lowlife junkie going uphill on a bicycle is that in adrenaline sports you need to repeat the experience as often as possible...

while when going to see those useless drug addicts you basically do it to support the pharmaceutical companies that support them.

[dimviii]

Loeb wrote at his interview after Argentina win, that he ''waiting for rally news''

http://www.sebastienloeb.com/heureux-de-gagner-a-nouveau-en-argentine/


google translate
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d%C3%A9crocher%20la%20victoire%20!%0Awtcc201503080 14(1)%C2%AB%20Le%20bilan%20de%20ce%20premier%20wee k-end%20est%20positif.%20Un%20tripl%C3%A9%20et%20un% 20doubl%C3%A9%20pour%20Citro%C3%ABn%20Racing%2C%20 une%20deuxi%C3%A8me%20place%20au%20championnat%20p our%20moi.%20J%E2%80%99avais%20toujours%20gagn%C3% A9%20en%20Argentine%2C%20sauf%20l%E2%80%99an%20der nier.%20Je%20suis%20donc%20heureux%20de%20reprendr e%20mes%20bonnes%20habitudes%20!%20Plus%20s%C3%A9r ieusement%2C%20gagner%20%C3%A0%20Termas%20de%20Rio %20Hondo%2C%20sur%20les%20terres%20de%20Pechito%2C %20c%E2%80%99est%20une%20vraie%20satisfaction.%20J e%20suis%20content%20du%20d%C3%A9roulement%20des%2 0courses.%20Il%20reste%20%C3%A0%20am%C3%A9liorer%2 0un%20peu%20la%20pr%C3%A9paration%20des%20qualifs% 20et%20%C3%A0%20bien%20comprendre%20pourquoi%20nou s%20avons%20d%C3%BB%20nous%20chercher%20autant%20a u%20niveau%20des%20r%C3%A9glages.%20Nous%20avons%2 0du%20temps%20avant%20Marrakech%2C%20%C3%A0%20nous %20d%E2%80%99en%20profiter%20pour%20arriver%20au%2 0top%20au%20Maroc%20!%0A%C2%AB%20Je%20termine%20pa r%20un%20petit%20mot%20au%20sujet%20du%20S%C3%A9ba stien%20Loeb%20Racing.%20L%E2%80%99%C3%A9quipe%20a %20r%C3%A9ussi%20ses%20d%C3%A9buts%20dans%20la%20d iscipline%20avec%20une%20belle%20facult%C3%A9%20d% E2%80%99adaptation.%20Mehdi%20Bennani%20s%E2%80%99 est%20montr%C3%A9%20performant%2C%20en%20essais%20 libres%20et%20avec%20le%20meilleur%20chrono%20de%2 0la%20Q1%2C%20puis%20en%20course%20avec%20une%20be lle%20cinqui%C3%A8me%20place%20finale%20synonyme%2 0de%20victoire%20dans%20le%20Troph%C3%A9e%20des%20 Ind%C3%A9pendants.%20C%E2%80%99est%20de%20bon%20au gure%20pour%20la%20suite%20sachant%20qu%E2%80%99il %20pouvait%20vraiment%20pr%C3%A9tendre%20au%20podi um%2C%20et%20que%20tout%20le%20monde%20a%20encore% 20une%20bonne%20marge%20de%20progression.%0A%C2%AB %20A%20tr%C3%A8s%20vite%20pour%20une%20news%E2%80% A6%20rallye%20%3A-)%20%C2%BB%0ASeb.

[noel157]

I heard a few weeks ago that Loeb may return for one or two events. Think I posted about it last week.

[vino_93]

He will do Rallye d'Epernay at the end of the month (first round of french 2nd division champ)

[KKS]

no wrc?
Finland will be great choice for him :) and for us

[Mirek]

Several years a go in a talk show of Czech TV Loeb said that Finland was the only event where he felt scared. I doubt he was choose it now when he can do whatever he wants.

[Bartolbia84]

Testa and Andolfi start in #wrc3. Start season in Portugal with Peugeot 208 R2 by ACI Italia Team

[KKS]

Several years a go in a talk show of Czech TV Loeb said that Finland was the only event where he felt scared. I doubt he was choose it now when he can do whatever he wants.

Only Finland and Germany have a big gap to wtcc events, so if it be WRC rally it must be one from this two.
Or two of two, who knows :)

PS: wrc - green, wtcc - yellow
http://i.piccy.info/i9/2b8befa16df29d4c71c6d3a882e2f400/1426198236/124974/744543/wrc_wtcc.jpg

[Barreis]

Girl talk...
http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/118132

[stefanvv]

Any news of some other drivers progress?

[SubaruNorway]

Girl talk...
http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/118132

Am i right in thinking that the roads in Sardinia usually are so soft that they don''t really clean that much?

[polo10]

Am i right in thinking that the roads in Sardinia usually are so soft that they don''t really clean that much?
Completly wrong...they are soft and sandy, só There is much more to clean...

[AL14]

I can confirm that, Sardinia is very thoug for the first. And anyway Prokop was second at a certain point in 2014 if I remember well, so it must be a disadvantage for sure :)

[SubaruNorway]

Completly wrong...they are soft and sandy, só There is much more to clean...

That's what i meant so being 1st or 5th doesn't really matter as it's still soft, just what remember from when i was there 2011

[AL14]

Monte, Sweden with some conditions, Germany (a bit), France, Spain cause of the dust and Wales are generally an advantage for the first.

Sweden with some other conditions, Mexico, Portugal, Poland, a bit Finland, Sardinia, Australia are a disadvantage.


It's almost a draw,,,and presuming it will never rain, that is almost impossible. I think this first-on-the-road issue is starting to be overrated, it counts less on second passes, and nothing on second days 'cause of rally2.

[N.O.T]

The difference in driving ability between Ogier and its "rivals" (LOL..what rivals ??) is that big that running order does not affect the final result so quit that useless discussion... yes Ogier might lose a rally or two this season because of it but in the long run it will not affect the outcome.

Loeb had no problem ridiculing and beating multiple champions like a dogs without an owners... Ogier will have no problem dealing with guys who never tasted true victory apart from some small wins... the only threat i see is mikkelsen when VW promote him to No2 driver and kick latvala and his money out of the team and hopefully out of the WRC...

[Rallyper]

Autosport started it - and possibly Ogier... Btw - small wins - which are?

[N.O.T]

Autosport started it - and possibly Ogier... Btw - small wins - which are?

some lousy event wins which most of the times were achieved because the top driver had some problems or did not eat his breakfast...

apart from Ogier right now we have some championless kids trying to become rally drivers for some time now and they FAIL... i am fed up with them...

[Rallyper]

Working late? Well, I guess WRC needs more than one driver to become WRC. But agree, much funnier if we had 10-12 Ogiers and Loebs. But - wishful thinking that is.

[N.O.T]

you do not need 10... we never had 10.. even in the old days where this was a sport for women (a bit hairy i must say... but women..sort of).

but you need 3-4 guys that can challenge each other.. of course someone would be on top but the rest should provide a challenge... what we have now is a bunch of headless chickens that Ogier makes fun of...

[Franky]

.. what we have now is a bunch of headless chickens that Ogier makes fun of...

What you mean is 'that I (N.O.T) make fun of'

[stefanvv]

Monte, Sweden with some conditions, Germany (a bit), France, Spain cause of the dust and Wales are generally an advantage for the first.

Sweden with some other conditions, Mexico, Portugal, Poland, a bit Finland, Sardinia, Australia are a disadvantage.


It's almost a draw,,,and presuming it will never rain, that is almost impossible. I think this first-on-the-road issue is starting to be overrated, it counts less on second passes, and nothing on second days 'cause of rally2.

Every rally except dry tarmac ones can be disadvantage for the first driver, and the opposite can be true for most of them, except dry gravel and loose snow events. But this is not really the problem, the problem is Ogier have problem only with this (or at least the media just blows it, just because there is nothing else to), but not to care about some serious competition, which is sad. So FIA is trying to make some competition artificially, I'm afraid the effect is the opposite, now Ogier drives better and the competition is left even further behind.

[Co-driven]

Argentinean website Rallynoticias.com is saying that Citroen reserved space for 3 cars in the service park.
They're are saying that either Loeb or 2014 WTCC champion Pechito Lopez could be entered.

They also say that it could be for Chardonnet or Lefevbre with the R5.

http://rallynoticias.com/nivel2.php?id_noticia=9303

[dimviii]

the problem is Ogier have problem only with this (or at least the media just blows it, just because there is nothing else to), .

what do you mean? interviews are fake?

[lewalcindor]

Argentinean website Rallynoticias.com is saying that Citroen reserved space for 3 cars in the service park.
They're are saying that either Loeb or 2014 WTCC champion Pechito Lopez could be entered.

They also say that it could be for Chardonnet or Lefevbre with the R5.

http://rallynoticias.com/nivel2.php?id_noticia=9303

Oooh, I want to see how Pechito does in a rally.

[stefanvv]

what do you mean? interviews are fake?

No, I don't mean that.

[AL14]

the problem is Ogier have problem only with this (or at least the media just blows it, just because there is nothing else to), but not to care about some serious competition, which is sad.

You're right but in this case I'm on Ogier's side. We can't ask him to want a serious competition, he wants to win and with a fair competition and that's completely fine for me. Now, we all know he's whining all the time and we have discussed a lot about it. But apart from the fact he seems a broken record I think he's right on the subject itself and it's not up to him to deliver serious competition but to other drivers. Unfortunately this year they seem to not have chances to challenge him seriously. Hope it will change but it's very unlikely.

[stefanvv]

You're right but in this case I'm on Ogier's side. We can't ask him to want a serious competition, he wants to win and with a fair competition and that's completely fine for me. Now, we all know he's whining all the time and we have discussed a lot about it. But apart from the fact he seems a broken record I think he's right on the subject itself and it's not up to him to deliver serious competition but to other drivers. Unfortunately this year they seem to not have chances to challenge him seriously. Hope it will change but it's very unlikely.

It is sad isn't it? With all the changes in the running order there seem to be less and less competition. For sure it is not Ogier's fault, and for sure he has nothing else to speak about, but the road conditions, just because this is the only challenge he has, sad but true. Latvala is slowly fading in mediocracy, Neuville hasn't that good car yet, and is still prone to some errors, like in Mexico, probably only Mikelsen will be able for some challenge soon, but I think it'll take no less than 1 year. Citroen is completely out of the picture, Ford, well we didn't expected much from them this season, Evans is doing his progress slowly, Tanak perhaps needs some more time to adapt. All in all we can grant 3rd crown for Ogier, and for sure he deserves that.

[BDunnell]

You're right but in this case I'm on Ogier's side. We can't ask him to want a serious competition, he wants to win and with a fair competition and that's completely fine for me. Now, we all know he's whining all the time and we have discussed a lot about it. But apart from the fact he seems a broken record I think he's right on the subject itself and it's not up to him to deliver serious competition but to other drivers. Unfortunately this year they seem to not have chances to challenge him seriously. Hope it will change but it's very unlikely.

Yes, he is absolutely right. All the major world championships — F1, WRC, WTCC — with the exception of the WEC are in an appalling state at present in terms of competitiveness. Why bother watching?

[BDunnell]

you do not need 10... we never had 10.. even in the old days where this was a sport for women (a bit hairy i must say... but women..sort of).

What utter nonsense.

[janvanvurpa]

What utter nonsense.


Indeed. What would a Gollum-like lab rat know about women anyway?

[makinen_fan]

No Ken Block in the WRC for 2015
http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/118196?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter

I am sure N.O.T. will be disappointed by this...

[Barreis]

More cry for love...
http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/118192

[RICARDO75]

Argentinean website Rallynoticias.com is saying that Citroen reserved space for 3 cars in the service park.
They're are saying that either Loeb or 2014 WTCC champion Pechito Lopez could be entered.

They also say that it could be for Chardonnet or Lefevbre with the R5.

http://rallynoticias.com/nivel2.php?id_noticia=9303

It's for Khalid Al Qassimi

[rallyfun]

More cry for love...
http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/118192

What a bunch of losers...wondering if someone has died in this accident they would say this nonsense

[AL14]

More cry for love...
http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/118192

At least a sentence that start with "Ogier against" doesn't finish with "new start order". It's been a while since this milestone could happen.

[N.O.T]

No Ken Block in the WRC for 2015
http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/118196?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter

I am sure N.O.T. will be disappointed by this...

maybe he found a chin donor... i am happy for him.

[Rallyper]

What a bunch of losers...wondering if someone has died in this accident they would say this nonsense

But seriously he has a point. Rallying cant be driven on circuits with danger zones.

[bluuford]

I think they both have one common point. Current safety rules are not thinking much about the situation when car fells into the water, lets say upside down. How the crew can get out from the car? When you have water pressure on both sides then you cannot open the doors anymore, it will be major effort. As far as I can remember, today rallycars cannot scroll down their widows as well? How they can get out from the car?

[N.O.T]

I think they both have one common point. Current safety rules are not thinking much about the situation when car fells into the water, lets say upside down. How the crew can get out from the car? When you have water pressure on both sides then you cannot open the doors anymore, it will be major effort. As far as I can remember, today rallycars cannot scroll down their widows as well? How they can get out from the car?

they have small hammers with metal points to break the windows... it is almost standard safety equipment in every rally car.

like this one (the blue one at the door next to auriol competition sticker).

https://www.flickr.com/photos/51932399@N07/16909374386/

[makinen_fan]

they have small hammers with metal points to break the windows... it is almost standard safety equipment in every rally car.

like this one (the blue one at the door next to auriol competition sticker).

https://www.flickr.com/photos/51932399@N07/16909374386/

Do they use glass windows in the doors these days?

[liposh]

I don´t know why, but I like "serious N.O.T." more than the "Troll N.O.T." ;-) Please continue like this.

[Mirek]

they have small hammers with metal points to break the windows... it is almost standard safety equipment in every rally car.

like this one (the blue one at the door next to auriol competition sticker).

https://www.flickr.com/photos/51932399@N07/16909374386/

The sledgehammer is useless against makrolon windows. It works only with hardened glass. Anyway it shall be easy to brake the makrolon windows. Once Prokop had to show it to our ASN technicians during pre-event scrutineering (if I remember right it was in 2011 when his car was used by Tarabus in our championship and it was the first time a car with the safety foam in the door and non-scrollable windows was here). I think there were some grooves in the window to create braking points.

[makinen_fan]

Answering my own question here. From Appendix J Art 255A:
- Polycarbonate side windows (including rear quarter panel windows) (minimum thickness 3.8 mm). It must be possible for these windows to be removed without the use of tools.

I am not sure how possible it will be to remove them under water though.

[Mirek]

Answering my own question here. From Appendix J Art 255A:
- Polycarbonate side windows (including rear quarter panel windows) (minimum thickness 3.8 mm). It must be possible for these windows to be removed without the use of tools.

I am not sure how possible it will be to remove them under water though.

There are the small ventilation openings. You catch the glass through this opening and pull. The window brakes. This is how I think it works but I'm not sure.

[jonlint]

they have small hammers with metal points to break the windows... it is almost standard safety equipment in every rally car.

like this one (the blue one at the door next to auriol competition sticker).

https://www.flickr.com/photos/51932399@N07/16909374386/

Actually, FIA safety regs only require a seatbelt cutter - the small hammer is not mandatory. A small hammer is no use either because for group N and R where the side windows are glass, you have to apply a safety film. As for groups R4, R5 and WRC, the side windows are mostly polycarbonate.

[N.O.T]

Actually, FIA safety regs only require a seatbelt cutter - the small hammer is not mandatory. A small hammer is no use either because for group N and R where the side windows are glass, you have to apply a safety film. As for groups R4, R5 and WRC, the side windows are mostly polycarbonate.

the safety film prevents glass fragments... the window can still break and be removed in case of emergency.

[jbmarcus21]

New aero kit for Citroen
http://planetemarcus.com/nouveau-kit-aero-sur-la-ds3wrc-citroen-racing/

[Barreis]

That will hardly make them quicker unless they put somebody else in the car...

[stefanvv]

You don't believe Meeke is quick?

[Barreis]

Yes he is, but makes too much mistakes...

[Mariusz]

You write like there would be hundreds to pick from.

[stefanvv]

Meeke is fast, Ostberg is the point collector. That's all a team needs without high ambitions.

[bluuford]

There are the small ventilation openings. You catch the glass through this opening and pull. The window brakes. This is how I think it works but I'm not sure.

It is interesting topic. I think it would be nice thing to explain in next preview or in wrc.com :-) I was just trying to imagine the situation when I am upside down in the car, in the lake, strapped with HANS and seatbelts and intercom and then I have to break the window somehow...

[stefanvv]

Tanak & his co-driver got out really fast, I was impressed. Like it was part of some training or something....

[Mirek]

Adrenaline makes wonders. I remember few years a go I was at a big roll of one car. The car ended on the side some 20 meters from me. I started running there immediately but the co-driver (girl) climbed out through a window (!) faster than I reached the car. She was in a shock and couldn't even communicate after that but still she needed less than 5 seconds to get out through a window...

[N.O.T]

Adrenaline makes wonders. I remember few years a go I was at a big roll of one car. The car ended on the side some 20 meters from me. I started running there immediately but the co-driver (girl) climbed out through a window (!) faster than I reached the car. She was in a shock and couldn't even communicate after that but still she needed less than 5 seconds to get out through a window...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fight-or-flight_response

[b3637853]

New aero kit for Citroen
http://planetemarcus.com/nouveau-kit-aero-sur-la-ds3wrc-citroen-racing/

It was the only different car in the WRC. DS was smooth and now will have ugly front arches like everyone else.

[Barreis]

How can this be possible...
http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/118233

[thuGG]

?? Isn't he realistic?

[N.O.T]

How can this be possible...
http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/118233

It is still early but Latvala cannot win the title... he will never be strong mentally to do it... he is still a child in mentallity... sad sad sad...

For Latvala to become champion Ogier has to throw it away... Latvala is nothing.

[Barreis]

Well, my post was ironic...

[AL14]

Latvala won several rallies against two of the best driver ever. I agree he has a mental handicap that makes it very hard to win the title but he's all but nothing.

[stefanvv]

Every year is the same handicap for Latvala first few rallies, later in the season he tries to catch up. But I'm afraid Capito is right again, and this season will be probably the most difficult for him from last few with Neuville & Mikelsen rising. Latvala seem to miss his championship "train".

[Simmi]

Latvala will not win a championship against Ogier in a straight fight. Killer instinct and consistency just is not there. I think we'll see Ogier collect his fifth title and hopefully by then something (maybe Toyota) have shook up the status quo.

[AndyRAC]

Latvala simply isn't consistent enough; and with Ogier around he has to be. We get told he now has his mind sorted. But has he? We still hear him complaining about "no feeling, no rhythm, etc"

This years WRC Title is already Ogier's to lose - which considering we've only had 3 rounds is pretty depressing.

[stefanvv]

Latvala simply isn't consistent enough; and with Ogier around he has to be. We get told he now has his mind sorted. But has he?

May be he had sorted out some issues, but not all of them. Still doesn't know what exactly wants from particular event, and how to get it. Ogier is tough competitor, true, but Latvala probably should isolate from this competition, and drive his own rallies, as much as he can best.
It was silly mistake in Mexico, and more silly excuse from him. This is not the way how to become champion

[AL14]

I agree with stefanvv's analysis but I want to add something more: I think Latvala is simply slower than Ogier. Maybe is just a matter of car. Polo maybe fits better Ogier's driving style. I think Latvala isn't slower than him in general but at the moment, with this car, he is.
Now he is faster only when he is in his day but it can't happen every round. And when he's not in his day he has to push more than he can and he crashes. He wants to win at all costs and it costs him many crashes.
Last year he showed a lot of improvement I hoped it continues this year but it doesn't seems so.

I think the mental problem is due to the fact that he has to be everytime on the limit, which is very demanding on the mental side. Something Ogier doesn't need.
Another cause, but I can be wrong here because I've never driven any rally car, is the fact he didn't learn some discipline in his career because he didn't rise through the ranks, he went into WRC very soon, with some PWRC and half a season in JWRC in the meantime.

[stefanvv]

I agree with stefanvv's analysis but I want to add something more: I think Latvala is simply slower than Ogier. Maybe is just a matter of car. Polo maybe fits better Ogier's driving style. I think Latvala isn't slower than him in general but at the moment, with this car, he is.

That was a problem for him mostly in first year with the Polo - 2013. Last year showed some progress, and one could think he sorted out these issues with the car, but now it seem he is back there again. I don't get it.... Instead of adapting more to the car, which 1 championship contender should do easily, looks like it'll be another year of adaptation. I know it is difficult to fight Ogier, but if You pretend for the crown, You should be able find the weak spots and make the most out of each event. Sometimes it is just not "Your" event, take it easy and think of the next, while gathering some point on the way..... (just like it was in Monte as it seemed)

[AL14]

The crash in Mexico was due because he wanted to take more safely a corner. So he was trying to "take it easy" but he's not used to it. I agree with you though. if you pretend for the crown you must adapt more quickly to the car, to the events without struggling with the setup everytime and so on.
I didn't expect Latvala to win the title this year honestly but I expected for sure for Ogier to be harder. Very disappointing.

[Barreis]

Today watched Mexico coverage and it was clearly too much speed from Latvala in that corner. Maybe that's "more safely" in his own way...

[stefanvv]

The crash in Mexico was due because he wanted to take more safely a corner. So he was trying to "take it easy" but he's not used to it.

He can take it easy through that corner, only if he doesn't carry the speed which prevents something bad happening. Thinking of Tanak's Fiesta in that moment is not what he should think of, Polo is not Fiesta and I've seen Ogier taking such cuts on his 1st day in Mexico a lot, without something to happen on his car. So in every way, it was just his mistake. This should not happen if he really thinks of the title.

[AL14]

I said HE wanted to take it easy, non that he actually took it easy. So yes, it was a mistake, we can say silly mistake. Sweden was even worse mistake. And yes, it should not happen to a title conteder. For sure.

[stefanvv]

Yeah, that is his mental problem isn't it? When You want to do something, must have all the necessary components to achieve the goal. When Latvala approaches this corner with that speed, he should know he can't get out from it taking wider line. That is 1 very important component missing in his approach.

EDIT: That is probably the very big difference between Ogier and the rest. Ogier leaves very little to the chance. What I don't get it is that Latvala already drivers this car for 3rd year, and he doesn't know what it is capable of, and what is not. Hardly to believe in some achievement from him....

[Rallyper]

I said HE wanted to take it easy, non that he actually took it easy. So yes, it was a mistake, we can say silly mistake. Sweden was even worse mistake. And yes, it should not happen to a title conteder. For sure.

Ogiers´ off last year in Sweden was about the same as JMLs´this year. Only speed differed.

[stefanvv]

Ogiers´ off last year in Sweden was about the same as JMLs´this year. Only speed differed.

Interesting point. I don't think so. But You're right about some similarity - both mistakes were caused by their driving styles.

[dimviii]

imho Latvalas problem is his mind control,or he cant control his mind.
last years if i am not mistaken always had a bad start at championship.First half wasn t good.
I remember that his good faultless rallies were when championship was almost decided,at last rallies at 2nd half.
For sure when Latvala is in his good mode,he is very fast.We have seen that against the Master and Ogier.The problem is that these rallies are not so many per year.
i am too lazy to search his points the last years from 1st half vs 2nd half.If somebody wants to do it,2 beers from me.

[stefanvv]

imho Latvalas problem is his mind control,or he cant control his mind.
last years if i am not mistaken always had a bad start at championship.First half wasn t good.
I remember that his good faultless rallies were when championship was almost decided,at last rallies at 2nd half.
For sure when Latvala is in his good mode,he is very fast.We have seen that against the Master and Ogier.The problem is that these rallies are not so many per year.
i am too lazy to search his points the last years from 1st half vs 2nd half.If somebody wants to do it,2 beers from me.

http://ewrc-results.com/

Yes, he is much better 2nd half. I don't know what to regard on this. May be it is just the rallies he feels better

[dimviii]

http://ewrc-results.com/

Yes, he is much better 2nd half. I don't know what to regard on this. May be it is just the rallies he feels better

imho he feels better because championship pressure is over.

[stefanvv]

imho he feels better because championship pressure is over.

usually the pressure should be more when the end is near

[AL14]

After Portugal the gap between Ogier and Latvala was 29 points. In Spain the gap was 27 and in Galles 31 if I remember well. He was very close to him last year, he throw points away on a couple of rally, especially Germany.
Nice one dimvii. I didn't think about it but it seems that it is an important point.

[AL14]

usually the pressure should be more when the end is near

It's not that kind of pressure he's referring to. He's talking about the pressure you have when championship is an open affaire.
During the end, in his case it is almost over and that is when he wins more. When he has nothing more to lose and doesn't feel too much pressure as before

[dimviii]

thats right^^

[stefanvv]

It's not that kind of pressure he's referring to. He's talking about the pressure you have when championship is an open affaire.
During the end, in his case it is almost over and that is when he wins more. When he has nothing more to lose and doesn't feel too much pressure as before

Hmmm ok, I'm confused. So when the championship is very open in early phase, he should be more relaxed to drive flat out, and still makes more mistakes. When he is way behind in points, he should do less mistakes, drive faster and win rallies, so the pressure should be bigger. And yet it comes to that illogical situation. I have no other explanation that he doesn't want (subconsciously) to win his title in early phase, and drive more comfortably on the second phase.

[EightGear]

No, at the end of the season he has thrown it away already anyway so he can drive more relaxed and comfortably because he isn't risking the championship anymore.

Kind of like he can drive more naturally without thinking too much. Because thinking and worrying is what he is doing too much.

[tommeke_B]

Last year Latvala had two real crashes (Portugal and Germany), and some minor mistakes in Wales. In first 7 events of the season he had 6 top 5 finishes (of which 4 podium, including 2 victories). In last 6 events he had one retirement, finished 8th once and had 4 podium results (2 victories and 2x 2nd place). So no reasonable difference imo between beginning and end of the season.

This year he had a 2nd place finish on Monte, you cannot expect better... Now he crashed two events in a row, and he's suddenly insecure again and can't handle the pressure??? Come on, be realistic... Somebody who ever drove a rally-stage, or better, WRC stage, knows how demanding they are. Now imagine that on such stage the top drivers are often seperated by only very few seconds. Those seconds are easy to lose but very hard to gain... And every event is over 300kms long. At that level drivers have some moments, sometimes several in one stage, most of the time they have the right reaction and can keep the car on the road without a major time-loss or damage (that's what normal people call luck), sometimes not (that's when people here call Latvala mentally weak). People who claim Latvala crashes too much don't have an idea of what they are saying. When you watch the statistics Latvala doesn't crash that much and he doesn't have many retirements during the last couple of seasons. Back in the so called "golden" years there were drivers becoming champion with waaay more retirements because of crashing... For example Burns became champion in a year when he finished outside the points 6 times, and he won only one event! I don't think you can say Latvala is less worthy than some champions from the past.. The main things that kept and keep him from becoming champion are two Sébastiens, super-products from FFSA Rallye Jeunes, both at their time backed by the best team that's competing in the championship...

[stefanvv]

Yeah, thinking and worrying too much he should do about driving his car whole season fast, instead of comparisons with this and that. That is true....

[stefanvv]

The main things that kept and keep him from becoming champion are two Sébastiens, super-products from FFSA Rallye Jeunes, both at their time backed by the best team that's competing in the championship...

That was mainly my point. He should stop worrying about "Sebastien" and do whatever he could best out of each event. Then may be, may be one day he will wake up as a champion all of a sudden.

[tommeke_B]

That was mainly my point. He should stop worrying about "Sebastien" and do whatever he could best out of each event. Then may be, may be one day he will wake up as a champion all of a sudden.

Unless Ogier makes huge mistakes (you know he will not) your tactic doesn't work. If you want to be the best you have to beat the best... :)

[stefanvv]

Unless Ogier makes huge mistakes (you know he will not) your tactic doesn't work. If you want to be the best you have to beat the best... :)

Ogier can't be fastest in all rallies (at the end)... One should make the most of it on each event, because obviously trying to "push" him doesn't work;) (amazing isn't it?) Just wait for Your moment and that's it

[AL14]

When under real pressure Ogier makes mistakes.

[stefanvv]

Not recently I think. May be citroen times....

[AL14]

Germany 2014 and Sweden 2015 for examples were clearly pressure mistakes (I mean pressure for the single rally, not pressure about the champioship of course).

[stefanvv]

I don't think so about Germany. Sweden well, it is not his playground being not Nordic driver, but still he is the most successful one

[AL14]

Well in Germany 2014 he went off because he was too fast, and he was too fast because Latvala put him on the very limit there: if you don't want to call it pressure is ok but he can make mistakes when it's not too easy for him.

[Rallyper]

It's not that kind of pressure he's referring to. He's talking about the pressure you have when championship is an open affaire.
During the end, in his case it is almost over and that is when he wins more. When he has nothing more to lose and doesn't feel too much pressure as before

I think in some way the win in Finland gave him some boost and he had that until his off in Germany later in august. Then maybe more relaxed because of the championship was gone.

[Barreis]

Ogier makes mistakes only when new contract numbers are in question... :D

[KiwiWRCfan]

Hayden Paddon and John Kennard will compete in Otago Classic Rally driving an RS1800 BDA Escort one week after Rally Argentina. More info at http://otagorally.com/home/530-paddon-returns-for-otago-classic-rally

[jbmarcus21]

Very great news.. Skoda returns to WRC in 2016 with Lappi and Tidemand onboard Fabia WRC !
http://planetemarcus.com/skoda-motorsport-confirme-son-retour-en-wrc-pour-2016/

[Barreis]

Very great news.. Skoda returns to WRC in 2016 with Lappi and Tidemand onboard Fabia WRC !
http://planetemarcus.com/skoda-motorsport-confirme-son-retour-en-wrc-pour-2016/

1st of april... ;)

[jbmarcus21]

hehe :) ;)

[dimviii]

lol thats a good one
https://scontent-cdg.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpf1/v/t1.0-9/11081200_681021735337551_4490022246982870310_n.jpg ?oh=25d56d8ffdc39e7d24dbc63d9039e521&oe=55A435B0

[EightGear]

Mats van den Brand has been confirmed to drive in the Dmack Fiesta Trophy.

[AL14]

Sebastien Chardonnet says bye bye to Citroen and will participate to the italian rally championship with a Ford Fiesta R5.

[N.O.T]

Sebastien Chardonnet says bye bye to Citroen and will participate to the italian rally championship with a Ford Fiesta R5.

I think citroen said bye bye to him...

[AL14]

I think citroen said bye bye to him...

Yes, your version seems more plausible.

[Eli]

http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/118349 new i20 in germany

[AL14]

http://www.rallye-magazin.de/index.php?id=336&tx_ttnews%5Btt_news%5D=75337 Neuville against Ogier's tears

[stefanvv]

Because Ogier is bored and has nothing else to do....

[tommeke_B]

Ogier said that in events like Sardinia it will be different and he can't win because he will be sweeping... In 2011 Loeb was sweeping all event long and he won too, without complaining. :)

[wrc1600]

Ogier said that in events like Sardinia it will be different and he can't win because he will be sweeping... In 2011 Loeb was sweeping all event long and he won too, without complaining. :)

He has won most of rallies sweeping without complaining :)

[Mariusz]

Ogier said that in events like Sardinia it will be different and he can't win because he will be sweeping...
Yeah, right, Mr. Ogier... I think he was just putting on an act since we have quite a few rally2 regulars this season so it's Friday only when he is first on the road.

[Barreis]

Rally philosophy...
http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/118423

[EightGear]

New i20 delayed again, until 2016 now. And it's not going to be 3-doors.

http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/118430

[RICARDO75]

New i20 delayed again, until 2016 now. And it's not going to be 3-doors.

http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/118430

I just hope Nadan has not expressed properly. The 5-door version is horrible
If the problem for the delay is due to the production of the 3-door version, why the 5-door version will just debut in Monte Carlo?

[nafpaktos]

I just hope Nadan has not expressed properly. The 5-door version is horrible
If the problem for the delay is due to the production of the 3-door version, why the 5-door version will just debut in Monte Carlo?

I think they have just changed their plans and they find excuses,that's all.if they say that they changed their decision some people might say that they are not reliable team and they work without serious plan.

[Mk2 RS2000]

I think they have just changed their plans and they find excuses,that's all.if they say that they changed their decision some people might say that they are not reliable team and they work without serious plan.

If the 4th largest vehicle manufacturer in the world decides that a 3 door car is no longer a viable production model then so be it. They will have a very serious plan and in part it will involve the win on Sunday sell on Monday principle.

Lets face it, a 3 door car is an absolute pain to get in and out of the rear seating position and think of mothers with small children trying to get them into and/or out of baby seats and kiddie seats etc. 4/5 door cars are far more practical.
Once you try and get a baby plus a 3year old and a 5 year old into the rear seat of a 3 door car you will understand why their place in the market is very limited.

[Mirek]

They do produce new i20 3D. That's obviously not the reason to choose 5D for WRC car.

This is the new i20 3D, actually it's really nice looking car... http://i.telegraph.co.uk/multimedia/archive/03133/hyundai-i20-coupe_3133674b.jpg

[ToughMac]

Maybe Hyundai are not showing all their cards just yet, 2017 regs are still to be released and the new car could be built to current regs but could be built in such a way in can be changed over to the 2017 spec very easily. The more they delay the more information they will have.

[Ounin]

Whatever the reason is or afterwards will turn out to be, there is a delay. That is not good for the publicity of Hyundai. Like what Nissan is facing now on their assault for Le Mans, if you are changng the whole time schedule something went really wrong. You also get some bad side effects like spreading around rumours, and Hyundai can't influence this in a positive or denial way. Belgium press is pointing out the conversation Neuville had with Jost Capito in Mexico.

[AndyRAC]

The 3 door looks far better, and almost 'coupe like'. But the 5 door is more 'family friendly' which is the market they are going for - which I find a little depressing. The WRC is for manufacturers to market their boring family hatches...How exciting....
If you want/ like performance cars, then it's GT cars and the miriad of GT series around the world.

[pantealex]

5-door version is probably over 90% of production, so I believe it´s possible that produce of 3-door is under 25.000/year (isn´t that the limit of WRC model ?)

[Francis44]

We could already see it coming a few months back, after all just a few weeks ago someone from Hyundai was saying they would only introduce the new I20 when they were sure it would be a Polo beater, I remember thinking that it was quite strange off them to say that after running such low milleage with the new car and implying they were looking at Germany to introduce it.

Im not sure if Neuville is under contract for 2016 but it would be interesting to see him in a VW alongside Ogier.

[Mk2 RS2000]

The 3 door looks far better, and almost 'coupe like'. But the 5 door is more 'family friendly' which is the market they are going for - which I find a little depressing. The WRC is for manufacturers to market their boring family hatches...How exciting....


Yes those little boring family friendly cars of yesterday that grew up such as the 848cc Mini that became the Mini Cooper, or the 1200cc Cortina that grew into the Lotus Cortina and the 1100cc Escorts that grew to become the Escort Twin Cam & RS1600 etc.

Sure they were 2 door cars but the 4 door looked just the same in profile.

Where would the sport be today without them.

[stefanvv]

We could already see it coming a few months back, after all just a few weeks ago someone from Hyundai was saying they would only introduce the new I20 when they were sure it would be a Polo beater, I remember thinking that it was quite strange off them to say that after running such low milleage with the new car and implying they were looking at Germany to introduce it.

Im not sure if Neuville is under contract for 2016 but it would be interesting to see him in a VW alongside Ogier.

Neuville has 3 year contract I believe. I begin to wonder what Hyndai's agenda is though. For sure 7-8 months are not enough to build championship winning car (if it is ever built), but with their current experience in wrc, this should be enough to make at least as competitive car as current one, moreover with their so called unlimited budget. 3 doors, 5 doors, what's the matter?

[Barreis]

About new i20...
http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/118524

[samWRC]

About new i20...
http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/118524

Hyundai has stupid strategy. Why they have to make new cars all the time. I think this isn't going to work at all.

[A FONDO]

It's not only about sport performance you know. They have a large budget to "assimilate"... If you are in the motorsport department of a huge company, will you let several millions remain "unused"?!

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Jari-Matti Latvala's new website launched: http://www.jmlatvala.com/ :cool:

[rallyfiend]

Latest rumour has it that Citroen are so annoyed at Eurosport and their promotion of the WTCC, and the lack of visibility of the championship and it’s value, that the project will cease at the end of the season and they will refocus 100% on WRC.

So, what to do with the brand’s star man? Enter him at the very next WRC event, of course. So the rumour out of Portugal goes...

[Eli]

http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/118643 an analysis of Ogier's "issues" this year.

[dimviii]

Guy Wilks ‏@GuyWilks
It's taken a little longer than first anticipated you will all find out first here!!

#comeback

announcement tomorrow! ����������

[A FONDO]

Guy Wilks :rotflmao: I wouldn't trust him even with a wheelbarrow

I will never forget his explanation after a crash with the Peugeot in IRC: "I heard the pacenote on time but wanted to first see the corner after I top the crest and then begin braking" :D

[focus206]

Guy Wilks ‏@GuyWilks
It's taken a little longer than first anticipated you will all find out first here!!

#comeback

announcement tomorrow! ����������

He will join World RallyX apparently...

[N.O.T]

Latest rumour has it that Citroen are so annoyed at Eurosport and their promotion of the WTCC, and the lack of visibility of the championship and it’s value, that the project will cease at the end of the season and they will refocus 100% on WRC.

So, what to do with the brand’s star man? Enter him at the very next WRC event, of course. So the rumour out of Portugal goes...

usual Portugese bullshit...

When those fruitloops had Madeira they were always posting fake rumours about drivers coming there... now they have a WRC round to spread their useless lies... pathetic nobodies.

[traxx]

DS (Citroën) with Virgin in Formule E :
http://citronfeng.blogspot.fr/2015/04/ds-en-formule-e-des-aout-2015.html

[Francis44]

usual Portugese bullshit...

When those fruitloops had Madeira they were always posting fake rumours about drivers coming there... now they have a WRC round to spread their useless lies... pathetic nobodies.

The "portugese" have nothing to do with it, only stupid inflated press.

[jbmarcus21]

Full standings after Argentina
http://planetemarcus.com/saison-wrc/

[had_zachau]

Fiesta with which Martin Prokop finished 4 in Argentina, was sold before race.

[WUff1]

Fiesta with which Martin Prokop finished 4 in Argentina, was sold before race.

So is Prokop really continuing in WRC2 now with Fiesta R5?

By the way, solid race by him!

[b3637853]

So is Prokop really continuing in WRC2 now with Fiesta R5?

By the way, solid race by him!

I think he sold it because he's getting "new generation" Fiesta WRC from M-Sport before Portugal.

[EstWRC]

yes, Kubica and Prokop both are also getting the new Fiesta for Portugal.

[RICARDO75]

Does anyone know if have already been disclosed the names for the Fiesta DMACK Trophy?

[EightGear]

Tom Cave and Mats van den Brand are confirmed I think.

[skarderud]

Marius Aasen is ready.

[focus206]

Tom Cave and Mats van den Brand are confirmed I think.

I heard about Max Vatanen too.

[Mirek]

Very nice interview with Jörg Schrott, Opel Motorsport boss. It's in Czech but maybe with google You can understand something :)
http://www.autosport.cz/clanek.php?cl=17177

The most important points are probably these

- R2 program will continue at least till 2018
- R5 development hasn't been yet approved by the management but it's definitely in consideration
- main team priority for 2015 is JERC and national Adam Cups

[pantealex]

Does anyone know if have already been disclosed the names for the Fiesta DMACK Trophy?

Edoardo Bresolin confirmed by himself

[pantealex]

www.dmacktyres.com/cave-heads-drive-dmack-fiesta-trophy-entries

only 11 from 9 different countries

6 from 2014 season
5 new ones

[EightGear]

I don't really get why there are only 11 participants. Every year we hear about 'overwhelming interest' etc. for the Dmack series yet now again I was hoping for more. Curious to see what Van den Brand is capable of though.

[janvanvurpa]

I don't really get why there are only 11 participants. Every year we hear about 'overwhelming interest' etc. for the Dmack series yet now again I was hoping for more. Curious to see what Van den Brand is capable of though.

What are they supposed to say?
hell this last weekend we had a "National" just down in Oregon. Higgins, Dave was there set to wind the whatever win in a row--no competition at all---and the announcer on the "Rally Radio" begins with "Here we are today with some of the BEST DRIVERS IN THE WORLD...."

Aside from Higgins there isn't a one who could get out of the bottom 1/3 in a British Clubbie event...

They just all talk hype because they know nobody is listening...

[Doon]

What are they supposed to say?
hell this last weekend we had a "National" just down in Oregon. Higgins, Dave was there set to wind the whatever win in a row--no competition at all---and the announcer on the "Rally Radio" begins with "Here we are today with some of the BEST DRIVERS IN THE WORLD...."

Aside from Higgins there isn't a one who could get out of the bottom 1/3 in a British Clubbie event...

They just all talk hype because they know nobody is listening...

Diggins must be getting pretty bored out there by now. However, he is getting paid to drive so I doubt he's complaining.

The events themselves look cracking, nice fast stages, plenty of mileage etc. They probably warrant a chance in the WRC, but would it be supported well enough by the local communities / fans (if there are any?). I'd definitely hop over the pond for a New England WRC :)

[janvanvurpa]

Diggins must be getting pretty bored out there by now. However, he is getting paid to drive so I doubt he's complaining.

The events themselves look cracking, nice fast stages, plenty of mileage etc. They probably warrant a chance in the WRC, but would it be supported well enough by the local communities / fans (if there are any?). I'd definitely hop over the pond for a New England WRC :)


Yeah I guess cruising around winning without effort is plastered over with money..Cures a lot I guess..
The terrain here is good to great, the local organisers enthusiastic, but the competition is really really thin..and I am straining to be as diplomatic as I can...
What does it say if guys with ZERO prior rally experience can buy a Subaru, spend 70k and instantly be doing top 3-4 SS times...?
Either that guy is an undiscovered GENIUS! or the field is er um er shall we say "thin"...

I won't see it has to be seen to belived, but its close.. 8-9 years into doing rally here i went to some BTRDA evens 'up norf" and I was flat shocked at the driving and aggressiveness...those guys were hammering the cars. It was great fun watchin--and i ain't a good speccie...

Then I was in Sweden weeks later--and since--where I'd lived in the 70s---but in moto-cross, not rally and I was again even more shocked--RELATIVE to what we were then doing in our US "Nationals"..
Looks on film...deceptive and subject to "editing"...

Not to say a lotta guys aren't having fun.

[moto99]

Full standings after Argentina
http://planetemarcus.com/saison-wrc/
rather standings full of mistakes
also very unpleasant for eyes
do it properly or stop posting

[N.O.T]

rather standings full of mistakes
also very unpleasant for eyes
do it properly or stop posting

mistakes ?

[moto99]

I see you can't count too

[bluuford]

mistakes ?
I see only two mistakes there. Tänak got 1 point in Argentina and Villagra 0. Villagra was driving car with National homologation (RC2N), these are shown in general classification but they are not able to collect points.

[N.O.T]

I see you can't count too

can you point them out ?

[OldF]

Yeah I guess cruising around winning without effort is plastered over with money..Cures a lot I guess..
The terrain here is good to great, the local organisers enthusiastic, but the competition is really really thin..and I am straining to be as diplomatic as I can...
What does it say if guys with ZERO prior rally experience can buy a Subaru, spend 70k and instantly be doing top 3-4 SS times...?
Either that guy is an undiscovered GENIUS! or the field is er um er shall we say "thin"...

I won't see it has to be seen to belived, but its close.. 8-9 years into doing rally here i went to some BTRDA evens 'up norf" and I was flat shocked at the driving and aggressiveness...those guys were hammering the cars. It was great fun watchin--and i ain't a good speccie...

Then I was in Sweden weeks later--and since--where I'd lived in the 70s---but in moto-cross, not rally and I was again even more shocked--RELATIVE to what we were then doing in our US "Nationals"..
Looks on film...deceptive and subject to "editing"...

Not to say a lotta guys aren't having fun.

Off topic but,

Firar du ännu valborgsmässoafton what you probably did when you lived in Sweden? Lot of balloons, girls, beer, bubbling wine and fun.:) :beer::bounce::monkeedan

http://sv.wikipedia.org/wiki/Valborgsm%C3%A4ssoafton

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/May_Day

[janvanvurpa]

Off topic but,

Firar du ännu valborgsmässoafton what you probably did when you lived in Sweden? Lot of balloons, girls, beer, bubbling wine and fun.:) :beer::bounce::monkeedan

http://sv.wikipedia.org/wiki/Valborgsm%C3%A4ssoafton

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/May_Day


Nej inte längre...men det var mycket skoj på den tiden.. en Valborgmässoafton i 1972 ledde direkt till första avioliitto i '73

And alone among the industrialised coutries of the world, 1:a Maj is just another day, but in my house we have great music...We begin the day with The Internationale and go on the musik from than man from Gävle, Joseph Hällström, know to history as Joe Hill, a immigrant like millions of others who worked in the West in mines and wrote a great many songs for the International Workers of the World, the IWW....
here's a link to my favorite
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v8qoB1XwtHM

Great songs he wrote till he was framed by the Stae of utah, and shot after a lousy trial.

[stefanvv]

what WRC needs is tougher events - http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/118781

[jbmarcus21]

new DS3Wrc design and livery

http://planetemarcus.com/nouvelle-ds3wrc-chez-citroen-racing/

[N.O.T]

It is good they have put their proper name up... Abu dhabi racing.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

“Citroën Racing hasn’t stopped working on the development of DS 3 WRC since the current regulations were introduced in 2011,” reiterated Yves Matton, Citroën Racing Team Principal.

To supplement start of the season upgrades, a second phase will bring a new front end to the DS3. A redesigned bumper and wings are aimed at lowering drag and increasing downforce.

“If you take the new features unveiled in January and this second batch, this is the most significant upgrade since the DS3 WRC was first homologated,” said Citroën Racing team principal Yves Matton.

“The aerodynamic upgrades introduced here should help us to keep improving. Confirmed during wind tunnel and pre-event testing, the gains achieved in terms of drag coefficient and downforce are significant,” he added.

Citroën is planning to introduce a third and final evolution before the end of the season but the timing has yet to be decided. That evolution will focus on the suspension and geometry.

[MartijnS]

Abbring will do at least 4 rallies this year he mentioned on an interview on Dutch radio today.
Next one will be known next week. Probably Italy or Poland than I think.

[EightGear]

Abbring will have at least 4 more starts this year.

The next one will be on gravel in an event he has good memories of. So probably Poland since he took his first JWRC win there.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

VW identify engine fault from Rally Argentina ... normal service should be resumed in Portugal... :rolleyes:

'Analysis of their Polo R’s engines at the squad’s Wolfsburg base in Germany revealed both suffered a fault in one injector, meaning the cylinder to which it was connected received too much fuel.
The increase in consumption led to Ogier stopping after 45km of the opening leg’s stage from Agua de Oro to Ascochinga. Latvala retired from third place during the first pass through the final day’s El Condor test.

Engine development head Dr Donatus Wichelhaus said the parts were investigated with the help of the technical development department’s central laboratory.
“It turns out that part of the fuel injector broke whilst the cars were running. The broken fragments blocked the mechanism of the fuel injector, thus preventing it from working properly,” he added.
Volkswagen said a different specification Bosch fuel injector would be used from Vodafone Rally de Portugal (21 - 24 May) onwards. The injector is a homologated part, so the update will require the use of one of the team’s allocated ‘jokers’.'

[Bartolbia84]

Abbring raced in the JWRC in Sardinia ... it would be interesting to see 4 Hyundai I20 WRC ... because this year will be a tough rally

[jbmarcus21]

Google Earth Map Rally Italia Sardegna is online http://planetemarcus.com/saison-wrc/wrc-rallye-italie-2015/

[MartijnS]

Abbring will compete in Poland, Germany, France and Wales.

[Simmi]

Given I'll be at two of them I'm happy with that programme for Abbring. Will be interesting to see how he goes.

[focus206]

Fingers crossed for Abbring. I think he can achieve something in future but he must do good in these rallies.

[rallyfiend]

http://www.thecheckeredflag.co.uk/2015/05/initial-nine-rallies-proposed-for-2016-wrc-season/

First taste of 2016.
Australia confirmed, so I guess that's NZ still out.
If they're bringing in at least one new event and keeping the same number, I guess that means that France, GB, Germany or Portugal out....

[tommeke_B]

“We also have exciting proposals on the table from countries not currently on the calendar and discussions have started with a view to bringing at least one, and perhaps two, of those events onto next year’s calendar."... Hoping for Acropolis and New-Zealand. :)

[AL14]

A pity NZ still out, the agreement between Australia and NZ to alternate their rally was fair for me, but it seems Australia has more friends.

Glad to see my Sardinia confirmed. Every year we say it's the last year but then it is still there.

Wondering who will be the new rounds. They talked about China coming in 2016, let's see. I think that the one that will lose his spot will be France or Portugal.

[WUff1]

Think it will be France. This years rally at Corse is probably just a one off. France has Monte too.

[AL14]

Ideally France should have a spot, even if ther is Monte. It's the land where were born the world champions of the last 11 years, soon 12, and a country where rally has an important role. But I think FIA is not happy about how things has been made this year with the Rallye de Corse and the abandon of Alsace. Not to say that they don't like islands rallys.

[RS]

Fingers crossed for Abbring. I think he can achieve something in future but he must do good in these rallies.

I'm amazed by how much pressure some of you guys put on the young or inexperienced drivers when you consider how much time and patience guys like Hirvonen and Latvala were given.

[GigiGalliNo1]

Much prefer NZ than Australia!!!!!

This sucks.