[WRC] News & rumours (part III)

[focus206]

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.

He doesn't have to convince ME. He has to convince manufacturers, and we all know they don't have much patience if drivers don't bring $$$. You think he'd receive many other chances if he would crash out in 3 of those remaining events?

[MJW]

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....
I think of the unconfirmed rallies Germany will be safe, afterall there are two teams based thers plus Toyota joining soon. I would say France is most at risk but Portugal is also a risk from moving north (that's why organisers are probably SO strict on spectators this year) and as for GB 2015 is last year of current sponsorship agreement and an extension has (yet)not been confirmed. GB also has a risk from new spectator safety rules imposed after several fatalities on Jim Clark Rally in Scotland plus others in the last year.
I am failrly confident FIA will award a 'new rally' instead of one or maybe two of the above rallies money talks very loudly with FIA.
Shame that NZ hasnt had a guaranteed slot. Maybe Hyundai (and Toyota) see Australia as a bigger market?

[RS]

He doesn't have to convince ME. He has to convince manufacturers, and we all know they don't have much patience if drivers don't bring $$$. You think he'd receive many other chances if he would crash out in 3 of those remaining events?

Was it ever confirmed that Hirvonen and Latvala were paying or did they just survive because Malcolm had a Finn-Fetish?

I think Meeke is a good example of a reasonable time frame. If Abbring can show some speed on his events this year I think he will be ok for next year even if he makes some mistakes.

[rallyfiend]

New car sales in 2014:

Australia: 1,113,000
New Zealand: 126,000

Doesn't take a rocket scientist to work why the manufacturers, promoter and FIA would choose Australia....

[focus206]

If Abbring can show some speed on his events this year I think he will be ok for next year even if he makes some mistakes.

Exactly, that's what I mean by "doing good". Showing some speed, possibly not crashing out.

[N.O.T]

Abbring has no past, present, or future in the top league.

[stefanvv]

Abbring's Sweden wasn't that impressive for lots of expectations, but this was still his first rally with a new WRC car, moreover on unfamiliar ground. I don't expect him to do many mistakes, but I expect him do much better in every rally afterwards.

[AL14]

Unfortunately at that level or you are Evans or you don't have too much chances to prove you are worth a seat. It's a pity because you need a lot of time and experience to show what you can really do in WRC but that's the way it is. If I were Abbring I would push as hell from the beginning not caring too much about crashes.

[Eli]

http://www.maxrally.com/2015/05/13/deja-vu-mean-anything-to-you-thierry
a rumour claiming that thierry might move to M-Sport next year? i thought he had a longer deal with hyundai

[Eli]

http://www.rallye-magazin.de/wm/nachrichten/artikel/d/2015/05/13/wm-2016-noch-ohne-rallye-deutschland/
article talking about next year's calendar and also saying at the end of it that maybe Jordan will be back next year

[MJW]

http://www.maxrally.com/2015/05/13/deja-vu-mean-anything-to-you-thierry
a rumour claiming that thierry might move to M-Sport next year? i thought he had a longer deal with hyundai
There is an option linked to performance. Obviously I haven't got access to information as to what the option is but I guess Hyundai not being able to deliver the 'new' i20 this year as planned may be a factor to have an escape clause.

[N.O.T]

Useless speculation from the m-sport PR team... they cannot afford neuville they only let people who pay drive.

[Rallyper]

Most drivers has showed speed in fair competition in their very beginning. JML and Mikko did. Abbring? Well, not yet. It´s a wonder if he will. But let´s give him the chances many of other guys didn´t.

[EightGear]

Most drivers has showed speed in fair competition in their very beginning. JML and Mikko did. Abbring? Well, not yet. It´s a wonder if he will. But let´s give him the chances many of other guys didn´t.
What is your definition of 'fair competition?' Abbring became the youngest JWRC rally winner in 2009 in only his 3rd year rallying, in an R3 Clio which probably wasn't as quick as the S1600 cars which he was competing against.

If you mean in a world rallycar then yes I agree. Sweden was solid but not incredible. Given the circumstances that was all to expect there though.

[stefanvv]

It´s a wonder if he will.

Even if it is a "wonder", he has shown some times he is capable of small wonders.

[N.O.T]

He is 26 already and achieved nothing, showed nothing so he will probably become nothing at the top level... good driver but not for the WRC.

[stefanvv]

The sole fact VW has been considered him as factory driver is an achievement itself.

[MartijnS]

Let's see about Abbring.
He says he will be world champion in about 5 years, so the confidence is there :D

[N.O.T]

Let's see about Abbring.
He says he will be world champion in about 5 years, so the confidence is there :D

What is it with nobodies and number 5 ?

WIlson had a 5 year plan as well...

Abbring is good for the ERC but not the WRC.

[stefanvv]

Let's see about Abbring.
He says he will be world champion in about 5 years, so the confidence is there :D

Without some confidence, there can't be success. That's for sure;)

[AL14]

It's impossible to judge a driver after one rally in a surface he doesn't know. On other championships he has done well, we must wait.

[RAS007]

http://www.maxrally.com/2015/05/13/deja-vu-mean-anything-to-you-thierry
a rumour claiming that thierry might move to M-Sport next year? i thought he had a longer deal with hyundai

If Neuville's goal is to never win another round of the WRC, then this would be the perfect move for him!

[RS]

Most drivers has showed speed in fair competition in their very beginning. JML and Mikko did. Abbring? Well, not yet. It´s a wonder if he will. But let´s give him the chances many of other guys didn´t.

Mikko? Really? I thought those first years were pretty disappointing.

Abbring has had one event with minimal testing. Rallying is not F1 where pretty much anyone can jump in straight away and do a decent job.

[Karukera]

If Neuville's goal is to never win another round of the WRC, then this would be the perfect move for him!

Care to elaborate on that bold statement ?

[Ounin]

Mikko? Really? I thought those first years were pretty disappointing.

Abbring has had one event with minimal testing. Rallying is not F1 where pretty much anyone can jump in straight away and do a decent job.

In F1 there are simulators pretty close to reality. In rally only onboard footage. Abbring needs mileage, mileage and mileage as much and as long as possible. All the other youngsters with lots of cash in their early careers like JML and Mikkelsen were able to drive around quite anonymously for years under the banner "very talented but needs lot to learn", only to be seen in you tube in case of big crashes... Abbring never had any budget and was even at home in beginning of 2013. All the guys here on the forum who are judging him now are very very very good my congratulations they should make a lot of money as Top Advisors for the WRC teams. I'm impressed....

[N.O.T]

Care to elaborate on that bold statement ?

when was last time M-sport won an event ?

you have your elaboration by answering that.

[Karukera]

when was last time M-sport won an event ?

When they had drivers for the task.

The Fiesta is good enough to win events.

The point is Neuville should concentrate on reaching the finish to send data back if he wants to win a rally properly.

[N.O.T]

When they had drivers for the task.

The Fiesta is good enough to win events.

The point is Neuville should concentrate on reaching the finish to send data back if he wants to win a rally properly.

they have not won an event in ages while other manufacturers won when the VW where out of the way (even an undeveloped hyundai and the abu-dhabi team)... so it is the car as well that is not good, get back to reality.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

GRE 3rd, ITA 2nd, FIN 2nd, GER 2nd, AUS 2nd, FRA 4th, ESP 4th, GBR 3rd ... not a bad set of results the last time the Fiesta WRC had a decent driver on board (Neuville 2013).

[RAS007]

Care to elaborate on that bold statement ?

Sure. Although my original post was somewhat tongue in cheek, it is worth considering these questions: When was the last time a Ford/M-Sport driver won a round of the WRC? When was the last time Ford/M-Sport won the driver's championship, or the constructor's title for that matter? I think you get my point. Malcolm had been in charge for a looooooong time, and hasnt had the success other teams have had.

[dimviii]

Αigner at wrc?
http://www.andreasaigner.at/de/rally-driver/rennsport-karriere/news/Go4WRC.php

[Rallyper]

All the guys here on the forum who are judging him now are very very very good my congratulations they should make a lot of money as Top Advisors for the WRC teams. I'm impressed....

For sure many guys here judge drivers to be future WDC and even more if possible. Some judge them after what they see, sometimes more sometimes less. We are all advisors to WRC-teams. Some better some not so good.

So far regarding Abbring no one could speak of him as future champion.

[Karukera]

they have not won an event in ages while other manufacturers won

Politics at Ford MSport might be mediocre, reality is that actually and again, the car is good enough in the hands of a decent driver as per Eddie's stats and could quickly go back to win with a fraction of VW's expenses.

Loeb should be out of the equation, not fair. Neuville's win on attrition means nothing.

[MartijnS]

https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xap1/v/t1.0-9/11214043_10153359134224973_2578697873120058122_n.j pg?oh=8df7f98998ad7992277d033e03d32206&oe=55BF6F74&__gda__=1440154657_c102f3a1ae5da3d731331d05259abac 1

[Fast Eddie WRC]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CE_kcNZXIAAb907.jpg

[N.O.T]

the citroen is a useless photoshop not the real one.

The new Ford looks nice and aggresive.

[dimviii]

https://scontent-ams.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xaf1/v/t1.0-9/11053390_10153009935823952_5032155747246359357_n.j pg?oh=50f5ed8f60d5db6a7cd27e9e6ea13ed5&oe=560402CF

https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpt1/v/t1.0-9/11094218_10153199801300733_8557150252191985866_n.j pg?oh=1d6a71d30b15da8a9506e8d3d18cede7&oe=55D06DBA&__gda__=1439682995_e9799271d718e50674ac9e0867255ef 2

https://scontent-ams.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xaf1/v/t1.0-9/11163200_696709780435413_7377913362717838379_n.jpg ?oh=646c0f3670130063278511ba2c1bc104&oe=55D1B5FF

[dimviii]

the citroen is a useless photoshop not the real one.

The new Ford looks nice and aggresive.

too fragile for a raly car the front wing,to be true.

[N.O.T]

yes looks more suited to the racetrack, maybe they will modify it for gravel events at least.

[gravelman]

He is 26 already and achieved nothing, showed nothing so he will probably become nothing at the top level... good driver but not for the WRC.

Showed Breen a clean set of heels last year. But this is another level, which I think he's worthy of....Abbring that is.

[N.O.T]

He is top tier in the ERC but i think he doesn't have to offer something special in the WRC.

[gravelman]

He is top tier in the ERC but i think he doesn't have to offer something special in the WRC.

With the greatest of respect, from where else will the next generation of non paying drivers come from? Abbring stood out from the beginning of last year and several of us knew he would have the upper hand in the PSA bag of bolts he was given. Lappi was the only other shining light from the ERC last year, but has too much of an erratic nature despite blindingly obvious speed. I look forward to Keith Cronins appearance in Portugal in WRC2 for what its worth. A genuine talent,

[N.O.T]

unfortunately if you do not have money you have to be exceptionally talented to survive in the sport, only Loeb managed that and Ogier who got support from their country's federation.

It is good that Abbring gets his chance since he is still young but i just do not see any big things coming from him... we will see.

[tommeke_B]

unfortunately if you do not have money you have to be exceptionally talented to survive in the sport, only Loeb managed that and Ogier who got support from their country's federation.

It is good that Abbring gets his chance since he is still young but i just do not see any big things coming from him... we will see.

Well, Neuville had no money either... ;) For Abbring time will tell, in my opinion he's one of the most talented drivers that isn't at top of WRC yet. He showed to be quickest on every ERC event last year before retiring each time with mechanical failure, next logical step for him is WRC. But I'm afraid his program this year (5 events) is too limited to really develop himself in a WRC car.

[Rallyper]

Mechanical failures sometimes come up depending on how to use your material. Be fast and brake your car down. Be smooth and finnish. Here we are again in this useless discussion.

[Eli]

open a kevin abbring thread, this is news & rumours

[tommeke_B]

Mechanical failures sometimes come up depending on how to use your material. Be fast and brake your car down. Be smooth and finnish. Here we are again in this useless discussion.

Abbring drives quite smooth, sure not as brutal as Breen, but he will never be Finnish. :D

Electronical failure and engine failure doesn't have much to do with the driver I think... A reliable Peugeot 208 T16 is something that didn't exist yet last year, and I'm very surprised to see they are proving much more reliable now.

[AL14]

Check this out: http://www.rallye-magazin.de/wm/nachrichten/artikel/d/2015/05/14/citroen-mit-neuem-fahrer-in-den-titelkampf/

If google translated well Matton said that after 2017 they need a top driver in Citroen: one between Ogier, Neuville, Latvala and Mikkelsen.
Otherwise they won't win a world championship "and we are running for that". (does that mean, or we have a top driver or we say bye bye? Or they are just going to spend money for a top driver?)

Do you think they will take one of that four?

[N.O.T]

Abu dhabi team should stop spreading stupid PR blah blah.... we have enough of that form m-sport.

They do not have the money to produce a proper evolution of their car and they consider evolution the new plastics they added.... how will they afford ogier or any driver ??

It is a pity to see that such a dominant team deteriorated into a dying fleabag dog.

[rallyfiend]

Abu dhabi team should stop spreading stupid PR blah blah.... we have enough of that form m-sport.

They do not have the money to produce a proper evolution of their car and they consider evolution the new plastics they added.... how will they afford ogier or any driver ??

It is a pity to see that such a dominant team deteriorated into a dying fleabag dog.

They're out of WTCC at the end of this year, that's how they afford it....

So the rumour goes, any way.

[N.O.T]

They're out of WTCC at the end of this year, that's how they afford it....

So the rumour goes, any way.

they just entered the wtcc for 2 years ?? do not think so...

[Rallyper]

Smoth and finish it should be...

[MJW]

they just entered the wtcc for 2 years ?? do not think so...

Was initially a three year WTCC program, rumours say maybe end after this year, but the 'big name' driver story was to start in 2017 thereby leaving Citroen to complete season 2016 in wtcc before a wrc return in 17

[dimviii]

http://oi60.tinypic.com/23r5yzd.jpg

[tommeke_B]

https://scontent-bru.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpf1/v/t1.0-9/10421529_10152949966987057_5379148029947985761_n.j pg?oh=1e180ceaae9a34ff1fa33ae1024486f9&oe=55CC78FB

There are better places for these people than some VIP tent next to a race track... :) It would be nice to see "full" return of Citroën to WRC.

[dimviii]

Patrick Magaud.Nice driver!

[Karukera]

That is a fine 'brochette' of 3 competent Belgian personalities. Long time no see P.Magaud.

[EstWRC]

http://oi60.tinypic.com/23r5yzd.jpg

great way to motivate your drivers Malcolm! IMO Neuville hasnt done anything special after or before sweden so i dont get the hype about him at the moment. And if i remember correctly last year Hanninen was faster and ahead of him in the rallies they completed together but unfortunately couldnt keep it on the road. How can he be so sure Neuville would be winning?

[stefanvv]

Motivation can have different faces. But perhaps there is more than that in his statement. Future will show....

[N.O.T]

So Mr wilson had the money to develop a VW beater but he did not have the money to hire a better driver....

how convenient...

[nafpaktos]

http://oi60.tinypic.com/23r5yzd.jpg

He always looking for excuses.if he wants neuville or ogier he should pay money and get them.ok its difficult to take ogier but i think it was easy to keep thierry.so excuses again from wilson.

[Andre Oliveira]

50th Fiesta WRC

http://autosport.pt/iv/1/294/654/06350653-23a4.jpg

[RAS007]

https://scontent-bru.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpf1/v/t1.0-9/10421529_10152949966987057_5379148029947985761_n.j pg?oh=1e180ceaae9a34ff1fa33ae1024486f9&oe=55CC78FB

There are better places for these people than some VIP tent next to a race track... :) It would be nice to see "full" return of Citroën to WRC.

Great to see Bruno is still around. Anyone know what he is up to these days?

[OnlyRally]

the citroen is a useless photoshop not the real one.

The new Ford looks nice and aggresive.

Both pictures are powered by photoshop

[tommeke_B]

Great to see Bruno is still around. Anyone know what he is up to these days?

As far as I know he's a test driver for some tyre manufacturer (forgot which one, probably goodyear or something similar), he's also working as gravel-crew for Neuville in all WRC events where it's allowed (Monte + tarmac events).

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Both pictures are powered by photoshop

The Fiesta has just had the new Focus RS nose shopped on it ...

http://cdn2.autoexpress.co.uk/sites/autoexpressuk/files/1/22//howell_focus-02.jpg

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CFC2k2-WIAASyrB.jpg:large

[OnlyRally]

The Fiesta has just had the new Focus RS nose shopped on it ...



And some intakes at the headlights and a painted intake on the bonnet

[OnlyRally]

Official news about the new Fiesta WRC RS http://www.m-sport.co.uk/m-sport-news/fiesta-rs-wrc/new-ford-fiesta-rs-wrc-debuts-at-new-rally-de-portugal.html
And a official picture<---looks great... love it :)

[AL14]

Wilson and Matton saying "if we had Ogier or others we would be in a better position" is the most stupid thing they could say. They have guys working hard with the inferior cars they give them and they repay them with those words. Ostberg has one mechanical failure per rally, Meeke has won his first rally some days ago at 36, Evans and Tanak are in the most fragile period of their career and their "bosses", with a considerable age, are finding excuse to prove or show I don't know what.

They're not even smart, they demotivate their drivers and people that read such statements know well how things goes...
Childish beyond belief.

[OnlyRally]

http://oi60.tinypic.com/23r5yzd.jpg

This is bullshit

[Ounin]

Malcolm Wilson is as smart as a fox, a survivor, a very intelligent businessman, like David Richards and Eddie Jordan. He has a big and successful company. Everything he says has a reason, he doesn't talk bullshit on Autosport magazine, toooo much potential customers are reading this so no errors allowed here. Every driver with a lot of budget and huge ego thinks that with a Ford WRC car he makes a chance cause the actual drivers do not perform as well as the car does, a so called VW beater. Very smart. It's a free advertisement on most prestigious motor racing&rally magazine/site. That is what I think.

[AL14]

You think a professional rally driver can't understand if a car is competitive or not and listen to its seller to know it?

[OnlyRally]

Malcolm Wilson is as smart as a fox, a survivor, a very intelligent businessman, like David Richards and Eddie Jordan. He has a big and successful company. Everything he says has a reason, he doesn't talk bullshit on Autosport magazine, toooo much potential customers are reading this so no errors allowed here. Every driver with a lot of budget and huge ego thinks that with a Ford WRC car he makes a chance cause the actual drivers do not perform as well as the car does, a so called VW beater. Very smart. It's a free advertisement on most prestigious motor racing&rally magazine/site. That is what I think.

show me the source pls, can't find it on autosport.com page.

come on, the last 4 rows of the article is like someone is reading his mind, nothing he sayd, the markko märtin part, its a made up, a bad joke.

[Karukera]

There's a question Wilson doesn't want to address : companies do no longer want to put (more) money into MSport WRC program.

[RAS007]

There's a question Wilson doesn't want to address : companies do no longer want to put (more) money into MSport WRC program.

Because Ford/M-Sport are not winners, and have not been for a very long time.

[Fly]

Great to see Bruno is still around. Anyone know what he is up to these days?

Bruno is working at Goodyear in Colmar-Berg, Luxembourg. Testing road tires, giving feedback to the engineers,...

[Ounin]

Because Ford/M-Sport are not winners, and have not been for a very long time.

That's right they haven't, they lost the factory support from the Ford company due to the world crisis that infected the car industry quite heavily so what's next... Wilson had to rethink its strategy into surviving mode and they went on as a private company, renting its cars to a wide range of drivers. Nothing wrong with that. M-Sport can't compete against other works teams let alone beating them and winning rallies let alone targeting the WRC title. I think Malcolm Wilson M-Sport is doing a very good job, he is making money now and providing many jobs as WRC team, as hugely successful Fiesta R5 manufacturer and as Bentley GT3 semi factory team owner. You know why the last one: big money potential on circuits even more than on rally track, so there we go again.

[RAS007]

That's right they haven't, they lost the factory support from the Ford company due to the world crisis that infected the car industry quite heavily so what's next... Wilson had to rethink its strategy into surviving mode and they went on as a private company, renting its cars to a wide range of drivers. Nothing wrong with that. M-Sport can't compete against other works teams let alone beating them and winning rallies let alone targeting the WRC title. I think Malcolm Wilson M-Sport is doing a very good job, he is making money now and providing many jobs as WRC team, as hugely successful Fiesta R5 manufacturer and as Bentley GT3 semi factory team owner. You know why the last one: big money potential on circuits even more than on rally track, so there we go again.

I think if they had been able to win the driver's crown, just once even, in the last 18 years, I would feel differently. Don't get me wrong, I am a Ford fan through and through (look at my username), and I was a fan of Malcolm's when he was a driver (K202 HNO Michelin Pilot Escort RS Cosworth 1:18 model is in my study!). But, I can't help feel that perhaps Ford wouldn't have withdrawn factory support so readily if M-Sport had delivered more success over Malcolm's 18 years in charge. Maybe I am wrong; I am aware that without Malcolm, there may no Ford at all in the WRC. That is to say, I am very well aware of his immense contribution to the sport overall, and am thankful for it. Malcolm Wilson Motorsport started out as a customer preparation outfit, and I think they have returned to their roots, for reasons not entirely of their own making. The analogy that comes to mind is of a football club: if Malcolm was the manager of a football team, he would have been punted upstairs a long time ago, into a thoroughly deserved Director of Football role, due to his service to the club, but a new manager with a new approach would have been appointed a long time ago to try and deliver silverware. I am aware that this analogy doesn't translate directly to the WRC and its unique economic drivers, but hopefully you get my point…..Anyway, just my thoughts.

Edit: one last thing I'd like to say is that I dearly wish it had been different. I would have loved nothing more than for Malcolm to bring home the driver's crown for Ford with Sainz (in 1997 or in the dream team of 2001 with McRae and Delecour!) or with McRae, or with Martin, or with Gronholm, or with Hirvonen, or with Latvala, or even with Kankkunen back in 1998. Anyway, as I said, just my thoughts.

[Ounin]

I think if they had been able to win the driver's crown, just once even, in the last 18 years, I would feel differently. Don't get me wrong, I am a Ford fan through and through (look at my username), and I was a fan of Malcolm's when he was a driver (K202 HNO Michelin Pilot Escort RS Cosworth 1:18 model is in my study!). But, I can't help feel that perhaps Ford wouldn't have withdrawn factory support so readily if M-Sport had delivered more success over Malcolm's 18 years in charge. Maybe I am wrong; I am aware that without Malcolm, there may no Ford at all in the WRC. That is to say, I am very well aware of his immense contribution to the sport overall, and am thankful for it. Malcolm Wilson Motorsport started out as a customer preparation outfit, and I think they have returned to their roots, for reasons not entirely of their own making. The analogy that comes to mind is of a football club: if Malcolm was the manager of a football team, he would have been punted upstairs a long time ago, into a thoroughly deserved Director of Football role, due to his service to the club, but a new manager with a new approach would have been appointed a long time ago to try and deliver silverware. I am aware that this analogy doesn't translate directly to the WRC and its unique economic drivers, but hopefully you get my point…..Anyway, just my thoughts.

Edit: one last thing I'd like to say is that I dearly wish it had been different. I would have loved nothing more than for Malcolm to bring home the driver's crown for Ford with Sainz (in 1997 or in the dream team of 2001 with McRae and Delecour!) or with McRae, or with Martin, or with Gronholm, or with Hirvonen, or with Latvala, or even with Kankkunen back in 1998. Anyway, as I said, just my thoughts.

There are two groups of people involved in rallying; on the outside are we the fans, us, press etc. etc. On the inside are the people and companies that are sending / paying bills. A totally different approach and thé factor of what's going on in rallying if we like it or not. A world championship crown is not important; it's doing the best thing with the money available. If the board of a manufacturer decides, budget is unlimited and only then you can go for the crown. When Ford US decided to pull out it had nothing to do with M-Sport successfull or not it was cold calculated decision. You can't blame Malcolm Wilson because in all his factory years something came in between like a Peugeot WRC or a Tommi Makinen and the last 1 1/2 decade there was a Sebastien virus. When Malcolm steps back a bit? I'm afraid you will put the soul out of M-Sport, also I think Malcolm loves what he does now and is still as sharp as a razor blade. M-Sport is a very successfull undependent company now. If VW or Citroen or Pug or Hyundai pulls out as well as the Abu Dhabi's and the Qatar's; only M-Sport will stand. Maybe his son do has a talent; as future CEO, time will tell.
There is only one mistake I think he has made and did cost him a title; he unnecessarily lost Petter Solberg to Prodrive Subaru when Petter was the hot guy to have.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Kris Meeke in Xsara WRC at McRae Rally Challenge 2015 - having fun and entertaining the crowd at Knockhill Racing Circuit, in ex-Colin McRae Citroen Xsara WRC .. :)

Video clip https://youtu.be/dN2z3Tt_9ac

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CFOrr9rWEAAE_zI.jpg:large

http://www.wrc.com/en/wrc/news/april-2015/mcrae-challenge-cars/page/2306--12-12-.html

http://www.wrc.com/en/wrc/news/may/meeke-at-mcrae/page/2388--12-12-.html

[AL14]

Neuville and M-Sport rumors on autosport http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/119029

[Ounin]

Neuville and M-Sport rumors on autosport http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/119029

That there was some flirting going on from M-Sport side was quite obvious. I think Neuville management is using this to put the pressure on Hyundai.

[AL14]

That there was some flirting going on from M-Sport side was quite obvious. I think Neuville management is using this to put the pressure on Hyundai.
Are you a conspirationist or what?
Just kidding ;) I think that too

[Duvel]

Neuville and M-Sport rumors on autosport http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/119029

I would stay at Hyundai, hoping/knowing next year's car is fast enough from the start.
Is one person is able to judge if the new car is gonne be good it's Thierry himself. If car wil be as fast as the present one, then hope Malcom finds a decent partner..

[Karukera]

Because Ford/M-Sport are not winners, and have not been for a very long time.

No, Stobart, Abu Dhabi, Qatar and Ford at some extent left (ran away) when MSport cars were still winning.

[PLuto]

Neuville and M-Sport rumors on autosport http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/119029

I dont understand this rumours when Thierry has still agreement with Hyundai...

[Fast Eddie WRC]

I dont understand this rumours when Thierry has still agreement with Hyundai...

Apparently his contract has a 'get-out clause' at the end of this year.

[GigiGalliNo1]

New car sales in 2014:

Australia: 1,113,000
New Zealand: 126,000

Doesn't take a rocket scientist to work why the manufacturers, promoter and FIA would choose Australia....

Looking at it from Australia, no one knows what rally is. There would have to be a fan base of perhaps 30,000 or less people that are into Rally, let alone the WRC in Australia. TV figures in viewers? Maybe 5,000 people.... Or less!

People are buying Toyota, Hyundais and Fords in Australia plus VW's but those companies don't push the sport or rallying in their brands... Shame but for a rally, NZ is my pick over Australia any day...

[Franky]

My relatives attended NZ in 2004 or 2005 and they said that rally didn't seem to be a high profile event for the general audience/media.

[Ounin]

Apparently his contract has a 'get-out clause' at the end of this year.

In motorsport there are no contracts existing WITHOUT a get-out-clause... You're out before you're in, you're in before you're out...:D

[AndyRAC]

Looking at it from Australia, no one knows what rally is. There would have to be a fan base of perhaps 30,000 or less people that are into Rally, let alone the WRC in Australia. TV figures in viewers? Maybe 5,000 people.... Or less!

People are buying Toyota, Hyundais and Fords in Australia plus VW's but those companies don't push the sport or rallying in their brands... Shame but for a rally, NZ is my pick over Australia any day...

I thought Aussie motorsport fans are only interested in V8 Supercars, plus the Aussie F1 GP.

[GigiGalliNo1]

Yes, we have 24 million people here so I believe about 10 million + are F1 and V8 fans

[AL14]

http://www.wrc.com/en/wrc-2/news/2015/may/al-attiyah-interview/page/2445--51-51-.html

Al Attiyah will take an R5 for Poland because it suits better those roads and take back his RRC for the remaining rallys.
Not that fair in my opinion.

[EightGear]

The things unlimited money can buy...

[RS]

http://www.wrc.com/en/wrc-2/news/2015/may/al-attiyah-interview/page/2445--51-51-.html

Al Attiyah will take an R5 for Poland because it suits better those roads and take back his RRC for the remaining rallys.
Not that fair in my opinion.

I don't have a problem with the swapping around of cars, but I am not sure allowing continued use of RRCs in WRC2 is really fair, when R5 was bought in as a 'budget' category and RRC's are virtually WRCars, costing what? Twice as much?

[Rallyper]

At least one more driver has swapped. Pontus in Sweden drove RRC.

[liposh]

I would like to see Nasser's ass kicked by other R5 drivers in first really fair competition in Poland.

[Mirek]

I don't want to discuss if it's fair or not. Rules allow swapping cars or use of expensive WRC-light cars, therefore nobody can be forced not to do so.

What is more interesting for me is why shall the R5 be better for Poland than RRC. Any idea?

[pantealex]

R5 has better gear ratio, I believe.

btw. Why nobody uses DS 3 RRC ?

[liposh]

For sure it is in engine. Either R5 has longer gearbox (you know better) or just working better on fifth gear and in high speed. BUT it must be considerable difference if it is worth changing for Nasser. Why haven´t anybody of us noticed it until now?

pantealex: I think it is because DS3 RRC is expensive like hell :D

[pantealex]

Lefebvre is kind of factory driver, so he should use RRC if it´s faster than DS 3 R5

[Mirek]

R5 has better gear ratio, I believe.

btw. Why nobody uses DS 3 RRC ?

I don't think so. Br21 may correct me but normal gearbox of Fiesta R5 has top speed only 175 km/h. There is a longer option but still for RRC there are all WRC ratios available with six gears instead of five. Engine of the R5 is stronger but with much weaker ALS and only five speed gearbox. Also I believe the suspension of RRC is better and Poland is full of jumps. We can also expect some ruts. The overall reliability is for sure better with RRC. Maybe the experience of M-Sport Polska which runs car of Kajetanowicz plays a role here.

RRC cars are very expensive and Citröen probably especially much. We can also ask why nobody uses Polo RRC :)


Lefebvre is kind of factory driver, so he should use RRC if it´s faster than DS 3 R5

They need to promote R5 as the sales aren't as good as expected due to all the problems with PSA R5 cars (mainly Peugeot).

[nafpaktos]

We can also ask why nobody uses Polo RRC :)


because of no availability

[Eli]

http://www.rallye-magazin.de/wm/nachrichten/artikel/d/2015/05/30/gemischte-gefuehle-in-portugal/ uncertainty for Portugal being in the calendar next year

[Francis44]

http://www.rallye-magazin.de/wm/nachrichten/artikel/d/2015/05/30/gemischte-gefuehle-in-portugal/ uncertainty for Portugal being in the calendar next year

As far as I know a deal is in place for Rally de Portugal in the calendar for the next 4 years, obviously those deals are worthless until signed on contract but we will see.

[Livewireshock]

http://www.rallye-magazin.de/wm/nachrichten/artikel/d/2015/05/30/gemischte-gefuehle-in-portugal/ uncertainty for Portugal being in the calendar next year

It is a shame if this event was to fall through. To be a victim of it's own success. When the extra spectators create costs that are too great for the organisation to handle. Also the be caught in a political process of dealing with four times the number of local government authorities is always going to be a struggle. Regardless of any 4 year agreements, I am sure there will be a great deal of hassle in appeasing the mayors with great associated costs. That is unless there is a greater groundswell of support for this event.

[tommeke_B]

Maybe they could start by selling entry tickets (like in most events) in order to gain some income and keep only the interested people on stages... ;)

[WUff1]

Maybe the reason are some organisational failures like burning down of zero car in SS2, Bertelli´s accident and some other incidents we don´t know?

[Mintexmemory]

Maybe they could start by selling entry tickets (like in most events) in order to gain some income and keep only the interested people on stages... ;)

13 WRC events in 2015 of which only 6 sell entry tickets for access to all stages - now my maths says less than 50% is not 'most'. ;-)
Of the 6 that have an entry fee Poland only works out as £26 for the basic access pass!

[Rally Power]

http://www.rallye-magazin.de/wm/nachrichten/artikel/d/2015/05/30/gemischte-gefuehle-in-portugal/ uncertainty for Portugal being in the calendar next year

Total BS from rallye-magazin!

Organizers always knew that there was an extra cost from moving the event to the north, and they've managed to fully fit the budget. Money is no issue for the Rali de Portugal.

It seems that some "observers" were hoping to be spectator's issues in this year rally, but WE, portuguese spectators, give a fine demonstration of passionate and collaborative behaviour.

FIA and WRC people were amazed with the atmosphere, so let's not speculate simply because portuguese WRC contract ends this year (like the others rallies not mentioned in the pre 2016 calendar). No doubt it'll be renovated for the proposed 4 years, as Carlos Barbosa (RP chairman and FIA WRC commission president) already said.

[Mirek]

Citroën together with Virgin Racing will likely enter Formula-E in 2016. Is it the end of WTCC involvement or will be run along both WRC and WTCC?

[rallyfiend]

Last rumour was:

- WTCC to become privateer effort, likely with Sebastien Loeb Racing. They've had enough with the poor impact of WTCC, and notably in Asia which is the only market that car is sold...
- Citroen to WRC
- DS to Formula E

[AdvEvo]

WTCC is not so popular anymore. If you want a future in Touringcar racing i would rather build a car for TCR series.

[MJW]

WTCC is not so popular anymore. If you want a future in Touringcar racing i would rather build a car for TCR series.

There does seem to be more interest in TCR with manufacturers. Costs are significantly less that WTCC too.

[rallyfiend]

No more Giovanni with Bertelli according to his twitter.

More repercussions from the crash, other than the actions of the Organiser?

[AL14]

Good news for Bernacchini. He is a talented and professional codriver. I don't know the reasons why he ends his collaboration with Bertelli but I hope he can find a proper sit in the future.

[dimviii]

Lorenzo Bertelli
‏@fuckmatie37
I wish Giovanni the very best for his future, unfortunately our adventure together is over. Thanks a lot to him for his professionalism.



Lorenzo Bertelli
‏@fuckmatie37
Welcome back to my old friend and co-driver @LGranai. From now on he will be back by my side in the cockpit.

[N.O.T]

Same story as everyone without skills...

- Start your rally career with dreams and aspirations
- You fail miserably because dog
- You change co-driver
- You fail miserably because dog
- You hire your old one back
- You fail miserably because dog
- You change car
- You fail miserably because dog
- You change team
- You fail miserably because dog
- You retire
- You blame everyone else apart from self for being useless because dog

[Andre Oliveira]

Last rumour was:

- WTCC to become privateer effort, likely with Sebastien Loeb Racing. They've had enough with the poor impact of WTCC, and notably in Asia which is the only market that car is sold...
- Citroen to WRC
- DS to Formula E

DS to rally no? Or they will change to C3 WRC ;)

[EightGear]

Citroën is going to develop a new R2: http://www.rallye-magazin.de/wm/nachrichten/artikel/d/2015/05/27/citroen-naechstes-projekt-ist-ein-r2/

[pantealex]

Citroën is going to develop a new R2: http://www.rallye-magazin.de/wm/nachrichten/artikel/d/2015/05/27/citroen-naechstes-projekt-ist-ein-r2/

or DS is ?

[dimviii]

http://www.wrc.com/en/wrc/news/june/toyota-junior-drivers/page/2458--12-12-.html?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter

TWO RISING STARS OF JAPANESE RALLYING ARE SET TO MAKE THEIR WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP DEBUTS AT NEXT MONTH'S LOTOS 72ND RALLY POLAND AS PART OF A YOUNG DRIVER DEVELOPMENT SCHEME BACKED BY TOYOTA.

[Rallyper]

http://www.wrc.com/en/wrc/news/june/toyota-junior-drivers/page/2458--12-12-.html?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter

TWO RISING STARS OF JAPANESE RALLYING ARE SET TO MAKE THEIR WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP DEBUTS AT NEXT MONTH'S LOTOS 72ND RALLY POLAND AS PART OF A YOUNG DRIVER DEVELOPMENT SCHEME BACKED BY TOYOTA.

Caps lock is at the left... ;)

[dimviii]

Caps lock is at the left... ;)

it was copy paste and was lazy to convert it. http://www.petrolheads.gr/images/smilies/smooth/biggrin.gif

[janvanvurpa]

http://www.wrc.com/en/wrc/news/june/toyota-junior-drivers/page/2458--12-12-.html?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter

TWO RISING STARS OF JAPANESE RALLYING ARE SET TO MAKE THEIR WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP DEBUTS AT NEXT MONTH'S LOTOS 72ND RALLY POLAND AS PART OF A YOUNG DRIVER DEVELOPMENT SCHEME BACKED BY TOYOTA.


Amazing! cool! I think scientists should study this amazing phenomenon......See I was under the grossly erroneous impression that driving a rally car or rally-cross car required a certain rather hard to attain skills-set, and some evidence that the person getting Press Releases writyten had aquired those skills...and stupid me thought---due to my limited experience in motorsport----that you get the skills and the experience and prove it in years of increasingly "higher level" competition..

Nope..120 million people and the guys best suited is amazingly the son of some ex-PWRC cheery picker.

I never knew driving skill and especially experience was transmitted purely thru genetic means but once again we see there's nobody better, more deserving, shows more potential. than...some washed up guy's son.


I wonder if these people choosing these little children who look so obviously immature, who don't even need to shave yet, so innocent---ever wondered if, when they decide to give a ride---and make big world-wide press release about it---

if they realise how the have ruined the credibility of the various race series by proving that those you are watching
you are watching because not who they are, but who daddy was (and how unfulfilled his dreams were).--not what they've done or know..

Genetics is so amazing..

[janvanvurpa]

Caps lock is at the left... ;)

were you not er um --lamslagen! av nyhetet?

I thought it needed bigger all caps..

Its so amazing..

[rayh_mx]

it was copy paste and was lazy to convert it. http://www.petrolheads.gr/images/smilies/smooth/biggrin.gif

SHIFT + F3 in Word converts instantly :)

[Mariusz]

I wonder if these people choosing these little children who look so obviously immature, who don't even need to shave yet, so innocent---ever wondered if, when they decide to give a ride---and make big world-wide press release about it---
...
Genetics is so amazing..
Most Asian men have scanty facial hair and it's possible that they may never have to shave. Yes, genetics are amazing.
And I don't see anything wrong with a Japanese company supporting Japanese drivers. They are covering their behind this way so hopefully nobody in Japan can accuse them of spending money on some "unknown" European drivers.

[rallyfiend]

Most Asian men have scanty facial hair and it's possible that they may never have to shave. Yes, genetics are amazing.
And I don't see anything wrong with a Japanese company supporting Japanese drivers. They are covering their behind this way so hopefully nobody in Japan can accuse them of spending money on some "unknown" European drivers.

If only VW had been more ambitious with it's German driver programme like Toyota are.

[Rallyper]

were you not er um --lamslagen! av nyhetet?

I thought it needed bigger all caps..

Its so amazing..

Well, I was to be honest. But time will tell. Not that I believe these two sons of N4 heroes will shine instantly. But let´s wait and see. I think they will be heroes on their homesoil, not in the WRC. Toyota knows that it´s needed more experience to become top WRC driver. Not maybe even Camilli or the other one (Iforgot his name) maybe even is enogh. Let´s be patience and wait.

[Maui J.]

Amazing! cool! I think scientists should study this amazing phenomenon......See I was under the grossly erroneous impression that driving a rally car or rally-cross car required a certain rather hard to attain skills-set, and some evidence that the person getting Press Releases writyten had aquired those skills...and stupid me thought---due to my limited experience in motorsport----that you get the skills and the experience and prove it in years of increasingly "higher level" competition..

Nope..120 million people and the guys best suited is amazingly the son of some ex-PWRC cheery picker.

I never knew driving skill and especially experience was transmitted purely thru genetic means but once again we see there's nobody better, more deserving, shows more potential. than...some washed up guy's son.


I wonder if these people choosing these little children who look so obviously immature, who don't even need to shave yet, so innocent---ever wondered if, when they decide to give a ride---and make big world-wide press release about it---

if they realise how the have ruined the credibility of the various race series by proving that those you are watching
you are watching because not who they are, but who daddy was (and how unfulfilled his dreams were).--not what they've done or know..

Genetics is so amazing..

To be truthful there's not many young people near the top in motorsport due to their own doing. Most commonly it's because of their family's pastime/hobby/passion/addiction, call it what you want...and lots of cash. So when that son or daughter gets past the karting stage, the tall poppy sydrome amongst many kicks in. The whole Daddy's money thing. Really boring!
Unfortunately very few will make it due to skill alone, usually it's skill plus money.
How do you think Oliver Solberg is doing so well in the Norwegian cross-kart series? Yes, it looks as he has the skill, but to obtain the skill it takes a lot of financial imput over numerous years...from Daddy Petter.
I can't see your issue here.
Yes Arai has family money, who cares, rallying is expensive. It is very rare to exceed in this type of sport without starting out with family money. Mikkelsen, Ostberg, Latvala to name a few...who were competing in the big ranks with daddy's money. Unfortunately it's the nature of the sport...it isn't rags to riches football.
Loeb is one of the few of the modern era who breaks this rule. He's seemed to do everything on his own back and his skill made him rise to the top.

[KiwiWRCfan]

Documentary on Hayden Paddon https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=86i3PhVkEyc

[lewalcindor]

To be truthful there's not many young people near the top in motorsport due to their own doing. Most commonly it's because of their family's pastime/hobby/passion/addiction, call it what you want...and lots of cash. So when that son or daughter gets past the karting stage, the tall poppy sydrome amongst many kicks in. The whole Daddy's money thing. Really boring!
Unfortunately very few will make it due to skill alone, usually it's skill plus money.
How do you think Oliver Solberg is doing so well in the Norwegian cross-kart series? Yes, it looks as he has the skill, but to obtain the skill it takes a lot of financial imput over numerous years...from Daddy Petter.
I can't see your issue here.
Yes Arai has family money, who cares, rallying is expensive. It is very rare to exceed in this type of sport without starting out with family money. Mikkelsen, Ostberg, Latvala to name a few...who were competing in the big ranks with daddy's money. Unfortunately it's the nature of the sport...it isn't rags to riches football.
Loeb is one of the few of the modern era who breaks this rule. He's seemed to do everything on his own back and his skill made him rise to the top.


Even Loeb had a benefactor who recognized he had elite driving skills, and was able to finance him early in his career.

The common thread here is not so much familial nepotism, but money. Familial nepotism rears its head because that's the nature of the parent-child relationship, especially if you're a parent with success and good finances.

[janvanvurpa]

Documentary on Hayden Paddon https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=86i3PhVkEyc

That was good..thanks.

[dimviii]

Timo Jouhki backs Suninen at toyota wrc programm
http://www.rallye-magazin.de/wm/nachrichten/artikel/d/2015/06/02/toyota-junior-comeback-von-jouhki/

[Eli]

http://www.rallye-magazin.de/wm/nachrichten/artikel/d/2015/06/11/meeke-hoffen-auf-fortsetzung-2016/ meeke hoping to continue with citroen for next year

[giu canbera]

I'd like to ask a question here. I know its not the right place but Im new here. Dont know where to post, sorry fellas. Why theres no Isla de Man race in WRC schedule?

[N.O.T]

I'd like to ask a question here. I know its not the right place but Im new here. Dont know where to post, sorry fellas. Why theres no Isla de Man race in WRC schedule?

There is the Manx rally held in the isle of man. I don't think Isle of man has that many stages to hold a WRC event.

[rallyfiend]

I'd like to ask a question here. I know its not the right place but Im new here. Dont know where to post, sorry fellas. Why theres no Isla de Man race in WRC schedule?

Money? Interest? Available roads?

[dimviii]

Liz Emery ‏@Lizemery 8 λεπτάΠριν από 8 λεπτά Προβολή μετάφρασης
Yes!!!! @RaceOfChampions is in London this year! Will be there to cheer on the reigning champion

[giu canbera]

when are we gonna see the Electric Peugeot 207 S2000 that Stohl Racing has built? FIA has approved the car to compete!

[EightGear]

http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/119538

Hello again mister Capito. It's been a while, but good to see you're back in your usual form. We think it's nice to see you've finally managed to get support from a driver. Saying that, we're talking about a driver who's complaining most of the time as well, so we're still not impressed.

Kind regards,

A lot of rally fans.

[EightGear]

I would agree if all rounds would be about the same Km distance, but for the sake of variety I don't mind Sardinia's itinerary at all.

[AL14]

"What do we want? This is the only race this year where we have 400 kilometres - most of the rallies are just above 300 kilometres, because every extra kilometre costs so much money.

"Yes, this one [Saturday] was a long day, but it's a long day for everybody.

"We are only racing every three weeks and my reaction is 'if you cannot stand that then go back home.'

Well said Michele Mouton

[AndyRAC]

Just stop moaning and get on with it. The WRC has been dumbed down enough - we don't need it making any easier. However, what I would say; I can't see the point in 12 hour days when they only do 6 stages. There is too much 'dead time' were nothing happens, especially in the middle of the day.

It's funny people moan about endurance; the WEC is gaining in popularity more and more, and certainly here in the UK is blowing the WRC out if the water.

[dodge33cymru]

"It's just f***ing stupid to get up at five in the morning and go to bed at midnight - we don't see this in any other sport."

He says about a rally held the same weekend as Le Mans.

[N.O.T]

WEC is nothing, a dog show... and the target audience is not the of the WRC but those overweight girls that like F1 and go on a diet each monday to be able to match their favourite ladyboys physique.

WRCs format is fine, an endurance event (just one) like safari would be nice of course but apart from that if you increase the Kms you will end up with huge differences in a couple of stages and then cruising for the rest of the event like in the 80s were women could win events.

[AndyRAC]

WEC is nothing, a dog show... and the target audience is not the of the WRC but those overweight girls that like F1 and go on a diet each monday to be able to match their favourite ladyboys physique.

WRCs format is fine, an endurance event (just one) like safari would be nice of course but apart from that if you increase the Kms you will end up with huge differences in a couple of stages and then cruising for the rest of the event like in the 80s were women could win events.

Yeah, you keep you head buried in the sand.....

[AL14]

And by the way, Ostberg started complaining about the rally just after he made that mistake. When he was going serenely for the podium not a single word.

[Duvel]

Just stop moaning and get on with it. The WRC has been dumbed down enough - we don't need it making any easier. However, what I would say; I can't see the point in 12 hour days when they only do 6 stages. There is too much 'dead time' were nothing happens, especially in the middle of the day.

It's funny people moan about endurance; the WEC is gaining in popularity more and more, and certainly here in the UK is blowing the WRC out if the water.


I agree, both friday and saturday had a big gap. 2 extra stages, especially saturday would have been better, i actualy do agree on that point mister capioto makes, more stage km's makes it a harder event, not the road sections.

[tommeke_B]

If they had a remote service on saturday the gap in the afternoon wouldn't be so big. I think drivers don't like long days mostly because in the evening they don't have time for checking the onboards and notes of the stages for the next day.

[christy but]

I think the sunday leg is too short

[PLuto]

I think the sunday leg is too short

I also dont like this WRC format with very short Sunday. To say in short, Sunday is made only and for powerstage...

[makinen_fan]

I agree too, Sunday is a joke for the last 2/3 years since they started standardising the finish time at 12. Why cant they do it at 5 so that organisers have a chance to have a proper final leg. Also I dont like that the majority of drivers go slowly to just save tyres for the power stage.

[AL14]

I actually like this format. Sunday is short, yes, but everything is already decided on saturday on most of the rallies.
The only thing I would change is to have more variety between rallies, in lenght, as well as toughness or stages and so on...

[N.O.T]

Sunday is good to be short and end quickly so the spectators/teams/drivers/dogs can return home early relax and start dealing with the problems Monday brings in a better way.

[Rallyper]

I actually like this format. Sunday is short, yes, but everything is already decided on saturday on most of the rallies.
The only thing I would change is to have more variety between rallies, in lenght, as well as toughness or stages and so on...

Everything decided on Saturday because of too short Sunday?

[N.O.T]

Everything decided on Saturday because of too short Sunday?

you misunderstood, he said that sunday is short but it doesn't matter because usually everything is decided on saturday so even if sunday was longer things would not change, the drivers would just cruise for some more Kms.

[Rallyper]

No you misunderstood. If Sunday is enough km´s nothing can be decided when 1/3 i still to be driven... Right? I remember when cars cruised even in the 80´s on Sunday, but later on things changed when Sunday leg went longer. I would presume same thing happens if when longer Sunday leg. Ogier can´t always be in the lead for 2 mins every Saturday evening?

[AL14]

I understand what you mean Rallyper, math is on your part but in that case you will have to sacrifice kms on friday and saturday and I actually prefer to have two full days full of actions like it is now.

[tommeke_B]

+1 N.O.T. For me personally this the way it's done now is perfect for spectating. In Sweden we went on thursday (skipped shakedown) to see the first stage in the evening, after the last stage we went to the airport and on monday we were back to work. In Sardinia we arrived on wednesday, but also got home on sunday night after the event. Going to events with a group of 4 (max 5) people (one car, one appartment/house or 2 hotel rooms) makes it easy for me to do something like 5 WRC events per year for a very affordable price. If we have to stay one day longer (pay one day more car rental, an extra day for staying, dining, and most of the times more expensive flight tickets on mondays) it means we can do at least one event less for the same amount of holidays/money.

I would like the idea of a "full" sunday, but then the WRC needs to throw away the system of the powerstage and the system of Rally2. If every leg is equally long they could make seperate day-classifications and reward those with points (let's say 5-4-3-2-1). It's good give the previously retired drivers something to fight for as well, without being between slower drivers in overall classifications. After all if you are retired you don't belong in overall classifications anymore. Same could be applied in WRC2/3/JWRC.

[Lundefaret]

What would You guys think about cutting the event down to two days?

Ex friday and saturday (so to not compete with F1), or saturday and sunday?

Ex it could start at 12 the first day, and be driven to midnight (reintroducing the endurance spectacle whitin a short time period, and reintroduce night time driving on every event), and finish on the second day with a live stage.

Could this be something?

[6789]

What would You guys think about cutting the event down to two days?

Ex friday and saturday (so to not compete with F1), or saturday and sunday?

Ex it could start at 12 the first day, and be driven to midnight (reintroducing the endurance spectacle whitin a short time period, and reintroduce night time driving on every event), and finish on the second day with a live stage.

Could this be something?

Finland tried similar in 2010. They've moved back to 3 days now. Not sure exactly why though.

[Mirek]

What would You guys think about cutting the event down to two days?

Ex friday and saturday (so to not compete with F1), or saturday and sunday?

Ex it could start at 12 the first day, and be driven to midnight (reintroducing the endurance spectacle whitin a short time period, and reintroduce night time driving on every event), and finish on the second day with a live stage.

Could this be something?

Making the event shorter goes directly against the interest of local economy. You can't look on WRC only from the perspective of the teams and spectators. The other point of view from the side of local hotels, restaurants, shops etc. is also important as the WRC event is a big touristic attraction. Usually the local governments support WRC events by a reasonable amount of money and they want to see it is an investment worth spending. It's all connected and there must be a balance between both sides of the coin - the event must be profitable for local economy and in the same time must not be too expensive for the teams and spectators to come.

[AL14]

+1 N.O.T. For me personally this the way it's done now is perfect for spectating. In Sweden we went on thursday (skipped shakedown) to see the first stage in the evening, after the last stage we went to the airport and on monday we were back to work. In Sardinia we arrived on wednesday, but also got home on sunday night after the event. Going to events with a group of 4 (max 5) people (one car, one appartment/house or 2 hotel rooms) makes it easy for me to do something like 5 WRC events per year for a very affordable price. If we have to stay one day longer (pay one day more car rental, an extra day for staying, dining, and most of the times more expensive flight tickets on mondays) it means we can do at least one event less for the same amount of holidays/money.

I would like the idea of a "full" sunday, but then the WRC needs to throw away the system of the powerstage and the system of Rally2. If every leg is equally long they could make seperate day-classifications and reward those with points (let's say 5-4-3-2-1). It's good give the previously retired drivers something to fight for as well, without being between slower drivers in overall classifications. After all if you are retired you don't belong in overall classifications anymore. Same could be applied in WRC2/3/JWRC.

I agree with you, it's good also for spectators. I just don't like the day-classifications, it makes just things more complicated in my opinion.

[Gregor-y]

WRCs format is fine, an endurance event (just one) like safari would be nice of course but apart from that if you increase the Kms you will end up with huge differences in a couple of stages and then cruising for the rest of the event like in the 80s were women could win events.
I hold out hope you meant to say 'Audis.'

[AL14]

Bertelli's saga continues http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/119553

[N.O.T]

Bertelli's saga continues http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/119553

if they had just banned women from the WRC none of this would have happened... now its just useless blah blah for the media.

[CWJ]

to be
World Rally Championship Commission president
and pray
http://www.fia.com/fia-action-road-safety
you can't talk like this against drivers...

[makinen_fan]

+1 N.O.T. For me personally this the way it's done now is perfect for spectating. In Sweden we went on thursday (skipped shakedown) to see the first stage in the evening, after the last stage we went to the airport and on monday we were back to work. In Sardinia we arrived on wednesday, but also got home on sunday night after the event. Going to events with a group of 4 (max 5) people (one car, one appartment/house or 2 hotel rooms) makes it easy for me to do something like 5 WRC events per year for a very affordable price. If we have to stay one day longer (pay one day more car rental, an extra day for staying, dining, and most of the times more expensive flight tickets on mondays) it means we can do at least one event less for the same amount of holidays/money.

I would like the idea of a "full" sunday, but then the WRC needs to throw away the system of the powerstage and the system of Rally2. If every leg is equally long they could make seperate day-classifications and reward those with points (let's say 5-4-3-2-1). It's good give the previously retired drivers something to fight for as well, without being between slower drivers in overall classifications. After all if you are retired you don't belong in overall classifications anymore. Same could be applied in WRC2/3/JWRC.

Actually, what you say makes perfect sense if you visit lots of events, like yourself and a few other people. I wish I was able to do that, and I dont care if the events were even just 2 days. But if you visit just one WRC event a year, you would expect to have a much fuller experience without the huge anti-climax of the Sunday as it is at the moment. They introduced the power stage to spice up the Sundays, but I think it makes it made it worse.

Actually, my original comment was referring to following the events from home - anyway the whole concept was introduced so that the live TV is at the same time for every rally. I just feel the timing is not great, everything is so rushed on Sunday. The majority of peoples around the world are free at home on Sundays to follow their favourite sport on internet/TV. And by midday everything is over. But maybe no TV is interested to show it live in the afternoon, when more popular sports are shown on TV.

[tommeke_B]

I prefer full days on friday and saturday and a shorter sunday rather than Wales having a useless first leg already. They do 2x3 stages. Only 1 (!) hour between the first and the third stage of each loop, so even if you watch only WRC cars it's nearly impossible to see 4 stages that day. Last stage of the day at 14:30... Why make a longer sunday leg when organizers don't even use the full potential of the other days?

[Simorally86]

I prefer full days on friday and saturday and a shorter sunday rather than Wales having a useless first leg already. They do 2x3 stages. Only 1 (!) hour between the first and the third stage of each loop, so even if you watch only WRC cars it's nearly impossible to see 4 stages that day. Last stage of the day at 14:30... Why make a longer sunday leg when organizers don't even use the full potential of the other days?

Totally agree! I would like to go again in the beautiful Wales....but watch just 2 stages on Friday and again on Sunday it's not enough! 3X2 format it's awful for spectators, organizer should copy Sardinia's format, or at least propose a 4x2 format, with a refuelling to break the loop...

[AndyRAC]

I prefer full days on friday and saturday and a shorter sunday rather than Wales having a useless first leg already. They do 2x3 stages. Only 1 (!) hour between the first and the third stage of each loop, so even if you watch only WRC cars it's nearly impossible to see 4 stages that day. Last stage of the day at 14:30... Why make a longer sunday leg when organizers don't even use the full potential of the other days?

Having the last stage at 14:30 is a complete joke. It's meant to be a tough sport. You could fit in another 3-4 stages. It's a combination of the rules/regs, lack of imagination from organizers that we have this. I wasn't a fan of the 'cloverleaf' format when they brought it in nearly 20 years ago; and I'm still not. It has added nothing to the sport, and hasn't brought all the TV/ media coverage they thought it would.

[Viking]

News... and end off (Toyota link) rumour.

https://www.andreasmikkelsen.no/news/andreas-commits-long-term-future-to-volkswagen-in-the-wrc/

[MJW]

News... and end off (Toyota link) rumour.

https://www.andreasmikkelsen.no/news/andreas-commits-long-term-future-to-volkswagen-in-the-wrc/
Latvala will be Toyota leader.

[AL14]

I think now is too early for speculation bit since it is fun to predict line ups I think Neuville could be their top driver after new hyundai will not be fast enough to catch VWs in 2016.

[N.O.T]

I think now is too early for speculation bit since it is fun to predict line ups I think Neuville could be their top driver after new hyundai will not be fast enough to catch VWs in 2016.

is Neuville fast enough to catch the VW ? so far this season is the most useless driver by far.

[MJW]

I think now is too early for speculation bit since it is fun to predict line ups I think Neuville could be their top driver after new hyundai will not be fast enough to catch VWs in 2016.
Sordo and Paddon have beaten Neuville this year, and NOT favourite, Mr Manager Timo Juohki is very very influential in the new Toyota set up

[AL14]

is Neuville fast enough to catch the VW ? so far this season is the most useless driver by far.


Sordo and Paddon have beaten Neuville this year, and NOT favourite, Mr Manager Timo Juohki is very very influential in the new Toyota set up


I've said that Neuville could be their driver, not their right choice :)

[6789]

Local news is reporting that Rally Australia is confirmed until 2017 and that they are trying to be the last round of the season.

https://au.prime7.yahoo.com/n1/video/-/watch/28529222/worlds-fastest-rally-drivers-set-to-converge-on-the-coffs-coast/

[dodge33cymru]

Do we know when to expect the itinerary for Catalunya? They're already later than last year.

[MartijnS]

Next tuesday.

[Eli]

http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/119693 seems like Ogier's consistency is having some effect about the road sweeping issue...

[AL14]

If I were Todt I would take a decision like this:

In order to "assess the situation" the championship leader will open the road for all the 3 days only for the first half of the season. The second half will be reversed.

[giu canbera]

new NR4 Subaru "for" WRC2 and ERC2..
http://rallysportmag.com.au/home/other-news/9653-2015-nr4-spec-subaru-wrx-sti-rally-car-unveiled
should we start dreaming about a WRC return in a few years?

[kiil]

Private effort, so no.

[Eli]

http://www.rallye-magazin.de/wm/nachrichten/artikel/d/2015/06/26/citroen-china-als-schluessel-fuer-die-zukunft/ the importance of China & Citroen's participation in WRC or WTCC

[christy but]

wrc rally Ireland could make a return..i see it on this weeks motorsport news

[Barreis]

Citroen DS in FE... What will be with wrc?!
http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/119713

[Eli]

Citroen DS in FE... What will be with wrc?!
http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/119713

well it's not like they're gonna use any of the DS cars for that..

[OldF]

By YLE (like BBC in England) strong rumours says that Toyota WRC rally operation could be run by Tommi Mäkinen Racing. They say that it would be run from Puuppola (near Jyväskylä) but at least for me it’s difficult to believe. Far away from everywhere. Mikko Hirvonen is also involved in the operation of TMR.

Finnish to English Google translation is shit as usually.
https://translate.google.com/translate?sl=fi&tl=en&js=y&prev=_t&hl=fi&ie=UTF-8&u=http%3A%2F%2Fyle.fi%2Furheilu%2Ftoyotan_rallitoi minta_saatetaan_hoitaa_puuppolasta_kasin_-_tommi_makinen_lahella_jattisopimusta_japanilaisme rkin_kanssa%2F8108870&edit-text=

Original
http://yle.fi/urheilu/toyotan_rallitoiminta_saatetaan_hoitaa_puuppolasta _kasin_-_tommi_makinen_lahella_jattisopimusta_japanilaisme rkin_kanssa/8108870

[Rallyper]

But why not? Strong know-how and fast gravelroads everywhere around helps develop car. So let´s hope rumours are true.

[AndyRAC]

I find it slightly bizarre. An unproven team at International level, why on earth would you give it to them? Seems strange, and very un-Toyota like.

[dimviii]

krismeeke#Repost @kblock43
The marshalls at #Goodwood made a "No Donut" sign for the warm up area.. It would have been a crime to show this to @kblock43.. so I had to intervene! And he delivered on my instruction in abundance!
#DonutsAreGood ������
https://instagram.com/p/4e-T4ELN-H/

[dimviii]

Becs Williams ‏@Becsywecsy
Great to hear that @CitroenRacing have committed to the #WRC in 2016 as confirmed by brand CEO Linda Jackson

[Rallyper]

I find it slightly bizarre. An unproven team at International level, why on earth would you give it to them? Seems strange, and very un-Toyota like.

What about TTE? Wasn´t it a private team, at least from the begginning? I might be wrong however.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Citroen Racing will withdraw from either the WRC or WTCC at the end of 2016...

[dimviii]

Citroen Racing will withdraw from either the WRC or WTCC at the end of 2016...

Citroen will withdraw from either the World Rally Championship or World Touring Car Championship in 2017.

The French firm has won 17 driver and manufacturer titles since entering the WRC in 2000, has dominated the WTCC for the last 18 months, and will continue in both championships until the end of 2016.

Citroen CEO Linda Jackson insists no decision has been taken yet about which will continue beyond that.

"For 2016 we have our two disciplines: world rally and world touring," Jackson told AUTOSPORT.

"I can safely say to you that we are reviewing the decisions and for 2017 nothing has been decided.

"But, we have made the decision that Citroen will only be officially involved in one discipline for 2017."

Its DS brand will enter Formula E later this year as a manufacturer with Virgin Racing, ending speculation that the WTCC programme would be rebranded.

Citroen, WTCC

That leaves the WRC and WTCC to fight for the Citroen name.

While its current WTCC customer Sebastien Loeb Racing could take over the primary programme in a semi-works capacity, with or without Loeb himself competing, that wouldn't necessarily be considered an 'official' involvement.

The geographical location of rallies and races is set to play pivotal role in the decision, along with technical regulations and budgetary requirements.

"In terms of the segment of vehicle, it's important which segment of cars the FIA decides to go with [in the 2017 WRC]," Jackson said,

"And secondly we're looking for something with the same number of races - 12 or 13 - including China.

"We would want a presence in China, that's our first market and obviously it's important for us.

"Whichever discipline we go to, we need to make sure we can work on the same budget or less.

"Yes, Citroen Racing and sport is important for us, but it would have to be within the budgets we have already got."

China has hosted a WRC round once before, in 1999, and a 2016 return was flagged earlier this year, while the WTCC has raced in the nation since 2011.

Asked if the absence of a WRC round in China would mean the end of Citroen in world rallying, Jackson said: "Nothing is ever definitive.

"We haven't made our decision yet, but clearly China and - having a race there - is very important for us because China is our first market in terms of sales.

"We've still got a long way to go in terms of improving not only our market share there, but also our image, and having a race there is becoming mandatory for manufacturers.

"Everybody is trying to increase exposure in China, it's a very important market."

http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/119774?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter

[N.O.T]

it is better to go out of the WRC... their effort is not serious since Loebs retirement... plus their last sentence about china shows they move towards that decision.

[Rallyper]

Very much can change until we reach decision. I´m not speculating but for sure there´re so many ways things could turn out, which can´t be predicted yet.

[WUff1]

Don´t think they would stay with their actual drivers.

[Ounin]

it is better to go out of the WRC... their effort is not serious since Loebs retirement... plus their last sentence about china shows they move towards that decision.

If they've made the final choice for rally and therefore canalized the budget, concentration is back, why not. And with some lobbying there could be a WRC China soon. It's known that Citroen is not happy with WTCC.

[Rally Power]

A great part from Citroen WRC budget comes from Abu Dhabi partnership. Does anyone know when Abu Dhabi contract expires?

So DS goes to FE and Citroen will probably stay in WTCC, then Peugeot could have an excellent opportunity to come back to WRC, avoiding to maintain their uncompetitive Dakar program (that probably is even less popular in China than WRC).

[AndyRAC]

With very little competition in the WTCC, and no VW Group team to outspend them, it would make sense to stay in the WTCC.

[RS]

Don´t think they would stay with their actual drivers.

I don't see any alternative for Citroen unless Latvala gets the boot from VW.

Meeke is still too accident prone but did win this year and whilst Mads is clearly slower than Meeke and a bit whingey he does collect the points.

[PLuto]

I don't see any alternative for Citroen unless Latvala gets the boot from VW.

Meeke is still too accident prone but did win this year and whilst Mads is clearly slower than Meeke and a bit whingey he does collect the points.

JML will be available after this season ;)

[EightGear]

Can you elaborate?

[Rally Power]

JML will be available after this season ;)

No one would be surprised if VW would let Latvala go at the end of the season. Mikkelsen is proving to be a reliable nº2 and they could pick up Latti from Skoda to their 3rd car.

On the other hand if Citroen intends to leave WRC they probably won't change drivers in their last season.

Ford has Tanak that's as fast (and as inconsistent) for a fraction of JML cost and Hyundai balanced group of drivers just need to get a faster car to get closer to VW.

It would be great to see Latvala associated with Toyota, using 2016 as an intensive development year in order to return as Toy nº1 driver in 2017...

[AL14]

I don't think Latvala will be happy at his age to have a 1 year break. I think he would do it only if it would be his only option.
Btw, I could say a stupid thing but I suspect he needs a car like Citroen, maybe a bit faster than it is now but still a car that would force him to change his driving style like Ostberg did.

[dimviii]

Tommi Makinen is expected to be announced as team principal of Toyota's new-look World Rally Championship effort on Tuesday.

The four-time WRC champion has been linked to Toyota since building a private GT86 rally car for Toyota Motor Corporation president and CEO Akio Toyoda last year.

Makinen has remained close to Toyoda since and sources in Japan say the Finn's new deal will be inked in Nagoya this week.

He has run Tommi Makinen Racing, building and selling Group N Subarus, for a number of years.

Toyota Motorsport GmbH - TMC's wholly owned motorsport subsidiary - is understood to have been sidelined in the new deal.

Nobody from TMG was available for comment when AUTOSPORT contacted Cologne, but sources within TMG say the company will continue with its development programme of its own Yaris WRC.

The news of Makinen's new position is expected to come from Gazoo Racing - TMC's motorsport arm in Japan - but the programme is still set to have a European base.

A source in Japan said: "There is no indication the programme will be based from Japan, this is not the best way for the logistics. It must be Europe."

Toyoda confirmed Toyota's 2017 return to the WRC at the start of the season, ending a 17-year absence from a series the firm once dominated.


http://m.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/119871

[N.O.T]

Makinen, Jouhki to select drivers... seems the autism of the japanese still holds. lets see how fast they are going down with those choices they make.

[Rallyper]

Seems selection of drivers already is made. Don´t impress me. However saying JML to join Toyota after being sacked by VW would make you so upset I dont dare shouting it out loud... :)

[andyone]

I don't think Latvala will be happy at his age to have a 1 year break. I think he would do it only if it would be his only option.
Btw, I could say a stupid thing but I suspect he needs a car like Citroen, maybe a bit faster than it is now but still a car that would force him to change his driving style like Ostberg did.
But its coasting ostberg he is under peforming now better toyota

Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk

[Sulland]

"""Nobody from TMG was available for comment when AUTOSPORT contacted Cologne, but sources within TMG say the company will continue with its development programme of its own Yaris WRC"""

What is the plan; to continue along two axis, is TMG gone, or will Makinen take a position at TMG?

[bearclaw]

…owns mäkinen still this workshop near jyväskylä? for me it looks quite big for just preparing group n/r4 subaru’s.
but I don’t think they have the same infrastructure like TMG at cologne?!

[AL14]

But its coasting ostberg he is under peforming now better toyota

Underperforming? I don't think so. He wasn't better than now before he joined Citroen.
But it doesn't count, Ostberg didn't need to change his style, Latvala does.

BTW with Citroen or with Toyota Latvala has barely no more chances to win a championship, and I say "barely" just because I'm a dreamer and a bit naive.

[Antony Warmbold]

There is no way in hell that Toyota would base itself in Finland. If Makinen takes a leading role it'll be from Cologne. And Jouhki as the puppet master... Well... I hope this is an old April fools joke that came out too late.

[AndyRAC]

I find it all bizarre. Is Akio Toyoda trying to hurry the project up? But are Toyota in Japan/ Cologne are taking their time? We know they are careful with money, after the F1 disaster. If you have a facility like Cologne, which can manage WRC, WEC programmes at the same time, then you'd surely use it.

[Rally Power]

"""Nobody from TMG was available for comment when AUTOSPORT contacted Cologne, but sources within TMG say the company will continue with its development programme of its own Yaris WRC"""

What is the plan; to continue along two axis, is TMG gone, or will Makinen take a position at TMG?

Certainly there will not be a Yaris from TMG and another car from Tommi Makinen Racing. Gazoo was founded as one of the Toyota motorsport subsidiaries (like TRD, TOM'S or TMG) but now is the head of the Toyota Group motorsport activities. http://ms.toyota.co.jp/jp/

The WEC prototypes are entered by Toyota Gazoo Racing even if they're entirely developed in Germany by TMG, with the operative partnership of Oreca.

Probably TMR will be the operative partner for TMG in WRC (with Toyota money he can easily mount an operation outside Finland) or simply he has been invited to coordinate the TMG WRC project and another external structure will run the cars for them (Oreca is already rallying TMG drivers in WRC2 and WRC3).

Soon we'll found out. IMO it's great to see a multiple world rally champion in Toyota's ranks!

[Simmi]

Not sure that article is 100% accurate. Maybe heard (or someone misinterpreted) a bad rumour?

I'm sure Makinen Racing have a decent set-up but whatever they've got is basically a garden shed compared to TMG's facilities in Cologne - a place where current F1 teams go to get work done. No shortage of room in that factory either by the sounds of it.

Tommi at the helm of the team would be superb however.

[Miika]

Tommi is the boss, in every sense of the word.


TOMMI MÄKINEN LEADS TOYOTA GAZOO RACING’S WRC RETURN IN 2017


Toyota GAZOO Racing has determined its team structure leading up to Toyota’s return to the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC) in 2017.
Toyota President Akio Toyoda will serve as team chairman while Tommi Mäkinen*, a celebrated WRC veteran, will be offering his expertise as team principal. With comprehensive oversight from Mäkinen, who holds four drivers’ titles over his 18-year WRC career, the team will strengthen its vehicle development capabilities and work toward 2017.


Team name
Toyota GAZOO Racing

Vehicle
Yaris WRC (length: 3910 mm; width: 1820 mm)

Team chairman
Akio Toyoda

Team principal
Tommi Mäkinen


Full article: http://www.toyota-motorsport.com/en/latest-information-archive-en/462-tommi-maekinen-leads-toyota-gazoo-racing-s-wrc-return-in-2017

[Leon]

I just wondering... to be a holder of four drivers’ titles over an 18-year WRC career automatically makes you a competent Team Principal?

I m not saying he is not, time will show, but what is the reasoning behind his appointment?

[Eli]

http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/119880 the official announcement from autosport regarding toyota & makkinen

[Ounin]

"""Nobody from TMG was available for comment when AUTOSPORT contacted Cologne, but sources within TMG say the company will continue with its development programme of its own Yaris WRC"""

What is the plan; to continue along two axis, is TMG gone, or will Makinen take a position at TMG?

I think it's a very unclear situation, I'm following WEC (f.i. Le Mans) quite intensively there is the same situation where Gazoo Racing is official entrant , and the running of the cars as well as R&D is done by TMG. Gazoo read Toyota is paying TMG to run the whole project. When Tommi Makinen is heading the WRC development now it doesn't mean it will be Tommie Makinen Racing who has got the deal to develop the Yaris. Don't forget there is a huge factory in Cologne available next to the Toyota LMP 1 workshop.
I can understand the silence of TMG.

[giu canbera]

Citroen said they will remove one of its programs by 2017. WRC or WTCC
I'm kinda pissed cuz... y'know...
WTCC?!?! WFT is that?!

You can ask anyone (except WTCC's board) about WTCC and no one will have an answer for "what is that?"
RALLY is the most famous thing together with F1 and MotoGP.
I dont believe Citroen is even CONSIDERING WTCC, even with its dominance.

Meh

[RS]

Citroen said they will remove one of its programs by 2017. WRC or WTCC
I'm kinda pissed cuz... y'know...
WTCC?!?! WFT is that?!

You can ask anyone (except WTCC's board) about WTCC and no one will have an answer for "what is that?"
RALLY is the most famous thing together with F1 and MotoGP.


I don't know... i am in the UK and when Meeke (ie. Citroen) won their event this year it received less column inches in the newspapers than Michael Schumacher's son winning some cart race the same day.

[Barreis]

In the logical way of thinking they'll choose the sport where they have more success at the moment...

[rallyfun]

According to autosport Matton is well pissed off with Meeke and will decide soon about the line up for 2016, Loeb is an option although he's not convinced. Matton doesn't accept any excuses from Meeke after Sardinia and Poland.

[Eli]

According to autosport Matton is well pissed off with Meeke and will decide soon about the line up for 2016, Loeb is an option although he's not convinced. Matton doesn't accept any excuses from Meeke after Sardinia and Poland.

which autosport?

[Eli]

meanwhile in other news http://www.maxrally.com/2015/07/09/back-to-the-future, regulations for 2017 will be discussed tommorow in WMSC in Mexico

[RS]

According to autosport Matton is well pissed off with Meeke and will decide soon about the line up for 2016, Loeb is an option although he's not convinced. Matton doesn't accept any excuses from Meeke after Sardinia and Poland.

Why? He still beat Ostberg home in Poland.

[RS]

meanwhile in other news http://www.maxrally.com/2015/07/09/back-to-the-future, regulations for 2017 will be discussed tommorow in WMSC in Mexico

What is the aim of this? I thought the current cars are rather spectacular already.

[Mariusz]

Why? He still beat Ostberg home in Poland.
Maybe Ostberg is done already.

[AL14]

If translate worked well, Hirvonen is going to participate at next Dakar. Rumors say that Loeb could be there too.
Some polish guy to confirm?

http://wrc.net.pl/dakarowy-kierunek-hirvonena/

[Mariusz]

According to this info (and they are saying that it's according to Autohebdo) Mikko's plan to prepare himself to Dakar is:
- end of July; Baja Spain
- October; Rally Marocco

[rallyfun]

which autosport?

Paper copy UK

[KiwiWRCfan]

from http://en.best-of-rallylive.com/News/WRC-notes-Poland
"Krzysztof Holowoczyc, who came third on this year’s Dakar and 10th in WRC2 in Poland, has turned to rallycross and probably won’t take part in the 2016 Dakar. However, we hear that Mikko Hirvonen and Michel Périn will do the event in a Mini ALL4 Racing and that Sébastien Loeb is looking for a co-driver to join him in a Peugeot 2008 DKR…"

[makinen_fan]

which autosport?

http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/119916

[EstWRC]

in the plus section there was a article about Tänak, if somebody ins interested then you can download it here http://www.upload.ee/files/4832160/feature_6589.pdf.html

[Mirek]

WMSC approved radical change of the rules.
http://www.fia.com/news/world-motor-sport-council-2015-mexico


The principles of the technical and homologation regulations for the 2017-2019 WRC car were approved by the World Motor Sport Council. The intention behind the new regulations is to produce a car with a far more dynamic and distinct appearance that exhibits character and diversity. The highlights are:

Engine

- Powered increased to 380hp

- 36mm maximum diameter for the turbo restrictor

- Maximum 2.5b absolute turbo pressure

Body

- Free zone defined around the body shell of the production car to create a maximum WRC car width of 1875mm and greater overhang front and rear

- Greater freedom on the lateral parts of the front bumper, with potential for additional aero devices ahead of the front wheels. Openings may also be cut-out on the fender surface

- Bigger and more visible fixed rear wing

The overall weight of the car will be reduced by 25kg, there will be a return to an electronically-controlled centre differential and the overall homologated length of the car must be greater than or equal to 3.9 metres.

Looks like they realized that saving cost in a level where manufacturers are directly involved has no sense and instead decided to put everything on the appearance/marketing side.

By the way I guess that with 36 mm restictor they shall be able to reach more than 380 Hp. It's 19% of air more. If current WRC cars have let's say 340 Hp (I don't know) it shall bring around 400 Hp.

[Allyc85]

Mock up of 2017 car..

http://cdn.images.autosport.com/editorial/1436560493.jpg

The arches are too wide IMO. Would rather see bigger cars with current sized kind of extensions over that...

edit: but then it is only a mock up :)

[N.O.T]

I like the direction the new rules are taking...

We are at an era where everything is safer and we have a far better understanding of how everything works, now is the correct era to move things towards more power in rallying...

It is time to have a revival of the group B way of thinking simply because it will be safer now, and send those useless F1 sport made of ladyboys and overweight hamburger fans back to the abyss of motorsport where they belong.

[Mirek]

The five biggest car manufacturers in the world are VW, Toyota, GM, Ford and Hyundai. Except GM all are now involved in the WRC. That is definitely a good sign for the future.

[bowler]

WMSC approved radical change of the rules.
http://www.fia.com/news/world-motor-sport-council-2015-mexico

By the way I guess that with 36 mm restictor they shall be able to reach more than 380 Hp. It's 19% of air more. If current WRC cars have let's say 340 Hp (I don't know) it shall bring around 400 Hp.

It will be exactly 380.......

[Mirek]

And how will it be controlled?

[COD]

The aero changes are exactly the wrong way to go. They should reduce wings and aero kits, and limit suspension travel. More power is ok, but why do the want more racing style, rather than sideways action?

[Simmi]

Hopefully they'll make them a bit louder too while they're at it.

[HaCo]

The Yaris will be wider then its length :-) :-) :-)

[Barreis]

New rules are good chance for teams to catch up with VW...

[Allyc85]

Or for VW to continue out spending everyone and develop the aero and electric diffs even more.