[WRC] News & rumours (part III)

[Mariusz]

The difference is that Kubica did not succeed at ERC level before moving on.
In fact perhaps he is the perfect example that driving WRC2 is not a good preparation for stepping up to a World Rally Car in WRC.
ERC is waste of time for drivers who have money and want to achieve something in WRC.

[Zeakiwi]

Hyundai are likely to turn up with 4 cars or bench Paddon at some WRC events. I would expect to see Bouffier in a Hyundai at Rally France.

[RS]

ERC is waste of time for drivers who have money and want to achieve something in WRC.

Ask Mr Mikelssen, Meeke, Neuville if they feel the same..

I also think Abbring and Lappi have brighter futures ahead than most.

[peter_85]

One thing is certain, Kubica is not qualified for WDC in Rally, not currently anyway.
No one is qualified for WDC in Rally after only 2 seasons in WRC.


The important thing is what he really wants. If it is to drive WRC, why not, everyone which has such possibility can do that, the more, the better. For sure he can't fight with Ogier & Latvala, but we can say with same weight to other teams and drivers in WRC factory teams.
Lotos wants to see Kubica in WRC and Kubica wants to drive. But he need good-prepared car. In current situation, if you want go full season in WRC, you can choose only M-Sport. But Kubica is not satisfied with that cooperation after this season. So, the most likely scenario is that Kubica will quit WRC and go back to racing at circuits.

By the way. If you want to know what I meant by a good-prepared car you can also ask Francois Delecoier after his last Monte Carlo...

[N.O.T]

Ask Mr Mikelssen, Meeke, Neuville if they feel the same..

I also think Abbring and Lappi have brighter futures ahead than most.

Apart from Neuville no one else was atrue WRC boy. Mikkelsen was just there to gain experience for VW and Meeke because he got a deal with peugeot uk and the funds were good enough for there only. ERC is not a waste of time but it is not something you can harvest talent from.

[Mariusz]

Originally Posted by Mariusz
ERC is waste of time for drivers who have money and want to achieve something in WRC.
Ask Mr Mikelssen, Meeke, Neuville if they feel the same..
Do you think they want to go back to ERC? I'm sure they want to stay in WRC and keep gaining experience with the best drivers and toughest roads, keep learning stages and keep polishing pacenotes and setups.

[stefanvv]

But he need good-prepared car.

Why? What he wants to achieve? Why isn't his car good enough for a private driver? I know there are some differences in "factory" and private cars, but isn't that level also depends on the payment level?


So, the most likely scenario is that Kubica will quit WRC and go back to racing at circuits.

Well, he is certainly going to do better there judging from his current Rally experience. Is this mostly sponsorship quest?

[WUff1]

...
Lotos wants to see Kubica in WRC and Kubica wants to drive. But he need good-prepared car. In current situation, if you want go full season in WRC, you can choose only M-Sport. But Kubica is not satisfied with that cooperation after this season. So, the most likely scenario is that Kubica will quit WRC and go back to racing at circuits.
...



Think so too after today´s non-announcement of Kubica/Lotos. Don´t forget entries for Monte close today.

[peter_85]

Why? What he wants to achieve? Why isn't his car good enough for a private driver? I know there are some differences in "factory" and private cars, but isn't that level also depends on the payment level?
For me it looks like Kubica just didn't receive what he paid for. It's not about about differences between factory and private car. It's more about that M-Sport has some kind of monopoly for private cars in WRC and at some point they probably thought it doesn't matter if they put used parts as new because Kubica will crash again, but Kubica didn't crash like in Catalunya and someone discovered that M-Sport is cheating.

[stefanvv]

For me it looks like Kubica just didn't receive what he paid for. It's not about about differences between factory and private car. It's more about that M-Sport has some kind of monopoly for private cars in WRC and at some point they probably thought it doesn't matter if they put used parts as new because Kubica will crash again, but Kubica didn't crash like in Catalunya and someone discovered that M-Sport is cheating.

If M-Sport are monopolists in WRC private cars, how come Raikonen had Citroen when was in WRC? I don't know about used parts, I was thinking about different parts.
Still I'm wondering, how many times his car is broken because of used parts, and how many times because of crashes?

[RS]

ERC is not a waste of time but it is not something you can harvest talent from.

Then where is?

[RS]

Do you think they want to go back to ERC?

Of course not but first you have to get there, preferably with a manufacturer team, and have the skills to stay there. Kubica has the money but he was/is not ready as a driver.

I'm not saying the guys who came from E/IRC were fully developed either, but you can see from the season when he won WRC2 what the results were from his starts in ERC. When he was pushed harder, as he was when he stepped up to WRC, he kept falling off the road.

[peter_85]

If M-Sport are monopolists in WRC private cars, how come Raikonen had Citroen when was in WRC?
Man, we are talking about 2015 season, not about how it was five years ago.


Still I'm wondering, how many times his car is broken because of used parts?
Enough to start thinking about quit WRC.

[Franky]

Man, we are talking about 2015 season, not about how it looks like in the past years.

Enough to start thinking about quit WRC.

Money rules the world. Budget determines the number of possible cars.

If he thinks that worn parts are behind his misfortune, then it might be best to retire. Because the real problem is the inability to keep the car on the road.

[stefanvv]

Man, we are talking about 2015 season, not about how it looks like in the past years.

I don't think the situation is different. True, most of the privateers has been driving Ford recent years, but Raikonen is some exception, isn't he? May be he just pays more?!?


Enough to start thinking about quit WRC.

Fair assessment. I also think his future is not in WRC, most likely on circuits.

[peter_85]

I don't think the situation is different.
Yeah of course, but it just your opinion.

By the way, you know what is Malcolm Wilson's favourite song?
Dire Straits - Money For Nothing

[Franky]

Yeah of course, but it just your opinion.

Why do you think the situation is different?

During the Citroen C4 era privateers such as Kimi Räikkönen, Urmo Aava and Conrad Rautenbach have used Citroen. In the Xsara period there were numerous privateers.

[Rallyper]

A man like Kubica who´s also paying big money just want the best parts. Maybe he found out something this year and wanted Citroen because he´d get the best. Maybe so. True is that Ford (M-Sport) has two cars with the very best classified parts. 3rd and4th drivers use older parts (not second hand, only parts that gives less performance). At least that was the case a couple ot years ago.

[peter_85]

Why do you think the situation is different?

During the Citroen C4 era privateers such as Kimi Räikkönen, Urmo Aava and Conrad Rautenbach have used Citroen. In the Xsara period there were numerous privateers.
Ok and now, please remind us how many privateers were using DS3WRC in 2014?

[stefanvv]

Yeah of course, but it just your opinion.

No, just facts. Winning factory team cars were always little more harder to get to, than always customer friendly Ford (not always M-Sport btw).


By the way, you know what is Malcolm Wilson's favourite song?
Dire Straits - Money For Nothing

Ha-ha. You forget one thing, in market economy, the customer controls the market. That is another fact.
Wilson just makes cars on affordable price, and that seem to be a good thing in WRC crisis times. For sure customers don't expect spacecraft technology, do they?

[Franky]

Ok and now, please remind us how many privateers were using DS3WRC in 2014?

You answer a question with a question. Unless you know for sure that PH Sport doesn't rent out DS3 WRCs, then you should rest your case because your argumentation is next to none.

[peter_85]

You forget one thing, in market economy, the customer controls the market. That is another fact.
No, it's not fact, I'd rather called it a mirage.

[stefanvv]

No, it's not fact, I'd rather called it a mirage.

If You mean mirage by "I want the best, but the smallest price I can pay", You're far away from truth.

[Mariusz]

Of course not but first you have to get there, preferably with a manufacturer team, and have the skills to stay there. Kubica has the money but he was/is not ready as a driver.
I'm not saying the guys who came from E/IRC were fully developed either, but you can see from the season when he won WRC2 what the results were from his starts in ERC. When he was pushed harder, as he was when he stepped up to WRC, he kept falling off the road.
Jari-Matti Latvala had nothing of it and he's doing fine in WRC. ERC is not the only path to be a good rally driver.

[Bartek]

Jari-Matti Latvala had nothing of it and he's doing fine in WRC. ERC is not the only path to be a good rally driver.

You need to remember that JML is a proper rally driver and Robert is only a men in a rally driver suit...

BTW. Is it normal that sometimes even if you are wrong you are standing behind a back of a driver from your country?

BTW 2: "We sent an entry for the Rallye Monte-Carlo today. See you on the stages!" From RK Facebook

[christy but]

well I hope kubica stays in wrc.

[Franky]

Jari-Matti Latvala had nothing of it and he's doing fine in WRC. ERC is not the only path to be a good rally driver.

Jari-Matti Latvala has competed in JWRC 2004, in PWRC 2006, 2005 mostly Group N entries and from 2007 onwards in WRC. So you can't say he didn't come through the lower championships, be it national or WRC sub-championship

[RS]

Jari-Matti Latvala had nothing of it and he's doing fine in WRC. ERC is not the only path to be a good rally driver.

It hasn't exactly been a smooth ride for Latvala has it? Talented guy but also lucky to have had an extremely patient team manager all those years. Maybe it would have been better for his career in the long term if he had learned some discipline when he was young too?

[Mariusz]

Yes, it hasn't. The good thing he didn't quit when all this negativity was hitting him.

[stefanvv]

You need to remember that JML is a proper rally driver and Robert is only a men in a rally driver suit...

Anyone can be really, depending on him....


BTW 2: "We sent an entry for the Rallye Monte-Carlo today. See you on the stages!" From RK Facebook

Wohoo, good for him. I think the Rally is the best a driver can develop upon. Good luck!

[Rallyper]

Jari-Matti had a very good promotor in Timo Jouhki giving him chances all over again because of his abilities which didn´t always show up because of some failures. So he has´nt been exposed to impatient teammanagers. Maybe only MW back in some years.

However it´s a big difference in taking part in ERC rallies having different stages but to take part in JWRC and PWRC championships doing same stages as the WRC.

[dimviii]

BTW 2: "We sent an entry for the Rallye Monte-Carlo today. See you on the stages!" From RK Facebook

Valmar | retweeted
Mark_ ‏@JoMoWRC
Motorsport Island says Robert Kubica will be at Rallye MonteCarlo 2015 with a Ford Fiesta WRC of A-Style team. #Kubica #WRC

[Bartek]

Valmar | retweeted
Mark_ ‏@JoMoWRC
Motorsport Island says Robert Kubica will be at Rallye MonteCarlo 2015 with a Ford Fiesta WRC of A-Style team. #Kubica #WRC

If it's true in my opinion already before the start Kubica is in a wrong place...

[thuGG]

Why?

[Mirek]

Valmar | retweeted
Mark_ ‏@JoMoWRC
Motorsport Island says Robert Kubica will be at Rallye MonteCarlo 2015 with a Ford Fiesta WRC of A-Style team. #Kubica #WRC

So he was criticizing M-Sport, left it for Citroën, failed the negotiations with them and ended in a private team with dubious reputation using again M-Sport cars just not the works ones. Do I understand that correct? Anyway it doesn't sound like a win to me.

[WUff1]

He closed too many doors and lost. And I wouldn´t bet him doing many WRC rallies in 2015, not even all the European rounds. From my local point of view a start at Jänner Rallye in ERC seems unlikely now, too.

[thuGG]

He closed too many doors and lost.
How do you know that? Which doors he closed? Do you have some details about negotiations, sponsors and so on?

[WUff1]

He hat some arguments with M-Sport about the car and talked about it freely to media. And he´s said not to be in good mood with Yves Matton since summer, too.

[thuGG]

I know about M-sport, but the rest is only speculation.

[jd_89]

So he was criticizing M-Sport, left it for Citroën, failed the negotiations with them and ended in a private team with dubious reputation using again M-Sport cars just not the works ones. Do I understand that correct? Anyway it doesn't sound like a win to me.

Rumors say, he'll return to M-Sport from Sweden onwards.

[Rallyper]

We don´t know anything what kind of spec his car will have. Unless we are MW or RK.

[Bartek]

Why?

Mirek wrote exactly the same what I thought. In my opinion A-Style is too small for doing WRC, no experience.

[Mirek]

Rumors say, he'll return to M-Sport from Sweden onwards.

Thanks, hopefully it's true.

[A FONDO]

What is the big matter with Jakubica's car and team? He won't achieve anything anyway. 3 pages for nothing, while the podium pretendent Bouffier got noted in 2 short "news" posts.

[Rallyper]

Maybe the impact the person himself does to the international public...? Could be differences here.

[Quad]

What is the big matter with Jakubica's car and team? He won't achieve anything anyway. 3 pages for nothing, while the podium pretendent Bouffier got noted in 2 short "news" posts.


We have oracle here.

[N.O.T]

What is the big matter with Jakubica's car and team? He won't achieve anything anyway. 3 pages for nothing, while the podium pretendent Bouffier got noted in 2 short "news" posts.

main thing is there are too many polish people in here and also since he was a ldayboy sport driver the X chromosome kicks in to those who are not men enough and support him as well... so that explains it.

about buffier he is also nothing on roads he has not tested a million times so 2 posts are good enough for him as well.

[PLuto]

about buffier he is also nothing on roads he has not tested a million times so 2 posts are good enough for him as well.

This is big problem of actual rallysport (and mainly also in WRC) - it is not about pacenotes, but about good memory and knowledge of the stages. It is pity, but it is true :(

[Fast Eddie WRC]

WRC ‏@OfficialWRC 1m1 minute ago
Great news Robert Kubica to stay in WRC in Ford Fiesta WRC.



"It is not known if he will remain in M -Sport team or leave for the Italian A-Style , which won the recent Rally of Monza and the Bettega Memorial Rallysprint . An official announcement on the future of Kubica will be done next week , according to his office."

[Ounin]

That's good news, the gaining experience period can continue.

[Barreis]

About Kubica...
http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/117203

[RS]

This is big problem of actual rallysport (and mainly also in WRC) - it is not about pacenotes, but about good memory and knowledge of the stages. It is pity, but it is true :(

Why do you hold this opinion? Number of repeated loops makes it easier to memorise the stages?

[N.O.T]

Why do you hold this opinion? Number of repeated loops makes it easier to memorise the stages?

remembering the stages has nothing to do with how many times you run them during the recce and the rally.

[tommeke_B]

@RS. Check the maps of the stages from some WRC round of choice. Watch the difference of stages from year to year. Stages remain the same way too long, partly because organizers are bound to a region and they're also financially limited. Also organizing a new stage is a lot of work, and it includes some risks, there are many unknown factors, while with an "old" stage you know what to expect.

[RS]

You mean watching onboards?

[tommeke_B]

remembering the stages has nothing to do with how many times you run them during the recce and the rally.
It has a lot to do with it. Why would so many drivers do illegal recce then? ;) In WRC events there are always some drivers who are participating "recce only", it's because it pays off...

[PLuto]

Why do you hold this opinion? Number of repeated loops makes it easier to memorise the stages?

I see how it works. Also during development of the drivers is to memory most parts of the stage. They are all the time watching videos and training their memory...

[N.O.T]

It has a lot to do with it. Why would so many drivers do illegal recce then? ;) In WRC events there are always some drivers who are participating "recce only", it's because it pays off...

i am talking about those nobodies that suddenly are a revelation in a rally and in others they are nothing special like their sad lives... for proper drivers recce and rally are the major factor to learn the stages for the rest no.

[muratgunarslan]

About Kubica...
http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/117203

What about Petter Solberg?

[muratgunarslan]

Any rumour about Hanninen?

[Mirek]

This is big problem of actual rallysport (and mainly also in WRC) - it is not about pacenotes, but about good memory and knowledge of the stages. It is pity, but it is true :(

To be honest You are no different with Barum rally stages being held again and again on the same roads. I know You're trying to make new stages every year but please take into account that other organizers have same problems as You. The result is also same. Those who know the stages have big advantage.

[nafpaktos]

Guys please be logical.Money are TOO important for msport,we all know that,so please dont say that robert lost the chance to drive a good specification msport car because he talked bad about the team.when wilson see the money from lotos he will welcome him with open hugs.

[dodge33cymru]

Is it at all possible with Kubica that the Citroen drives are still a possibility? Private Ford for Monte Carlo whilst Loeb has the third car and still a combined WTCC/WRC programme later in the year?

Either way, I'm hoping he does the full series; he's fast, young enough to learn and will benefit from consistency (same car, codriver, stages) and having (potentially) the same car spec as the other Fords with the new paddle-shifters.

[PLuto]

To be honest You are no different with Barum rally stages being held again and again on the same roads. I know You're trying to make new stages every year but please take into account that other organizers have same problems as You. The result is also same. Those who know the stages have big advantage.

Yes, I know. But this is only one side of the problem - almost the same stages on each events. Second problem is, that drivers are trying to learn the stages, they are watching onboard videos. Especially most of top drivers in WRC has special training for this ability. And they know the stages from their memory very well...

[Ounin]

[QUOTE=dodge33cymru;1030333]Is it at all possible with Kubica that the Citroen drives are still a possibility? Private Ford for Monte Carlo whilst Loeb has the third car and still a combined WTCC/WRC programme later in the year?

I think it depends on PH Sport, whether they have a WRC car to run next to the R5. That's the private entry side. It also depends how much the negotiations have collapsed with Matton. Clearly the start with team A-Style was a rush move, there is definitely more to come.

[Karukera]

Not sure how it will turn out for Kubica.
But in case of spare time we can expect a new blog à la A.Warmbold " How i've been screwed by MSport ".
Awesome !

[latek]

Kubica has choosen Astyle because he wants to drive on Pirelli tires which are supposedly cleary faster than Michelins.

[Ounin]

Or last available spot at M-Sport was taken by Bouffier?

[peter_85]

Or last available spot at M-Sport was taken by Bouffier?
It's not a problem to take one more Fiesta in a rally which starts at the end of January. I think choosing AStyle gives Kubica time to negotiate better contract with M-Sport/PH-Sport or build independent team like Martin Prokop did.

[PLuto]

It's not a problem to take one more Fiesta in a rally which starts at the end of January. I think choosing AStyle gives Kubica time to negotiate better contract with M-Sport/PH-Sport or build independent team like Martin Prokop did.

A-Style has ready car for Kubica (used on rallyshows in Italy). And as he wants to use same car also on Janner, there is not enough time to find different solution...

[peter_85]

A-Style has ready car for Kubica (used on rallyshows in Italy). And as he wants to use same car also on Janner, there is not enough time to find different solution...
AStyle is for Janner and Monte Carlo. What Kubica will choose for next rallies is still open question.

[dodge33cymru]

I might have missed it, but is there any confirmation that he is doing rounds beyond Monte Carlo and this isn't just a one-off until the circuit racing season starts?

Admittedly, DTM or P1 seats are highly unlikely to be available, so WTCC would really be the only other feasible option that I can see, but there are still a couple of open slots there, including a Citroen seat at SLR.

[stefanvv]

Isn't there a thread for Kubica already?

[WUff1]

Maybe we should create one?

[Ounin]

Not necessary WUff, reason is that the silly season of WRC '14-'15 is so incredibly boring tha Kubica was and is the only subject to talk about. But if f.i. Latvala breaks his legs cause he crashed heavily again, don't worry this thread will explode who will replace him.

[Franky]

But if f.i. Latvala breaks his legs cause he crashed heavily again, don't worry this thread will explode who will replace him.

No it won't because the next man on VW bench is Mikkelsen.

[raybak]

i am talking about those nobodies that suddenly are a revelation in a rally and in others they are nothing special like their sad lives... for proper drivers recce and rally are the major factor to learn the stages for the rest no.

Well at least those competitors with sad lives are actually competing. Without these guys there is no WRC. Who would turn up to watch 8 cars from Manufacturers, in my experience no one. And if you are asking about my experience, I have only done 308 rallies from WRC down to club level. I am one of those guys who makes up the numbers and helps to make an event viable.

Ray

[Mintexmemory]

No it won't because the next man on VW bench is Mikkelsen.

.....and if they have an iota of foresight, Abbring to get the 3rd car!

[Ounin]

[QUOTE=raybak;1030407]Well at least those competitors with sad lives are actually competing. Without these guys there is no WRC. Who would turn up to watch 8 cars from Manufacturers, in my experience no one. And if you are asking about my experience, I have only done 308 rallies from WRC down to club level. I am one of those guys who makes up the numbers and helps to make an event viable.

You're right. WRC will probably be quite boring in '15, it wil be exciting further down the field; the best of the rest a.k.a. the non VW's -some 8-10 WRC's- and the very much the WRC2. I'm looking forward to the WRC3 as well and many respect for the locals and group N's. That makes the rally exciting for everybody; like at Elsace were many fans stayed at the stage to sheer up the locals, even with banners.

[dodge33cymru]

Definitely, I wouldn't go to a rally without those cars to watch and those performing their own heroics further down the order.

[N.O.T]

Well at least those competitors with sad lives are actually competing. Without these guys there is no WRC. Who would turn up to watch 8 cars from Manufacturers, in my experience no one. And if you are asking about my experience, I have only done 308 rallies from WRC down to club level. I am one of those guys who makes up the numbers and helps to make an event viable.

Ray

I am not talking about guys like you who are gentlemen and you fill up the lower ranks... i do not have a problem with you, you have no effect to anything in the WRC so no problem.

I am talking about those somewhat upper level who try to make a career out of knowledge of specific events... which is sad.

[Karukera]

WRC will probably be quite boring in '15, it wil be exciting further down the field; the best of the rest a.k.a. the non VW's -some 8-10 WRC's- and the very much the WRC2. I'm looking forward to the WRC3 as well and many respect for the locals and group N's. That makes the rally exciting for everybody; like at Elsace were many fans stayed at the stage to sheer up the locals, even with banners.

The WRC has never been boring.
2015 will make no exception to the rule.

[Andre Oliveira]

When FIA will publish the Manufacter entries?

[N.O.T]

When FIA will publish the Manufacter entries?

why ? we already know them.

[Andre Oliveira]

Ostberg or Meeke to Monte Carlo team points?

[vino_93]

There was an interview of Stéphane Lefebvre in Auto Hebdo.

For ERC : 2 rallies in R5, as gift for his JERC title. First Jänner (as we know) with the DS3, then Ypres with a Peugeot (I suppose an official drive but it's not clearly said).

The 2 rallies he will do with the DS3 WRC will probably be Germany and France (DS3 WRC from PH Sport).

Then, and it's what is the more interesting, he talked about Toyota.
He said he won the shoot out done a with week ago, and Toyota proposed to pay him a WRC 2 season.
Initially Citroën proposed him 6 rallies, but when they know the Toyota offer, they expand to 10 rallies.

So Toyota is trying to place driver in WRC2, not in WRC3 as we initially suppose (or maybe they will try to pay WRC3 for the most inexperienced driver, Suuninen or Camilli).
The two other contenders were Abbring and Tidemand ... maybe one will have the WRC2 offer from Toyota ...

[WUff1]

There was an interview of Stéphane Lefebvre in Auto Hebdo.

For ERC : 2 rallies in R5, as gift for his JERC title. First Jänner (as we know) with the DS3, then Ypres with a Peugeot (I suppose an official drive but it's not clearly said).

The 2 rallies he will do with the DS3 WRC will probably be Germany and France (DS3 WRC from PH Sport).

Then, and it's what is the more interesting, he talked about Toyota.
He said he won the shoot out done a with week ago, and Toyota proposed to pay him a WRC 2 season.
Initially Citroën proposed him 6 rallies, but when they know the Toyota offer, they expand to 10 rallies.

So Toyota is trying to place driver in WRC2, not in WRC3 as we initially suppose (or maybe they will try to pay WRC3 for the most inexperienced driver, Suuninen or Camilli).
The two other contenders were Abbring and Tidemand ... maybe one will have the WRC2 offer from Toyota ...


So maybe still lasting deals of Toyota with Abbring are the reason why Peugeot entered a secret driver for ERC and Jänner?

[tommeke_B]

Did he mention any reason why Thomas Dubois isn't codriving him anymore? The WRC-project next year will be with Stéphane Prévot.

[dimviii]

So maybe still lasting deals of Toyota with Abbring are the reason why Peugeot entered a secret driver for ERC and Jänner?

seems like that.

[Karukera]

Did he mention any reason why Thomas Dubois isn't codriving him anymore? The WRC-project next year will be with Stéphane Prévot.

Shortly, wants to make a living the "ordinary" way.
Said rallying being a bet he doesn't want to go gambling a career.
They split in good terms.

[mousti]

WRC2 with Toyota? GT86 car with that car u can't do much in that championship..

[rage82]

Ostberg or Meeke to Monte Carlo team points?
Meeke alongside Loeb for manu points in Monte Carlo. There was an interview about this on wrc.com some time ago.

[EightGear]

WRC2 with Toyota? GT86 car with that car u can't do much in that championship..
I guess they will pay a year in an R5 for someone? Doesn't necessarily have to be a Toyota.

[dodge33cymru]

Would make more sense for Toyota than putting them in WRC3 and having their main driver not driving 4WD in the lead up to their programme. Again, seems strange for them to be funding it this far away from a 2017 entry though.

[Jack4688`]

WRC2 with Toyota? GT86 car with that car u can't do much in that championship..

Mainly because it's an R3 car and not eligible for WRC-2. It would be with another manufacturer's car.

[Franky]

Would make more sense for Toyota than putting them in WRC3 and having their main driver not driving 4WD in the lead up to their programme. Again, seems strange for them to be funding it this far away from a 2017 entry though.

Japanese corporate culture is strange for the Westerners in all possible ways. They've got their own approach and planning.

[stefanvv]

I guess they will pay a year in an R5 for someone? Doesn't necessarily have to be a Toyota.

If they are going to pay to lets say Abbring for WRC2 in 1+1 year in another car, we can guess what their plan is for 2017.

[vino_93]

Would make more sense for Toyota than putting them in WRC3 and having their main driver not driving 4WD in the lead up to their programme. Again, seems strange for them to be funding it this far away from a 2017 entry though.

No it's not so strange. The 5 drivers they tested are young guns, and Toyota wants to find the future World Champion.
To be ready in 2017, they need to learn the race, and gain experience. If you don't put these young guns in your team, maybe they will go to another team, and it could be difficult to have them in 2017.

2 years of WRC2 for Tidemand, Abbring or Lefebvre (+ test with WRC) is probably the right thing before going to WRC.
And going to WRC3 then to WRC2 for Camilli or Suuninen is realistic choice too. you can even put these 2 in a R5 car, but it could be a bit too quick for both of them. Let's see what Toyota will do ...

[Ounin]

I think that we all have 2017 in our mind; Toyota had officially scheduled 2017 because of the expected rule changes the FIA was considering. But there won't be any major ones till then as recently reported so they can go ahead with the actual car they are testing right now isn't it??? Two years seems a long time. This rumour of an WRC2 entry for the contracted talents makes sense as a bridging period for one season compared with the VW entered Skoda for Ogier few years ago

[EightGear]

Breen will do WRC2 and ERC in a 208.

[mousti]

Breen will do all rounds of ERC plus 7 WRC2 rounds! Charles Martin four ERC outings and 2 FFSA asphalt outings.

Verstuurd vanaf mijn Nexus 5 met Tapatalk

[christy but]

good news for breen.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Great news for Breen... lets hope he has some better luck and a reliable 208T16 in 2015 ...

[Ounin]

Breen should perform well in WRC2 he's the champ of WRC2 in '12

[dimviii]

Martin Holmes interview with Michel Nandan
http://origin.misc.pagesuite.com/pdfdownload/6029efcf-3875-49f1-ae3c-73b8c8230e40.pdf

[EightGear]

You almost wonder why his dad doesn't just buy him a WRC seat though.

[Rallyper]

You almost wonder why his dad doesn't just buy him a WRC seat though.

Tell us more... Maybe he don´t want to fuzz with N.O.T.?

[dimviii]

New fiesta at Portugal
http://www.maxrally.com/2014/12/22/new-fiesta-ready-for-portugal

[EightGear]

According to this, Toyota will announce their comeback in february. Probably entering Abbring in WRC2 with their support.

http://www.rallye-magazin.de/rallyes/wm/nachrichten/news-detail/d/2014/12/22/peugeot-breen-bleibt-abbring-geht/index.html

[PLuto]

According to this, Toyota will announce their comeback in february. Probably entering Abbring in WRC2 with their support.

http://www.rallye-magazin.de/rallyes/wm/nachrichten/news-detail/d/2014/12/22/peugeot-breen-bleibt-abbring-geht/index.html

Maybe they are using AutoHebdo as source? I think February is too early for Japanese to make decision, I should expect more in March. And as I know, there are no detailed plans into WRC yet...

[nafpaktos]

Breen will do all rounds of ERC plus 7 WRC2 rounds

All expenses will be paid by peugeot for both outings??i suppose he will have some money from sponsors or by his wallet.

[HaCo]

Awesome news for Abbring if true.

[mousti]

All expenses will be paid by peugeot for both outings??i suppose he will have some money from sponsors or by his wallet.

Pretty sure there is some Keltech money involved in this deal..

[br21]

With Abbring still nothing sure, no decisions made yet.

[Quad]

Confirmed

Kubica in full season with Fiesta WRC, but still additional info to be released. ( I bet it will be about Pirelli deal propably and team details).

[Fast Eddie WRC]

ROBERT KUBICA HAS ENDED MONTHS OF SPECULATION ABOUT HIS FUTURE BY CONFIRMING TODAY THAT HE WILL REMAIN IN THE WRC IN 2015 AND WILL TACKLE EVERY ROUND OF THE CHAMPIONSHIP.

In his second full season at the sport’s highest level, the 30-year-old Grand Prix winner will again drive a Ford Fiesta RS WRC, co-driven by Maciek Szczepaniak, with backing from Polish oil company LOTOS. Kubica’s team will confirm later which organisation will run the car for him.

“After analysing the situation I decided to continue in WRC, where the challenge for me is still the biggest,” said Kubica, who admitted in October that he was considering a return to circuit racing.

“It took me a long time to make this decision, but there was no pressure at all. I wanted to be sure about it and I did not want to rush. There will be some more new things to come, but I will announce them later.”

A statement from Kubica’s management team read: “Robert and Maciek know all thirteen World Championship rounds. However, they approach this challenge with humility, aiming for consistency and gaining further experience – which will be crucial to confirm their abilities, already shown in their first full season in the most demanding rallies in the world.”

Kubica’s first competitive outing in 2015 will be at Rallye Monte-Carlo (22-25 January), the event he led this year on his debut in the Fiesta RS alongside Szczepaniak.


No surprise to me !


Place your bets on M-Sport as he has most experience with the Fiesta and I'm sure will be helped by the new paddle-shift ...

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/B5jZgaPCEAAtok5.jpg:large

[WUff1]

In this article from german "Rallye Magazin" it´s written he does the whole season with A-Style:

http://www.rallye-magazin.de/rallyes/wm/nachrichten/news-detail/d/2014/12/23/kubica-bestaetigt-wm-programm/index.html

But I wonder if A-Style could manage the oversea rallyes? It´s a rather small team.

[Arnold Triyudho Wardono]

I wonder if we'll still have a gearlever alongside the paddle shift..?? (If the paddle broke, they still able to use gearlever)

[rage82]

I wonder if we'll still have a gearlever alongside the paddle shift..?? (If the paddle broke, they still able to use gearlever)
Of course they will still have a mechanical gear lever as it's used to be with 2.0l. WRC cars.

[mousti]

Not really true I remember Duval having problems with paddle and had to use handbrake to shift gears then.

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[Mirek]

How would You like to change gears by handbrake? :) Come on. There were two sticks in two litre cars. One for handbrake and one for emergency manual gear-shifting.

[Arnold Triyudho Wardono]

Not really true I remember Duval having problems with paddle and had to use handbrake to shift gears then.

Verstuurd vanaf mijn Nexus 5 met Tapatalk

Markko also has the same problem in Germany 2003

[dupanton]

How would You like to change gears by handbrake? :) Come on. There were two sticks in two litre cars. One for handbrake and one for emergency manual gear-shifting.

http://youtu.be/2eYIjDUByUw?t=16m31s
Duval losing gearchanges at the steeringwheel, and so converting handbrake into gearstick

[mousti]

Here you see when Markko has lost the paddle shift and has to switch it to his handbrake.

http://youtu.be/DjvCGTDlGew?t=14m50s

[Mirek]

Thanks guys, it looks like the emergency gear stick was introduced only after these issues. Somehow I forgot.

PS I can not see the video of Duval as it is available only for signed youtube users. I have no idea why.

[SubaruNorway]

How would You like to change gears by handbrake? :) Come on. There were two sticks in two litre cars. One for handbrake and one for emergency manual gear-shifting.

The Subaru never had that since the early Impreza days when they where testing it for the 97 WRC i think. The Impreza gearbox never really broke either though :) Citroen didn't have that after Xsara either i think?

[dupanton]

Thanks guys, it looks like the emergency gear stick was introduced only after these issues. Somehow I forgot.

PS I can not see the video of Duval as it is available only for signed youtube users. I have no idea why.

I think it was only Ford that had this. In this report of Rally Deutschland, I saw the Xsara en the Fabia have 2 sticks (handbrake and gearleaver)

[Arnold Triyudho Wardono]

I hope the gearlever is not too short.., that could be annoying..

[dimviii]

Abbring and Camilli to Toyota?
http://www.rally.it/toyota-mette-sotto-contratto-due-giovani-promesse/

[nafpaktos]

If its true this means they have serious plan.Also i think this is really worthy investement.

[Rallyper]

Abbring and Camilli to Toyota?
http://www.rally.it/toyota-mette-sotto-contratto-due-giovani-promesse/

Who is Camilli? And who will be their specialist on ice and gravel? Not Abbring I imagine?

[N.O.T]

Italian website.... very reliable info as always...

[stefanvv]

who will be their specialist on ice

'El Matador' especially for Sweden:D (and Finland)

[nafpaktos]

Who is Camilli? a very very promising driver(i am sure you know who he is).for sure not the appropriate person yet for the evolution of the car since he lacks experience but a big hope for the future.

[Mirek]

a very very promising driver(i am sure you know who he is).for sure not the appropriate person yet for the evolution of the car since he lacks experience but a big hope for the future.

He is sure promising but... he has done only 2 WRC and 1 ERC events and only one rally outside of France so far. Hiring him for a factory team sounds at least very risky. He needs to pick a lot of experience abroad first.

[nafpaktos]

Agree,toyota will help him to gain experience and after will be benefited from him.if the results will not be the expected toyota will lose a worthless amount of momey for a such a big manufacturer.

[stefanvv]

Toyota seem to gather talented young team in first place. That is what WRC2 campaign is for, along with develop their car, to gather experience in these Rallies, for the drivers and the team.

[Andre Oliveira]

MANUFACTURERS:

CITROËN TOTAL ABU DHABI WORLD RALLY TEAM - > Kris MEEKE (GBR)
(CITROËN DS3 WRC)

HYUNDAI MOTORSPORT - > Thierry NEUVILLE (BEL)
(HYUNDAI i20 WRC)

M-SPORT WORLD RALLY TEAM - > Elfyn EVANS (GBR)
(FORD FIESTA RS WRC)

VOLKSWAGEN MOTORSPORT - > Sébastien OGIER (FRA)
(VOLKSWAGEN POLO R WRC)


WRC TEAMS:

FWRT SRL
(FORD FIESTA RS WRC)

JIPOCAR CZECH NATIONAL TEAM
(FORD FIESTA RS WRC)

VOLKSWAGEN MOTORSPORT II
(VOLKSWAGEN POLO R WRC)

[Ucci]

First inboard with the new paddle-shift (similar to 2.0 WRC) in Fiesta WRC:

http://www.rallye-magazin.de/rallyes/wm/videos/2015/rallye-monte-carlo-2015/monte-carlo-test-taenak/index.html

Intersesting, somebody doesn't enjoy earned (and desired!!) retirement from WRC circus, he is still around:

http://www.rallye-magazin.de/rallyes/wm/videos/2015/rallye-monte-carlo-2015/monte-carlo-test-latvala/index.html

[stefanvv]

From the same page - http://www.rallye-magazin.de/rallyes/wm/videos/2015/rallye-monte-carlo-2015/monte-carlo-test-dumas/index.html

[br21]

With Toyota nothing is sure yet.

[Eli]

http://www.rallye-magazin.de/rallyes/wm/nachrichten/news-detail/d/2014/12/28/abbring-und-camilli-als-toyota-junioren/index.html
maybe it's true? camilli & abbring with Toyota?

[PLuto]

http://www.rallye-magazin.de/rallyes/wm/nachrichten/news-detail/d/2014/12/28/abbring-und-camilli-als-toyota-junioren/index.html
maybe it's true? camilli & abbring with Toyota?

I dont think so, source is still the same...

[stefanvv]

http://www.rallye-magazin.de/rallyes/wm/nachrichten/news-detail/d/2014/12/28/abbring-und-camilli-als-toyota-junioren/index.html
maybe it's true? camilli & abbring with Toyota?

It says there is still no final confirmation from Toyota Japan. But if so, yes seems probably these 2 drivers would be the team for now.

[N.O.T]

What Toyota are going to do with these two ??

[stefanvv]

Train them for circuit racing and try to win Le Mans first before decide to enter WRC.... I don't know.

[Simmi]

It would be a great sub-plot to see Toyota getting their bearings in WRC2. Plus more young talent in that class is just what we need.

[Rallyper]

It says there is still no final confirmation from Toyota Japan. But if so, yes seems probably these 2 drivers would be the team for now.

If Toyota are serious they must have much better mix of experienced and unexperienced drivers.

[N.O.T]

or maybe that italian web page posted innacurate info as always italians do...

[stefanvv]

If Toyota are serious they must have much better mix of experienced and unexperienced drivers.

Why? What's wrong with Abbring for lets say the more experience from the 2. Can't he develop a car?

[N.O.T]

Why? What's wrong with Abbring for lets say the more experience from the 2. Can't he develop a car?

Are you serious ?

[stefanvv]

Are you serious ?

Absolutely

[PLuto]

Why? What's wrong with Abbring for lets say the more experience from the 2. Can't he develop a car?

Kevin is very good for developing cars, engineers likes cooperation with him.

[Simmi]

Just because these guys are rumoured for WRC2 outings doesn't mean they will be developing the final WRC car.

There's no reason why a proven driver can't do that behind the scenes. After all we're two years out from the car debuting.

I don't see any harm in testing new drivers and team personnel/infrastructure now. The quickest of the drivers could slot into a second or third car come 2017.

[stefanvv]

Just because these guys are rumoured for WRC2 outings doesn't mean they will be developing the final WRC car.

There's no reason why a proven driver can't do that behind the scenes. After all we're two years out from the car debuting.

Of course, I realize that. But taking part in WRC2 for 2 years of these drivers mean that they can transfer the immediate output from the events to develop and test the WRC car. That's what VW did with Ogier in 2012 and it was perfect for the start of their 2013 season, wasn't it?

[Simmi]

Of course, I realize that. But taking part in WRC2 for 2 years of these drivers mean that they can transfer the immediate output from the events to develop and test the WRC car. That's what VW did with Ogier in 2012 and it was perfect for the start of their 2013 season, wasn't it?

Yeah I'm not disagreeing with you. The only difference with VW/Ogier was that Seb already knew intimately what the benchmark WRC car felt like. You can't say that for the young guys but Toyota have lots of time to get everything in place.

Maybe after a year out they might be able to coax Hirvonen into a test role in 2016.

[EightGear]

I'm sure they will have someone with more experience doing the main development. In theory there are some people available already. Hirvonen, Hanninen, maybe even Atkinson or the S-word.

[stefanvv]

Yeah I'm not disagreeing with you. The only difference with VW/Ogier was that Seb already knew intimately what the benchmark WRC car felt like. You can't say that for the young guys but Toyota have lots of time to get everything in place.

That is true, but probably R5 is closer to WRC in terms of engine behaviour. So making tests immediate after the events, a conscious driver can tell the difference.


Maybe after a year out they might be able to coax Hirvonen into a test role in 2016.

I have no names in mind right now, and don't know how confident would be Hirvonen to make a really fast car (how strong it would be, is engineering problem). Sainz was developing the Polo initially, but it was probably VW's 2012 campaign that made the winning car.

[PLuto]

It is nice to talk about this rumours, but still nothing was confirmed from Toyota about WRC future (not only officially, but also to the people which are part of TMG/MI). And with this WRC2 project it is very similar...

[Ucci]

or maybe that italian web page posted innacurate info as always italians do...

Have you a problem with Italians??

[Ounin]

We have to wait for official announcements I guess.
Who says they are both going to develop the new car? It is a known problem that there are not enough potential talents available nowadays. Better thing is to get them on board as early as possible and give them rally miles as much as possible.

[Franky]

Have you a problem with Italians??

How often are Italian and Spanish motorsport news accurate?

[Bartolbia84]

BIG NEWS From Sardinia journal!

[AndyRAC]

Yeah I'm not disagreeing with you. The only difference with VW/Ogier was that Seb already knew intimately what the benchmark WRC car felt like. You can't say that for the young guys but Toyota have lots of time to get everything in place.

Maybe after a year out they might be able to coax Hirvonen into a test role in 2016.

I wonder if Sarrazin turned down an offer from Nissan because Toyota had given him a proper WRC testing/ events programme??

[Motorsportfun]

How often are Italian and Spanish motorsport news accurate?

Depends on the source you read. :D
There are few reliable ones and many unreliable websites and blogs!

[N.O.T]

Have you a problem with Italians??

yes...

9 out of 10 articles from italian websites are lies/innacurate and the 1 that remains is about FIAT returning to the WRC.

[KiwiWRCfan]

translation from http://rallynoticias.com/nivel2.php?lang=es&id_noticia=8996

The Tour de Corse returns to WRC
du Valais will take Corsica's place in the ERC ..

The historic home of Rally France will be announced during the Rally of Monte Carlo to reintegrate into the WRC, after the refusal of the Region of Alsace, to continue contributing to hold the celebration to its neighbor Sebastien Loeb.

The classic rally of 10,000 bends hosted the French event until 2009 when it was played only by the French national.

In 2010 the island had no activity consecrated since 1956, being integrated in the two successive seasons to extinct IRC and since 2013 the European, that his replacement will race in the Rally du Valais Switzerland.

MG
Rallynoticias.com

[RAS007]

translation from http://rallynoticias.com/nivel2.php?lang=es&id_noticia=8996

The Tour de Corse returns to WRC
du Valais will take Corsica's place in the ERC ..

The historic home of Rally France will be announced during the Rally of Monte Carlo to reintegrate into the WRC, after the refusal of the Region of Alsace, to continue contributing to hold the celebration to its neighbor Sebastien Loeb.

The classic rally of 10,000 bends hosted the French event until 2009 when it was played only by the French national.

In 2010 the island had no activity consecrated since 1956, being integrated in the two successive seasons to extinct IRC and since 2013 the European, that his replacement will race in the Rally du Valais Switzerland.

MG
Rallynoticias.com

This is terrific news, but not unexpected entirely. Everyone knew once Loeb and his leotard left the WRC, the Alsace rally would be short lived.

[AndyRAC]

Hopefully it's double good news; Tour de Corse back in the WRC, and Valais in the ERC.

[liposh]

Once somebody explains me where Tour de corse found those missing millions Eur to hold WRC round I will believe. Even this year it was quite close and that was only ERC. In this moment it is just hoax.

[PLuto]

Nothing is confirmed yet...

[jbmarcus21]

#WRC @rallyargentina road program is out .. include San Luis SSS ! and 2 stages with more than 50kms (52 & 56kms) http://planetemarcus.com/saison-wrc/wrc-rallye-argentine-2015/

[tommeke_B]

Very poor itinerary for spectators... Last 3 years it was one of the longest (+400km and once +500km) WRC events...

[Motorsportfun]

Hope the SSS will be the circuit used for Fia GT Series!

[havk]

I'd like to reply to opinions that Kubica should drive in ERC next year and that a break from WRC was good for Tanak. Let's just look at Neuville and Tanak in 2012. Neuville had something like 6 or 7 crashes in WRC that year. He scored just 1 point more than Tanak. So it was quite similar season as Tanak had. Then compare what they achieved in next 2 years...

So, the best thing for Kubica IMO is another year in WRC. He got a lot of experience this year, and 2015 season could be totally different. I had also impression that if he had driven in Citroen, this season would have been much better for him. That team suited him better than M-Sport.

[rallyfiend]

Once somebody explains me where Tour de corse found those missing millions Eur to hold WRC round I will believe. Even this year it was quite close and that was only ERC. In this moment it is just hoax.

The potential to get more money for a World Championship versus a European Championship (any kind of event, not just rallying) is much, much higher. Potential spectators, exposure and prestige add up to a more attractive proposal.

[thuGG]

New tires from Pirelli:
http://www.superstreetonline.com/features/news/1401-new-pirelli-tire-range-for-wrc/

Looks like Kubica will be using them.

[Tom206wrc]

So this Pirelli + Lotos which made impossible the deal between Kubica and PH Sport :confused:

[dimviii]

New tires from Pirelli:
http://www.superstreetonline.com/features/news/1401-new-pirelli-tire-range-for-wrc/

Looks like Kubica will be using them.

http://www.rallye-magazin.de/index.php?id=1696

[br21]

New tires from Pirelli:
http://www.superstreetonline.com/features/news/1401-new-pirelli-tire-range-for-wrc/

Looks like Kubica will be using them.

This info is almost one year old. They currently have few steps newer evolutions of their tires.

[thuGG]

Wow, you're right, sorry!

[jbmarcus21]

Petter SOlberg confirm RallycrossRX for 2015 http://planetemarcus.com/petter-solberg-continue-en-world-rallycrossrx-2015/

[skarderud]

Not very suprised that petter do RX in -15 to.
But interesting that he want to do some wrc if get a nice deal for a couple of rallies and it fits into his season.
Maybe a 3. Car in sweden for DS?

[EstWRC]

M-sport will be revealing their livery this week! https://twitter.com/MSportLtd/status/552157505938554880

[janvanvurpa]

M-sport will be revealing their livery this week! https://twitter.com/MSportLtd/status/552157505938554880


HOW will we survive till then?:eek:

[EstWRC]

i dont know:eek:, following jänner rally?

[RAS007]

M-sport will be revealing their livery this week! https://twitter.com/MSportLtd/status/552157505938554880

Looking suspiciously like another sponsor-free livery for M-Sport.

[EstWRC]

yeah it seems so, another so called teaser https://twitter.com/MSportLtd/status/552521673711554562

[Franky]

Just some stupid social media PR gimmick

[Simmi]

Just some stupid social media PR gimmick

Stupid how? Teasing a new design is pretty standard in so many different arenas. The last now seven posts are all about it - getting people talking about M-Sport - hence it's worked. Lighten up!

[Franky]

Stupid how? Teasing a new design is pretty standard in so many different arenas. The last now seven posts are all about it - getting people talking about M-Sport - hence it's worked. Lighten up!

Tell me what's there to tease about a Fiesta and it's livery, especially M-Sport's who haven't had a stunning livery for a decade now?

With F1 that kind of thing is understandable because besides the livery the car also changes every year. Rally cars rarely change.

Okey, it's all part of M-Sport's online marketing strategy and some seem to be hooked by it. Resembles the current online media outlets, where they split one solid story into several "news" with minimal content

[EightGear]

Last years livery was quite stunning IMO.

[stefanvv]

Yep, I also liked Castrol livery very much

[RICARDO75]

https://scontent-b-lhr.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xap1/v/t1.0-9/10917076_10152690585447987_3584903201303022271_n.p ng?oh=49a591e9f45f90c2e24be42056a56792&oe=556F948E

[WUff1]

https://scontent-b-lhr.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xap1/v/t1.0-9/10917076_10152690585447987_3584903201303022271_n.p ng?oh=49a591e9f45f90c2e24be42056a56792&oe=556F948E

This is a good one.

[makinen_fan]

Best livery in years IMO

[Franky]

Still think it's hard to beat the blue and white RS liveries.

In my opinion Ford/M-Sport livery problem is that they haven't managed to incorporate the different logos into the base design of the livery.

[Quad]

Boring , last year was much better

[N.O.T]

Very nice livery, i approve they can use it.

[EstWRC]

very nice in my opinion too, estonian flag colours:p...m-sport just tweeted they will reveal more pictures within hour.

[Mirek]

Can somebody post a picture which is not linked to facebook? I can't open this one at work.

[EstWRC]

here you go https://twitter.com/OttTanak/status/552752282807578624

[Mirek]

Thanks!

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Might keep the crews cooler than the black car on hot events in 2015...

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/B6vSCL3IMAAAeAi.jpg

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/B6vSCKDIIAAMnrv.jpg

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/B6vSCNrIYAAWMHu.jpg

[Fast Eddie WRC]

RS200 inspired ?

http://cdn05.motorsportretro.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/Grundel86Sweden.jpg

[turves]

RS200 inspired ?

http://cdn05.motorsportretro.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/Grundel86Sweden.jpg

According to WRC.com its influenced by Mikkola's Eaton Yale Escort RS1800 and McRae's Sierra RS Cosworth...

Edit: link http://www.wrc.com/en/wrc/news/january/m-sport-livery/page/2048--12-12-.html

[Fast Eddie WRC]

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41wW9TBxlyL.jpg

[Roy]

Might keep the crews cooler than the black car on hot events in 2015...

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/B6vSCL3IMAAAeAi.jpg

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/B6vSCKDIIAAMnrv.jpg

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/B6vSCNrIYAAWMHu.jpg


McRae Sierra 1989
http://www.rallygamer.com/dirt3/liveries/dirt3_ford_sierrra_colin_mcrae_lombard_rac_rally_1 989.jpg

Mikkola Escort 1979
https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn2/v/t1.0-9/s480x480/532810_277873215682388_2015725107_n.jpg?oh=1a61d1c 062c197dbb5c26ddb4b56ad89&oe=5524A851&__gda__=1429560234_fb0ee44f999182cd8c7af47bfb9961b 4

[MartijnS]

I like it, nice fresh look.

[EstWRC]

what a fail with estonian flag, it is upside down https://scontent-b-fra.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpa1/v/t1.0-9/10898252_852712371438483_8844483161423724923_n.jpg ?oh=56bb42d19898b7aa9f2d7414aa5ced3e&oe=55399992

but the livery looks even better on the official pictures.

[tommeke_B]

what a fail with estonian flag, it is upside down https://scontent-b-fra.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpa1/v/t1.0-9/10898252_852712371438483_8844483161423724923_n.jpg ?oh=56bb42d19898b7aa9f2d7414aa5ced3e&oe=55399992


It will be correct when the car is going to be lying upside down. :)

[Kielder]

http://i57.tinypic.com/ap8a38.jpg

[RICARDO75]

M-Sport on facebook: "We'll have another special livery at the Autosport Show this week"

[A FONDO]

It will be correct when the car is going to be lying upside down. :)

which will happen quite often

[Mariusz]

Elfyn is safe though, he can be recognized both ways.

[Andre Oliveira]

http://autosport.pt/users/0/51/10277585101529231816807337894475951994-348c.jpg

[driveace]

Elfyn is quite safe in my eyes too
Kubica is the hairy driver who cant keep it on the island .
Will Loeb be fast enough on roads he know well or will Ogier wipe the floor with him ?

[Fast Eddie WRC]

http://autosport.pt/users/0/51/10277585101529231816807337894475951994-348c.jpg

Something like this would've been better than the rather generic blue/white livery for the WRC cars ...

[stefanvv]

nice fresh look.

That's the word. May be some colours on the bonnet would be better anyway

[Teardrop]

Seeing the new helmets of Gilsoul and Paddon, we can assume that Hyundai will replace the blue light by dark blue like the old Subaru? It would be great!

[EstWRC]

and the flags are right way https://twitter.com/OttTanak/status/553119182343401472

[jbmarcus21]

Rally Mexico 2015 road program http://planetemarcus.com/saison-wrc/wrc-rallye-mexique-2015/

[dimviii]

Christoph Treier
‏@ChristophTreier
Pre Camp for the rally Monte Carlo with @JariMattiWRC at the Olympic Training Center in Kuortane. #mentaltraining

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/B60gM7KIIAA6UW8.jpg

[EightGear]

So, the Abbring and Toyota talk was rubbish.

Instead, he has got a deal for a partial program with a manufacturer in a World Rally Car!

http://www.imgdumper.nl/uploads8/54ae8f64d507a/54ae8f64ce6fa-Abbring_WRC.png

[N.O.T]

So, the Abbring and Toyota talk was rubbish.

Instead, he has got a deal for a partial program with a manufacturer in a World Rally Car!

rubbish form an italian webpage ?? wow... never seen that before.

the sad thing is not the rubbish that everyone can post as rumour, after all they run a website and during a time with no rallies they invent news to keep people coming back

the sad thing that makes pandas cry is that there are retarded dogs that believe them... and pandas are a step from extinction guys, don't be stupid please... think of the bears.

[Tom206wrc]

I hope it'll be a DS3 WRC for Abbring :)

[PLuto]

So, the Abbring and Toyota talk was rubbish.

Instead, he has got a deal for a partial program with a manufacturer in a World Rally Car!

I was telling many times that deal with Toyota is not true as I had it confirmed from really reliable source. But like I told before, somebody write something on internet and everybody is taking it as truth (not only readers, but also other media without any confirmation).

[Fast Eddie WRC]

I'll be glad to see Abbring in a WRC car, he deserves a break. He showed good pace in the ERC and was let down by his unreliable 208T16 so many times.

[dimviii]

nice news about Abbring! but why they haven t announce it yet?

[Roy]

So, the Abbring and Toyota talk was rubbish.

Instead, he has got a deal for a partial program with a manufacturer in a World Rally Car!

http://www.imgdumper.nl/uploads8/54ae8f64d507a/54ae8f64ce6fa-Abbring_WRC.png

We have to read good. A source, not Abbring self, said he drive wrc. Abbring quote said he will drive, nothing about wrc.
What is the source of this news? Autosport-magazine or another magazine?

[PLuto]

Nothing is sure regarding this season yet...

[Rallyper]

Maybe he should measure his skills to Kajto, Breen, Lefevre and Lukyanuk first?

[EightGear]

Maybe he should measure his skills to Kajto, Breen, Lefevre and Lukyanuk first?

He did against Kajto and Breen last year and against Lefebvre two years ago when he beat him in the French 208 Cup.

[Mirek]

Exactly, he has beaten all of those who Rallyper named, fair and square except Lukyanuk whom he never met (which is quite normal considering Lukyanuk has done very few international events).

[Rallyper]

OK then, let´s hope Abbring gets a decent drive in WRC this year.

What these young guys need is to drive as much as possible, not rely on performance in single events. You can name so many that have tried and then disappeared after a only couple of goes spread out over a year or two.

Money counts for sure.

@Mirek It´s only 4wd that counts in my opinion. What you do in a R2 car isn´t the same as driving R5 or even more WRC-car.

[EightGear]

We have to read good. A source, not Abbring self, said he drive wrc. Abbring quote said he will drive, nothing about wrc.
What is the source of this news? Autosport-magazine or another magazine?
Yes it's from Autosport Magazine.

Maybe it's with Citroën on the rounds Al Qassimi isn't doing? Remember Paddon had an offer from Citroën as well, which he didn't take. I don't know.

[Mirek]

@Mirek It´s only 4wd that counts in my opinion. What you do in a R2 car isn´t the same as driving R5 or even more WRC-car.

Abbring has beaten all in 4WD except Lefebvre but hey let's compare them.

Both had their 4WD debut in Wales (Abbring 2011, Lefebvre 2014). Abbring WON among non-WRC drivers and finished 12th overall! Lefebvre was nowhere near the top WRC2 guys, finished 11th in WRC2 and 35th overall.

Second 4WD event for Abbring was Monte Carlo 2012. He again won among non WRC drivers and finished 12th overall! Lefebvre had his second 4WD event this week in Jänner rally where he was again nowhere near the top drivers, later was excluded due to technical problems (not his fault).

IMHO it's exactly opposite than how You wrote it. Breen, Kajetanowicz, Lukyanuk or Lefebvre must prove themselves against Abbring...

[RS]

Exactly, he has beaten all of those who Rallyper named, fair and square

When?

The only events he finished last year the others did not due to technical problems and vice versa.

[Mirek]

When?

The only events he finished last year the others did not due to technical problems and vice versa.

He was very clearly faster then them. His car let him down every time but it was clear he is faster and he wasn't crashing as well. The managers of big teams are not blind...

[Rallyper]

Abbring has beaten all in 4WD except Lefebvre but hey let's compare them.

Both had their 4WD debut in Wales (Abbring 2011, Lefebvre 2014). Abbring WON among non-WRC drivers and finished 12th overall! Lefebvre was nowhere near the top WRC2 guys, finished 11th in WRC2 and 35th overall.

Second 4WD event for Abbring was Monte Carlo 2012. He again won among non WRC drivers and finished 12th overall! Lefebvre had his second 4WD event this week in Jänner rally where he was again nowhere near the top drivers, later was excluded due to technical problems (not his fault).

IMHO it's exactly opposite than how You wrote it. Breen, Kajetanowicz, Lukyanuk or Lefebvre must prove themselves against Abbring...

I said: never compare what they did with 2wd. Never ever said Abbring was slower than Lefevre either. Just pointing there are others too. Not only that Mr Abbring even though I´m curious what he can do with decent drives during 2015.

[Mirek]

I said: never compare what they did with 2wd. Never ever said Abbring was slower than Lefevre either. Just pointing there are others too. Not only that Mr Abbring even though I´m curious what he can do with decent drives during 2015.

So why have You said that when You haven't referred to Lefebvre? He is the only one from Your list who was beaten in a straight fight by Abbring only in 2WD. There was nothing else anyhow connected to Abbring's 2WD performance in the whole discussion. I don't understand Your point...

[Mariusz]

He was very clearly faster then them. His car let him down every time but it was clear he is faster and he wasn't crashing as well. The managers of big teams are not blind...
Not every time, but most of the time vs Kajetanowicz and only in Barum the difference was pretty big:
Acropolis Rally 2014, ss4, Abbring, Kajto +15.3
Sata Rallye Açores 2014, ss3, Kajto, Abbring +2.6
Barum Czech Rally Zlín 2014, ss3, Abbring, Kajto +40.4
Rallye du Valais 2014, ss3, Abbring, Kajto +11.7

[RICARDO75]

Abbring on ERC 2014 before problems

Acropolis: SS4 before engine problem (1. Abbring; 2. Breen +05,8; 3. Kajetanowicz +15,3)
Ireland: SS5 before small off and engine problem on SS6 (1. Lappi; 2. Abbrib +07,7; 3. Breen +09,1)
Açores: SS9 before powersteering problem (1. Abbring; 2. Breen +31,3; 3. Sousa +38,4)
Ypres: SS13 before engine problem (1. Abbring; 2. Loix +20,9; 3. Cherain +1:26,9)
Barum: SS3 before engine problem (1. Abbring; 2. Lappi +10,5; 3. Breen +11,8)
Valais: SS2 before clutch problem (1. Abbring; 2. Wiegand +02,3; 3. Kajetanowicz +03,7)

[Rallyper]

So why have You said that when You haven't referred to Lefebvre? He is the only one from Your list who was beaten in a straight fight by Abbring only in 2WD. There was nothing else anyhow connected to Abbring's 2WD performance in the whole discussion. I don't understand Your point...

Never mind. Abbring will be good. Only that too much speculations only on him. Gets an unbalanced view of current drivers without seats. And be careful of judging drivers who only does fast times on specific stages. They have to reach finish in rallies as well.

[Mirek]

I agree with You however I'm quite sure Abbring would finish a lot of rallies if the car was capable of doing so :) Abbring has never been a crash-prone driver. You can check his ewrc profile. There are only 3 accidents in 75 starts listed as a reason for retirement: http://ewrc-results.com/profile.php?p=2083&t=Kevin-Abbring

Anyway let's see what the future brings. He sure deserves a chance. If he can adapt to the WRC car is another question and only time will bring the answer.

[tommeke_B]

Never mind. Abbring will be good. Only that too much speculations only on him. Gets an unbalanced view of current drivers without seats. And be careful of judging drivers who only does fast times on specific stages. They have to reach finish in rallies as well.
Who are those drivers who do fast time on specific stages only?

@Mirek, Abbring didn't have his 4WD debut in Wales 2011, and Lefebvre didn't have it in Wales 2014 either (Catalunya). Abbring did some national events (tarmac, but with sandy gravel sactions) with Subaru Group N before.

[[WRCRR]]

Might Abbring be getting some Hyundai outings? Bouffier is no longer with the team, looks like neither is Hänninen and Paddon is in for only 9 rounds. If Hyundai are (are they?) going to run the third car in all events besides Monte Carlo, there seems to be some openings for a driver like Abbring...

[Rallyper]

Who are those drivers who do fast time on specific stages only?

.

We already rounded up our discussion on Abbring, me and Mirek, but as you probably understand I meant Kevin Abbring.

[RAS007]

;1032548']Might Abbring be getting some Hyundai outings? Bouffier is no longer with the team, looks like neither is Hänninen and Paddon is in for only 9 rounds. If Hyundai are (are they?) going to run the third car in all events besides Monte Carlo, there seems to be some openings for a driver like Abbring...

It's Paddon in the third car everywhere except Monte...

http://www.wrc.com/en/wrc/news/january-2015/hyundai-2015-drivers/page/2052--12-12-.html

[pantealex]

I hope it'll be a DS3 WRC for Abbring :)

I hope it will be a VW Polo WRC for Abbring ;)