World Rallycross Championship a.k.a RALLYX

[NoName]

Sounds like Glosso or Mandes!



Cometoyou have bought 2 cars, if they will run 2, or run 1 with one spare I didn't quite understand from the press release.

Who bought the 3 car?
And where do you find the information about cometoyou ?

[tbtstt]

Who bought the 3 car?
And where do you find the information about cometoyou ?
https://www.autosport.com/wrx/news/134157/wtcr-and-andros-squad-plans-world-rx-entry

Benoît Tréluyer and Enzo Ide rumoured to be the drivers.

[tbtstt]

Looking at the emissions of the traditional cars versus the electric cars is rather missing the main selling point in terms of the Championship. Electric rallycross potentially offers a platform for manufacturers to directly relate future electric/hybrid showroom models to motorsport. Even if the motorsport fan knows the connection between the two is tenuous, its a link that no other motorsport is able to offer at the moment.

As for electric WRC, I can think of several factors that mean we're a long way off from that at present. Events would have to be radically restructured to accommodate electric in the WRC.

[MrJan]

Probably been posed before but here's the future... enjoy.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dIeD56BnI-o

Looks quick, sounds crap but not nearly as bad as I expected. I find it difficult to get beyond the fact that electric motors offer instantaneous torque, that's so suited to rallycross.

[Arnold Triyudho Wardono]

Why not? Electric would be ideal for rallycross. Short races, and you need a lot of torque.
Actually, I was surprised..(I didn't mind with that)

The title should be "WRX to having electric class as the top class."

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[Eli]

https://www.autosport.com/wrx/news/134257/world-rx-to-make-electric-switch-for-2020

9 Manufacturers want in so I guess that's the way to get there....

[tbtstt]

https://www.autosport.com/wrx/news/134257/world-rx-to-make-electric-switch-for-2020

9 Manufacturers want in so I guess that's the way to get there....
interesting article, potential for World (or at least some form of international) Supercar Championship as well? A minimum 15 car entry is a decent basis for the switch to electric.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

I wonder what the 'tuning' situation would be for electric engines... how would they differ from each other and how would they be controlled by the authorities ?

[MrJan]

I wonder what the 'tuning' situation would be for electric engines... how would they differ from each other and how would they be controlled by the authorities ?

I think this will largely be limited by the single-source batteries, other than that it's all a bit beyond me what an electric motor involves. I guess that it's about reducing energy loss rather than increasing the 'bang'.

[giu canbera]

It looks that the electric supercars will be more like RX2 (Lites) and the ELITE Andros Trophy cars...
http://speedhunters-wp-production.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/06160044/Andros_Trophy_Intro-027-1200x800.jpg

A spec rollcage/tubes then the manufacturers bring their "bubbles'' to make the car's desing (And it looks they can add more aerodynamics, like in WRC and GT cars). I dont see anywhere they saying they will continue with the current "production based" cars with the roll cage inside

right?

[Francis44]

We know we have to get away from fossil fuels but why has everything to be battery powered? I was born and raised in one country with one of the top 4 reserves of lithium in our planet, and I surely dont want to see all of that land turn into huge holes.

Why arent more sports investing in other alternatives such as algae biofuel, something which Mazda is currently developing. Or even hydrogen combustion?

Petrol and diesel are things of the past, however the passion and excitment we all feel from cars looks and sounds are far from dead. We can move motorsport into a much cleaner and future proof formula without killing the excitement.

Is Formula E sucessfull?! What do you mean sucessfull?! I have been to two Formula E races and the stands are never full (even if they are much smaller than normal). They are promoting FE by spending thousands to have movie celebs and twitter warriors promoting the races but that hasn't been doing good for them in a while.

[steve.mandzij]

We know we have to get away from fossil fuels but why has everything to be battery powered? I was born and raised in one country with one of the top 4 reserves of lithium in our planet, and I surely dont want to see all of that land turn into huge holes.

Why arent more sports investing in other alternatives such as algae biofuel, something which Mazda is currently developing. Or even hydrogen combustion?

Petrol and diesel are things of the past, however the passion and excitment we all feel from cars looks and sounds are far from dead. We can move motorsport into a much cleaner and future proof formula without killing the excitement.

Is Formula E sucessfull?! What do you mean sucessfull?! I have been to two Formula E races and the stands are never full (even if they are much smaller than normal). They are promoting FE by spending thousands to have movie celebs and twitter warriors promoting the races but that hasn't been doing good for them in a while.Argentina?

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[Francis44]

Argentina?

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No, from a small country in Europe, Portugal.

Infact I just checked, we've gone from top 4 to top 6, my bad :).

[MrJan]

GRC have announced that the season finale will be at Lydden this year (last weekend of October). The 70 foot jump (which I assume is bigger than the normal Lydden one) sounds like a gimmick...but surely it can't be worse that Speedmachine?! And it's only £55 for weekend ticket with camping, which is considerably cheaper.

http://redbullglobalrallycross.com/news/latestnews/red-bull-global-rallycross-comes-lydden-hill-2018-season-finale/

[Simmi]

Will see how the GRC entry is shaping up. Could be tempted. Might be a bit chilly in the tent at the end of October though.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

We know we have to get away from fossil fuels but why has everything to be battery powered? I was born and raised in one country with one of the top 4 reserves of lithium in our planet, and I surely dont want to see all of that land turn into huge holes.

Why arent more sports investing in other alternatives such as algae biofuel, something which Mazda is currently developing. Or even hydrogen combustion?

Petrol and diesel are things of the past, however the passion and excitment we all feel from cars looks and sounds are far from dead. We can move motorsport into a much cleaner and future proof formula without killing the excitement.

Is Formula E sucessfull?! What do you mean sucessfull?! I have been to two Formula E races and the stands are never full (even if they are much smaller than normal). They are promoting FE by spending thousands to have movie celebs and twitter warriors promoting the races but that hasn't been doing good for them in a while.

Wishful thinking on the bio-fuel. Seems the decision has been made to go electric by the car makers and motorsport will go the same way to 'promote' it. :(

Us dinosaurs will have to settle for RX Retro and Historic Rally which should still be ok to compete like they have always done.... and they will probably the get bigger crowds and better competition. ;)

[tbtstt]

GRC have announced that the season finale will be at Lydden this year (last weekend of October). The 70 foot jump (which I assume is bigger than the normal Lydden one) sounds like a gimmick...but surely it can't be worse that Speedmachine?! And it's only £55 for weekend ticket with camping, which is considerably cheaper.

http://redbullglobalrallycross.com/news/latestnews/red-bull-global-rallycross-comes-lydden-hill-2018-season-finale/
Well I joked about it and hoped it might happen, but very surprised to actually see it confirmed!

The press releases seem to imply that they will have the 70 foot jump there, which I am very curious about. I wonder if it might be on the straight between the exit of Chessons and the turn in for the Elbow (that would be well placed right in front of the crowd line) but that might be a bit tight in terms of space for a bail out route. Perhaps leading off the chicane and onto the infield?

The ticket price is perhaps a bit steep, but if they can attract some decent UK/European entrants I think that will justify the entry cost. If they are going to market it as a UK/Europe Vs. USA race, then the presence of some of the European Championship regulars is vital.

I will be booking a hotel for the Saturday night this evening!

[MrJan]

Us dinosaurs will have to settle for RX Retro and Historic Rally which should still be ok to compete like they have always done.... and they will probably the get bigger crowds and better competition. ;)

Or you can just watch the supercar class of World RX, which IMG have said will continue alongside the electric class.


The ticket price is perhaps a bit steep

It's on par with what World RX was, which I thought was amazing value. Given that a forest pass on Rally GB is £30 and you only get to see 2 stages, I'd say it's pretty good, although I'll wait to see what the entry is like before bothering. The advantage of Lydden before was that it was on bank holiday, so getting back to Devon late wasn't an issue because I didn't need to be at work in the morning.

[ESTR]

Or you can just watch the supercar class of World RX, which IMG have said will continue alongside the electric class.

Like there be any manu. interesed in competing. Just privateers and then next year it will be abandoned.

[Tarmop]

Supercars were much more popular and competition higher without manufactures millions and modified top cars from other series.

[MrJan]

Like there be any manu. interesed in competing. Just privateers and then next year it will be abandoned.

You just can't win. People complain when manufacturers get involved with big budgets, then they complain when manufacturers take their budgets to electric. EuroRX existed fine without big manufacturer budget, who's to say it will be any different once electricity is on the scene?

[ESTR]

You just can't win. People complain when manufacturers get involved with big budgets, then they complain when manufacturers take their budgets to electric. EuroRX existed fine without big manufacturer budget, who's to say it will be any different once electricity is on the scene?

STARD could have a little advantage with their 207..

[MrJan]

STARD could have a little advantage with their 207..

I wasn't talking about privateer electric so much, more that Supercars will continue to be used by a number of people.

[tbtstt]

Us dinosaurs will have to settle for RX Retro and Historic Rally which should still be ok to compete like they have always done.... and they will probably the get bigger crowds and better competition. ;)
Not going to watch the European, British, French or any of the other National Championships that will still be using "traditional" Supercars then? Change may be coming, but this isn't going to be an overnight thing!


It's on par with what World RX was, which I thought was amazing value. Given that a forest pass on Rally GB is £30 and you only get to see 2 stages, I'd say it's pretty good, although I'll wait to see what the entry is like before bothering. The advantage of Lydden before was that it was on bank holiday, so getting back to Devon late wasn't an issue because I didn't need to be at work in the morning.
For me the number of regular GRC entries (and the number of locals that can be attracted) will determine whether its good value or not. You are looking at two full days of racing (heats & finals on both days) which is one over on the World Championship, however I think the support classes are much weaker for the GRC, so that's a negative.


You just can't win. People complain when manufacturers get involved with big budgets, then they complain when manufacturers take their budgets to electric. EuroRX existed fine without big manufacturer budget, who's to say it will be any different once electricity is on the scene?
Yep. For me the way the future of the European Championship (and thus traditional Supercars) is handled is going to be absolutely critical. They wanted to make the World Championship the series for manufacturers and, with the introduction of electric, they seem to have done that.

Ensuring that the European Championship offers an option for the privateers and traditional fans is the key for me now.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Or you can just watch the supercar class of World RX, which IMG have said will continue alongside the electric class.



Until when, 2020 ?

[tbtstt]

Until when, 2020 ?
I think the quote was "as long as there is interest" (or something like that). I'd personally rather see all the traditional Supercars go to the European Championship and have that Championship return to it's form circa 2010.

[MrJan]

Sebastien Loeb Racing joining World RX with Demoustier driving...no mention about Loeb himself
http://www.fiaworldrallycross.com/article/9837/sebastien-loeb-racing-joins-world

[tbtstt]

Sebastien Loeb Racing joining World RX with Demoustier driving...no mention about Loeb himself
http://www.fiaworldrallycross.com/article/9837/sebastien-loeb-racing-joins-world
Loeb is already confirmed to be driving for Peugeot Sport.

[MrJan]

Loeb is already confirmed to be driving for Peugeot Sport.

Is he? I thought it was confirmed that he was continuing in partnership with Peugeot Sport, which could just mean that they're supporting SLR.

[BleAivano]

Is he? I thought it was confirmed that he was continuing in partnership with Peugeot Sport, which could just mean that they're supporting SLR.

https://www.autosport.com/wrx/news/132195/peugeot-extends-world-rx-commitment-with-loeb


No indication has been given as to whether the relationship with Hansen Motorsport will continue, or who aside from Loeb will drive for the team in 2018.

[MrJan]

https://www.autosport.com/wrx/news/132195/peugeot-extends-world-rx-commitment-with-loeb

Yeah, I remember now...although that article still seems a bit vague (or at least the quotes from Peugeot do), and seems strange for Loeb to have a team in the championship that he's not driving for.

Been watching the Holjes round of RallyX on Ice this afternoon, not exactly high octane excitement but it's pretty interesting and a few of the races are pretty good. Definitely better than what I've seen from Trophee Andros
https://sbfplay.solidtango.com/video/rallyx-on-ice-holjes-deltavling-2-10-feb-13-00-15-03

[Sulland]

More on Loeb 208 in SLR campaign.
https://translate.google.com/translate?hl=en&sl=auto&tl=en&u=https%3A%2F%2Fparcferme.no%2Frallycross%2Fsebast ien-loeb-racing-inntar-rallycross-vm-egenutviklet-peugeot-208%2F

[jbmarcus21]

new parternship between Motorsport VIP Tour & Planetemarcus gives you the opportunity to attend all the WRX 2018 events - Click and choose your travel ► http://bit.ly/2F4ultX

[tbtstt]

Good news/bad news: good news is that Loeb, Timmy Hansen and Guerlain Chichiret are all confirmed to be driving at the opening round of the British Rallycross Championship at Silverstone...

...bad news is that, following rumours last week, the GRC have confirmed today that they will not be running Supercars in 2018. Supercars will be replaced by the "Gold Class" (basically Lites with a few modifications). Gutted, as I won't get to see the GRC Civic or STI at Lydden.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Good news/bad news: good news is that Loeb, Timmy Hansen and Guerlain Chichiret are all confirmed to be driving at the opening round of the British Rallycross Championship at Silverstone...

...bad news is that, following rumours last week, the GRC have confirmed today that they will not be running Supercars in 2018. Supercars will be replaced by the "Gold Class" (basically Lites with a few modifications). Gutted, as I won't get to see the GRC Civic or STI at Lydden.

Why are Loeb & co. running at Silverstone... just guest appearance ?

[tbtstt]

Why are Loeb & co. running at Silverstone... just guest appearance ?
Testing the cars and gathering data on the new track would be my guess.

They have restricted testing options this year so it's a good way of shaking down the cars. Unlike a lot of the new layouts that have been introduced into the World Championship the last few years, Silverstone is finished well in advance of the event, so it's a prime chance to get more time on the track before anyone else.

[tbtstt]

Thats my planned trip to Lydden canned then. Surely the teams could continue to run the current cars whilst developing the Platinum class thats mentioned for 2019?!
I booked a (non-refundable!) hotel room near Lydden as I saw the announcement, so I'm committed now! The concept of the "Gold" Lite is interesting, but they are going to need decent size grids to justify the switch.

[MrJan]

Thats my planned trip to Lydden canned then. Surely the teams could continue to run the current cars whilst developing the Platinum class thats mentioned for 2019?!

Does seem odd, I can only guess that there has been a lot of feedback about dominance of certain teams. Quite a late announcement too, surely many teams will already be developing their car for the season?

[Arnold Triyudho Wardono]

...bad news is that, following rumours last week, the GRC have confirmed today that they will not be running Supercars in 2018. Supercars will be replaced by the "Gold Class" (basically Lites with a few modifications). Gutted, as I won't get to see the GRC Civic or STI at Lydden.

Time to modify the GRC Supercars so it can be eligible for the WRX/ERX. And Andretti Motorsport should bring the Beetles..

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[Zeakiwi]

Can we expect to see the next press release from Andretti VW, Olsbergs Honda and Subaru North America that they are pulling out of Global Rally cross autosport. com/wrx/news/134567/global-rallycross-drops-supercar-class or another press release they are setting up the IRC - independent rallycross championship for the East Coast/ Mid-West of North America only?

Suspect the part reason for the change - Red Bull did not like to see the Monster Energy/ rockstar drink cars winning so much?
http://redbullglobalrallycross.com/news/latestnews/red-bull-global-rallycross-launches-gold-class-debut-2018/

Is this the platinum class - the electric / fuel class?
http://autoweek.com/article/rally/red-bull-global-rallycross-race-electric-gas-cars-same-class-2019

Atkinson said he was already testing the 2018 Subaru NA GRC car - 20th Feb 2018. Atko probably not pleased at losing another subaru seat.
https://rallysportmag.com/chris-atkinson-usa-subaru-wrx-similar-to-the-previous-wrc-cars/

[giu canbera]

Subaru will have 2 more cars for a few Rally America rounds for Atko and Patrick
OMSE tested the Civics in Europe already... Hope they can use that car AT LEAST for the Euro and Nordic Series (or even WorldRX if Honda givers some $upport).
I'm reeeeaaally hoping for VW to give Tanner Foust that Beetle to compete in EuroRX, cuz he always wanted to be an EuroRX Champ. It'd be a difficult car to beat! Im really hoping for that to happen

[SubaruNorway]

I think Atko and Sandell are just doing the rounds that Pastrana can't so still only 2 cars on each event.

The difference in the rules was something in the rollcage if i remember right.
Weird rule change by GRC, over here nobody really cares about the RX2 Rallycross on Ice.

[SubaruNorway]

On Sandell's Instagram story they were testing the supercar today though...

[tbtstt]

Suspect the part reason for the change - Red Bull did not like to see the Monster Energy/ rockstar drink cars winning so much?
http://redbullglobalrallycross.com/news/latestnews/red-bull-global-rallycross-launches-gold-class-debut-2018/
I really don't think the sponsor on the side of the winning car has anything to do with this decision. Monster didn't rip up the rulebook for World Rallycross when Ekstrom was winning, did they?

The silence from VARX, OMSE and Vermont is deafening. I am very surprised that at least one team/driver hasn't said something yet. Especially as, based on some of the articles that have been shared, GRC Supercar drivers were talking about the forthcoming season up until a couple of weeks ago.

[tbtstt]

Forgive the double post but, further to my previous message, they have now unveiled details of the "Platinum" class cars that will be coming in 2019:

https://www.thecheckeredflag.co.uk/2018/03/global-rallycross-teams-mjp-racing-new-champions-cup/

Not at all what I was expecting. I know Max Pucher has been quite vocal about the direction of the World Championship, but MJP Racing linking up with the GRC is a very surprising move.

[Sub_Skoda]

Forgive the double post but, further to my previous message, they have now unveiled details of the "Platinum" class cars that will be coming in 2019:

https://www.thecheckeredflag.co.uk/2018/03/global-rallycross-teams-mjp-racing-new-champions-cup/

Not at all what I was expecting. I know Max Pucher has been quite vocal about the direction of the World Championship, but MJP Racing linking up with the GRC is a very surprising move.

2 new classes in GRC, but what about actual Supercars? I don't understand GRC's decisions...

[Arnold Triyudho Wardono]

Platinum class=RX version of NASCAR..?

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[Zeakiwi]

What ever GRC come up with they have compete with visuals of the stadium super trucks - one design series.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PqIziuag21I

[janvanvurpa]

Suspect the part reason for the change - Red Bull did not like to see the Monster Energy/ rockstar drink cars winning so much?
http://redbullglobalrallycross.com/news/latestnews/red-bull-global-rallycross-launches-gold-class-debut-2018/


Personally I suspect part of the reason is because the series from inception till now has been a half-assed, poorly thought out series primarily designed to make a lot of money for a few prep shops and running on hype...
boring vneues--parking lots with handsful of sand thrown in a few corners? Phony excitemnt--zero or less public, zero or less promotion...The "Dirt Fish" Round less than 50 km away, and I head ZERO about it despite being on 2-4 forums and 4-5 FB pages----and knowing 3-4 people working at Dirtfish..

Nobody cares..The little children in the filler class??? ZERO of them had any previous connection to anything. Just rich daddies evidently..How is any interested supposed to be hypped up about what children with no personality, only different color romper suits and baseball hats to differentiate between them???

The whole set up of the filler class is totally a money-maker for Oldsberg Motorsport...fixed prices and no mods of any sort despite chronic and repeated failures (such as steering racks and associated parts....but can't touch it.)..just throw in another for $$$$$.. you can see that they have somebody's ear...

The whole thing is/was another typical American exercise: throw lots of money at something, scream its an :eek::eek:EXTRAVAGANZA:bounce::bounce::hot: , slap dash the executions of everything --track, venue, cars, prep,, concentration on made-for-TV-personalities and more hype. No base, no foundation, whole idea all cooked up in a room with a bunch of poseur media types--which means really fan-bois, hangers-on, never-ever competed at anything types...
Just like US Rally.

When you've seen the exact same "reasoning" 3-4-5 times in 30 years, coming always from outside the thin competitor base we have here, you know its going to go exactly the same..

[Gregor-y]

C'mon, it'll be amusing like the Ferrari Challenge. As in it's a challenge to get around the track without having a hilarious crash for no good reason.

Subaru's US rally program was taken over to the new American Rally series, which has broken up Rally America into a pair of warring camps of old men arguing over who gets more money. Most ARA events are on the coasts, but I'm going to try and get to at least one this year.

[NoName]

So there will be 20 more "fiestas" ?
They should made it something like to Proto. Same gearbox, engine and so on.. But different manufactors chassi

[MrJan]

Peugeot Sport releasing their car tomorrow. I'm excited about this year's championship, the new cars from VW, EKS and Peugeot will hopefully redress the balance a bit.

Have booked flights and tickets for Hell, going to be my first overseas rallycross so really looking forward to it, just hope the season isn't a bust.

[drive]

https://scontent.fkun1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t31.0-8/28619396_1927165543962597_1948223242076493329_o.jp g?oh=b42207aaedb3d02a82972aefd1e5312b&oe=5B4C3D82

Full post:
https://www.facebook.com/fiaworldrallycross/posts/1927165713962580

[tbtstt]

Have booked flights and tickets for Hell, going to be my first overseas rallycross so really looking forward to it, just hope the season isn't a bust.
Probably my fave track of those currently on the calendar, I am debating trying to fit a trip in there this year as well as those I already have planned. I'm sure it will be worth it!

[garais22]

Reinis Nitiss with SET Promotion in Euro RX
http://www.go4speed.lv/lv/news/rallijkross/7732-nitiss-atgriezas-set-promotion-komanda-un-sosezon-startes-euro-rx-/

[MrJan]

https://www.autosport.com/wrx/news/134654/peugeot-reveals-2018-rx-car-retains-hansens

Looks like they're in it for the electric element, so could be focusing on the chassis and bodywork rather than the engine. Interesting that they say they're completely separate from Hansen as a team but have retained both brothers. Wonder if mum & dad will still be involved as team manager/spotter or if that's changed too. I noticed from Bakkerud's social media the other day that Dave Mansfield wasn't his spotter anymore.



Probably my fave track of those currently on the calendar, I am debating trying to fit a trip in there this year as well as those I already have planned. I'm sure it will be worth it!

I hope so, having Euro RX as well makes it a bit more worthwhile as should provide a bit more entertainment. We're literally only there for the event, arrive late Friday night, camp at the track and then leave on Sunday night. Give us a shout if you're thinking of going, we're renting a car so got spare seats at the minute if you wanted a lift (although obviously would only work if you're on similar flights!)

[Arnold Triyudho Wardono]

Kenneth is still the manager..!!

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[tbtstt]

Kenneth is still the manager..!!

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I don't know if his position has been named in Peugeot Sport? It was just "consultant" last time I saw him mentioned?

Great news for Nitiss. I think he deserves another Supercar drive, hopefully that car will serve him well.

Confirmation that Jerome Grosset-Janin is the second driver for GCK (with Timo Scheider as a test driver):

http://www.rootsmgmt.com/portfolio/gck-announce-world-rx-team-drivers/

[MrJan]

Entry is steadily building, I think the following are confirmed:

Ekstrom
Bakkerud
Solberg
Kristoffersson
Chicarit
Grosset-Janin
Hansen
Hansen
Loeb
Demoustier
Bennett (limited rounds at the minute)

Still awaiting:
Cometoyou racing - 2 cars
Gronholm RX - 2 cars.
MJP (although maybe commitment now to GRC)
Stard

Drivers currently not confirmed that I'd expect to have a drive - Timur, Gronholm, Eriksson, Baumanis?

I'd say that the championship needs a minimum of 16 drivers at each event, so still need 5 or so more entries. Unfortunately they'll have to bring something really special to the table to do anything other than make up the numbers. The way I see it there's EKS/PSRX battling for top spot, then Peugeot taking a couple of results and then the rest....could be wrong though, Prodrive have done some decent stuff in the past and it's not guaranteed that the new S1 is going to be any good.

Edit: Wrote that then clicked on to FB to see that GRX have announced two Hyundai i20s with Gronholm & Timur. Good stuff and nice to see a bit of variety back in the championship.

[Arnold Triyudho Wardono]

I think Timur will go to GRX, judging from GRX's Facebook cover photo..

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[tbtstt]

I think Timur will go to GRX, judging from GRX's Facebook cover photo..

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Yeah, it's confirmed here:

https://mailchi.mp/9b77e36d876a/grx-taneco-team-launches-world-rx-campaign-with-timerzyanov-and-gronholm?e=8663567b75

The current list of cars/drivers I have is:

GCK - Renault Megane RS RX - Guerlain Chicherit (World RX)
GCK - Renault Megane RS RX - Jerome Grosset-Janin (World RX)
Peugeot Sport - Peugeot 208 - Sebastien Loeb (World RX)
Peugeot Sport - Peugeot 208 - Timmy Hansen (World RX)
Peugeot Sport - Peugeot 208 - Kevin Hansen (World RX)
EKS RX - Audi S1? - Mattias Ekstrom (World RX)
EKS RX - Audi S1? - Andreas Bakkerud (World RX)
PSRXVW - Volkswagen Polo - Johan Kristoffersson (World RX?)
PSRXVW - Volkswagen Polo - Petter Solberg? (World RX?)
Sébastien Loeb Racing - Peugeot 208 - Grégoire Demoustier (World RX)
GRX Taneco - Hyundai i20 - Niclas Gronholm (World RX)
GRX Taneco - Hyundai i20 - Timur Timerzyanov (World RX)
Comtoyou Racing - Audi S1 - Enzo Ide (World RX?)
Comtoyou Racing - Audi S1 - ? (World RX)
MJP Racing - Ford Fiesta - ? (World RX?)

Xite Racing - Ford Fiesta/Mini Cooper - Oliver Bennett (Select World RX)
All Inkl Racing - ? - Timo Scheider (Select World RX)
RX Racing - Ford Fiesta - Ollie O'Donovan (Select World RX)

G-FORS - Renault Clio RS RX - Jere Kalliokoski (Euro RX)
G-FORS - Renault Clio RS RX - Jean-Baptiste Dubourg (Euro RX)
Ots Racing - Skoda Fabia - Lukacs Csucsu Kornel (Euro RX)
Eklund Motorsport - Volkswagen Beetle - Philip Gehrman (Euro RX)
Eklund Motorsport - Volkswagen Beetle - Anders Braten (Euro RX)
SET Promotion - Ford Fiesta - Reinis Nitiss (Euro RX)
? - Volkswagen Polo - Ulrik Linnemann (Euro RX?)

G-FORS - Renault Clio RS RX - Philippe Maloigne (Select Euro RX)

[Arnold Triyudho Wardono]

G-FORS=DA Racing..?

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[MrJan]

I think G-Fors is a team Chicerit is running in Euro RX, got a couple of Clios.

[tbtstt]

G-FORS=DA Racing..?

Sent from my A12 using Tapatalk
No it's a new team: joint effort between Guerlain Chicherit and Fors Performance.

Not sure if we will be seeing DA Racing in rallycross yet.

[Arnold Triyudho Wardono]

I see..

Looks like Focus RSRX is exclusive for Hoonigan Racing Division..(read: no privateers driving that this season)

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[Tarmop]

That was said when the news about cancellation came. Cars will serve FP`s show-purposes only.

[tbtstt]

I see..

Looks like Focus RSRX is exclusive for Hoonigan Racing Division..(read: no privateers driving that this season)
I haven't heard it from any official source, but I was told that Block fronted a significant amount of money for the RS RX program, which is why the cars have returned to him (rather than Ford themselves) now that Ford have pulled the plug on the whole thing.

[MrJan]

Olsbergs announce 'all new' Fiestas for Eriksson and Larsson, doing a full season.

https://www.facebook.com/notes/olsbergs-mse/former-champions-olsbergs-mse-return-to-fia-world-championship-stage/1964039830292357/

[Sub_Skoda]

Olsbergs announce 'all new' Fiestas for Eriksson and Larsson, doing a full season.

https://www.facebook.com/notes/olsbergs-mse/former-champions-olsbergs-mse-return-to-fia-world-championship-stage/1964039830292357/

What about Honda Supercars?

[Arnold Triyudho Wardono]

Olsbergs announce 'all new' Fiestas for Eriksson and Larsson, doing a full season.

https://www.facebook.com/notes/olsbergs-mse/former-champions-olsbergs-mse-return-to-fia-world-championship-stage/1964039830292357/New gen Fiesta or the old one..

I was expecting Civic Type RX..

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[tbtstt]

Olsbergs announce 'all new' Fiestas for Eriksson and Larsson, doing a full season.

https://www.facebook.com/notes/olsbergs-mse/former-champions-olsbergs-mse-return-to-fia-world-championship-stage/1964039830292357/
Fantastic bit of news: great to have OMSE back in the World Championship and brilliant to see Robin Larsson get a (very well deserved) seat.

Shame it's not with the Civic, but I guess Honda have no interest in pushing the car in the World Championship.

[giu canbera]

Im still hoping to see the Hondas in the hands of a privateer team in EuroRX
BTW, Larson was testing the Honda today.
Same for the Beetles. Im REALLY hoping to see Foust racing the EuroRX with that beast... he always wanted to be champion in Europe. Maybe its the perfect time.. if Rockstar Energy is ok with the bills haha

[giu canbera]

Audi: ek/bakku
VW: johan/petter
Peugeot: loeb/timmy/kevin
OMSE Ford: kev/robin
Gronholm Hyundai: niclas/timur
G-Fors Renault: jerome/guerlain
LoebRacing Peugeot: demoustier

This is getting pretty awesome so far... GRC must be very sad without any supercar hehe

[MrJan]

New gen Fiesta or the old one..

I was expecting Civic Type RX..

They haven't said. I'd guess that it's a development of their old car.

Would definitely be nice to see some further variety with the Civics and Beetles (although I think Eklund are running two Beetles in EuroRX already). Still some good variety:
Audi S1
Peugeot 208
Ford Fiesta
VW Polo
Hyundai i20
Renault Megane
Mini Clubman

Would have been superb to add VW Beetle, Ford Focus and Honda Civic to that list too!

[ESTR]

So I wonder which manus are in talk for electric rallycross from 2020. All we know that VW, Audi and Peugeot are seriously interested. They have said that 9 are in talks... Seat could involve since they are producing electric beast from TCR spec car... Maybe Honda is waiting for a little longer and they won't make car for 1 season only (especially now when 2018 season is almost in).

[MrJan]

I think the main 3 will be there, maybe Renault as they have previous with Formula E. I suspect that Stohl will have a privateer entry too, given that he's been at the forefront.

[Tarmop]

Ford has also expressed interest and like mentoned above, there`s a joint venture with one team already in progress. PSA has also said that Opel is going to be their experiment in EV`s...

[Arnold Triyudho Wardono]

Interestingly, OMSE is also testing the Civic at Loheac..

I hope Dirt4 & PCars2 will releasing this season's DLC.

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[JUF]

So I wonder which manus are in talk for electric rallycross from 2020. All we know that VW, Audi and Peugeot are seriously interested. They have said that 9 are in talks... According to German magazine BMW Mini, Nissan, Ford and Volvo are also interested.

[tbtstt]

Interesting information trickling out from the first test day at Loheac yesterday. OMSE look to be trying to evolve the Fiesta; no rear mounted radiator and the inboard suspension from the GRC Civic.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DXx5InVW0AAUIkq.jpg:large

[tbtstt]

Kevin likes to bend a 208, doesn't he? Apparently he did it on turn 5, must have properly fluffed up it up to have done that.

https://scontent-lht6-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/28685373_1931030030242815_4231080371228010003_n.jp g?_nc_eui2=v1%3AAeG2O5wnk1oeSRxJhaTSLJ9qkyWSaZXs4J UpJrxMcN7peZLOkJntaDr0j5lQPNh9wf5TjZK-OhWjqJqDUbJj6vgZMxLkyXBDq4ZeIkE8xxAvjA&oh=0ab96342cda5eff36a5ce5619010bbd7&oe=5B3CF868

https://scontent-lht6-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/28795130_1931030026909482_3448971728796100592_n.jp g?_nc_eui2=v1%3AAeEpCZMZn1xuSpIyZ6KZHWDMDK_x5GpkEP bef_jZehRAfuXocBvr6myYf4K12H0jlNY5v-uu_kRmeJrcWWzjL_mNGTlha9juF2U2hBt6aLQqmA&oh=2922064a82b34e317cc54a0a3caa80e0&oe=5B05EE84

JC Raceteknik confirm the same driver line up (Thomas Bryntesson and Ola Frøshaug) for this years European Championship:

https://www.jcraceteknik.com/sv/nyhet/Bryntesson-och-Froshaug-i-fortsatt-Supercar-satsning-med-JC-Raceteknik

Pleased to see Thomas Bryntesson back, his drive in Loheac in the wet last year was brilliant.

[NoName]

GRC Europe Info from MJP:

the Platinum car is not a Lites car but more like a current Supercar built on a custom space frame.
The body will be our own design but it will be possible to put any body on.

It will have a little less power around 500hp and 700nm but it will also be 300kg lighter around a 1000kg.
Due to that and a much better suspension it should be as fast or faster on the track.

The cost will be around €200k to buy the car and per race it should not be more than €10k.

The engine will last for 3000km or 3 seasons. Teams do not need to stock parts as we will provide them at the racetrack.
You will not need an engine or electronics engineer and we can also transport the car from race to race.

So it will be only 20% of todays Supercar cost but it will be at least as much fun to race.
Also the race format is slightly different with more cars in the finals and a little longer.

It will be a really exciting series and we will offer test rides in the cars already in summer.

[Arnold Triyudho Wardono]

GRC Europe Info from MJP:

the Platinum car is not a Lites car but more like a current Supercar built on a custom space frame.
The body will be our own design but it will be possible to put any body on.

It will have a little less power around 500hp and 700nm but it will also be 300kg lighter around a 1000kg.
Due to that and a much better suspension it should be as fast or faster on the track.

The cost will be around €200k to buy the car and per race it should not be more than €10k.

The engine will last for 3000km or 3 seasons. Teams do not need to stock parts as we will provide them at the racetrack.
You will not need an engine or electronics engineer and we can also transport the car from race to race.

So it will be only 20% of todays Supercar cost but it will be at least as much fun to race.
Also the race format is slightly different with more cars in the finals and a little longer.

It will be a really exciting series and we will offer test rides in the cars already in summer.

Umm..GRC finals are always be longer & having more cars than W/ERX.. :p

BTW, who's developing the Clio..?

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[Sulland]

Interestingly, OMSE is also testing the Civic at Loheac..

I hope Dirt4 & PCars2 will releasing this season's DLC.

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How did the Honda and Ford compare on the test?

Hope someone rents the Civics!

[tbtstt]

IMG just launched the ARX: Americas Rallycross Championship. Opening round will take place at Silverstone (as part of the World round), R2 at Canada, R3 and Circuit of the Americas (alongside the World Championship rounds). Location of the fourth and final round to be confirmed.

VW (Andretti) and Subaru confirmed to enter.

[tbtstt]

Lydden and Doran doubly shafted then.
Maybe. We seem to have a rapidly increasing number of Championships (and classes within them): do we have enough drivers/teams to support them? I have a horrible feeling that at least one Championship is going to be left lacking this year.

[MrJan]

GRC is my candidate for the one to go backwards if not disappear totally.

Yep, especially if names like Andretti are opting for other series. ALthough can't see a lot of US viewers getting up early to watch a round from Lydden.

[tomhlord]

Lydden and Doran doubly shafted then.

Good.

[Gregor-y]

Yep, especially if names like Andretti are opting for other series. ALthough can't see a lot of US viewers getting up early to watch a round from Lydden.

And certainly not for an "Americas Rallycross" event. It wouldn't be cheap but they would need rounds in Mexico, Brazil, Argentina, Chile and maybe Colombia in addition to a few more in the US and Canada (east, central, and west for example). Or be more specific and make it a North American series, though the distances will still be daunting.

I'm driving 450 miles tomorrow for a rally that's only one state away.

[MrJan]

Good.

I'm not a fan of Doran, but it would be shit if the track reached a point where it was no longer economically viable to run events.

[tbtstt]

I'm not a fan of Doran, but it would be shit if the track reached a point where it was no longer economically viable to run events.
I could end up eating my words, but I think (hope!) we're a way off that yet. I have spent a lot of weekends in the last 15 years at Lydden, I'd be gutted if they stopped running rallycross there.

As you guys have said I would expect an expanded calendar for this to be a proper Americas Championship, but perhaps they are keeping it small scale on the first year?

[Arnold Triyudho Wardono]

IMG just launched the ARX: Americas Rallycross Championship. Opening round will take place at Silverstone (as part of the World round), R2 at Canada, R3 and Circuit of the Americas (alongside the World Championship rounds). Location of the fourth and final round to be confirmed.

VW (Andretti) and Subaru confirmed to enter.Will it have a replayable livestream on YT..?

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[tbtstt]

I was at Silverstone on Saturday for the opening round of the British Rallycross Championship, with a entry that included a few World Championship drivers. Easily the coldest day I have ever spent at a track, the windchill was below -10 at times and everytime I used the camera my fingers were frozen within a couple of minutes. I managed to take barely 100 pictures over the whole day.

I actually thought the viewing for spectators was better than expected. I initially feared that the grandstand area was the only place to view, but the top part of the track was all accessible...

...lot of high fences though, so very limited options for spectators taking pictures (unless you were packing big lenses!). Not the worst UK rallycross circuit for spectator viewing that I have been to, it struck me a bit of a mix of Blyton and Croft in many respects (better than the former for spectators but not the latter).

The grandstand and top of the Stowe building gave a good overview for seeing the entire track and the standing areas were never more than two people deep, so finding a spot you wanted wasn't hard. If they hit the 30,000 spectator target they have talked about for Speedmachine though, that will obviously be a different situation.

It's a very twisty circuit. Seemed quite compact and slow, even when it dried out. I didn't think the Supercars really got a chance to stretch their legs. The track obviously had to drop into a specific area, but it seemed like there was unused space at the bottom end of the circuit (after the jump). Loeb agrees that it's a bit slow as well:

https://www.thecheckeredflag.co.uk/2018/03/new-silverstone-track-is-too-slow-sebastien-loeb/

Be interesting to see if they can make any changes for the World round.

[MrJan]

Interesting, thanks for the review. Will try and watch some coverage of the event at some point, although doubt it'll tempt me to Speedmachine instead of going to Santa Pod that weekend. I guess that being slow could engineer some 'excitement', a bit like Hockenheim...although it could end up more like the bottom hairpin at Barcelona, which I always find really boring.

[tbtstt]

Interesting, thanks for the review. Will try and watch some coverage of the event at some point, although doubt it'll tempt me to Speedmachine instead of going to Santa Pod that weekend.
I went to Silverstone with a mate and met a couple of friends there: all of them are tempted to go back to Silverstone for the second British Championship round later in the year, but none of them are tempted by Speedmachine yet.


I guess that being slow could engineer some 'excitement', a bit like Hockenheim...although it could end up more like the bottom hairpin at Barcelona, which I always find really boring.
I really wish they would straighten the bottom section of the track out (the approach to the bottom hairpin) as that would increase the chances of them coming to the hairpin in a group rather than in single file.

[Sulland]

Critical to Silverstone RX track.

Both Löeb, Bakkerud and Timmi Hansen tried out the new Silverstone RX track in the UK round this weekend.

Löeb and Bakkerud were not impressed. The track was so slow and mickey mouse like, that they said there was very little chance to fight and overtake. Max 70 km/h according to Löeb. As said longer down in the thread.

Lets hope they take the signals from the drivers, and adjust the track, to get some more more action for drivers and fans.

[MrJan]

Max 70 km/h according to Löeb. As said longer down in the thread.

Just to clarify, I believe that Loeb said "no corner quicker than 70km/h"

[tbtstt]

Just to clarify, I believe that Loeb said "no corner quicker than 70km/h"
Yeah, that's right. Have any comments from Bakkerud been published online Sulland?

[MrJan]

I really wish they would straighten the bottom section of the track out (the approach to the bottom hairpin) as that would increase the chances of them coming to the hairpin in a group rather than in single file.

See what you mean. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rGWcpTyKzNs

Not sure about the surface, looks a bit like the Weston beach race at times. Hopefully just a byproduct of the weather, although doubt they'll have the time to sort anything out in the next 6 weeks or so.

[tbtstt]

VW Motorsport have unveiled the 2018 car:

https://scontent-lht6-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/29468935_766249113566373_6601985528744268255_n.jpg ?oh=a2fac54cb94a9305729346197b52a40d&oe=5B2D590B

https://scontent-lht6-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/29468542_766249120233039_7474754016986106811_n.jpg ?oh=4b1dd2fe03fec1094d68a5cb6e9312c9&oe=5B444720

https://scontent-lht6-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/29468503_766249096899708_4760157310365348683_n.jpg ?oh=32265ecf00dbca2aabb40dd3d103dec2&oe=5B33999B

https://scontent-lht6-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/29433162_766249473566337_4121067711367587442_n.jpg ?oh=619131160f99cc31259829a263275736&oe=5B3DBCEC

https://scontent-lht6-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/29388349_766249450233006_8240566831550643415_n.jpg ?oh=bdc194167dede5da111daf7771bad1bf&oe=5B2AA0D8

https://scontent-lht6-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/29432300_766249470233004_5022102795834509713_n.jpg ?oh=e52c16a862f9d1f3549ca11438b2b341&oe=5B4C2F96

Front bumper looks different, as does the rear wing, but otherwise there doesn't look to be any other cosmetic changes from last year. Seems like the front mounted cooling package has been retained as well.

[pantealex]

Yeah, it´s still OLD model Polo, current (NEW) 2018 model is only available 5-doors version.

[tbtstt]

Few shots of the World Rallycross guys in action at Silverstone:

https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/821/27073131218_3ab57f1436_b.jpg

https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4782/26071631257_4ba545fe4b_b.jpg

https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4784/40235905954_27d488921a_b.jpg

[BleAivano]

Mattias Ekström have been awarded the Prins Bertil medal.
https://www.facebook.com/mattiasekstrom.racing/posts/1697980566928269

[tbtstt]

Day two of testing at Silverstone today. Prodrive/GCK seem to be very secretive about details of the Megane, the more info that trickles out about the car the more impressive it seems. The World Rallycross Facebook page has mentioned about a forthcoming reveal of the car. I really hope that they release some more technical information on the car (though I suspect that they may keep the really clever bits under wraps).

Ekstrom was quickest yesterday and is ahead again today as well.

[Alpha]

Interesting stuff that Megane. Brakes are mounted near the diffs instead of inside the wheels. The wheels themselves are a bit weird. The center tunnel is really small compared to the other cars, not sure how they've done that, I doubt anything sticks out underneath. They are also running front radiators like the Polos.

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[tbtstt]

Interesting stuff that Megane. Brakes are mounted near the diffs instead of inside the wheels. The wheels themselves are a bit weird. The center tunnel is really small compared to the other cars, not sure how they've done that, I doubt anything sticks out underneath. They are also running front radiators like the Polos.
I'm not sure about the location of the radiators. The car is running side intakes which would imply a rear mounted cooling package, but the little video clip from the grid at Silverstone didn't clearly show the radiators in the back (or where the air is exiting in the car: though I might have a theory about that).

I assume that the brake discs are mounted near the diffs (is this confirmed in pictures anywhere?). Or have Prodrive gone really out there and mounted brakes to the propshafts?

[Alpha]

I'm not sure about the location of the radiators. The car is running side intakes which would imply a rear mounted cooling package, but the little video clip from the grid at Silverstone didn't clearly show the radiators in the back (or where the air is exiting in the car: though I might have a theory about that).

I assume that the brake discs are mounted near the diffs (is this confirmed in pictures anywhere?). Or have Prodrive gone really out there and mounted brakes to the propshafts?You're right.. It's the Olsbergs MSCs cars that run front radiators. Megane has rear radiators.

Sent fra min SM-G965F via Tapatalk

[Alpha]

Also, times for the test weekend:

Ekström, 41.601, 71 laps
Timmy Hansen, 41.867, 31 laps
Bakkerud, 42.059, 65 laps
Kevin Eriksson, 42.222, 63 laps
Kristofferson, 42.223, 46 laps
Baumanis, 42.754, 54 laps
Grosset-Janin, 43.381, 55 laps
Solberg, 43.191, 73 laps
Chicherit, 43.381, 55 laps
Demoustier, 43.897, 91 (!!) laps


Couple of surprises there! But it's only testing..
Full list at fiaworldrallycross.com.


Sent fra min SM-G965F via Tapatalk

[MrJan]

20 more laps to be 2+ seconds off the pace?

Big surprise for me is that Solberg is a so far back (1.5 behind Ekstrom!), but with all testing you're never quite sure if it's genuine pace.

[tomhlord]

The Megane's livery.

Am I reading too much into the lack of Renault badges? Obviously, not a manufacturer team, but not allowed to run branding either?

Has inboard brakes (wow) and a non-Renault new-build engine.

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DaA90vLXUAAfJMC.jpg

[tbtstt]

I have spent most of my lunchbreak zooming in on these pictures and having a bit of a geek out! There is a cutaway on the Top Gear site (https://www.topgear.com/car-news/motorsport/yikes-its-prodrives-600bhp-megane-world-rallycross-car) that is really good as it gives a better idea of the internal configuration of the car than any picture.

I am really curious to learn the benefit of the rear radiator setup: are they using the radiator air as part of a blown diffuser setup for the back of the car?

[MrJan]

Perhaps the radiator is in the rear due to packaging involved with the engine being longitudinal? That and, traditionally, radiators have been rear mounted in RX for years before VW changed things up.

[tbtstt]

Perhaps the radiator is in the rear due to packaging involved with the engine being longitudinal? That and, traditionally, radiators have been rear mounted in RX for years before VW changed things up.
Apologies, my previous post could have been clearer! The positioning of the radiator isn't what has me so intrigued, it's the layout: pretty much every other supercar with a rear mounted radiator blows the air through openings in the boot. Prodrive seem to be directing that air down through the boot floor. I wonder what possible gain there is by doing that, which leads me to think that they might be using that air for some sort of aerodynamic gain.

[MrJan]

Slight change to the Barcelona circuit layout as they've changed the startline...not sure why they've done it though.

[pantealex]

Slight change to the Barcelona circuit layout as they've changed the startline...not sure why they've done it though.

Joker lap strategy will be different. Also turn 1 much more important than before.

[tbtstt]

Slight change to the Barcelona circuit layout as they've changed the startline...not sure why they've done it though.
I haven't seen it confirmed anywhere official, but a comment on Facebook suggested that the original start line wasn't wide enough to conform to FiA regulations. I do seem to recall it was pretty tight there last year

Shame, as it means the pack will probably be split up before they get to what was the first corner. Last lap jokers could be a lot more significant though.

[tbtstt]

Forgive the double post, but I just published a 2018 season preview:

http://fueltopia.co.uk/world-rallycross-championship-2018-preview/

If anyone is interested!

[Fast Eddie WRC]

From this weekend the FIA World Rallycross Championship is LIVE on free-to-air TV in the UK
1pm on FREESPORTS TV.
#WorldRX #freesports https://t.co/PS7iCKWktS

[sindroms]

From this weekend the FIA World Rallycross Championship is LIVE on free-to-air TV in the UK
1pm on FREESPORTS TV.
#WorldRX #freesports https://t.co/PS7iCKWktS

The same in Latvia (RX will be able on free-to-air channel LTV7). Could it be some kind of strategy to move broadcast on free-to-air channels?

[MrJan]

From this weekend the FIA World Rallycross Championship is LIVE on free-to-air TV in the UK
1pm on FREESPORTS TV.
#WorldRX #freesports https://t.co/PS7iCKWktS

Would be nice if I could access it, keep doing searches but it never shows up...it's like the mythical Channel 5 all over again

[ESTR]

In 2016 it was shown Q3 & Q4 + semi-finals + finals for Lites and finals for Supercars on our channel. Last year half of lives were cut or shown next day. But I watch on Motorsport TV and directly from Official World RX site. Of course it was locked for my country like every live broadcast but I use VPN.

[MrJan]

Bennett has revealed the Mini, looks better than I expected
http://www.fiaworldrallycross.com/article/9901/bennett-reveals-team-xite-mini

Not sure what his aim is though, taken an untested car into the World Championships just strikes me as odd. It's an awful lot of money to plough into something that he's just looking to get into the semi-finals at some point during the season.

Edit: I missed this too...seems a bit fluffy though http://www.fiaworldrallycross.com/article/9899/esmotorsport-reveals-world-rx-ambitions

[tbtstt]

Bennett has revealed the Mini, looks better than I expected
http://www.fiaworldrallycross.com/article/9901/bennett-reveals-team-xite-mini

Not sure what his aim is though, taken an untested car into the World Championships just strikes me as odd. It's an awful lot of money to plough into something that he's just looking to get into the semi-finals at some point during the season.
Yeah, agree with both of your points there: it's much better looking than the car that was shown at Autosport earlier in the year.

In a way I admire him, he obviously has the money behind him to have a crack at the World Championship and, if I had a big pot of cash, I would love to do the same. That said I can't help but think Bennett is going to be very lucky to make a semi-final this year: would think that the European Championship would be a much better place to race this year.


Edit: I missed this too...seems a bit fluffy though http://www.fiaworldrallycross.com/article/9899/esmotorsport-reveals-world-rx-ambitions
Arrrgghh, my eyes!

[pantealex]

New Mk.8 Fiesta for Eriksson and Larsson.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Just watched the official coverage of the event at Silverstone and was not too impressed with that track.

Lacks the character of Lydden and was very hard to see the Joker laps being taken and how they affected the races.

[macebig]

So, after all, Ford didn't really leave the series... Let's see...

[Alpha]

22 minutes of paddock walk, very interesting!
https://youtu.be/P6pJirPw9aA

I noticed that Pernilla and Johan underscored that they've only done "small changes" and aren't "reinventing the wheel". I wonder if they actually didn't do much or if they're just saying it to lower expectations.. Hmm

Sent fra min SM-G965F via Tapatalk

[Alpha]

Petter on top? In the wet?! That's usually where we find Johan. Also, the VWs seems to be on the pace after all. And an MSE car I'm the top five? Impressive as well. https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180414/8aa9c277e994347543b57a715afaeafe.jpg

Sent fra min SM-G965F via Tapatalk

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Still no live stream of the Qualifying. :(

Clips on Twitter is all:
https://twitter.com/FIAWorldRX/status/985126642132705280

Q1
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DavkksFX4AAgyws.jpg:large

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Davh_U7X0AMb-UW.jpg

[SubaruNorway]

It's more about who manages to drive slow enough today, conditions are really bad

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Strange they had a stream on FB for Free Practice but nothing for the Qualifying in which driver's actually score points for the Championship. They really need to sort this, especially with the advent of All Live on WRC.

[Alpha]

Petter on top in Q2, followed by Timmy and Kevin. Bakkerud fourth, Johan fifth. Ekstrom (who won Q1) all the way down in 7th. Renaults down in 10th and 11th.
It will be dry tomorrow so hopefully we'll get a better picture of how things stand this year.

Top 12 after day one:

1. Petter SOLBERG 45 50 95
2. Mattias EKSTRÖM 50 37 87
3. Johan KRISTOFFERSSON 42 39 81
4. Andreas BAKKERUD 38 40 78
5. Kevin HANSEN 32 42 74
6. Janis BAUMANIS 39 35 74
7. Timmy HANSEN 26 45 71
8. Robin LARSSON 35 36 71
9. Jérôme GROSSET-JANIN 37 34 71
10. Guerlain CHICHERIT 36 33 69
11. Sébastien LOEB 40 27 67
12. Niclas GRÖNHOLM 28 38 66

[Sulland]

Qually points: http://www.fiaworldrallycross.com/result/supercar/esp/2018

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Qualified for semi-finals:
Solberg, T.Hansen, Kristoffersson, Ekström, Bakkerud, Grönholm, Larsson, Baumanis, Timerzyanov, Grosset-Janin, Chicherit, K.Hansen.

[Alpha]

If this result stands the judges seem to be hell bent on destroying this season as well. What bullshit.

Sent fra min SM-G965F via Tapatalk

[pantealex]

Ekström was half a car lenght ahead...
and Petter didn´t brake.

No need for penalty.

[Alpha]

Ekström was half a car lenght ahead...
and Petter didn´t brake.

No need for penalty.

He was nowhere near half a car ahead, and they both braked before the corner.
Video here: https://www.facebook.com/fiaworldrallycross/videos/1974481592564325/

Ekstrom pushed Petter a hell of a lot harder than Petter pushed Ekstrom back in Latvia. And Petter got DQed there so I expect nothing less this time.

[Alpha]

And there it is, Ekström is DISQUALIFIED.
http://www.fiaworldrallycross.com/article/9925/kristoffersson-wins-season-opener-after

[Rallyper]

First guy to the corner chooses the raceline. And Ekström was first.

However it´s horrible placing such fence in the inside of first corner.

[macebig]

Ridiculous...VW has the stewards grabbed by the balls...

[Alpha]

You are both wrong. Race line is ok, but it isn't a free pass. The rules are NOT ment to be interpreted so that if you're 2 cm ahead you can push whoever is alongside you into whatever stationary object you see. Ekströms move was considered a "dangerous maneuver" and rightfully so. Petter turned right and braked but had nowhere to go.
https://i0.wp.com/parcferme.no/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/IMG_0680.jpg?fit=1600%2C1067&ssl=1

[macebig]

Ekstrom isn't obliged to open the door. Solberg was always going for a disappearing gap.

[mknight]

There was supposedly a meeting before the race about this and the drivers were warned.


Anyway was looking forward to an interesting final and then in the first corner the driver that lead all weekend is out and the one stays in the lead is likely to get disqualified. Instantly killed any excitement.

[SubaruNorway]

Ekstrom isn't obliged to open the door. Solberg was always going for a disappearing gap.

Ekström was off the track with all 4 wheels, that's a bit more than just closing the door

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Happy with the DQ but having that tyre barrier on turn 1 was a bad design and an accident was probably inevitable at some point. Pity it came in the Final.

[pantealex]

OK.
It took 5 hours for judges to make that decision, seems to me that it was not clear case.
I´m ready to admit that it was right decision.

[Andre Oliveira]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Da4469WX0AAYjc0?format=jpg&name=large

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Having a Monster-sponsored Championship and a Monster-sponsored Team (PSRX VW) does make it a bit tricky when a Red Bull car clashes with them.. ;)

[Rallyper]

Happy with the DQ but having that tyre barrier on turn 1 was a bad design and an accident was probably inevitable at some point. Pity it came in the Final.

However I don´t like Petters explanation. Saying he was happy it wasn´t a concrete barrier at the place, says very much how much you need to explain your side of the fault.

[tbtstt]

Got back from Spain late last night, so only just got round to catching up on the forum! Real mix of conditions over the two days, wet and incredibly slippery loose surface on Saturday versus a dry and fast track on Sunday.

Very tough call for the officials with regards to the incident in the final. Ekstrom was marginally ahead, but I personally think he was too pushy: Solberg had the inside line and was travelling at roughly the same speed, but Ekstrom put his car inside the white lines, so he must have known that any car inside of him was being forced well over them.

That said, I think it was a poor bit of track design and I am honestly surprised that there wasn't more then one car that collected that tyre barrier. Solberg was dominant for a large portion of the weekend and he at least deserved a podium, was a real shame to see his weekend end like that. He gave the Polo a damn good thrashing in the final though!

Fantastic drive from Nitiss in the European Championship. My first impression was that Marklund was going to be the pace setter again, but Nitiss was great in the wet on Saturday afternoon and again in the dry on Sunday.

[MrJan]

Apparently the dates for GRC have now disappeared, maybe they killed the championship quicker than we thought?

[Gregor-y]

It's dead for the year if not completely. Subaru jumped to the competing America Rallycross Championship like they bailed on Rally America a few years ago to go with the new American Rally Association.

Subaru's been doing very well in the US as their cars are getting bigger and blander. I'm kind of surprised they still bother to focus on sponsoring performance at all, here.

https://jalopnik.com/ugly-lawsuit-documents-the-implosion-of-red-bull-global-1825327602

[KiwiWRCfan]

Apparently the dates for GRC have now disappeared, maybe they killed the championship quicker than we thought?

GRC has a trail of unpaid bills. No 2018 season. Not looking good for future years.
Here are links to 2 articles
http://autoweek.com/article/racing/red-bull-global-rallycross-shuts-down-2018-leaves-trail-unpaid-bills
https://jalopnik.com/ugly-lawsuit-documents-the-implosion-of-red-bull-global-1825327602

[tbtstt]

https://jalopnik.com/ugly-lawsuit-documents-the-implosion-of-red-bull-global-1825327602
I am normally very sceptical of Jalopnik articles (especially concerning rallycross) as they tend to be inaccurate and/or based on questionable sources.

Given that seems to be quoting actual legal documents though, that seems pretty damming.

[Gregor-y]

I am normally very sceptical of Jalopnik articles (especially concerning rallycross) as they tend to be inaccurate and/or based on questionable sources.

Given that seems to be quoting actual legal documents though, that seems pretty damming.

It's normally a bunch of softball nostalgia and comment seeking articles, but every now and then there's a decently sourced piece.

[Alpha]

However I don´t like Petters explanation. Saying he was happy it wasn´t a concrete barrier at the place, says very much how much you need to explain your side of the fault.

He was visibly shaken after the race, and they did carry quite a bit of speed even into the first corner. Then considering it's only been 7 months since he had to be removed from his car by medical personell and taken to the hospital with broken bones I can understand that he feared the worst when hurtling towards the tires with his wheel turned to the right and his middle pedal to the floor, to no avail. He was looking ahead to the first corner, his braking point and so on, with an S1 right next to him. I guess he didn't consider the possibility of Ekström turning into him and crashing him into the first stationary object along the track. I wouldn't either. Timur maybe, and perhaps Bakkerud, but not Ekström.

[tomhlord]

It's dead for the year if not completely. Subaru jumped to the competing America Rallycross Championship like they bailed on Rally America a few years ago to go with the new American Rally Association.

..and who would blame them? With only one other team signed up for GRC 2018 and the abondonment of the cars they have invested in, it's only logical to withdraw and go to a series that welcomes them and their machinery with open arms.

[SubaruNorway]

..and who would blame them? With only one other team signed up for GRC 2018 and the abondonment of the cars they have invested in, it's only logical to withdraw and go to a series that welcomes them and their machinery with open arms.

I think Subaru also got pretty tired of being run off the track by the GRC owner's son Austin Dyne and always getting away with it

[tbtstt]

From what has been said thus far I think there will be more GRC horror stories coming out over the next few months. It seems the divisions within the series have been growing for some time.

[tbtstt]

Forgive the double post, but I just uploaded some pictures from the opening round of the Championship in Barcelona. Few of my faves:

https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/864/41688559811_170b41fb61_b.jpg

https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/952/26820253717_026536d385_b.jpg

https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/971/27819350628_b2c5e4d2fa_b.jpg

https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/872/27819316608_c4c0fa3d40_b.jpg

https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/959/41649199462_39fb24ed0f_b.jpg

https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/943/41649299662_935a093718_b.jpg

Loads more pictures here:

https://www.flickr.com/photos/22961613@N06/sets/72157692943651242

If any of you are interested!

[MrJan]

I see that Pucher is back with Topi and Andrew Jordan for a select few events (GB, Germany and something else I think), guess he's regretting having a whinge at IMG and heading over to GRC!

[tbtstt]

I see that Pucher is back with Topi and Andrew Jordan for a select few events (GB, Germany and something else I think), guess he's regretting having a whinge at IMG and heading over to GRC!
Pucher is pretty vocal on Facebook: he is still insisting that the GRC Europe Championship is coming in 2019.

[Sulland]

Could be a possibility to see Sordo in WRX, maybe in a Renault Megane.
Will be interessting.

[Alpha]

Times are in for Montalegre free practice and the fastest guy this weekend is...

*drumroll*


Petter Solberg!

Followed by:
Kristofferson
I'll-crash-you-if-I-can-Ekström
Timmy
Loeb
Kevin Hansen
Baumanis
Timur
Grönholm
Chichi
Bakkerud

Disappointing pace from Andreas.. But he only did 9 laps, most of the others did 20. Maybe some technical issue?

[Micke_VOC]

Top 5 Q1


1.
Sébastien LOEB
1
02:41.054
50


2.
Mattias EKSTRÖM
2
02:41.266
45


3.
Johan KRISTOFFERSSON
3
02:42.559
42


4.
Guerlain CHICHERIT
4
02:42.792
40


5.
Andreas BAKKERUD
5
02:43.144
39


Top 5 Q2


1.
Timmy HANSEN
1
02:39.635
50


2.
Sébastien LOEB
2
02:39.669
45


3.
Mattias EKSTRÖM
3
02:40.044
42


4.
Petter SOLBERG
4
02:40.552
40


5.
Andreas BAKKERUD
5
02:40.554
39




http://www.fiaworldrallycross.com/result/por/2018 (http://www.fiaworldrallycross.com/result/por/2018)

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Lovely conditions...
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Db9RMv8WAAEqY1f.jpg

[tbtstt]

Well quite an eventful end to the racing in Portugal. EKS and Peugeot both looked stronger than PSRXVW in qualifying, but poor strategy from EKS left the door wide open for Kristoffersson in the semi-final. Good recovery from Solberg as well (helped by the Eriksson/Baumanis contact), thought he had thrown his chances away when he stalled on the line.

Has Chichiret got a lot better, or is the Prodrive Megane really, really, quick? I thought Grosset-Janin would be the quickest guy in GCK, but Guerlain seems to be doing well, him knocking Ekstrom out was the biggest surprise of the weekend.

[MrJan]

I think that Chicherit benefited from circumstance rather than legit pace. He managed to get some clear races in qually and then the Hansen/Ekstrom/Bakkerud scrap in the semi so basically gave him a bye to the final....that said, the Prodrive Megane is definitely quick and I think could have been competitive with the right driver. Interesting to note that the manufacturer is GCK,rather than Renault, so possibly a falling out?

EKS really shot themselves in the foot, although looked to me that Ekstrom got a nudge wide in the semi-final (rubbing's racing and all that). All the f**king about on the first corner was what allowed Petter back into the race. Entertaining weekend, weather looked horrible at times.

[tbtstt]

Interesting to note that the manufacturer is GCK,rather than Renault, so possibly a falling out?
I don't think there was ever any mention of Renault manufacturer endorsement for GCK was there? The designation doesn't surprise me, OMSE and MJP (and possibly others) have branded their Fiestas as manufactured by themselves (rather than Ford) in the past.


EKS really shot themselves in the foot, although looked to me that Ekstrom got a nudge wide in the semi-final (rubbing's racing and all that). All the f**king about on the first corner was what allowed Petter back into the race. Entertaining weekend, weather looked horrible at times.
Yeah, EKS left the door wide open for Johan. The Eriksson/Baumanis contact definitely played into Solberg's hands. It wasn't clearly shown on the TV coverage, but I think Eriksson and Baumanis traded more paint during the rest of the race as well.

Second weekend that Timmy Hansen has fallen short at the last hurdle as well. The results don't really show it, but at present I think the Peugeot Sport 208 is the quickest car out there.

[MrJan]

I don't think there was ever any mention of Renault manufacturer endorsement for GCK was there? The designation doesn't surprise me, OMSE and MJP (and possibly others) have branded their Fiestas as manufactured by themselves (rather than Ford) in the past.

You're correct that Renault never really had input into the project, but I don't think Ford or Hyundai did a lot with OMSE or GRX, but their logo is still used. I know that Petter stopped using the Citroen name as well.

I actually spoke to someone yesterday that had a bit of awareness about the build and I got the impression that it was quite rocky along the way.

[tbtstt]

You're correct that Renault never really had input into the project, but I don't think Ford or Hyundai did a lot with OMSE or GRX, but their logo is still used. I know that Petter stopped using the Citroen name as well.
Hyundai Motorsport sold GRX the cars they are using, so perhaps that was a stipulation of the sale. OMSE have only started using the Ford logo again on their cars this year (logo on the bonnet):

https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/824/40973088124_12a471ea0a_b.jpg

They had an OMSE badge sitting in the same place in previous seasons:

https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8374/29549631730_77dbd62910_b.jpg

I suspect the removal of logos is an intentional move by the teams to try and encourage official support from that particular manufacturer. It was no secret that Petter wanted works support for rallycross, so that may have been his way of trying to get it.

(though in the case of OMSE I think the replacement of the Ford logos may have been a case of sour grapes, as Ford pulled the official backing from OMSE in 2016 and gave it to HRD instead, I understand there is at least some endorsement from Ford again in 2018, hence why the logos have returned)


I actually spoke to someone yesterday that had a bit of awareness about the build and I got the impression that it was quite rocky along the way.
That's interesting to read, by "rocky" do you mean there were issues with the design itself, or between Prodrive and GCK?

[MrJan]

That's interesting to read, by "rocky" do you mean there were issues with the design itself, or between Prodrive and GCK?

I think it was more from GCK and Renault (if they had any input at all). Possibly related a lot to funding, can't be cheap getting someone like Prodrive to build a car for you.

[tbtstt]

I think it was more from GCK and Renault (if they had any input at all). Possibly related a lot to funding, can't be cheap getting someone like Prodrive to build a car for you.
Absolutely not! I would think that the cost of a car from Prodrive would rival, if not exceed, the recent builds from M-Sport.

It's difficult to quantify, because there is obviously a certain amount of shared/borrowed development cost with some cars, but I wonder what the most expensive car is on the grid is now?

[MrJan]

My guess would be that, overall, the VW has had the most money put into it. However the majority of that would have been from VW motorsport themselves prior to pulling out of the WRC. Hyundai must be fairly close behind too, that car was developed for a few years as WRC car.

In terms of being made specifically for WRX then GCK must be the biggest single outlay, most of the other cars have started from a base from someone else but the Megane is built from the ground up.

[tbtstt]

Mark Higgins confirmed to enter the British World Championship round at Silverstone.

[N.O.T]

hey if you want to see a bunch of has beens battling it out for the "car sport that nobody cares about anymore" crown, its live on youtube from belgium...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KeVT_3Ek90A

[Alpha]

The guy that was dominating the incredibly unexciting sport called WRC, with nine wins, finally got a win in Rallycross. The level is so high that the last time Loeb was able to win was two years ago! In WRC Loeb didn't even crack a smile but said "for sure I am happii" to the cameras before walking off with yet a other trophy. In World RX the level is so high and winning so hard that Loeb was grinning from ear to ear continously from passing the line. He's probably still grinning. Not that it's surprising. Winning is a lot more rewarding when you actually have to work hard to do it.

I'm WRC there was one guy and one team on top. In WRX there's currently three teams neck and neck with Peugeot, VW and Audi. The Fords of Omse, the Hyundais of GRX Taneco and the Renaults from Gck are also really close. And only 16 points divide the top six drivers. That's close and exciting action, and we've only had three rounds so far!

The weekend in Mettet was challenging, but exciting to watch. Loeb, Petter and Timmy were well deserved winners and I'm glad Ekström finished all the way back after the asshole move he pulled on Grosset-Janin.


TLDR: World RX is amazing. WRC is still less fun than watching paint dry.

[the sniper]

TLDR: World RX is amazing. WRC is still less fun than watching paint dry.

Of course a circus is fun, 'amazing' for some. Being the best Clown is little achievement, but at least they make the children smile in trying.

[Sulland]

To be fair to Loeb, he has won once before.
http://www.fiaworldrallycross.com/article/9361/loeb-wins-in-latvia

And that he has to fight for the wins, show that WRX has a high level of cars and drivers.

In 2018 the Peugeot are winning most starts, so they have found something important this year.

[focus206]

The guy that was dominating the incredibly unexciting sport called WRC, with nine wins, finally got a win in Rallycross. The level is so high that the last time Loeb was able to win was two years ago! In WRC Loeb didn't even crack a smile but said "for sure I am happii" to the cameras before walking off with yet a other trophy. In World RX the level is so high and winning so hard that Loeb was grinning from ear to ear continously from passing the line. He's probably still grinning. Not that it's surprising. Winning is a lot more rewarding when you actually have to work hard to do it.

I'm WRC there was one guy and one team on top. In WRX there's currently three teams neck and neck with Peugeot, VW and Audi. The Fords of Omse, the Hyundais of GRX Taneco and the Renaults from Gck are also really close. And only 16 points divide the top six drivers. That's close and exciting action, and we've only had three rounds so far!

The weekend in Mettet was challenging, but exciting to watch. Loeb, Petter and Timmy were well deserved winners and I'm glad Ekström finished all the way back after the asshole move he pulled on Grosset-Janin.


TLDR: World RX is amazing. WRC is still less fun than watching paint dry.

Not good enough. Try harder.

Nice victory by Loeb, looks like VW won't be dominating as much as last year. I wonder if this year the driver championship will be won by an actual rallycross driver like Kristoffersson or by former WRC or DTM drivers.

[tbtstt]

hey if you want to see a bunch of has beens battling it out for the "car sport that nobody cares about anymore" crown, its live on youtube from belgium...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KeVT_3Ek90A
Yeah, Kristoffersson, Hansen(s) and Bakkerud in the Worlds, Raymond, Nitiss and Marklund in the Euros. So many "has beens" battling for the win...

...an interesting result from Belgium and good news for the Championship with Johan finishing further down the order and the points all closing up. Very dramatic semi-final 2 and final. Timmy Hansen denied another win at Mettet, but still a good weekend for Peugeot. The latest iteration of the 208 looked to have speed in rounds one and two, great to see the car deliver at last, it looks the biggest challenge to the Polo.

Am I the only one starting to go off Ekstrom? For a driver who so frequently preaches about clean racing, that is the second heavy turn one contact he has been involved with this year. I'd have been livid if I was Grosset-Janin.

[Duvel]

Peugeots starts today have been impressive.
Semi final 2 was great! Congrats to Bakkerud and Timmy for that Performance!

[Myrvold]

I wonder if this year the driver championship will be won by an actual rallycross driver like Kristoffersson or by former WRC or DTM drivers.

Like last year you mean?:rolleyes:

[Rally Power]

The guy that was dominating the incredibly unexciting sport called WRC (...)
TLDR: World RX is amazing. WRC is still less fun than watching paint dry.

Just for the record: have you ever been to a WRC rally?

Btw, with so many ‘forum vigilantes’ around (always picking on wrongly placed posts), I’m amazed why we still have WRX thread in the Rally section. How about to move it to the racing section of the forum once for all?

[focus206]

Like last year you mean?:rolleyes:

Yes, like last year, that's why I named him.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Fun to watch, but some of these WRX tracks are so tight its making it more like stock car racing.

[Alpha]

Not good enough. Try harder.

Nice victory by Loeb, looks like VW won't be dominating as much as last year. I wonder if this year the driver championship will be won by an actual rallycross driver like Kristoffersson or by former WRC or DTM drivers.
Why is he an "actual rallycross driver"? Before he came to Rallycross he raced touring cars and Porsches on asphalt. He has won the Superstars Series (touring cars), won the Scandinavian Touring Car Championship and the Porsche Carrera Cup Scandinavia.



Yeah, Kristoffersson, Hansen(s) and Bakkerud in the Worlds, Raymond, Nitiss and Marklund in the Euros. So many "has beens" battling for the win...

...an interesting result from Belgium and good news for the Championship with Johan finishing further down the order and the points all closing up. Very dramatic semi-final 2 and final. Timmy Hansen denied another win at Mettet, but still a good weekend for Peugeot. The latest iteration of the 208 looked to have speed in rounds one and two, great to see the car deliver at last, it looks the biggest challenge to the Polo.

Am I the only one starting to go off Ekstrom? For a driver who so frequently preaches about clean racing, that is the second heavy turn one contact he has been involved with this year. I'd have been livid if I was Grosset-Janin.
Yeah, Grosset-Janin made some hand gestures to Ekström that were clear. He was NOT happy. It's strange how Ekström has gone from driving mostly with respect to being the biggest ass out there. He drives like I would expect from Timur or Bakkerud.



Just for the record: have you ever been to a WRC rally?

Btw, with so many ‘forum vigilantes’ around (always picking on wrongly placed posts), I’m amazed why we still have WRX thread in the Rally section. How about to move it to the racing section of the forum once for all?
I followed the WRC religiously for many many years, probably since around 2001. But after 9 years of watching a french guy called Sebastian say "for sure I am happii" without even a hint of a smile and walking away with the trophy on every single race it gets a bit boring. When he was out another guy called Sebastian picked up where he left and kept it boring.
I picked a random race, Corsica 2016. Sebastian won, Thierry was second, 46 seconds behind. Then Andreas Mikkelsen came in over a minute after. Then the rest followed minutes after. Yey.. Minutes, how exciting.. Sebastian could stop for coffee on his way to the podium.

I tried hard, for years, but come on, it really isn't exciting any more. I haven't really paid much attention this year, but a quick glance shows Sebastian winning three out of five races, is in the lead of course, and only four cars are in it.

[stefanvv]

I picked a random race, Corsica 2016. Sebastian won, Thierry was second, 46 seconds behind. Then Andreas Mikkelsen came in over a minute after. Then the rest followed minutes after. Yey.. Minutes, how exciting..

You should have followed Gr. B days then. The difference was much bigger back then, and drivers could gain much more on single stage. But those were the times, and oh well - when Gr. B cars were banned from rally, guess what - they formed the rally cross as it is now. Funny, isn't it?

[focus206]

Why is he an "actual rallycross driver"? Before he came to Rallycross he raced touring cars and Porsches on asphalt. He has won the Superstars Series (touring cars), won the Scandinavian Touring Car Championship and the Porsche Carrera Cup Scandinavia.


I wasn't aware of that, I only knew he did a couple of rallies in Sweden for fun. I'll rephrase then: I wonder if this year the driver championship will be won by a former WRC, DTM or touring car driver.

[tbtstt]

Why is he an "actual rallycross driver"? Before he came to Rallycross he raced touring cars and Porsches on asphalt. He has won the Superstars Series (touring cars), won the Scandinavian Touring Car Championship and the Porsche Carrera Cup Scandinavia.

I wasn't aware of that, I only knew he did a couple of rallies in Sweden for fun. I'll rephrase then: I wonder if this year the driver championship will be won by a former WRC, DTM or touring car driver.
I actually think you both have a point here: Johan Kristoffersson has appeared in other National Championships, but he a young driver attempting to "make his name" and launch his racing career via the World Rallycross Championship (plus his family has been involved with rallycross for a lot of years).

Loeb and Ekstrom have made their name (and arguably reached the peak of their career) elsewhere, so I can see why some people are critical of them. You could perhaps say the same of Solberg but, as he began his career in rallycross many years ago (and the family of his wife have roots in rallycross), I daresay he has more connection to the sport than the other aforementioned Champions.


Before he I followed the WRC religiously for many many years, probably since around 2001. But after 9 years of watching a french guy called Sebastian say "for sure I am happii" without even a hint of a smile and walking away with the trophy on every single race it gets a bit boring. When he was out another guy called Sebastian picked up where he left and kept it boring.
I have been following WRC for the best part of 25 years now and there have been times when I have struggled to get excited about it (most notably in the height of Loeb dominance) but, in my personal opinion, the last two years have been the best seasons in at least 15 years...


I tried hard, for years, but come on, it really isn't exciting any more. I haven't really paid much attention this year, but a quick glance shows Sebastian winning three out of five races, is in the lead of course, and only four cars are in it.
...the outright results only really tell half the story. If someone were to look at the WRX results from 2018 thus far, they might assume that Kristoffersson had won two of the three rounds and was walking away with it again, but that clearly isn't true.

Yeah, Ogier is winning rallies but he is having to fight this year. You have a field of very competitive cars and some great talent emerging in WRC (Tanak is my personal pick of the bunch at the moment). Plus the new cars are stupidly fast and (much to my surprise) deserving of all the hype around them. If you have enjoyed WRC in the past then I would suggest you give it another look this year.


You should have followed Gr. B days then. The difference was much bigger back then, and drivers could gain much more on single stage. But those were the times, and oh well - when Gr. B cars were banned from rally, guess what - they formed the rally cross as it is now. Funny, isn't it?
There seem to be a lot of rose-tinted spectacles worn when people look back at Group B-era rally. The cars were absolute weapons, but events were won by huge margins. Admittedly many events were a lot longer back then, but there was a much higher rate of attrition.

[JUF]

As long as drivers like Loeb, Solberg and Ekström are competitive, I don´t see a reason why they shouldn´t participate in World RX. What I don´t like is when someone like Villeneuve gets a seat. Obviously he wasn't really motivated and even had difficulties to reach the Semi-Finals... Luckily these times seem to be over now.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

I followed the WRC religiously for many many years, probably since around 2001. But after 9 years of watching a french guy called Sebastian say "for sure I am happii" without even a hint of a smile and walking away with the trophy on every single race it gets a bit boring. When he was out another guy called Sebastian picked up where he left and kept it boring.
I picked a random race, Corsica 2016. Sebastian won, Thierry was second, 46 seconds behind. Then Andreas Mikkelsen came in over a minute after. Then the rest followed minutes after. Yey.. Minutes, how exciting.. Sebastian could stop for coffee on his way to the podium.

I tried hard, for years, but come on, it really isn't exciting any more. I haven't really paid much attention this year, but a quick glance shows Sebastian winning three out of five races, is in the lead of course, and only four cars are in it.

Ironic... the current WRC is closer and more competitive than its ever been with similar cars & sprint events.

[dupanton]

WRC 2017: 7 different winners in 4 different cars on 13 events
WRX 2017: 3 different winners in 2 different cars on 12 events

I don't get your point Alpha

[Rally Power]

I followed the WRC religiously for many many years, probably since around 2001. But after 9 years of watching a french guy called Sebastian say "for sure I am happii" without even a hint of a smile and walking away with the trophy on every single race it gets a bit boring. When he was out another guy called Sebastian picked up where he left and kept it boring.

No straight answer, so I’ll assume you’ve never been to a WRC rally or even to a major national series one. That’s a shame, as you can only enjoy the thrill of rallying after being on a couple of top events.

Any kind of motor racing can look better on a TV than rally does, especially when racing series are designed to entertain the audience, like WRX. Rally is not about beating a direct rival on an artificial track; it’s about challenging your own limits in common roads, under nature’s random elements.

There’s nothing like Rally in terms of pure driving and every driver/crew managing to brightly perform on this sport deserves fans respect and admiration, no matter if they eventually win a title or not.

Btw, during the next days I’ll be able, just like thousands and thousands of Portuguese rally fans, to go to my country finest forest roads and enjoy some first class ‘paint drying’…somehow, those are always the best days of the year! Long live the WRC!

[tbtstt]

As long as drivers like Loeb, Solberg and Ekström are competitive, I don´t see a reason why they shouldn´t participate in World RX. What I don´t like is when someone like Villeneuve gets a seat. Obviously he wasn't really motivated and even had difficulties to reach the Semi-Finals... Luckily these times seem to be over now.
Yeah, fully agree with regards to Villeneuve. I am really not sure what purpose his foray into rallycross was supposed to serve: was he hoping to reignite his racing career or did he think it was going to easy racing?

Admittedly the Albatec Peugeot wasn't the most reliable platform at the time but, even so, he didn't that motivated when interviewed on the subject (especially when compared with the reaction of drivers like Ekstrom when they first arrived in rallycross).


There’s nothing like Rally in terms of pure driving and every driver/crew managing to brightly perform on this sport deserves fans respect and admiration, no matter if they eventually win a title or not.
I love rallycross and would probably favour watching a major rallycross event over a major rally these days...

...but your statement is spot on: nothing compares to the sensation of seeing a well-driven rally car (regardless of the class) flying through a forest on maximum attack.

[pettersolberg29]

My guess would be that, overall, the VW has had the most money put into it. However the majority of that would have been from VW motorsport themselves prior to pulling out of the WRC. Hyundai must be fairly close behind too, that car was developed for a few years as WRC car.

In terms of being made specifically for WRX then GCK must be the biggest single outlay, most of the other cars have started from a base from someone else but the Megane is built from the ground up.

If we're talking money spent on RX, I can say with huge confidence that Peugeot have spent the most money and resource, closely followed by Audi and GCK. PSRX are a distant 4th. The VW and Hyundai had a lot of money spent on them in WRC but far less than competitors in RX - in terms of testing alone, Peugeot, GCK and Audi have done more test days each than PSRX, GRX and OMSE combined!

[MrJan]

If we're talking money spent on RX, I can say with huge confidence that Peugeot have spent the most money and resource, closely followed by Audi and GCK. PSRX are a distant 4th. The VW and Hyundai had a lot of money spent on them in WRC but far less than competitors in RX - in terms of testing alone, Peugeot, GCK and Audi have done more test days each than PSRX, GRX and OMSE combined!

I was referring to the cars from start to end, rather than what each RX team has put into it. VW were developing their car for so long, and with so many tests, that it must have had a fortune put into it when the WRC programme was shelved. Obviously what PSRX have put in is then going to be less than the likes of GCK and EKS have had to spend on building their cars. The reason I thought GCK would be ahead of the others is because they've had to pay someone else for all the work, whereas Pug and Audi have done a bit more 'in house' With the Prodrive mark-up I'd have thought costs can go up pretty quickly.

[N.O.T]

reminder that without my superior intellectual level and superbly witty comments about the race you would not even bother with the event...

that's how popular and exciting the nobody circus parade is..

you can continue now.

[pettersolberg29]

I was referring to the cars from start to end, rather than what each RX team has put into it. VW were developing their car for so long, and with so many tests, that it must have had a fortune put into it when the WRC programme was shelved. Obviously what PSRX have put in is then going to be less than the likes of GCK and EKS have had to spend on building their cars. The reason I thought GCK would be ahead of the others is because they've had to pay someone else for all the work, whereas Pug and Audi have done a bit more 'in house' With the Prodrive mark-up I'd have thought costs can go up pretty quickly.

Ahh apologies, then you're spot on! Though the money spent on the VW and Hyundai for WRC is mainly irrelevant when it comes to RX as so much has to be changed. VW's main resource they passed on to PSRX was their knowledge and engineering skill on the car rather than money, which is arguably more valuable - Peugeot and Audi have pumped money in yet still trail VW this year!

[pettersolberg29]

reminder that without my superior intellectual level and superbly witty comments about the race you would not even bother with the event...

that's how popular and exciting the nobody circus parade is..

you can continue now.

Not all motorsport discussions happen on this forum... ;)

[Sulland]

Fun to watch, but some of these WRX tracks are so tight its making it more like stock car racing.

Many of the tracks are getting more and more "mickey mouse", and to few options to pass under high speed, and under acceleration and braking. So the start are becoming even more important.
Joker lap is a super thing, that bring tactics, but more from the spotters than drivers.

Wider tracks, not that many hard bends, maybe two jokers in finals could give more options for changes during a heat.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Many of the tracks are getting more and more "mickey mouse", and to few options to pass under high speed, and under acceleration and braking. So the start are becoming even more important.
Joker lap is a super thing, that bring tactics, but more from the spotters than drivers.

Wider tracks, not that many hard bends, maybe two jokers in finals could give more options for changes during a heat.

That's true, but even if they keep the same tracks they need to make the grid gaps a bit bigger to allow some advantage to those on the front.

With the acceleration of these cars and how close the grid is stacked, everyone heading into the first corner almost as one is getting more and more common.

http://www.fiaworldrallycross.com/_mediaimages/11708.jpg

http://www.fiaworldrallycross.com/_mediaimages/11710.jpg

[MrJan]

Peugeot and Audi have pumped money in yet still trail VW this year!

It seems pretty close in the races, but the results and the tables only tell one side of the story. Peugeot have made a big leap this year and I think, in terms of pace, are roughly level with VW. Audi seem to trail a bit and then GRX and GCK are in a similar boat a bit further back.


With the acceleration of these cars and how close the grid is stacked, everyone heading into the first corner almost as one is getting more and more common.


That's what they want, it's 'exciting'.

Does anyone know if there were any changes at Silverstone following the BRX event? It was suggested that the drivers input may have resulted in some changes, but tbh I didn't think it was realistic at the time.

[Alpha]

No straight answer, so I’ll assume you’ve never been to a WRC rally or even to a major national series one. That’s a shame, as you can only enjoy the thrill of rallying after being on a couple of top events.

Any kind of motor racing can look better on a TV than rally does, especially when racing series are designed to entertain the audience, like WRX. Rally is not about beating a direct rival on an artificial track; it’s about challenging your own limits in common roads, under nature’s random elements.

There’s nothing like Rally in terms of pure driving and every driver/crew managing to brightly perform on this sport deserves fans respect and admiration, no matter if they eventually win a title or not.

Btw, during the next days I’ll be able, just like thousands and thousands of Portuguese rally fans, to go to my country finest forest roads and enjoy some first class ‘paint drying’…somehow, those are always the best days of the year! Long live the WRC!

Yes I've been to rallies and it's for the party and atmosphere, not for the race. Seeing a blur of a car fly by, waiting 2 minutes for a few seconds glimpse of another blur is fun at first, but quickly looses its attraction. WRC is best on TV.

[MrJan]

I find WRC tedious on TV, not even close to being stood out on the stages.

[tbtstt]

I find WRC tedious on TV, not even close to being stood out on the stages.
I enjoy watching the TV coverage, but they are never going to be able to convey the sense of speed you getting standing at the side of a stage and watching a car speed past!

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Todays WRX Qually is live on Facebook...

[tbtstt]

Todays WRX Qually is live on Facebook...
ARX is live too. I think Q3 and Q4 are on there tomorrow morning as well.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Live on YT https://youtu.be/86Jp8auN-4k

[Arnold Triyudho Wardono]

I'd like to see Andretti & PSRX boys switching cars..

Sent from my A12 using Tapatalk

[Fast Eddie WRC]

SF1 first corner carnage...

https://youtu.be/v3IFRpVED30

[Lousada]

SF1 first corner carnage...

https://youtu.be/v3IFRpVED30


Lol @ car number 24.


https://media.giphy.com/media/eb7C5lHhOd8t2/giphy.gif

[MrJan]

Did get to watch the race as was at Santa Pod, however that incident isn’t completely dissimilar to Catalunya. Obviously there’s no wall there so a less scary outcome...

[tbtstt]

Lol @ car number 24.


https://media.giphy.com/media/eb7C5lHhOd8t2/giphy.gif
The commitment from Tommy Rustad is the highlight of that clip! Great to see him back again this year.

[Myrvold]

The commitment from Tommy Rustad is the highlight of that clip! Great to see him back again this year.

Three events in WRX before he'll retire after a long career with loads of good results in different championships :)

[tbtstt]

Few shots from day two at Silverstone:

https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/882/40692972490_4a8a8e93fe_b.jpg

https://c2.staticflickr.com/2/1738/42501038871_58300924a5_b.jpg

https://c2.staticflickr.com/2/1754/42449059792_4b7e842f2e_b.jpg

https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/897/41778639224_da2d845d4c_b.jpg

https://c2.staticflickr.com/2/1756/42449332382_baedd1b3e6_b.jpg

Few more shots here:

https://www.flickr.com/photos/22961613@N06/sets/72157695807647101

If any of you are interested!

[MrJan]

Nice shots! Interesting to see that Liam was entered into ARX, is he doing the whole series or just the UK event? If it's the latter then I wonder why he didn't enter WRX?

[tbtstt]

Nice shots! Interesting to see that Liam was entered into ARX, is he doing the whole series or just the UK event? If it's the latter then I wonder why he didn't enter WRX?
Cheers!

According to this article...

https://www.thecheckeredflag.co.uk/2018/05/to-get-onto-the-podium-is-a-dream-come-true-liam-doran/

...he entry was a "favour for IMG", so I guess he was there to bulk the numbers up for the inaugural ARX round. He does state later in the article though that he would consider a full ARX campaign if he can get some sponsors onboard.

[MrJan]

Cheers!

According to this article...

https://www.thecheckeredflag.co.uk/2018/05/to-get-onto-the-podium-is-a-dream-come-true-liam-doran/

...he entry was a "favour for IMG", so I guess he was there to bulk the numbers up for the inaugural ARX round. He does state later in the article though that he would consider a full ARX campaign if he can get some sponsors onboard.

How many drivers were entered? Looks like 10, including Liam, so understandable that IMG were keen to get someone. Can't see the series working if they insist it runs in the UK and the US (and only a handful of dates in the US), cost of transporting a car over is going to really restrict who's willing to play.

[tbtstt]

How many drivers were entered? Looks like 10, including Liam, so understandable that IMG were keen to get someone. Can't see the series working if they insist it runs in the UK and the US (and only a handful of dates in the US), cost of transporting a car over is going to really restrict who's willing to play.
Yeah, there were 10 cars entered (two Andretti Beetles, three Vermont WRX STI, two Munnich Ibiza, Liam in a DS3, Phillipe Maloigne in a G-FORS Clio and Andy Scott in an Albatec 208). Of those the Beetles and Subaru's will definitely be at the other three rounds, with Liam a maybe at the moment.

The only other drivers confirmed to enter are Ken Block and Steve Arpin, who will be using the Hoonigan Racing Focus RS RX. Arpin was testing the Focus last week and both cars should be ready for Round 2.

Round two will be at the Circuit of the Americas at some point in July, with Round three at Trois-Rivieres (Canada) in August and Round 4 back at the Circuit of the Americas in September. Rounds three and four both tie in with World Championship events.

[dimviii]

Planetemarcus
‏


@planetemarcus
#WRX That’s it ... Official news : FIA voted for World Rallycross Championship move to electric technology for 2020 season

[pantealex]

Planetemarcus
‏


@planetemarcus
#WRX That’s it ... Official news : FIA voted for World Rallycross Championship move to electric technology for 2020 season

With single suppliers:
Williams-Battery
Oreca-Chassis

Open also for privateer teams. Let´s see are factory teams even interested with this single supply system.

[tbtstt]

With single suppliers:
Williams-Battery
Oreca-Chassis

Open also for privateer teams. Let´s see are factory teams even interested with this single supply system.
At least one manufacturer only got involved this year if the switch to electric was guaranteed. There are nine manufacturers who are expressing serious interest in electric rallycross.

It is the factory teams who are leading this.

[ESTR]

With single suppliers:
Williams-Battery
Oreca-Chassis

Open also for privateer teams. Let´s see are factory teams even interested with this single supply system.

A while ago FIA said that 9 manufacturers are highly interested - Audi, VW and Peugeot are one of them.

[pantealex]

I know that manufacturers were very interested but did they know that it will be single supplier series ?

[ESTR]

I know that manufacturers were very interested but did they know that it will be single supplier series ?

They know probably way ahead of all of us. FIA don't make decision before talking to some of them. It's the money they bring into the game and all the way if they are not interested they probably wouldn't bother to push this thing forward.

[giu canbera]

Do you guys know the European AutoCross championship? Im from south america, so its kinda like a new discovery for me. Im completely sold on this series! Watch this....
just Wait till the end.. haha Trust me
https://www.facebook.com/AtrumaCilts/videos/425085821298137/

These SuperBuggy are 4wd. IDK if they are as fast as a supercar or a rxlites car, but its pretty awesome IMO. And they are all very "amateur", kinda like the old EuroRX. The amateur videos from the teams, drivers and public have always a great "atmosphere".
Lots of different engines too. VW, Ford, Alfa, Porsche, BMW, Skoda, Suzuki... Theres even a V8 competing!
Anyway. Not the topic of this thread, but Im really excited about this series. Nitiss was present during this last round in Latvia. It'd be interesting if there was more investment on this series.. but not that much haha if u know what I mean.

[giu canbera]

I know that manufacturers were very interested but did they know that it will be single supplier series ?

I bet they ASKED for that.
Which is weird... Same thought about FormulaE with spec chassis and batery. Panasonic kinda created a battery that dont use cobalt (or something like this). Imagine if they had the race tracks to explore those innovations!
But eh... lets run on turtle shoes

[ESTR]

Two things hapenned at Q's now at HellRX that bothers me. Why the hell Kristoffersson start in race in Q1 with drivers who everyone barely know. That clearly gave him huge advantage to dominate it. While the rest of the field (I mean by that top drivers like Bakkerud, Hansens, Loeb, Larsson, Timur, Ekstrom...) all have tough competition in Q1.

Next Loeb and Timur contact.. I mean Ekstrom immediately get penalty but here it nothing happens to that French ass.

I don't know but I think it's not fair in both cases...

[SubaruNorway]

Two things hapenned at Q's now at HellRX that bothers me. Why the hell Kristoffersson start in race in Q1 with drivers who everyone barely know. That clearly gave him huge advantage to dominate it. While the rest of the field (I mean by that top drivers like Bakkerud, Hansens, Loeb, Larsson, Timur, Ekstrom...) all have tough competition in Q1.

Next Loeb and Timur contact.. I mean Ekstrom immediately get penalty but here it nothing happens to that French ass.

I don't know but I think it's not fair in both cases...

Q1 is a draw.

Timur hit Loeb himself at 3:55min https://youtu.be/e5_a1cFCPm4

[giu canbera]

Another hard crash during the FIA European AutoCross series.
The driver was unconcious and got the foot on the throttle. It took a while to turn the engine off.
I mean, the fireworkers didnt knew how to do it So another driver had to stop his car and turn the crashed car's engine off. THe driver went to the hospital but he is ok... These super buggys are strong
https://twitter.com/FIAEuroAX/status/1011295181872750592

In America, Jason Johnson died last weekend after a crash during world of outlaws sprint car race. RIP
https://www.liveleak.com/view?t=sidC1_1529867129

[MrJan]

Terrible reaction from the marshals on the first video, completely lunched the engine because they aren't aware enough to look for the cutoff. Won't watch the second video if it's a fatality, I have no interest in snuff movies.

On a lighter note, I booked my ticket for Riga today :D :bounce:

[Myrvold]

Won't watch the second video if it's a fatality, I have no interest in snuff movies.

On a lighter note, I booked my ticket for Riga today :D :bounce:

Agreed. Also. Don't see how dirt oval racing have any relevance to FIA World RX at all (same goes partially for FIA EARX as well).

That reminds me. I have still not seen 1 lap of racing on that circuit. I've been busy each time!

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Fairly predictable result today... but a dramatic end to the Final.

[Arnold Triyudho Wardono]

Ekki is DQ'd, J G-J takes the 3rd..(first podium finish for GCK Megane..

Sent from my A12 using Tapatalk

[Alpha]

Sad for Grosset-Janin who was supposed to have been spraying champagne for the first time. And not surprised that it was Ekström... Again.
And totally gutted for Solberg. He's the only one faster than Kristofferson this weekend (Q3) only to retire in the semi with his car on fire...

[SubaruNorway]

Did Hansen get his shoulder out joint when Bakkerud passed, so that's why he was so slow into the last righthander?
Looked weird since he did nothing to save it.

[BleAivano]

Sad for Grosset-Janin who was supposed to have been spraying champagne for the first time. And not surprised that it was Ekström... Again.
And totally gutted for Solberg. He's the only one faster than Kristofferson this weekend (Q3) only to retire in the semi with his car on fire...

And not surprised to see your hateful comments again. :mad:

It seems that Whatever EKS do he will be penalized. Earlier this season Petter went for a gap and EKS got DSQ, now EKS goes for a gap and gets DSQ.

[stefanvv]

These series turn to a complete joke. Pity because Kristoffersson is very talented and deserves to win.

[Alpha]

And not surprised to see your hateful comments again. :mad:

It seems that Whatever EKS do he will be penalized. Earlier this season Petter went for a gap and EKS got DSQ, now EKS goes for a gap and gets DSQ.Hateful? He drives like an ass, and has done so again and again this year. He needs to stop being Timur.

[pantealex]

Riku Tahko (RX Driver and YLE TV-commentator) said that Mattias is known as "fair play" driver.
I believe that judges made right decision, like always.

[MrJan]

Ekstrom is one of my favourite drivers but I don't think that move was really on, although I think he just misjudged it...but was it so different to the Johan on Solberg move at Silverstone?

Solberg wasn't the only one quicker than Johan either, I believe Timmy was also quicker in Q3.

[tbtstt]

To be fair to Ekstrom many of the more recent incidents would, if they had occurred in isolation, been viewed as racing incidents. But considering what happened at Barcelona and everything he has done since, I am definitely seeing Ekstrom as one of the dirty driver this year.

Mattias always talked about "winning with respect". Perhaps the pressure of Audi Sport backing (and the need for results) is the cause for more aggressive driving?

Gutted for Petter, really thought he might have a shout at victory. Looked like Timmy did slow with an issue at the end as well? Really hope Peugeot can get that car sorted so someone can knock the Polo off the top step. Kristoffersson is a deserving champion, but I want to see him have to fight for the title!

[stefanvv]

Perhaps the pressure of Audi Sport backing

Yes, AUDI deserves much more on the motorsport scene. But that's how it is - AUDI, Porsche, VW stepped back for the stupid diesel gate, and the 2 of them are now fighting in this mickey mouse championship. Shame, just shame....

[stefanvv]

Sad for Grosset-Janin who was supposed to have been spraying champagne for the first time. And not surprised that it was Ekström... Again.
And totally gutted for Solberg. He's the only one faster than Kristofferson this weekend (Q3) only to retire in the semi with his car on fire...


Until this season Ekström has been a great sport, with fair play in mind. But this year he's gone mental, he's full on Bakkerud/Timur/Doran at their worst.

Also note that Timur got a reprimande for unsportsmanlike behavior when he grabbed Ekström post race and waived his fists around.

Petters engine is toast so he'll be starting in Canada with a new one. Not critical as of now, but remember they can only use two engines during a season so if it happens again he's in trouble.

Where is that kid from the not far past claiming WRC is as such to watch the paint drying, but RC is the real thing? Is he gone somewhere, or just doesn't like certain drivers and likes others more? Sorry I don't see much "real" in this championship, I'm really sorry.

[Essaj]

Yes, AUDI deserves much more on the motorsport scene. But that's how it is - AUDI, Porsche, VW stepped back for the stupid diesel gate, and the 2 of them are now fighting in this mickey mouse championship. Shame, just shame....

This, No clue what they're trying to accomplish in WRX, it just seems a massive waste of money.
For me (even if i'm a motorsport fan) it seems that in the finals there is always the same 6 drivers. Just think about it, you have no change to be at the finals if you aint backed by a manufacturer who is spending a shit ton of money on the team.
No idea how expensive it's to drive WRC car today as a privateer but WRC2 car is around 200€+ per km + insurance and tires and I don't even want to imagine how much is it for driving in a top class in WRX - Must be thousands if not more and then compare that to the visibility of the sport.

How are you suppose to find new talent and any interest to a sport when no one can afford it, Nitiss and Heikkinen were both forced to stop when they couldn't find enough money to back their seasons.

Does someone know how is the viewership between WRX to WRC?

[stefanvv]

This, No clue what they're trying to accomplish in WRX, it just seems a massive waste of money.
For me (even if i'm a motorsport fan) it seems that in the finals there is always the same 6 drivers. Just think about it, you have no change to be at the finals if you aint backed by a manufacturer who is spending a shit ton of money on the team.
No idea how expensive it's to drive WRC car today as a privateer but WRC2 car is around 200€+ per km + insurance and tires and I don't even want to imagine how much is it for driving in a top class in WRX - Must be thousands if not more and then compare that to the visibility of the sport.

How are you suppose to find new talent and any interest to a sport when no one can afford it, Nitiss and Heikkinen were both forced to stop when they couldn't find enough money to back their seasons.

Does someone know how is the viewership between WRX to WRC?

I don't think it's massive money. There was some info not very far long it's about 15 mils per year, I think (but could be 20, or 30 at most). And probably most of them are paid by the sponsors. In comparison VW endeavor in WRC was costing roughly 100 mils per year, I have no idea about WEC costs, but probably it's similar considering all the technologies there. All-in-all WRX is cheap championship, otherwise they won't be there, would they?

[Essaj]

I don't think it's massive money. There was some info not very far long it's about 15 mils per year, I think (but could be 20, or 30 at most). And probably most of them are paid by the sponsors. In comparison VW endeavor in WRC was costing roughly 100 mils per year, I have no idea about WEC costs, but probably it's similar considering all the technologies there. All-in-all WRX is cheap championship, otherwise they won't be there, would they?

But what happens when you compare that to the amount of publicity let's say against rallying in the highest level?
For manufacturers 15-30mils might be cheap but it's still a lot of money considering amount of kilometers they get shown in media - and imagine that cost for privateers.

In Finland WRX is pretty much gone now from the media. When Heikkinen was still in there, there was some still some interest but now that he is gone it's just Grönholm doing mediocore results with a mediocore team so the sport doesn't get any publicity outside of pure Motosport journalism.

IMHO Rallycross is kinda like drifting, it's good fun untill it gets too serious. Then it just becomes so expensive that only the big names survive.

[janvanvurpa]

How are you suppose to find new talent and any interest to a sport when no one can afford it?



Evidently the correct way to find new talent is to look across the dinner table and to try and remember how old your son sitting there is...judging from the miraculous frequency that sons of former drivers are "found" to be the best prospect..

Or maybe its a new inheritable genetic trait passed by genes.