2016 News and Results

[CWJ]

No crews from Austria. Source was Austria.

[focus206]

One of them should be Julius Tannert, he's now Opel works driver and his codriver in 2015 was Jennifer Thielen, so :)

[mousti]

Hope Griebel will continue too.

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[RS]

Looking at Chris Ingram's tweets i guess he is going to Latvia, maybe some news at the Autosport show today.

[RICARDO75]

Giacomo Costenaro with ERC program. Latvia will be first rally

[RICARDO75]

Giuseppe Scriva starts the ERC season on Islas Canarias and other 5 WRC events
http://www.rallycir.com/news-extra-cir/giuseppe-scriva-nelleuropeo

[dupanton]

Rumors from Austria for 3 Opel R2 works cars with 3 girls codriving :)

Ingram announced he will drive with a female codriver (Katrin Becker) too. Maybe he will be one of them?

[focus206]

Ingram announced he will drive with a female codriver (Katrin Becker) too. Maybe he will be one of them?

Maybe... I noticed that also Aleksander Zawada, who last year was somewhat supported by Opel in JERC, had a female codriver, so he might be also him. I also hope they'll give Griebel another chance, though.

[dupanton]

Maybe... I noticed that also Aleksander Zawada, who last year was somewhat supported by Opel in JERC, had a female codriver, so he might be also him. I also hope they'll give Griebel another chance, though.

Zawada was one of the best drivers last year on tarmac, but needs some improvement on gravel. And he is not regular enough. His times in Ypres were very good and he is a spectacular driver!
Griebel certainly deserves another chance, although he needs to move on soon, going to a bigger car.
Same goes for Ingram...

[WUff1]

Ingram announced he will drive with a female codriver (Katrin Becker) too. Maybe he will be one of them?

Now we know where Katrin Becker left from Austrian driver Michael Böhm for an international program, thanks.

[106 sport]

There are rumours about participation of Federico Della Casa with DS3 R5 in Rally Islas Canarias El Corte Inglés.

[106 sport]

Coming up next: Posibles entries of drivers in Gran Canaria.


Giandomenico Basso (ITA) Ford Fiesta R5 GLP
Emil Bergkvist (SUE) Por confirmar
David Botka (HUN) Citroën DS3 R5
Cedric Cherain (BEL) Ford Fiesta R5
Robert Consani (FRA) Citroën DS3 R5
Raul Jeets (EST) Por confirmar
Kajetan Kajetanowicz (POL) Ford Fiesta R5
Alexey Lukyanuk (BLR) Ford Fiesta R5
Ricardo Moura (POR) Ford Fiesta R5
Giacomo Scattolon (ITA) Mitsubishi Lancer Evo X
Ralfs Simarcis (LET) SKODA Fabia R5
Nikolay Syrazin (RUS) SKODA Fabia R5
Vasily Syrazin (RUS) SKODA Fabia R5
Jaromir Tarabus (CZE) SKODA Fabia R5
Antonín Tlustak (CZE) Por confirmar

[Mirek]

Is that some kind of fan wishlist or something realistic? I have doubts about it.

[106 sport]

Is that some kind of fan wishlist or something realistic? I have doubts about it.


It belong to a dependable web.


http://www.motor2000.net/noticia.php?N=10241

[Jarek Z]

Coming up next: Posibles entries of drivers in Gran Canaria.

Nikolay Syrazin (RUS) SKODA Fabia R5
Vasily Syrazin (RUS) SKODA Fabia R5


Who made this list? Who is Syrazin?! Maybe Gryazin? But isn't Vassily Gryazin still injured?

[Mirek]

Yes, he is.

[RICARDO75]

Coming up next: Posibles entries of drivers in Gran Canaria.


Giandomenico Basso (ITA) Ford Fiesta R5 GLP
Emil Bergkvist (SUE) Por confirmar
David Botka (HUN) Citroën DS3 R5
Cedric Cherain (BEL) Ford Fiesta R5
Robert Consani (FRA) Citroën DS3 R5
Raul Jeets (EST) Por confirmar
Kajetan Kajetanowicz (POL) Ford Fiesta R5
Alexey Lukyanuk (BLR) Ford Fiesta R5
Ricardo Moura (POR) Ford Fiesta R5
Giacomo Scattolon (ITA) Mitsubishi Lancer Evo X
Ralfs Simarcis (LET) SKODA Fabia R5
Nikolay Syrazin (RUS) SKODA Fabia R5
Vasily Syrazin (RUS) SKODA Fabia R5
Jaromir Tarabus (CZE) SKODA Fabia R5
Antonín Tlustak (CZE) Por confirmar

Giuseppe Scriva was the only driver that said something about the Canary Islands Rally and he is not on that wish list.

[RICARDO75]

Hope Griebel will continue too.

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From Griebel facebook:
SEASON 2016 UPDATE:
Again i will be part of the ADAC Opel Rallye Junior Team with an international programme. Our season will start @ ERC Rally Liepaja (Latvia), more details will follow soon!
So it is the same car, nearly the same rallies, but with different persons next to me.
My co-drivers for 2016 are Pirmin Winklhofer and Lara Vanneste Codriver. Both of them are not able to do a full season with me, so for me it was obviously the best choice to work half the time with both of them.

[106 sport]

Giuseppe Scriva was the only driver that said something about the Canary Islands Rally and he is not on that wish list.

The list was made on December 31

[focus206]

From Griebel facebook:
SEASON 2016 UPDATE:
Again i will be part of the ADAC Opel Rallye Junior Team with an international programme. Our season will start @ ERC Rally Liepaja (Latvia), more details will follow soon!
So it is the same car, nearly the same rallies, but with different persons next to me.
My co-drivers for 2016 are Pirmin Winklhofer and Lara Vanneste Codriver. Both of them are not able to do a full season with me, so for me it was obviously the best choice to work half the time with both of them.

Great news!

[PLuto]

The list was made on December 31

And it is mixture of "news" on facebook or twitter. So really reliable source...

[CWJ]

Looking at Chris Ingram's tweets i guess he is going to Latvia, maybe some news at the Autosport show today.

http://forum.rallye-magazin.de/rallye-news/28393-neue-gesichter-im-opel-werksteam.html

Rallye Magazin reports about 3 Opel R2 in JERC

Griebel / Vanneste, Winklhofer
Tannert / Thielen
Ingram / Becker

[RS]

http://forum.rallye-magazin.de/rallye-news/28393-neue-gesichter-im-opel-werksteam.html

Rallye Magazin reports about 3 Opel R2 in JERC

Griebel / Vanneste, Winklhofer
Tannert / Thielen
Ingram / Becker

Thanks, that would leave those drivers well placed for Opel R5.

Any news about that?

[pantealex]

Joonas Tokee P208 R2 "full" JERC

confirmed at his own twitter @JTokeeRacing

[dupanton]

Coming up next: Posibles entries of drivers in Gran Canaria.


Giandomenico Basso (ITA) Ford Fiesta R5 GLP
Emil Bergkvist (SUE) Por confirmar
David Botka (HUN) Citroën DS3 R5
Cedric Cherain (BEL) Ford Fiesta R5
Robert Consani (FRA) Citroën DS3 R5
Raul Jeets (EST) Por confirmar
Kajetan Kajetanowicz (POL) Ford Fiesta R5
Alexey Lukyanuk (BLR) Ford Fiesta R5
Ricardo Moura (POR) Ford Fiesta R5
Giacomo Scattolon (ITA) Mitsubishi Lancer Evo X
Ralfs Simarcis (LET) SKODA Fabia R5
Nikolay Syrazin (RUS) SKODA Fabia R5
Vasily Syrazin (RUS) SKODA Fabia R5
Jaromir Tarabus (CZE) SKODA Fabia R5
Antonín Tlustak (CZE) Por confirmar

Only Scattolon announced his participation afaik.
Cherain will not start there I think.

[WUff1]

Kajto is more than questionable too at the moment.

[Jarek Z]

Kajetanowicz, Kasperczyk, Nivette and Kołtun test their cars in snow conditions in Poland. Some of them are going to compete in Liepaja next month. Apparently Urmo Aava is present at this test session. Kajto drives Subaru. I think it is his usual test car. Negotiations with Lotos are still in progress, but they are going to be finalized soon.
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.1013690785355737.1073742037.430031057055049&type=3

[Jarek Z]

Kajto back in ERC. It's official. Do you like it?
http://kajto.pl/en?i=1&t=news&n=700&news=worthy_challenge_for_the_reigning_champion:_k ajetanowicz_will_defend_his_fia_erc_title

[RS]

Kajto back in ERC. It's official. Do you like it?
http://kajto.pl/en?i=1&t=news&n=700&news=worthy_challenge_for_the_reigning_champion:_k ajetanowicz_will_defend_his_fia_erc_title

That's fantastic, now I hope he will have some competition!

[tommeke_B]

Great news! I hope that this year he comes to Ypres.. :)

[mousti]

That's fantastic, now I hope he will have some competition!

And doing Ypres!

[dodge33cymru]

Great that he'll be in Ypres; I did Ypres and Valais last year so never saw him. Hopefully Ireland and Ypres this time around.

[pucky54]

I hope that this year he comes to Ypres.. :)

Don't think so!

[mousti]

Don't think so!

Don't jinx it :D

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[Simmi]

Great to see Katjo get a programme together. I wonder if the return of Lotos also bodes well for Kubica?

[MartijnS]

Kobus for now El Corte Ingles, Ypres and Barum + 2 Belgium rallies with the Fabia R5. More can be added later, they name Poland for ERC too in their communication.

[PLuto]

Great to see Katjo get a programme together. I wonder if the return of Lotos also bodes well for Kubica?

There is nothing new, both Kajto and Robert knows about conditions from Lotos since beginning of previous year. So they had enough time to prepare...

[106 sport]

Kobus for now El Corte Ingles, Ypres and Barum + 2 Belgium rallies with the Fabia R5. More can be added later, they name Poland for ERC too in their communication.

Sorry, who is "Kobus" ???

[dupanton]

Sorry, who is "Kobus" ???

Dutch driver, quite a fast one. Did Barum last year too.

[focus206]

Sorry, who is "Kobus" ???

Hermen Kobus, Dutch driver http://www.ewrc-results.com/profile.php?p=9634&t=Hermen-Kobus

[Simmi]

There is nothing new, both Kajto and Robert knows about conditions from Lotos since beginning of previous year. So they had enough time to prepare...

What conditions? All I've seen are rumours for the last few months that Loto sponsorship would disappear?

[PLuto]

What conditions? All I've seen are rumours for the last few months that Loto sponsorship would disappear?

One thing are rumours on forums and internet, but teams knew in time what conditions will be for 2016.

[manthey]

One thing are rumours on forums and internet, but teams knew in time what conditions will be for 2016.

teams knew because Lotos confirmed (limited) support for 2016 as last season? Lotos would revamp its strategy about rally?switch to other sports or a concern contingent with oil?

[106 sport]

Dutch driver, quite a fast one. Did Barum last year too.


Hermen Kobus, Dutch driver http://www.ewrc-results.com/profile.php?p=9634&t=Hermen-Kobus

Thanks. Good news for fans of Gran Canaria.

[sindroms]

Sirmacis confirmed his plans for ERC. 5 gravel rounds - Liepaja (snow), Acropolis, Acores, Estonia, Cyprus on Fabia R5. If there will be a possibility to get additional budget - tarmac rounds on Peugeot R2 then.

UPD: Short on-board clip from tests - https://vimeo.com/152402790

[PLuto]

Thanks. Good news for fans of Gran Canaria.

There will be more good news ;)

[106 sport]

There will be more good news ;)

I hope it je je...

[sindroms]

http://forum.rallye-magazin.de/rallye-news/28393-neue-gesichter-im-opel-werksteam.html

Rallye Magazin reports about 3 Opel R2 in JERC

Griebel / Vanneste, Winklhofer
Tannert / Thielen
Ingram / Becker

Yes, they all are in Liepāja entry list now :)

[Bartek]

Subaru Poland Rally Team will start in ERC from what I know with a Polish driver

[dupanton]

jERC should be very good :)

[Jarek Z]

Have you seen Kajto's new car for the ERC?
https://scontent-frt3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xft1/t31.0-8/12496255_1131823420184258_7226844742747413092_o.jp g

[RS]

Things starting to come together a bit for ERC now. Hopefully the future will be brighter with Hyundai and Opel R5s on the way.

[Rally Power]

Yep, good for ERC because if Katjo keeps the strong MSport support he had last year this will mean there's at least one manu involved at ERC (even if MSport doesn't officially admit it). That could be the spark for Skoda put an ERC program in place...

On the other hand, if Katjo remains the only manu backed guy, this year ERC may be a walk in the park for him. Hope not, but to me he deserved to be at WRC2 and fight with the best drivers around (he's clearly at their level!).

[PLuto]

There is no need to have manufacturers in ERC. Actually it looks like that ERC will be about fight between Kajto and Lucas. Kajto has nothing to prove in WRC2 now, to fight against three factory Skodas and one factory Ford...

[Mirek]

If ERC ever wants to get to the level of former IRC it absolutely needs manufacturers. Otherwise it will stay an unrecognized regional trophy.

[PLuto]

I think it is almost impossible to have regular manufacturers in ERC. If company is giving money to sport programme, they always wants to be in WRC... Earlier or later. To have Skoda and Peugeot it was possible only because their "group" partners VW and Citroen were in WRC. If we dont talk about "private" manufacturers like Proton and Opel in S2000 era, only one brand without WRC was Fiat (and they were thinking about WRC)...

We will see how it will be with other R5 manufacturers, if they will be interested also in ERC...

[Jarek Z]

New livery for Lukasz Pieniazek's Opel Adam R2. Doesn't this car remind a bar of soap? ;)
https://scontent-fra3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xaf1/t31.0-8/12491927_443148919203768_9133431959401571118_o.jpg

[RS]

I think it is almost impossible to have regular manufacturers in ERC. If company is giving money to sport programme, they always wants to be in WRC... Earlier or later. To have Skoda and Peugeot it was possible only because their "group" partners VW and Citroen were in WRC. If we dont talk about "private" manufacturers like Proton and Opel in S2000 era, only one brand without WRC was Fiat (and they were thinking about WRC)...

We will see how it will be with other R5 manufacturers, if they will be interested also in ERC...

But VW and Citroen are still in WRC so why can't Skoda and Peugeot be in ERC?

I don't believe Skoda would be in WRC if VW didn't need them there. Publicity for WRC2 is so poor it can't be for the marketing?

[Mirek]

I think it is almost impossible to have regular manufacturers in ERC. If company is giving money to sport programme, they always wants to be in WRC... Earlier or later. To have Skoda and Peugeot it was possible only because their "group" partners VW and Citroen were in WRC. If we dont talk about "private" manufacturers like Proton and Opel in S2000 era, only one brand without WRC was Fiat (and they were thinking about WRC)...

We will see how it will be with other R5 manufacturers, if they will be interested also in ERC...

That's not true. In 2009-2011 which was the IRC peak there was no VW in WRC and Škoda didn't come to IRC because of VW. They came there as they saw an opportunity to make a a lot for their image through the series and it paid off hugely. Their campaign was a mega success with an enormous PR value. VW came to WRC later and it's likely their decision to come to rallying was influenced by the success of Škoda in IRC.

We can continue with the birth of the series. It was Fiat who entered first when it was a complete noname experiment. Peugeot didn't come because Citroën was in WRC but because there was another opportunity for PSA to score marketing points. Same with Proton and we can continue like that.

The alternative series can live a good live but only with manufacturers. Without them there is no real media or public attention (a lot of that PR is created by the carmakers themselves). Eurosport didn't manage to keep them in the series and they all run away to WRC. That's simply a fail even if it's caused mostly by the reborn of WRC and a change of FIA rules (ban of S2000 in 2011).

"We'll see" is a wrong stance. Eurosport shall work hard to bring them in the series again if it wants to make it something interesting again. Why shall the teams enter ERC now when there's little to win there? There are several great events which they can enter anyway (and they do) but the series as a whole has no reputation or public recognition whatsoever. The funny thing is that most of the teams who enter WRC2 do that simply because of the "WRC" name of the series. But motorsport is foremost a marketing tool and for that reason names and recognition are hugely important. Believe me that if there was something to win for them in ERC they would be there. They are not so dumb.

[Rally Power]

Maybe the solution is between a WRC alternative series, like IRC used to be, and a third level international series, like ERC can eventually become.

WRC needs to be pinnacle of the sport. Manus should be directly involved, even those with less developed cars. It’s true that these don’t get most of attention, but they can profit from the series world status in many ways and even use the experience to get at top WRC level.

This is what has happen during the many golden eras of WRC history (the F2 championship in Gr.A days is the perfect example of a less important, yet successful, manus competition), but history also shows that at the weaker WRC periods, manus will tend to desert and try other alternatives to run their rally programs (in the case they don’t simply extinguish them).

That’s what IRC become, a manus oriented alternative rally series to WRC, profiting from WRC bad shape during the late 00’s. IRC was a huge success until FIA managed to put WRC on track again and close down that alternative window. At the current revived WRC stage, insisting that ERC should be an alternative series seems to be a mistake. There’s room for ERC to be a complementary rally series, not an alternative one.

Even with the focus directed to the top european private teams and drivers, ERC doesn’t need to be a boring amateurs series, because manus involvement can happen in many ways besides the full works teams we had in IRC days: Junior programs (like the Opel Junior team or Peugeot Academy), european importers or top private teams programs with manus backup (like Katjo’s MSport Poland), well promoted Rally Cup Series for amateurs drivers and so on.

IMO, that's the kind of initiatives Eurosport must keep developing and for that it'd surely help to get a shorter calendar and keep the promotional work at the top level they get rally fans used to.

[WUff1]

WRC2 is the new IRC, whereas ERC has returned to the status it had before 2012 (well, not exactly, becaus of JERC and some other small things, but in large parts).

[PLuto]

ERC never can be alternative way to WRC2. It is very easy, FIA will not allow it. They had one experience with IRC and since that time they were doing (and they still do) maximum to keep most of drivers only in WRC events... They are absolutely no interested in any other championship (I am talking about rally).

[Andre Oliveira]

Subaru Poland Rally Team will start in ERC from what I know with a Polish driver

So not that Lithuanian driver?

[makinen_fan]

Kajto's livery:

https://scontent-lhr3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xaf1/v/t1.0-9/12512598_1132705583429375_1242621245892991203_n.jp g?oh=b58807e88263b7d0e81c24616f10a2bd&oe=573039D6

more here: https://www.facebook.com/KajetanKajetanowicz/posts/1132706396762627

[markf8691]

Is Peugeot going to be in ERC this year at all?

I think for ERC to be successful they do need manufactuer supported teams - or even importer teams.

Without this, it'll never grow again to the status it had a few years ago...

[PLuto]

Is Peugeot going to be in ERC this year at all?

I think for ERC to be successful they do need manufactuer supported teams - or even importer teams.

Without this, it'll never grow again to the status it had a few years ago...

For sure there will be no official Peugeot Rally Academy, after big help of Sainz they moved with Suarez to WRC2...

[PLuto]

https://scontent-lhr3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xtf1/v/t1.0-9/12418098_1070356462995396_2152588050804268812_n.jp g?oh=4905b1c62a951c83086019271c2fff26&oe=5733E445

[focus206]

For sure there will be no official Peugeot Rally Academy, after big help of Sainz they moved with Suarez to WRC2...

Not even with R2 in JERC, that you know? I see Jordan Berfa in Monte Carlo with Peugeot Rally Academy, does he have a program in WRC3?

[PLuto]

Not even with R2 in JERC, that you know? I see Jordan Berfa in Monte Carlo with Peugeot Rally Academy, does he have a program in WRC3?

Berfa will do WRC3. Main problem for JERC campaign of Peugeot is that supplier for JERC this year is Pirelli. And Peugeot has agreement with Michelin...

[pucky54]

Main problem for JERC campaign of Peugeot is that supplier for JERC this year is Pirelli. And Peugeot has agreement with Michelin...

I wonder why Opel doesn't have the same issue ;)

[Jarek Z]

Hungarian driver David Botka (current ERC2 champion) revelaled more details about his plans for this year. He's going to drive 8 ERC rounds at the wheel of Citroen DS R5. Good luck!
http://www.fiaerc.com/botka-gets-down-to-details-in-the-erc/

[106 sport]

Hungarian driver David Botka (current ERC2 champion) revelaled more details about his plans for this year. He's going to drive 8 ERC rounds at the wheel of Citroen DS R5. Good luck!
http://www.fiaerc.com/botka-gets-down-to-details-in-the-erc/

Good news.

[106 sport]

https://scontent-lhr3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xtf1/v/t1.0-9/12418098_1070356462995396_2152588050804268812_n.jp g?oh=4905b1c62a951c83086019271c2fff26&oe=5733E445

Nice livery.

Is he going to participate in the full ERC ?

[PLuto]

I wonder why Opel doesn't have the same issue ;)

Opel is not french company...

[PLuto]

Nice livery.

Is he going to participate in the full ERC ?

Nothing is sure yet. He still doesnt have his own car yet :(

[RS]

What can we expect from Botka? Is he a driver with promise or is he a 'tourist' as some people like to call them?

[PLuto]

What can we expect from Botka? Is he a driver with promise or is he a 'tourist' as some people like to call them?

He is fast driver. But until now he was driving mostly Mitsubishi. We will see how fast he can adapt to R5 machinery...

[pucky54]

Opel is not french company...

But they also have agreement with Michelin!

[RS]

He is fast driver. But until now he was driving mostly Mitsubishi. We will see how fast he can adapt to R5 machinery...

Thanks. How old is he?

[Jarek Z]

Thanks. How old is he?

He is 31 years old. I don't know much about him, but he seems to be a good group N driver. The question is if he will be equally good in a faster car?
http://ewrc-results.com/profile.php?p=8637&t=David-Botka

[Bartek]

So not that Lithuanian driver?

No, maybe he will start in ERC but from what I know without SPRT support

[RS]

He is 31 years old. I don't know much about him, but he seems to be a good group N driver. The question is if he will be equally good in a faster car?
http://ewrc-results.com/profile.php?p=8637&t=David-Botka

Thanks, good that we have the opportunity to find out.

[RS]

Kubica should come and have another go at ERC.. a two car Lotos M-Sport Poland team with Kajto sounds like a good idea to me :)

[dodge33cymru]

I agree that would make perfect sense, pity it seems impossible.

[Jarek Z]

Three factory Opels confimed in Junior ERC - for Marijan Griebel, Julius Tannert and Chris Ingram:
http://www.rallye-magazin.de/int/nachrichten/artikel/d/2016/01/25/opel-bestaetigt-neuzugang-ingram/

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Great news for young Brit Chris Ingram being signed by Opel for 2016 ERC !

Hope he can challenge for the Jnr title this season after a good 2015.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

First pics in his new livery

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CZlRz_2WEAA028-.jpg

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CZk6UVUW0AEZmrX.jpg

New co-driver, Katrin Becker from Germany, will now read the pacenotes for the young gun.

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CZk6UVyWYAAhV0r.jpg

Opel Rallye Junior Team 2016

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CZk6UWTWYAEsDq9.jpg

[dupanton]

Great news for young Brit Chris Ingram being signed by Opel for 2016 ERC !

Hope he can challenge for the Jnr title this season after a good 2015.

It is already his third season in jERC, now is the time to deliver!

[Jarek Z]

Seeing those three above makes me wonder - does anybody have any chance against them in JERC?

[mousti]

Good question and especially with this car and support!

[rp]

Seeing those three above makes me wonder - does anybody have any chance against them in JERC?

Definitely Chris has to get now results!

ADAM R2 is the best car in it´s class, but I think that Joonas Tokee driving 208 R2 will be very good! At least on gravel...

[PLuto]

On loose surface I think Gryazin should be fast. Big rivals for them will be also Rokland and Tempestini. We will see from Ireland, who from fast tarmac drivers will join the championship. I hope at least for Zawada, who can be really fast on tarmac.

[sindroms]

Karl Martin Volver will do all ERC tarmac rounds + Estonia round on Peugeot R2. It's all ok with his skills on gravel so they decided to gain experience on tarmac for 2017 season (full season in plans).

[Jarek Z]

On loose surface I think Gryazin should be fast. Big rivals for them will be also Rokland and Tempestini.

Tempestini?! But the driver has to be fast to beat the Opel crews. Having Italian name is not enough :)

[noel157]

Is Ingram any good? I see on his website he calls himself "currently the number 1 English rally driver". He didn't seem to do much in the Volant series and the ERC (apart from Azores) although I think his 208 had some reliability issues.

[dodge33cymru]

He's quick but maybe not the quickest, consistent but not the most consistent. In my personal opinion, he's unlikely to be a star, but I can't argue with his claim either, there aren't many professional rally English drivers at the moment, he might just be the only one!

It's a good chance he has now with Opel, real competition and there's no-one else to blame if anything does go wrong for him. Arguably his last chance to prove he has what it takes, but it wouldn't surprise me too much if he's able to at this level.

[Munkvy]

He's quick but maybe not the quickest, consistent but not the most consistent. In my personal opinion, he's unlikely to be a star, but I can't argue with his claim either, there aren't many professional rally English drivers at the moment, he might just be the only one!

It's a good chance he has now with Opel, real competition and there's no-one else to blame if anything does go wrong for him. Arguably his last chance to prove he has what it takes, but it wouldn't surprise me too much if he's able to at this level.

You might have heard of the Higgins brothers? Both professional rally drivers, both have won a couple of things before... One of them shows the American's how to drive each year? Yes they may not necessarily be the fastest drivers from England, but they certainly are professional rally drivers.

But of course, you can argue they are not English.

[dodge33cymru]

Exactly, the Higgins' are from IoM I believe, Evans is Welsh, Meeke is Northern Irish.

I mean you can also discount the likes of Bogie, Thorburn, McCormack, Cave and Pryce for the same reason, so there's not much competition! There's a reason it's worded as 'English'!

[liposh]

Tempestini?! But the driver has to be fast to beat the Opel crews. Having Italian name is not enough :)

Tempestini is definitelly not slow. He is driving plenty of rallies per year and his progress is bigger and bigger each month.

[Simmi]

Exactly, the Higgins' are from IoM I believe, Evans is Welsh, Meeke is Northern Irish.

I mean you can also discount the likes of Bogie, Thorburn, McCormack, Cave and Pryce for the same reason, so there's not much competition! There's a reason it's worded as 'English'!

Nice bit of PR. Like you Rodger I can't think of another better candidate. It's crazy really that there aren't more English guys. That said at no point when cheering on McRae, Meeke, Evans etc did I think 'I wish they were English'.

[Bartek]

I think now I can write this here, Chuchala will drive Subaru in ERC with Subaru Poland Rally Team. I think it's better choice than last year Butvilas.

[Jarek Z]

I think now I can write this here, Chuchala will drive Subaru in ERC with Subaru Poland Rally Team. I think it's better choice than last year Butvilas.

I have never heard about it, but I hope it is true. Thanks for sharing the news. Chuchala is a great driver! Good luck to him!

[AL14]

Did Ingram really describes himself as the best english driver? I thought it was an intelligent guy.

[dodge33cymru]

Did Ingram really describes himself as the best english driver? I thought it was an intelligent guy.
Erm, did you read the above posts? Can you name a better one?

[AL14]

Erm, did you read the above posts? Can you name a better one?

It's not about it. it's about the fact he should concentrate on what to achieve, not to find laughable way to feel himself best in something completely useless.

[pol1sh]

I think now I can write this here, Chuchala will drive Subaru in ERC with Subaru Poland Rally Team. I think it's better choice than last year Butvilas.

I can't wait to see what he can do this year. Glad he's got a budget together, he deserves more chances.

[dupanton]

I think now I can write this here, Chuchala will drive Subaru in ERC with Subaru Poland Rally Team. I think it's better choice than last year Butvilas.

Any news about his program? Ypres? :)

[Bartek]

Any news about his program? Ypres? :)

I don't know anything yet about his program, as soon as I will know I will try to write it, I think they will try to start in events without such a big competition to collect a points.

[mousti]

I don't know anything yet about his program, as soon as I will know I will try to write it, I think they will try to start in events without such a big competition to collect a points.

Is it not the aim for ERC2 championship where there are not so much rallies with quite big competition? ER1 is impossible with such car, and being fifth means nothing..

[RICARDO75]

I think now I can write this here, Chuchala will drive Subaru in ERC with Subaru Poland Rally Team. I think it's better choice than last year Butvilas.

The team will do 7 events with Wojciech Chuchała, but for now, just Canaries, Greece, Azores, Poland and Cyprus on the program.

[Jarek Z]

The team will do 7 events with Wojciech Chuchała, but for now, just Canaries, Greece, Azores, Poland and Cyprus on the program.

Yes, it's official now. Great news! Check out the promotional video at http://rajdy.autoklub.pl/news/chuchala-i-dymurski-w-subaru-poland-rally-team,65835

[Reis Eduardo]

Does anyone know when it will be published on the ERC of the site the Season Entry List 2016?

[Mirek]

There is no season entry list for ERC. The registrations are opened through the season and anybody can join whenever.

[Reis Eduardo]

There is no season entry list for ERC. The registrations are opened through the season and anybody can join whenever.

Correct, but they publish the pilots registered, in 2015 there was this list.

http://media.fiaerc.com/season-entry-list/

[RS]

ERC never can be alternative way to WRC2. It is very easy, FIA will not allow it. They had one experience with IRC and since that time they were doing (and they still do) maximum to keep most of drivers only in WRC events... They are absolutely no interested in any other championship (I am talking about rally).

Would the reintroduction of an ERC Manufacturers Championship encourage the car makers to support the series more?

Is this one of the things FIA will not allow?

[RICARDO75]

Portuguese 2WD champion, Marco Cid, on JERC with Peugeot 208 R2.

[Jarek Z]

I can't speak Hungarian, but I think I understand correctly that Tibor Erdi is going to compete in the European Championship at the wheel of Mitsubishi Lancer. His program includes:
Canary Islands
Circuit of Ireland
Ypres
Rzeszow
Barum
then mybe Cyprus and Valais (depending on the situation).

Details at:
http://www.rvo.hu/2016/01/28/221699/

http://www.rvo.hu/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/irany_az-_erc_1.jpg

[mousti]

Good news, very spectacular driver.

Verstuurd vanaf mijn Nexus 5 met Tapatalk

[TWRC]

I can't speak Hungarian, but I think I understand correctly that Tibor Erdi is going to compete in the European Championship at the wheel of Mitsubishi Lancer. His program includes:
Canary Islands
Circuit of Ireland
Ypres
Rzeszow
Barum
then mybe Cyprus and Valais (depending on the situation).

Details at:
http://www.rvo.hu/2016/01/28/221699/

http://www.rvo.hu/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/irany_az-_erc_1.jpg
Yes. They wanted to compete in WRC, but then realized that there's no separate category for R4/N4 cars, and went with ERC instead.

Meanwhile, Botka also announced that he will start on 8 ERC rounds with the DS3, and also 8 rallies in Hungary with his Evo IX.

[PLuto]

Would the reintroduction of an ERC Manufacturers Championship encourage the car makers to support the series more?

Is this one of the things FIA will not allow?

No, this will not help. It is easy, manufacturers are not interested in it now...

[RS]

No, this will not help. It is easy, manufacturers are not interested in it now...

But why not, when they were interested in IRC?

Lack of live tv? Lack of prestigious events like Monte, Safari, Sanremo, Corsica?

[Mirek]

No, this will not help. It is easy, manufacturers are not interested in it now...

The correct question to ask is why they are not interested. You can't just say that it's something Eurosport can't affect. It's their job to promote the series. They are the promoter. Sadly they seem to lost the interest as well.

[106 sport]

Big plans for SRT rally team. They are planing to run with two teams - SRT (Three R2 cars) and Skoda Baltic Motorsport (Thre Skoda Fabia R5)
http://www.go4speed.lv/lv/news/erc/5180-kruzmanis-sobrid-stradajam-pie-ta-lai-erc-cempionata-startetu-ar-divam-komandam/

what did happen with this program?

[RICARDO75]

what did happen with this program?

Blūms and Gryazin on JERC and Sirmacis on gravel rallies. No Canarias for them

[RICARDO75]

Karl Martin Volver will do all ERC tarmac rounds + Estonia round on Peugeot R2. It's all ok with his skills on gravel so they decided to gain experience on tarmac for 2017 season (full season in plans).

Amazing how a 16-year-old boy already knows everything about gravel stages, without having competed outside Latvia or Estonia!

[106 sport]

Blūms and Gryazin on JERC and Sirmacis on gravel rallies. No Canarias for them

Ohhh...It is a pitty

[Jarek Z]

This new car looks nice, doesn't it?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=025yXZVNG4g

[marcosg]

The correct question to ask is why they are not interested. You can't just say that it's something Eurosport can't affect. It's their job to promote the series. They are the promoter. Sadly they seem to lost the interest as well.
the fact that r5 cars are cheaper to use and have no competition in wrc2 made car manufacturers turn to a series that will have a bigger audience (tv, spectators, drivers, private teams, ...)

citroen is even promoting a r5 trophy...

[Mirek]

I'm quite sure that IRC used to have far bigger audience and TV space than SWRC or WRC2 (for example here in CZ the mass media coverage of WRC2 is zero). We can see literally an explosion of R5 cars everywhere (British and Portuguese championship as best examples) so why they can't bring more competitors in ERC? For me really the only answer is that they don't care anymore.

[marcosg]

I'm quite sure that IRC used to have far bigger audience and TV space than SWRC or WRC2 (for example here in CZ the mass media coverage of WRC2 is zero). We can see literally an explosion of R5 cars everywhere (British and Portuguese championship as best examples) so why they can't bring more competitors in ERC? For me really the only answer is that they don't care anymore.
I think its just because wrc2 is the big championship for privateers nowadays and finally there is no unfair competition from money-drivers with rrc cars...

every driver dreams of the world championship, not the european... and now wrc2 is affordable... the explosion of r5 cars in national championships is because of that, affordability...

it would take an enourmous effort for erc to fight wrc2 notoriety, even with the poor coverage wrc2 is getting from wrc promoters

[Mirek]

You don't seem to get the point. There were times when it was enough for You to win a world title in PWRC to have S2000 car as there were only one or two yet nobody was running to WRC. IRC had up to 30 S2000 cars on start and PWRC 1 or 2. In that time it was also world title but nobody cared as IRC was a lot better place in terms of competition, recognition, marketing etc. While it's not possible for ERC to compete with WRC for obvious reasons it is definitely possible to fight with WRC2 and to attract more competitors as WRC2 in terms of marketing is pretty much non-existent in the media. As I said they don't seem to care anymore.

[marcosg]

You don't seem to get the point. There were times when it was enough for You to win a world title in PWRC to have S2000 car as there were only one or two yet nobody was running to WRC. IRC had up to 30 S2000 cars on start and PWRC 1 or 2. In that time it was also world title but nobody cared as IRC was a lot better place in terms of competition, recognition, marketing etc. While it's not possible for ERC to compete with WRC for obvious reasons it is definitely possible to fight with WRC2 and to attract more competitors as WRC2 in terms of marketing is pretty much non-existent in the media. As I said they don't seem to care anymore.

because of running costs! privateers didnt have budget to do wrc2 so irc/erc was the next best thing and everyone went there... I think thats the big difference between s2000 and r5 cars...

[RICARDO75]

Łukasz Pieniążek 2016: Canarias, Ireland, Azores, Ypres, Estonia, Rzeszwoski and Barum

[RICARDO75]

Rally Azores will be presented on next week with a new name: Azores Airlines Rallye

[RS]

I don't believe Skoda would be in WRC2 if VW didn't want them there for youth training, and remember without them WRC2 wouldn't be that strong in quality.

What I don't understand is why sponsors support drivers to do WRC2 when there is no publicity. Maybe they're not in it for purely commercial reasons.

[Mirek]

because of running costs! privateers didnt have budget to do wrc2 so irc/erc was the next best thing and everyone went there... I think thats the big difference between s2000 and r5 cars...

R5 don't have lower runing cost than S2000 cars. They are cheaper to buy but not to run, especially in WRC2.

[marcosg]

R5 don't have lower runing cost than S2000 cars. They are cheaper to buy but not to run, especially in WRC2.

well, i've been told engines do a lot more milage, more than double... I'm not sure about the rest (gerabox, transmissions and so)

[PLuto]

well, i've been told engines do a lot more milage, more than double... I'm not sure about the rest (gerabox, transmissions and so)

Engine is doing more mileage (we will see how it will be now with new evolutions), but there is additional cost for turbo and also there is more "serial" parts which need to be replaced earlier.

[Sulland]

R5 don't have lower runing cost than S2000 cars. They are cheaper to buy but not to run, especially in WRC2.


Engine is doing more mileage (we will see how it will be now with new evolutions), but there is additional cost for turbo and also there is more "serial" parts which need to be replaced earlier.

Do you guys have any stats on running costs pr km SS on the two types of cars yet, or is that too early?

When it comes to price to buy a new car; How much diff is it btw latest evo S2000 and R5 Fabias?

[dodge33cymru]

Damn, new date for Latvia in September - was hoping this might actually put Valais back on the calendar, but guess not.

[Jarek Z]

The correct question to ask is why they are not interested. You can't just say that it's something Eurosport can't affect. It's their job to promote the series. They are the promoter. Sadly they seem to lost the interest as well.

But they say that ERC is watched by millions! Can you believe it?
https://www.fiaerc.com/erc-reveals-a-30-per-cent-increase-in-tv-audience/

[liposh]

It must be typo. ERC is watched by Minions

[PLuto]

Damn, new date for Latvia in September - was hoping this might actually put Valais back on the calendar, but guess not.

No chance. Valais is definitely out...

[Franky]

But they say that ERC is watched by millions! Can you believe it?
https://www.fiaerc.com/erc-reveals-a-30-per-cent-increase-in-tv-audience/

TV audience measuring is statistics. There's ratings (number of viewers of programme), share (% watchers of the whole audience behind TV at that moment) and reach (basically how many people have access to the channel). I think it is the latter as they've got no way to measure the audience. They say that Eurosport channels provided 107 million viewers, yet Eurosport is a niche channel and the smaller the number of viewers, the less accurate is the "measured" TV audience.

Hopefully it makes some sense

[Jarek Z]

Can he defeat factory Opels and win ERC3?
https://www.fiaerc.com/bessenyey-returns-to-push-for-erc-title-treble/

[pantealex]

Can he defeat factory Opels and win ERC3?
https://www.fiaerc.com/bessenyey-returns-to-push-for-erc-title-treble/

He can choose non JERC events...

[Reis Eduardo]

Anyone know if in 2016 the Eurosports will broadcasting live stage of some events?

[Luis Pacheco]

With millions of watchers last year who needs live stages on Eurosport?

[Jarek Z]

Janusz Kulig died 12 years ago, but rally fans still remember...

https://scontent-frt3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpt1/v/t1.0-9/12744625_10153296588056960_8272405975693415918_n.j pg?oh=0acb2635440cdb9f8bf919e78253855c&oe=576D38C1

http://i.iplsc.com/-/00032ZQKEIEG34A5-C116-F4.jpg

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CnA4ir832sI

[Andre Oliveira]

Renato Pita changed to Ford, still unknown if R2T or R5, if ERC or only portuguese championship.

[Jarek Z]

Lukyanuk decided to use science in his battle against Kajto. He painted his car in the colours of a Russian science website www.elementy.ru :)

http://www.autoklub.pl/news/foto/201602/news20160218_66194h.jpg

[RS]

Nice livery. Do we know what Alexy's programme is going to be?

[AL14]

A science website sponsoring a rally driver? That is very nice. I don't know why they're doing it but it's nice.

[sindroms]

Nice livery. Do we know what Alexy's programme is going to be?

According to his website they have secured budget for first three ERC races.

[Jarek Z]

A science website sponsoring a rally driver? That is very nice. I don't know why they're doing it but it's nice.

Perhaps they invented some mathematical equation for maximum speed in each corner of each stage so that Lukyanuk can win the rally? ;)

[Xsara Fan]

Interview with Alex Lukyanuk (in Russian – use translate.google.com to read) here: http://ru.motorsport.com/erc/news/lukyanyuk-nachnet-sezon-so-starta-v-ispanii-674165/
Alex talk about cancelling of Rally Liepaja, his debut in Spain and the new livery of his Fiesta R5.

[sete]

H-racing has already tested Fiesta R5 Evo
https://www.facebook.com/1475364672737997/videos/1681384478802681/?fref=nf
so i supposed to Lukyanuk will be again drive a car from this team

[pucky54]

so i supposed to Lukyanuk will be again drive a car from this team

of course he does!

[Jarek Z]

Subaru Poland have revealed their livery for this year:

http://www.autoklub.pl/news/foto/201602/news20160224_66310h.jpg

[Jarek Z]

New driver from Portugal is interested in ERC3:
https://www.fiaerc.com/correia-confirms-erc3-renault-bid/

[Jarek Z]

Kajto has been very busy in the recent days... teaching children about safety :)

https://scontent-cdg2-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xtf1/t31.0-8/12496346_1154020907964509_3489841438379752984_o.jp g

https://scontent-cdg2-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpt1/t31.0-8/12671666_1154021141297819_2740948275399571542_o.jp g

[WUff1]

Now the third WRC-rally is being run, whereas ERC even hasn´t started - what a shame .... calendar 2016 sucks.

[Hubertos]

Remember that Rally Liepaja had to be cancelled.

[liposh]

Hubertos: I can reply: Remember Rally Sweden didn´t have to be canceled. Same problems, but event wasn´t canceled. :D OK, even if I would be optimist I have to say I am not happy with money ruling over common sense. Looking forward to TER (and especialy season 2017) because even if they don´t want to compete ERC the idea of nice rallies in tourist friendly areas is much more interesting and it is good way to succeed.

[Jarek Z]

I have to say I am not happy with money ruling over common sense.

Just like me :)


Looking forward to TER (and especialy season 2017) because even if they don´t want to compete ERC the idea of nice rallies in tourist friendly areas is much more interesting and it is good way to succeed.

Yes, FIA/Eurosport got rid of most "nice rallies in tourist friendly areas", so TER can take them over :)
The list gets bigger every year:
Antibes
Mille Miglia
Valais
Corsika
Madeira
Who is next?

[Jack4688`]

Antibes
Mille Miglia
Valais
Corsika
Madeira


That looks like a pretty good rally calendar to me :D ...even if that includes three out of five events in the Alps...

[Jarek Z]

Tomasz Kasperczyk is going to compete in 7 rounds of 2016 European Rally Championship:
Canarias,
Acropolis,
Acores,
Estonia,
Liepaja,
Rzeszowski,
Barum

http://tigerrally.pl/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/Tiger_Testy_GranCanaria.jpg

[dodge33cymru]

Weird that many seem to be avoiding Ypres

[PLuto]

Weird that many seem to be avoiding Ypres

Tomasz prefers gravel surface. He is adding Rzeszow and Barum mainly because it is close to his home.

[Hubertos]

I think that he want to gain some experience. He didn' take part in many gravel rallies, but he is not weak on tarmac.

[Martins Tolks]

I know it's far away, but still. How spectator friendly is rally Rzesow? In terms of stage access. I'm planning summer trip now, could stop by that rally for 1 day maybe.

[Jarek Z]

he is not weak on tarmac.

What?! Have you ever seen his stage times? :)

[Mirek]

I know it's far away, but still. How spectator friendly is rally Rzesow? In terms of stage access. I'm planning summer trip now, could stop by that rally for 1 day maybe.

I haven't been there but Polish rallies are usually very free for spectators (compared to ours by a big margin).

I'm thinking about going to Rzeszow too. I have some family history connected with the Dukla pass and so far I have never been there which is a shame. I can easily connect both the rally and visiting the pass.

[br21]

Normally, if organizers will not become crazy because of ERC, it should be spectator friendly event.
If you're lucky a little then you can find some nice spots:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Pwjg7r73Lg
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UFLKwm58UeM

[Martins Tolks]

Looks like plenty of action is available. Somehow got impression stages were more in the mountains.

[br21]

No, there are no real mountains, more like "hills".

[dimviii]

Simpson registers for ERC, eyes up overseas events

https://www.fiaerc.com/simpson-registers-for-erc-eyes-up-overseas-events/

[PLuto]

Simpson registers for ERC, eyes up overseas events

https://www.fiaerc.com/simpson-registers-for-erc-eyes-up-overseas-events/

Unfortunately not so many :( Maximum 1-2 others.

[Simmi]

Unfortunately not so many :( Maximum 1-2 others.

A decent selection of BRC guys did but I think it's more for road position than intent to enter other ERC rounds.

[cosmin_sb]

3 rounds for Alex Filip in ERC 2WD with Renault Clio R3T

[Jarek Z]

Kajto's new helmet was designed by sick children:
https://www.fiaerc.com/polish-children-design-new-helmet-for-erc-champion/

[dodge33cymru]

Anyone know if there's an itinerary for Ypres anywhere? Thought I saw a link to it on Twitter but can't seem to see it anywhere now, which probably means I got it mixed up with something else.

[Teme]

Anyone know if there's an itinerary for Ypres anywhere? Thought I saw a link to it on Twitter but can't seem to see it anywhere now, which probably means I got it mixed up with something else.

Try here: http://www.ypresrally.com/sites/ypresrally.com/files/documents/20160408_suppl_regs_kyr_2016_final_0.pdf

Itinerary from page 29 onwards.

[dodge33cymru]

Thank you sir, much appreciated

[Jarek Z]

Those two youngsters seem to be quite bold :)
https://www.fiaerc.com/simins-erc-rivals-will-take-us-seriously-now/

[Jarek Z]

But maybe they follow Esapekka Lappi's path?
https://www.fiaerc.com/remembering-when-another-21-year-old-won-on-his-erc-skoda-debut/

[dimviii]

Karlip
‏@Karlip1

This years @RallyEstonia will feature an Open class, which allows #WRC or similar cars to compete. #RallyEstonia Spread the word!

[mousti]

Karlip
‏@Karlip1

This years @RallyEstonia will feature an Open class, which allows #WRC or similar cars to compete. #RallyEstonia Spread the word!

Same what Ypres is doing also. Besides that WRC car's aren't allowed.

[Jarek Z]

Very short adventure for Lukasz Pieniazek in Rallye de Portugal - he rolled already on the second stage. Let's hope for better luck on Azores!

http://www.autoklub.pl/news/foto/201605/news20160520_68131h.jpg

[Jarek Z]

Anybody fancies Lukyanuk's car?
https://twitter.com/rallydecalsshop/status/734759633559146496

[loudmotor]

I'd really want too see the real thing in person, but owning a miniauture replica won't be bad either.

[Barreis]

http://classic.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/124585

[RS]

http://classic.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/124585

He's biased, and maybe so am I but I do think he's right.

PSA seem to have given up promoting their R5s with any works supposed programme at all.

Skoda are relatively invisible being only in WRC2. That is probably good for promoting the R5 to private customers but fairly useless for the brand, possibly even negative.

I was watching the Portugal highlights programme with my Dad (who probably knows more about rallying than the average joe) and when he saw the final results with Tidemand and Fuchs 9th and 10th he said "What happened to Skoda's good drivers?"

[Mirek]

Still it's the ERC itself what is the most negatively affected.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Skoda didnt have anything to prove here after winning the Championship many times over ... and Peugeot didnt do themselves many favours with their 208T16 in the ERC anyway...

[Mirek]

Skoda didnt have anything to prove here after winning the Championship many times over ... and Peugeot didnt do themselves many favours with their 208T16 in the ERC anyway...

The same applies to WRC2. What is there to prove against privateers? Moreover with zero or negative publicity for 8th-10th places overall?

Hopefully Hyundai will do some serious ERC campaign and brings Škoda back by that.

[Sulland]

How has the Seb Loeb Racing car of Giordano doing result wise?
does he have the Evo kit mounted, and if yes what are his experience with it?

[TWRC]

How has the Seb Loeb Racing car of Giordano doing result wise?
does he have the Evo kit mounted, and if yes what are his experience with it?
He won the last rally in France he entered. He was driving the old spec car, but since SLR has risen to a semi-works operation in some projects recently, I think they'll get it much sooner than later.

[itix]

He won the last rally in France he entered. He was driving the old spec car, but since SLR has risen to a semi-works operation in some projects recently, I think they'll get it much sooner than later.
It has actually done very well..

Won pretty much everything it entered apart from two events, one of which was won by a WRC car, the other one he crashed.

http://ewrc-results.com/profile.php?p=9207&t=Quentin-Giordano

(can't believe that not more people use this excellent database)

[mousti]

Epernay he would have won easily if he didn't drive so crazy :p

Verstuurd vanaf mijn ONE E1003 met Tapatalk

[RS]

I thought it would be best to discuss Lukyanuk's money problems here rather than the Azores thread..

I suppose missing Ypres is not a disaster if Kajto is also missing it.

I hope we will see Luky back for Estonia, practically a home rally for him!

[bluuford]

So, there remains a question.. evo 10 or R5?

[Jarek Z]

Current leader of ERC3, Hungarian driver Zoltan Bessenyey, had a serious crash in Hungary. He was seating in co-driver's seat in Andras Hadik's car when this happened:
http://forum.autosport.cz/viewtopic.php?f=69&t=1028&start=10#p82288

[PLuto]

He was going under surgery today and long rehabilitation is in front of him...

[Rally Power]

Ugly crash. Best recovery to him.

[WUff1]

All the best wishes for him.

[Jarek Z]

Unfortunately his spine is broken :(

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Ypres Rally not happy with the current ERC...

http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/124931/ypres-could-quit-erc-as-it-goes-backwards

[rallyfiend]

Ypres Rally not happy with the current ERC...

http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/124931/ypres-could-quit-erc-as-it-goes-backwards

Is anyone happy with the current ERC...?

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Is anyone happy with the current ERC...?

The other ERC rallies have not complained like this...

[Mirek]

Ypres organizers are in a strong position and therefore can speak their mind.

[RS]

Ypres Rally not happy with the current ERC...

http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/124931/ypres-could-quit-erc-as-it-goes-backwards

Maybe they are looking for a discount on their fee?

Unless they can get a place in WRC, leaving ERC would only mean less entries, less tv and less spectators too.

I don't blame Eurosport for the loss of Skoda. WRC2 makes no commercial sense vs. ERC.

[Mirek]

I don't blame Eurosport for the loss of Skoda. WRC2 makes no commercial sense vs. ERC.

I do blame them. Loosing works teams certainly isn't any management achievement if You ask me.

[rallyfiend]

I don't blame Eurosport for the loss of Skoda. WRC2 makes no commercial sense vs. ERC.

So who do you blame?

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Ypres organizers are in a strong position..

In what way ?

[Fast Eddie WRC]

So who do you blame?

Skoda ? They achieved all they could in the ERC and so decided to try WRC.

[Mirek]

In what way ?

In every way. In their position in the championship and in the people who stay behind the event. They even decided to run mixed competitive field of ERC and national competitors and FIA agreed. That's hard to imagine for most of the other events.


Skoda ? They achieved all they could in the ERC and so decided to try WRC.

Think about what is a job description of the promoter.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

In every way. In their position in the championship and in the people who stay behind the event. They even decided to run mixed competitive field of ERC and national competitors and FIA agreed. That's hard to imagine for most of the other events.


Think about what is a job description of the promoter.

So do Ypres think they are more important than the whole ERC and think they can demand what the ERC should be ? What would Ypres do if the ERC dropped them, how would this be better ? Just being a round of the Belgian Championship ?

The other rallies havent complained anything like this... and ones like the Circuit of Ireland seemed more than happy.

As for the Promoter, what were they supposed to do to persuade Skoda to stay ?

[AndyRAC]

The Promoter could, well, actually, do their job; Promote the ERC properly! The ERC doesn't seem to be going anywhere at the moment.

[rallyfiend]

As for the Promoter, what were they supposed to do to persuade Skoda to stay ?

Gee, anything. They lost both Skoda and Peugeot to WRC2 in one hit.

Perhaps they could ask WRC Promoter for advice! And that's not a sentence that's written on this forum very much...

[Mirek]

So do Ypres think they are more important than the whole ERC and think they can demand what the ERC should be ? What would Ypres do if the ERC dropped them, how would this be better ? Just being a round of the Belgian Championship ?

I don't know what they do think. I can only guess but it's quite clear they are not satisfied and I am certain that they are not the only ones, perhaps only the loudest.


The other rallies havent complained anything like this... and ones like the Circuit of Ireland seemed more than happy.

Such is life. Anyway it's obvious that ERC is not in a good shape and not all the unsatisfied speak loud. Don't foreget that rallies like Ypres or Barum are part of the Eurosport game since the beginning and they know how it changed through the years. There used to be times when they gave a lot less but received a lot more.


As for the Promoter, what were they supposed to do to persuade Skoda to stay ?

It's up to them to find how to attract the competitors. They clearly didn't succeed.

[EightGear]

I think Ypres can manage to remain a big event also without the ERC. So I agree they do have quite some bargaining power.

It surely won't be 'just a round of the Belgian championship.'

[Rally Power]

Ypres Rally not happy with the current ERC...
http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/124931/ypres-could-quit-erc-as-it-goes-backwards

With such a great entry list and the expectation for a strong fight for the win between BRC drivers, some ERC regulars and other international top guys it’s a bit strange to see this words from Ypres organizer. It’d be nice to know in which context they were made. This Evans fellow seems a Sun journo, always looking for dramatic headlines.

No doubt ERC still needs some adjustments, but bringing back IRC memories over and over again won’t do any good. IRC was a success in Mosley FIA years, when WRC was moribund. With the revamp that Todt managed to produce, there wasn’t room anymore for two major rally series.

And blaming Eurosport for Skoda and Peugeot WRC2 choice makes no sense. Every time WRC stands out manus tend to get involved, even in lower categories: in Gr.B era VW and Opel were fighting for Gr.A title; in the mid 90’s Skoda, Seat, Hyundai and others were in a close battle for F2 victory and even in JWRC first years there was direct (Suzuki) or indirect (Fiat, Opel, Citroen) manu presence.

Btw, many ERC crews that were in Açores are also in Ypres. The “no time” argument is BS.

[Mirek]

The “no time” argument is BS.

You're free to tell that to them. It's not BS, only some can cope with that in various way but not every team can afford to have a car not available for two weeks and with no chance for any major repair/rebuild in between the events.

[Rally Power]

You're free to tell that to them. It's not BS, only some can cope with that in various way but not every team can afford to have a car not available for two weeks and with no chance for any major repair/rebuild in between the events.

The trip (ferry+truck) from Açores to central Europe takes 3 to 4 days. Saying that "we have the same problem with Azores: by the time the cars are back, it's already too late for Ypres" it's simply not true. The time problem with major repairs can also happen between other events.

[Mirek]

The trip (ferry+truck) from Açores to central Europe takes 3 to 4 days

Do You realize that there are teams who need to travel additional thousands of kilometers to Portugal, than back and than to Belgium? You can do that but You can't expect everyone to do that. That's why it's not BS and a real reason why several teams didn't come to Acores.


The time problem with major repairs can also happen between other events.

It can but also may not be possible for example when You crash or have some major technical problem. You can't expect everyone to take the risk, in other words You always loose several teams because of that.

You also can't expect everyone to plan the whole season for these two events. They create a logistically difficult and risky combination and it's a lot easier to avoid one of them. Again it's simply a fact that some teams don't go because of that.

[Rally Power]

That's not the main issue mate: I don't remember seeing Ireland Circuit organizers complaining about ERC current state. On the contrary, they were delighted with this year rally and I don't get why the same can't happen at Ypres. Again, it'd be nice to understand Mr. Penasse words full context.

[Mirek]

Use please quotes when You answer something else than the last post. It doesn't make sense otherwise.

[Rally Power]

I've mentioned 3 or 4 points that would be interesting to discuss. You picked the least important one. Well done!

[Mirek]

I already made my points to the other three points and I didn't want to repeat myself again as I know I'm often annoying with that.

[jacko]

With such a great entry list and the expectation for a strong fight for the win between BRC drivers, some ERC regulars and other international top guys it’s a bit strange to see this words from Ypres organizer.
Not a bit, really weird, some out of the blue i guess... One of the best startlist ever i would say for Ypres itself, the ERC is only in it's third year and yes the lost Skoda is a manufacturer but the will comeback or supported some drivers for sure. Peugeot never was a factory-team, but a strong supporter. And they were more involved in the IRC-days then 2014 & 2015. I agree they will support drivers like Citroën, Ford and Hyundai will do. That's for the show even better when there's mostley competition between semi-factory-drivers. The ERC will grow more and more the next few years but it will always be a competition with every time new drivers because you can see it like a step-up to the WRC (normally). And to have locals involved like in Ireland, Azoren, now in Ypres, later on also in a few rally's, that's good because we an judge the drivers compete against eachother.

[cosmin_sb]

Current leader of ERC3, Hungarian driver Zoltan Bessenyey, had a serious crash in Hungary. He was seating in co-driver's seat in Andras Hadik's car when this happened:
http://forum.autosport.cz/viewtopic.php?f=69&t=1028&start=10#p82288

Does anyone have news about health of Zoltan?

[Mirek]

Eurosport gives a cheap ammo for the discussion. After half an hour there is not a single stage time on the official live timing website while the live timing works normally on the event website. No word on the event website why. Now tell me that the organization has no reasons to be unsatisfied...

[Fast Eddie WRC]

ERC Rally Radio is also a shambles.

[PLuto]

The trip (ferry+truck) from Açores to central Europe takes 3 to 4 days. Saying that "we have the same problem with Azores: by the time the cars are back, it's already too late for Ypres" it's simply not true. The time problem with major repairs can also happen between other events.

Sorry, but reality is different. Our mechanics were 27 days out of home because of Azores. Island events like Canarias, Azores or Cyprus are big problem for ERC mainly in terms of time...

[Jarek Z]

Ypres Rally not happy with the current ERC...

http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/124931/ypres-could-quit-erc-as-it-goes-backwards

Are they planning another BREXIT?

(BREXIT = Belgian Rally Exit :) )

[Jack4688`]

This Evans fellow seems a Sun journo, always looking for dramatic headlines

Finally, someone else sees what I've seen for years, the man is a pillock.

[Reis Eduardo]

Are they planning another BREXIT?

(BREXIT = Belgian Rally Exit :) )

I liked was that Mr. Alain Penasse announce an official team of Hyundai in ERC, instead of being to regret the moment of the ERC. Everyone has to contribute not just throw the problem to others.

[Jarek Z]

Is anyone happy with the current ERC...?

Yes! Andrea Adamo from Hyundai: "The ERC is a very healthy and popular championship, making it the perfect place to showcase the capabilities of our new car"

source:
https://www.fiaerc.com/hyundai-customer-competition-strategy-perfectly-aligned-with-erc/

:)

[Rally Power]

Sorry, but reality is different. Our mechanics were 27 days out of home because of Azores.

27 days?!? Were they lost or is your team based in Siberia?

I’m joking mate, and I’ve no doubts that in some extreme cases it’s a logistical adventure to be at Ypres after Açores, but reality also shows that Mr. Penasse words about not being possible to enter both events are false, as the majority of the crews that were in Açores also were at Ypres: Lukyanuk, Tlustak, Botka, Orsak, Pieniazek, Ingram, Griebel, Gryazin, Broz, Tannert, Cid, Gago and Tokee. Besides, from the other ERC regulars that were in Açores (Katjo, Sirmacis, Jeets, Costerano, Chuchala, Alonso, Rockland and Pita), most of them never planned to be at Ypres.

For sure there’s room for calendar adjustments and even some changes (we all miss an event in Italy or France and probably the overall number of events could be reduced) but this travel matters shouldn’t be an issue for an organizer to complain. And being always remembering IRC golden era or moaning about not having manus teams it’s also a waste of time. Like Jacko wrote a couple of posts ago, we should be optimistic on ERC’s future. It can be the perfect step up into WRC for young drivers and a fantastic challenge for European top privateer rally teams and drivers.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

If Hyundai enter as the only factory team they will do well and get some good publicity in 2017.

[PLuto]

27 days?!? Were they lost or is your team based in Siberia?

I’m joking mate, and I’ve no doubts that in some extreme cases it’s a logistical adventure to be at Ypres after Açores, but reality also shows that Mr. Penasse words about not being possible to enter both events are false, as the majority of the crews that were in Açores also were at Ypres: Lukyanuk, Tlustak, Botka, Orsak, Pieniazek, Ingram, Griebel, Gryazin, Broz, Tannert, Cid, Gago and Tokee. Besides, from the other ERC regulars that were in Açores (Katjo, Sirmacis, Jeets, Costerano, Chuchala, Alonso, Rockland and Pita), most of them never planned to be at Ypres.

Sorry, but it is really not easy. Tlustak's car was ready on Monday before race. Car of Broz was in paintshop, they collected it and arrived on very last moment, one hour before scrutineering on Thursday. Botka finished rebuild of his car on Wednesday before race. Kasperczyk finally didnt come after Azores. Some drivers like Jeets, Costenaro or Chuchala decided earlier to miss the Ypres mainly because of time issues. Of course, if there were no problems in Azores, there is chance to be in time in Ypres. But dont forget that most of the teams are privateers and it is not so easy for them to work on the cars so quickly between events...

[Reis Eduardo]

The calender was not done well, rally like Azores, Canarias, Ireland and Cyprus, can not stay together for other events. The case of the Azores is still the worst two rallies in the same month, and just three weeks separates them.

[Rally Power]

Sorry, but it is really not easy. Tlustak's car was ready on Monday before race. Car of Broz was in paintshop, they collected it and arrived on very last moment, one hour before scrutineering on Thursday. Botka finished rebuild of his car on Wednesday before race. Kasperczyk finally didnt come after Azores. Some drivers like Jeets, Costenaro or Chuchala decided earlier to miss the Ypres mainly because of time issues. Of course, if there were no problems in Azores, there is chance to be in time in Ypres. But dont forget that most of the teams are privateers and it is not so easy for them to work on the cars so quickly between events...

No doubt it’s not easy, but it’s feasible. Anyway, as probably no team has budget to run the whole 10 events some will always be left aside. It’s great to see that Açores has managed to be among the series top events and it’s now chosen by so many ERC regulars.

[CWJ]

Chris Ingram stopped working with K.Becker and is looking for a new codriver now.

[aykutbilir]

Chris Ingram stopped working with K.Becker and is looking for a new codriver now.

that is strange I wonder what happened they seems an ok match..


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[Fast Eddie WRC]

Chris Ingram stopped working with K.Becker and is looking for a new codriver now.

What's the source of this info... I cant find anything ?

[mousti]

What's the source of this info... I cant find anything ?
After Ypres it wouldn't really surprise me..

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[Jarek Z]

The Promoter could, well, actually, do their job; Promote the ERC properly! The ERC doesn't seem to be going anywhere at the moment.

Exactly! Look at the official website of the ERC. They still haven't managed to calculate the points - two weeks after Ypres! Isn't it miserable?
https://www.fiaerc.com/standings/

[EightGear]

After Ypres it wouldn't really surprise me..

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What happened?