2016 News and Results

[Jarek Z]

Does anyone have news about health of Zoltan?

No. Isn't it also the job of the promoter (or whoever runs the official website) to publish news about the drivers competing in the championship? Bessenyey was the leader of ERC3 until this serious crash happened. Can't they find any info about his state? In the XXI century?

[Mirek]

It's not so easy with information about medical state. Unless it's authorized by the family it may be illegal to publish anything.

[mousti]

What happened?

Before Podium I went to their car, with Chris I could talk easily, Katrin stayed in the car totally shut down. Afterwards I saw Chris again and there I heard they aren't not so on the same page..

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Before Podium I went to their car, with Chris I could talk easily, Katrin stayed in the car totally shut down. Afterwards I saw Chris again and there I heard they aren't not so on the same page..

Maybe they had a fall out over BREXIT... Ingram is very patriotic and Becker is, well, a German ! ;)

[aykutbilir]

Maybe they had a fall out over BREXIT... Ingram is very patriotic and Becker is, well, a German ! ;)

It is also hard not be to close by driver and codriver. It is a personal relation inside the car. May be stars not match..
Wish them best for the rest of their careers.

And i heard that Ole Floene will have an agreement for a Turkish Driver for 2017 ERC season just a gossip :))


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Chris Ingram confirmed:

Would like to thank @katbecker_rally for our time competing together. We will go separate ways. Top co-driver & person.

[PLuto]

No. Isn't it also the job of the promoter (or whoever runs the official website) to publish news about the drivers competing in the championship? Bessenyey was the leader of ERC3 until this serious crash happened. Can't they find any info about his state? In the XXI century?

There was also prepared support action in Ypres (like in the past with Bianchi or Gryazin). But it is request of Zoltan's family not to make any publicity around. So everybody around team and ERC respects their wishes.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

New co-driver for Chris Ingram in Estonia is fellow-Brit, Elliott Edmondson.

[RS]

Six events in to the season and the reigning champ hasn't won one of them!

Still leading the championship through consistency but this year's championship has turned out more interesting than I thought it might.

Sirmacis has to be the surprise of the year and has stopped it being a Luky/Kajto only show.

Now I hope Lukyanuk can compete in the remaining events so we have a fight to the end but that sounds as if it is still difficult?

[RS]

No Lukyanuk in Poland, out of money :(

I expect PLuto is pulling some strings to try and get him on the Barum entry list..

[Simmi]

Wow - no Circuit of Ireland next year - http://www.circuitofireland.net/#!press-release-1701/v3quw

[Eli]

Wow - no Circuit of Ireland next year - http://www.circuitofireland.net/#!press-release-1701/v3quw

hopefully it won't ruin their chances to get in to the WRC calendar in the near future

[Jack4688`]

The same has happened a few times in recent years and yet still there had been talk of WRC, I don't think the cancellation of the 2017 event will be any different. They're smart in that they're not just ploughing on regardless, in denial about the circumstances on which they find themselves and, as Bobby Willis said, not doing the name of Circuit of Ireland a disservice

[AndyRAC]

Sad news, but a sensible decision. Obviously not a reflection on Bobby or his event; merely a reflection on the sport. Where are the big money sponsors to back events like this? Didn't it win a Tourism award last year? But can't attract funding to run....

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Shock news.. :( And after such a successful 2016 event all the more so.

The ERC could be struggling for top events next year.

[itix]

Wow - no Circuit of Ireland next year - http://www.circuitofireland.net/#!press-release-1701/v3quw
Damn, that's bad news :(

[Fast Eddie WRC]

It's not all bad news on the Circuit of Ireland front today ...

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CoY3r2MWEAA8amN.jpg

[WUff1]

...

The ERC could be struggling for top events next year.

Yes, we shouldn´t forget also Ypres organizers were complaining loudly this year.



It's not all bad news on the Circuit of Ireland front today ...

Don´t find anything positive about Jean-Baptiste Ley´s words. It´s just standard talk.

[Reis Eduardo]

I read that Drive DMACK Fiesta Trophy can go to ERC in 2017, anyone know of any information about this?

[Jarek Z]

Polish champion Lukasz Habaj added Barum and Liepaja to his rally programme for this year. More details at:
https://www.fiaerc.com/polish-champion-habaj-to-further-his-development-in-the-erc/

[Simmi]

I read that Drive DMACK Fiesta Trophy can go to ERC in 2017, anyone know of any information about this?

I'm not sure if this is correct. In Motorsport News last week they said that the JWRC competition could effectively become what ERC Juniors is now.

[Andre Oliveira]

Ypres counting to Belguim and British championship in 2017 according official Ypres Rally facebook

[Simmi]

Ypres counting to Belguim and British championship in 2017 according official Ypres Rally facebook

And still ERC next year? What do we think?

[Andre Oliveira]

https://scontent.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/13879426_10157248977010481_7158970939940391859_n.j pg?oh=f8935158f389d514c00913c30941498f&oe=585DC640

[dupanton]

And still ERC next year? What do we think?

News is confirmed and in an interview, Penasse says this doesn't mean they will leave ERC next year. They want to continue in ERC too. That would be very interesting: 20 Belgian + 20 British + 10 European R5s...
They will change 50% of the stages next year, to make competition between Belgian and British Championship more even.

[Simmi]

Looks like a cash incentive to try and get a few more top entries to Cyprus - http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/125653

[Luis Pacheco]

Ypres counting to Belguim and British championship in 2017 according official Ypres Rally facebook

Nothing really new. In the 80´s and 90´s Madeira Rallye counted for the Belgium Championship.

[Mirek]

Nothing really new. In the 80´s and 90´s Madeira Rallye counted for the Belgium Championship.

How is the news that Ypres is in 2017 part of British championship related to the information that Madeira was part of Belgian championship 30 years a go?

This is news and rumors thread and the information about 2017 certainly is news.

[Simmi]

How is the news that Ypres is in 2017 part of British championship related to the information that Madeira was part of Belgian championship 30 years a go?

This is news and rumors thread and the information about 2017 certainly is news.

I don't think Luis is saying this isn't news - merely that the announcement isn't a new concept in rallying.

[Luis Pacheco]

This is news and rumors thread and the information about 2017 certainly is news.

I'm not saying the new is not true. Only that´s not a new concept seen in rallying.

[RS]

Looks like a cash incentive to try and get a few more top entries to Cyprus - http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/125653

Good move.. this was quite spectacular last time they did it. Will it include live tv?

[Mirek]

I'm not saying the new is not true. Only that´s not a new concept seen in rallying.

Aha, ok, sorry for misunderstanding but I find that so ordinary that I didn't even think about that (Czech-Slovak-Austrian-Polish-German events have been many times parts of other championships of neighboring countries here).

[Jarek Z]

Nothing really new. In the 80´s and 90´s Madeira Rallye counted for the Belgium Championship.

Not only Madeira, as far as I know other ERC rounds counted for Belgian championship too.

[PLuto]

Not only Madeira, as far as I know other ERC rounds counted for Belgian championship too.

If I am informed well, there were 2-3 events abroad where belgian crews can score points for their championship. Rally Bohemia/Skoda was one of them...

[mousti]

I think Valais too or was it Var..

Verstuurd vanaf mijn ONE E1003 met Tapatalk

[Jasper]

I think Valais too or was it Var..

Verstuurd vanaf mijn ONE E1003 met Tapatalk

Valais

[Rally Power]

Belgium members for sure know better, but I think there were no specific abroad events on the calendar but a general rule that allowed Belgium crews to get some extra points at ERC rallys, like Jarek mentioned.

In ‘83 Snijers (911) and Droogmans (Escort) were in a close fight for the title and surprisingly they’ve come to Portugal to attend the tough Rallye do Algarve (also an ERC Cf.2 event). Snijers hardly finished on the top 5, while Droogmans retired. Snijers eventually won the title one week later, on the Rallye du Condroz.

[dimviii]

Iván Fernández ‏@fernischumi

Los italianos de AutoSprint han pillado en pruebas al Abarth 124 R-GT. Creo que tendremos noticias sobre él pronto


https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Cpm1-3VWAAYOTZe.jpg
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Cpm2A1vXYAQD_rW.jpg
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Cpm2CDsWIAAFMwk.jpg

[WUff1]

Alan Penasse on Ypres and ERC:

http://www.rallye-magazin.de/int/nachrichten/artikel/d/2016/08/18/ypern-em-geschaeftsmodell-funktioniert-nicht-mehr/

[RS]

Alan Penasse on Ypres and ERC:

http://www.rallye-magazin.de/int/nachrichten/artikel/d/2016/08/18/ypern-em-geschaeftsmodell-funktioniert-nicht-mehr/

I know we've spoken about the Island events before but are they really such a problem?

Is it just about logistics or do they also cost more than European WRC events?

[PLuto]

I know we've spoken about the Island events before but are they really such a problem?

Is it just about logistics or do they also cost more than European WRC events?

Yes, it is big problem. For logistics, money and mainly time...

[Reis Eduardo]

What rallye replace the Circuit of Ireland? That calendar will have in 2017 ? With or without Ypres? Less rallying in island more in mainland? That comes in front and meets the Eurosports Events?

[Jarek Z]

No more snow in the ERC:
https://www.fiaerc.com/rally-liepaja-gets-three-year-erc-contract-extension/

[sindroms]

Rally Liepāja has signed 3 years agreement with Eurosport Events. In future it will stay as gravel rally.

[Oliverk]

Is it possible that it will replace Estonia? I see no reason to continue with ERC in Rally Estonia.

[sindroms]

Is it possible that it will replace Estonia? I see no reason to continue with ERC in Rally Estonia.

Because of...?

[electroliquid]

Is it possible that it will replace Estonia? I see no reason to continue with ERC in Rally Estonia.

The only reason why Estonia shouldn't be in ERC, because it should be in WRC

[RS]

Barum reminds us what ERC can/should be like. A good international entry combined with a strong local field, loads of spectators and fantastic battles on the stages right to the end.

[TWRC]

Hermen Kobus is not too happy with ERC or Skoda Motorsport either; translation from his facebook page:

"I am extremely disappointed at the European Championship and especially on Eurosport, the promoter. The ERC simply does not return, because Eurosport has just highlighting the top three and we can not use our own images themselves. We onboards but we may not use. you do not get sold to your sponsors ... A second problem was the lack of support from Skoda Motorsport. it is clear that just may win the official pilots of Skoda Motorsport. As a private customer, we never got the mapping we needed to compete at the front. the Barum we drove to Kopecky, Sirmacis, Kreim ... All of them guys that official support from Skoda Motorsport and whose car has much more boost. I felt once how the big difference with the appropriate assistance of an engineer from Skoda Motorsport. That was last year, after the declaration of Freddy Loix in the East Belgian Rally. Not by chance I could win that game ... So, considering these two factors, I have decided not to return to the European championship. The ERC will cost a lot more than a Belgian or Dutch championship, but the extra cost just does not return to. And you have no chance to compete for the podium, and that is my ambition. "

[RS]

Re: Kobus, the slowest Fabia R5 driver on SS2 and crashed on SS3. I'm not sure that deserves much coverage.

If you are paying ERC registration though it would seem fair to have access to your own onboards.

[Jarek Z]

Hermen Kobus is not too happy with ERC or Skoda Motorsport either; translation from his facebook page:

"I am extremely disappointed at the European Championship and especially on Eurosport, the promoter. The ERC simply does not return, because Eurosport has just highlighting the top three and we can not use our own images themselves.

Wow! How miserable of Kobus! So he thinks that anybody is interested in showing or seeing him on TV? It's obvious that Eurosport highlights the top 3, because they are the best! What do the viewers want to see - Kajto, Lukyanuk and Kopecky or Kobus?


And you have no chance to compete for the podium, and that is my ambition. "

I really don't understand such complaints. Has anybody ever seen Kobus on the podium in the ERC? No. Who stops him from driving fast and being in the top 3? Skoda Motorsport, like he says? Or maybe his skills? 90% of the drivers in the ERC are privateers. If he doesn't know how to win then he should look at the examples of Kajto, Lukyanuk and Sirmacis. But instead of learning from the best, Kobus crashes his car on Canary Islands and in Barum Rally. And now he complains. Isn't he just a crybaby?

[Mirek]

Hermen Kobus is not too happy with ERC or Skoda Motorsport either; translation from his facebook page:

"I am extremely disappointed at the European Championship and especially on Eurosport, the promoter. The ERC simply does not return, because Eurosport has just highlighting the top three and we can not use our own images themselves. We onboards but we may not use. you do not get sold to your sponsors ... A second problem was the lack of support from Skoda Motorsport. it is clear that just may win the official pilots of Skoda Motorsport. As a private customer, we never got the mapping we needed to compete at the front. the Barum we drove to Kopecky, Sirmacis, Kreim ... All of them guys that official support from Skoda Motorsport and whose car has much more boost. I felt once how the big difference with the appropriate assistance of an engineer from Skoda Motorsport. That was last year, after the declaration of Freddy Loix in the East Belgian Rally. Not by chance I could win that game ... So, considering these two factors, I have decided not to return to the European championship. The ERC will cost a lot more than a Belgian or Dutch championship, but the extra cost just does not return to. And you have no chance to compete for the podium, and that is my ambition. "

I do believe there is a difference between works cars and private cars (it's quite obvious and logical anyway) but there was only one works car in Barum - of Kopecký. Kreim's car was private one from the same team as Tarabus. There were also plenty of other private Fabias - Kostka, Valoušek, Tarabus, Černý or Tlusťák.

I remember Kobus saying similar stuff loud already after Ypres. Maybe he just managed to make his relationship with Škoda so bad that they don't want to help him with anything. I don't know but I'm quite sure that one shall be careful about criticising too much someone who he depends on.

[TWRC]

I do believe there is a difference between works cars and private cars (it's quite obvious and logical anyway) but there was only one works car in Barum - of Kopecký. Kreim's car was private one from the same team as Tarabus. There were also plenty of other private Fabias - Kostka, Valoušek, Tarabus, Černý or Tlusťák.

I remember Kobus saying similar stuff loud already after Ypres. Maybe he just managed to make his relationship with Škoda so bad that they don't want to help him with anything. I don't know but I'm quite sure that one shall be careful about criticising too much someone who he depends on.
His quotes about Skoda are surprising to me as well, as I only heard generally good things about them (i.e. you can call very late in the evening and they'll help anyways, etc).

[Mirek]

Frankly I haven't heard a lot of positives lately (let's say since some personal changes). AFAIK the support from M-Sport is better.

[Andre Oliveira]

I have bad feedback of Skoda costumers service, M-Sport have a 5 star service.

[nafpaktos]

It is logical.Msport is based to privateer's money.Skoda motorsport is funded from the mother factory.

[Jarek Z]

They changed the way the standings are displayed on the official website. It's total chaos now :)
https://www.fiaerc.com/standings/

[Fast Eddie WRC]

ERC junior Chris Ingram is hoping to do the British RC next year in an R5 . He said the ERC has gone downhill in the R5 class.

[RS]

ERC junior Chris Ingram is hoping to do the British RC next year in an R5 . He said the ERC has gone downhill in the R5 class.

I am sure BRC is cheaper for him but I think Kajto, Sirmacis and Lukyanuk are pretty strong opposition.

[dupanton]

ERC junior Chris Ingram is hoping to do the British RC next year in an R5 . He said the ERC has gone downhill in the R5 class.

If he wants a future in rallying in a works team, he has to go to WRC(2) next year!

[Fast Eddie WRC]

I am sure BRC is cheaper for him but I think Kajto, Sirmacis and Lukyanuk are pretty strong opposition.

There is no guarantee of any of those guys competing in 2017 though... Kajto may think two titles leaves nothing to prove and Luky and Sirmacis struggle with funding.

The BRC has often had more R5 entries than the ERC, so its also likely to be highly competitive in '17..

[Fast Eddie WRC]

If he wants a future in rallying in a works team, he has to go to WRC(2) next year!

Ingram was said to be 'intrigued by the i20 R5', so a works entry entry for them might happen in the BRC.

There is also a possible DMack seat if Evans moves on...

[RS]

There is no guarantee of any of those guys competing in 2017 though... Kajto may think two titles leaves nothing to prove and Luky and Sirmacis struggle with funding.

The BRC has often had more R5 entries than the ERC, so its also likely to be highly competitive in '17..

Quality, not quantity :)

DMack seat in BRC would be a good move for Chris though, especially as it could lead to WRC2 or even WRC drives in the future.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Quality, not quantity :)

DMack seat in BRC would be a good move for Chris though, especially as it could lead to WRC2 or even WRC drives in the future.

Ingram coming straight from an R2, it would be quite a baptism to go into an R5 in the ERC. I think funding would also be a problem for him there.

BRC is the logical choice to learn a new R5 car.

[Mirek]

Going from R2 to S2000/R5 has been the most common and proven way to step up. Many did the same and succeeded, see Sirmacis this year who got from R2 directly to three victories with R5 in ERC. Lefebvre or Neuville are other who come to my mind.

Anyway I agree that it's going to be a lot more difficult to find some budget for ERC than BRC. ERC doesn't offer much recently except nice variety of event routes.

[Jarek Z]

Changes in the ERC - only 6 results (instead of 7) will count in 2017:
https://www.fiaerc.com/its-super-six-in-the-erc-in-2017/

[PLuto]

If he wants a future in rallying in a works team, he has to go to WRC(2) next year!

It is too early to go to WRC2...

[dupanton]

It is too early to go to WRC2...

Why would it be too early?

[RS]

Changes in the ERC - only 6 results (instead of 7) will count in 2017:
https://www.fiaerc.com/its-super-six-in-the-erc-in-2017/

I wonder whether this means a slightly smaller calendar in 2017 too?

Generally, I have to say I think Eurosport maybe get a little too much flak here if you remember what ERC was like before they arrived, and also comparing to WRC2 the promotion is pretty good (in terms of tv coverage, Youtube vidoes e.t.c.)

Of course I would like it to be better, but there are only so many good crews with budget available to run ERC or WRC2.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Why would it be too early?

True, he has 3 years experience in the ERC now...

But it depends on funding and the team he can get a drive with and that will likely be easier in the BRC.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Chris Ingram ‏@ChrisIngramGB
Big news coming over the next few days ! :D

[Jarek Z]

In the meantime Kajto enjoys his success...

A trophy from the president of Cieszyn...

https://scontent-waw1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/t31.0-8/14445077_1331609973538934_7252129191764979430_o.jp g

On the cover of LOGO monthly magazine...

https://scontent-waw1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/14523251_1334031569963441_498679356131906370_n.jpg ?oh=711cffb707b033fddb77e1198363bf52&oe=586BF5B9

And in the Polish TV:
http://dziendobry.tvn.pl/wideo,2064,n/jezus-maria-chajzer,212669.html

:)

[Jarek Z]

Chris Ingram lost Junior ERC, but he is now officially FIA 2WD European Rally Champion.
https://www.facebook.com/chrisingramrally/videos/1349819228363490/

https://scontent-waw1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/t31.0-8/14500705_1349958955016184_4957819492208616792_o.jp g

[dimviii]

#ERCnumber : The 2016 stage winners �� @AlexeyLukyanuk won more stages than anybody else during the 2016 #FIAERC ��

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CwrK6gfWgAQvlZb.jpg:large

[PLuto]

#ERCnumber : The 2016 stage winners �� @AlexeyLukyanuk won more stages than anybody else during the 2016 #FIAERC ��

[img]

But if you dont count last Cyprus Rally, where was missing not only Kajto, but also some other good drivers, the difference between them is not so big - http://www.autosport.cz/souteze/bodovani.php?id=104&sk=456

Of course, Lukas was very fast this year, but he was making too many mistakes...

[dimviii]

But if you dont count last Cyprus Rally, where was missing not only Kajto, but also some other good drivers, the difference between them is not so big - http://www.autosport.cz/souteze/bodovani.php?id=104&sk=456

Of course, Lukas was very fast this year, but he was making too many mistakes...

another interesting point is that Kajto has 0 stage wins at 3 rallies,while Lucas has stage wins at all rallies he entered except Ypres that he crashed at 1st stage?

[PLuto]

Yes, Lukas was very fast everywhere (except Ypres). But rally is not only about speed, but also reliability...

[Jarek Z]

#ERCnumber : The 2016 stage winners �� @AlexeyLukyanuk won more stages than anybody else during the 2016 #FIAERC ��

Let's not forget the fact that Lukyanuk took part in nearly all rallies of the championship, nobody else from the top drivers was competing in so many events as him.

[WUff1]

As he once was a succesful international driver and also won Ypres many times, Barum I think twice, I think it´s worth to mention it here, too: Freddy Loix announced today that he stops his rallying career.

[RS]

Sad to see Freddy go but best to go out whilst you're still on top.

[dimviii]

Freddie is an excellent example. to see how big step is a wrc car to an r5 car.
While with r5 / s2000car was always at top level,with wrc cars was at least average.

[focus206]

As he once was a succesful international driver and also won Ypres many times, Barum I think twice, I think it´s worth to mention it here, too: Freddy Loix announced today that he stops his rallying career.

He has had a career he should be proud of. Glad he enjoyed some national success before retiring.
In the late 90's I was too young to follow WRC, but I often heard remarks about his performances with non-works Corolla. Then he went to Mitsubishi and was struggling to get points... I've always liked to know more about the reasons behind that from Freddy's point of view, it's often said that back then Mitsubishi had a car built around Makinen...

[RS]

The Mitsu had some weird electro-magnetic type differentials I think, and very few people got on with it apart from Makinen and to a lesser extent Burns.

[dupanton]

After that he went to Hyundai, not really a car to win rallies neither. And by the time he went to Peugeot, they were running the very successful 307 WRC :(

[PLuto]

Freddie is an excellent example. to see how big step is a wrc car to an r5 car.
While with r5 / s2000car was always at top level,with wrc cars was at least average.

In WRC era he had bad luck as he was driving actually one of the worst cars on market, in S2000/R5 era he was driving the best one (apart Polo)

[Jarek Z]

Lukasz Habaj was nominated for the "Action of the year" award. The Polish driver was nominated for his dramatic save during Rally Liepaja:
http://www.fia.com/action-of-the-year-2016

[Jarek Z]

Barborka Rally, the annual end-of-the-season rallysprint, was held in Warsaw on Saturday. The entry list was quite good with over 10 R5 cars and many group N machines. Spectators were expecting a tough fight for the win, but Kajto decided to spoil the event and... won all 7 stages :)

Final results:
1. Kajetan Kajetanowicz / Jarosław Baran (Ford Fiesta R5+) 21:35,972
2. Wojciech Chuchała / Daniel Dymurski (Subaru Impreza STI) +54,94 s
3. Filip Nivette / Kamil Heller (Skoda Fabia R5) +56,35 s
4. Grzegorz Grzyb / Robert Hundla (Ford Fiesta R5) +58,26 s
5. Bryan Bouffier / Xavier Panseri (Ford Fiesta) +1:10,29 s
6. Jakub Brzeziński / Kamil Wróbel (Ford Fiesta) +1:22,03 s
7. Dominykas Butvilas / Renatas Vaitkevičius (Ford Fiesta R5) +1:26,93 s
8. Michał Ratajczyk / Jędrzej Szcześniak (Mitsubishi Lancer Evo X RS) +1:30,23 s
9. Maciej Oleksowicz / Marcin Sienkiewicz (Ford Fiesta) +1:30,30 s
10. Jarosław Szeja / Marcin Szeja (Subaru Impreza) +1:40,74 s

http://cdn5.se.smcloud.net/t/photos/t/576585/kryterium-asow-karowej-2016-wygral-kajetan-kajetan_27273706.jpg

[Jarek Z]

During the Barborka Rally Alex Lukyanuk made a presentation of a new car from Dytko Sport - Citroen C3 Proto:

http://alexeylukyanuk.com/index.php/ru/328-aleksej-lukyanyuk-gost-rajd-barb-rka.html

https://www.facebook.com/sportdytko/photos/a.249550011859167.1073741828.249279825219519/772577579556405/?type=3&theater

[Jarek Z]

Kajto's last video of the season - Barborka Rally:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MvaSxe6bBko

[Jarek Z]

Something about the popularity of modern rally sport... Today was the official presentation of the results of the voting for "Sportsman of the Year" in Poland. The winner was Anita Wlodarczyk (hammer throw), who won the Summer Olympics.

TOP 10:
1. Anita Włodarczyk (light athletics - hammer throw)
2. Robert Lewandowski (football)
3. Piotr Małachowski (light athletics - discus throw)
4. Rafał Majka (cycling)
5. Magdalena Fularczyk-Kozłowska, Natalia Madaj (rowing)
6. Maja Włoszczowska (mountain bikes)
7. Jakub Błaszczykowski (football)
8. Bartosz Zmarzlik (speedway)
9. Karol Bielecki (handball)
10. Marta Walczykiewicz (canoeing)

Kajto, the two-time European Rally Champion... didn't even receive nomination! :(

http://bi.gazeta.pl/im/84/98/13/z20548484Q,Anita-Wlodarczyk.jpg

[kure91]

Same situation is also at your south neighbours in Czech. Not a single rally or even motorsport related person in TOP 30

[rp]

Same situation is also at your south neighbours in Czech. Not a single rally or even motorsport related person in TOP 30

But there is no drivers on the WRC level to win. ERC is not enough.

In Finland three motorsport drivers have ever been selected "Sportsman of the Year". Keke Rosberg 1982, Juha Kankkunen 1993 and Mika Häkkinen 1998.

So only once rally driver! 4x WRC Champion Tommi Mäkinen was never selected...

[RS]

If Kris Meeke won the WRC title I very much doubt he would be in line for BBC Sports Personality of the Year.. not just about ERC or Poland. Rallying is just a niche sport everywhere i guess.

[PLuto]

Journalists underestimate rallysport (or we can say motorsport) almost everywhere...

[Franky]

Journalists underestimate rallysport (or we can say motorsport) almost everywhere...

Because most of them just don't understand it.

[vino_93]

Journalists underestimate rallysport (or we can say motorsport) almost everywhere...

at least I guess autosport (F1, Dakar, Le Mans, maybe WRC - at least here in France) has correct coverage.
That's not the case for bikes. Outside Moto GP, it seems than all other categories are undercovered. Whereas f.e. MXGP is something very popular - and I kniow here there is plenty of motocross races, but I've never seen motocross having some coverage outside Dakar and L'Enduro du Touquet (french major event, road on Le Touquet beach). Even sport media don't talk a lot about it ...

[WUff1]

at least I guess autosport (F1, Dakar, Le Mans, maybe WRC - at least here in France) has correct coverage.
That's not the case for bikes. Outside Moto GP, it seems than all other categories are undercovered. Whereas f.e. MXGP is something very popular - and I kniow here there is plenty of motocross races, but I've never seen motocross having some coverage outside Dakar and L'Enduro du Touquet (french major event, road on Le Touquet beach). Even sport media don't talk a lot about it ...

In Austria it seems media most care about biking. At the moment with Dakar they only write about biker Uwe Walkner, but nobody doesn´t care about Ilka Minor.

[JUF]

Did you know that Sergio Perez has a twin brother who competed in ERC last year ;)? http://www.eurosport.co.uk/erc/jonathan-perez_prs166868/person.shtml