[WRC] News & rumours (part IV) 2016 [Archive] - Page 10

Tofrallye29

19th October 2016, 11:17

Yep, it makes sense to have Ford back in WRC, but there are some contradictory signals: Wilson wasn’t able to pick a top driver and said he would get a paying driver for the 3rd car.

Btw, Mk 7 Fiesta can be revealed at Detroit auto show or in a European press presentation until mid January. It’s hard to believe we’ll get WRC version competing before seeing the road car.
http://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/new-cars/2017-ford-fiesta-keep-three-door-option

It ever happened in 2014. Lada ran the WTCC car before the road car ;)

Mirek

19th October 2016, 11:34

Are the rules same? I don't know the rules for 2017 cars but according to the current S2000/WRC rules it is not possible unless an exception from FIA is granted and agreed by all competitors.

GigiGalliNo1

19th October 2016, 14:35

dimviii

19th October 2016, 15:21

A source close to M-Sport said: "Of course Ott's back in the team next season.

"There's been a lot of nonsense about Ott going to Toyota or another place, but that's not going to happen.

"Have you seen how much testing Ott is doing with the new car? Malcolm wouldn't have him in that car for so long if he wasn't going to be using him next season.

"Ott will be back and he'll be winning with us next season."

Current M-Sport driver Mads Ostberg is also optimistic of remaining in the WRC for most 2017 rounds.

His father Morten told Autosport: "We actually have three options, but we have discounted one of those already.

"I can't tell you details about the offers, but what I can tell you right now is that Mads will be back in the championship again next year."

One possibility for Ostberg would be a return to running as a private team under the Adapta name, most likely within the M-Sport umbrella.

http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/126734/evans-chance-of-2017-wrc-seat-fading?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter

19th October 2016, 15:54

Camilli / Tanak / Suninen seems like an interesting lineup for MSport, probably the best they can achieve given that they have no money and Camilli is locked in.

Ostberg to Toyota therefore makes sense, at least we know he can score points next to his two teammates who are unknown quantities.

I hope DMAck will continue and that Evans gets the drive, he deserves something after his performance this year.

Mirek

19th October 2016, 16:06

Are you guys blind? Clearly M-Sport have the 2017 Fiesta shaped car. Even if you look at camouflaged road going test cars on auto websites the front and rears are the shame as the new WRCar being tested!

The problem is not that it would not exist but that the rules (2016 ones) state that 20 thousand cars have to be produced at the homologation date. Maybe the 2017 rules are different.

OnlyRally

19th October 2016, 16:18

Simmi

19th October 2016, 16:21

M-Sport will get dispensation if they want. Ford also got the GT pushed through in WEC, won Le Mans this year and that's not built yet.

For Ostberg to have THREE options for WRC next year in the current climate is a bit of a mystery. I think we'll see him in a private Fiesta in that third seat. Ott to M-Sport works team is barely even a secret any more. He's basically their lead test driver at the moment.

What I'm slightly concerned about is whether we'll even see a Dmack WRC presence next year. I've seen reports on another forum they are hemorrhaging money. Not sure if it's true, but it would hardly be a surprise. I doubt Malcolm will want them on his works cars next year either even though they have a successful relationship going. I hope they can pull something together as it's a great opportunity for a driver as Ott has shown this year.

OnlyRally - where have you read anything about Dmack in 2017?

Simmi

19th October 2016, 17:09

Finally seen the Motorsport News stories this week. Not much news really. Elfyn missing GB was the top story.

On the Ostberg thing - slightly more detail from Morten - hinting that Mads may not be able to do all the rounds next year as one option could be a driver share in whatever team he is talking about.

"Mads is working very hard on his tarmac driving now and it's working, but maybe there could be some driver changes in the team on some of those [asphalt] rallies, but he will be there on the gravel and and we really hope Monte Carlo where he has a good record."

So for me that makes things even more of a mystery. Toyota we know won't have a third car on the Monte. And if Adapta were running (via M-Sport) then it would be hard to believe they'd force out Mads for someone else.

I am intrigued...

rallyfiend

19th October 2016, 17:26

But Dmack will not have the 2017 car (at least not for the forst halv of the season).

They will if they can pay for it.

M-Sport have never actually said they couldn't have a few cars ready...

Danny0405

19th October 2016, 18:23

So for me that makes things even more of a mystery. Toyota we know won't have a third car on the Monte. And if Adapta were running (via M-Sport) then it would be hard to believe they'd force out Mads for someone else.

I am intrigued...

Maybe Makinen is looking for part-time drivers?
For example, Hanninen is the only full-time driver as he made the testing
And then, 3 part-time drivers such as Lappi, Ostberg and Evans (with Evans replacing Ostberg in asphalt rallyes and occasionaly Lappi).
It would quite similar to the strategy of Hyundai in their first season.
In addition to that, as Corsica is quite early this season, it would give Ostberg an easier road position in Gravel rallyes

nafpaktos

19th October 2016, 18:36

. I doubt Malcolm will want them on his works cars next year either even though they have a successful relationship going.

Why not?

Allez Andruet

19th October 2016, 18:52

Maybe Makinen is looking for part-time drivers?
For example, Hanninen is the only full-time driver as he made the testing
And then, 3 part-time drivers such as Lappi, Ostberg and Evans (with Evans replacing Ostberg in asphalt rallyes and occasionaly Lappi).
That's highly unlikely. Lappi will get full season, mark my words for it. The guy who broke the story (of Hänninen and Lappi) on Finnish broadcasting company (YLE) knows his stuff. It was later also reported on another Finnish media that sources with knowledge of the situation have confirmed Lappi as being the other full season driver.
Regarding the drivers, Tommi has said it many times, that he wants to make "investments for the future". Lappi fits that more than well and Hänninen is the understandable exception to the rule being the main test driver in 2016 and sort of a team player for 2017. Östberg somehow doesn't fit that scenario - I'd much rather sign Evans than Östberg if I was Tommi. It's hard to see Östberg getting any better than what he's already shown. I have a feeling (for what's it worth :)) that the third driver will be someone outside the spectulation we've seen.

Danny0405

19th October 2016, 19:10

Östberg somehow doesn't fit that scenario - I'd much rather sign Evans than Östberg if I was Tommi.

For me too, Evans is a choice that Ostberg as he has only two years in a works team so probably more potential of improvement
However, i don't understand why Lappi has not been confirmed yet (except if it is just to be sympathetic with Skoda as Lappi is still in the WRC2 championship race).

RAS007

19th October 2016, 22:18

"Ott will be back and he'll be winning with us next season."

This seems extremely unlikely (the winning part).

Simmi

19th October 2016, 23:36

Why not?

Just watch the 2016 season dude. What more needs explaining to you? The tyres are barely competitive. No point building a pukka 2017 WRC car and then tying one arm behind your back.

Grundo Farb

20th October 2016, 01:21

That's highly unlikely. Lappi will get full season, mark my words for it. The guy who broke the story (of Hänninen and Lappi) on Finnish broadcasting company (YLE) knows his stuff. It was later also reported on another Finnish media that sources with knowledge of the situation have confirmed Lappi as being the other full season driver.
Regarding the drivers, Tommi has said it many times, that he wants to make "investments for the future". Lappi fits that more than well and Hänninen is the understandable exception to the rule being the main test driver in 2016 and sort of a team player for 2017. Östberg somehow doesn't fit that scenario - I'd much rather sign Evans than Östberg if I was Tommi. It's hard to see Östberg getting any better than what he's already shown. I have a feeling (for what's it worth :)) that the third driver will be someone outside the spectulation we've seen.

And they're Finnish.

pantealex

20th October 2016, 07:57

I would say that Lappi is not getting full season deal.

M-Sport gave full season to Camilli, who at the time had 0 starts with WRC, was it right decision ?

Part season deal for Lappi :)

Simmi

20th October 2016, 08:56

I would say that Lappi is not getting full season deal.

M-Sport gave full season to Camilli, who at the time had 0 starts with WRC, was it right decision ?

Part season deal for Lappi :)

Camilli had only ever had 10 rallies in his career in a 4WD car before moving to Ford. I think that was part of the issue.

Lappi is ready. Or he certainly should be. Whether he'll get that full season or not I have genuinely no idea.

20th October 2016, 09:59

Yes, Lappi is much more qualified than Camilli. He is also capable on all surfaces.

Ostberg third car for loose surfaces and Evans or someone else for tarmac seems like a plan.

maciotacio

20th October 2016, 11:38

Today, in Poland there is unofficial info that Rally Polaland will be secured for next year. New round in Turkey, no rally China either. Also there're talks about participation Kubica in his home round and maybe in few others.
The latter, is IMO not likely to happen even if I'm Polish.

Rally Power

20th October 2016, 13:33

Also there're talks about participation Kubica in his home round and maybe in few others.
(...)IMO not likely to happen even if I'm Polish.

Who knows, maybe that’s the key for Ostberg mystery: divided seat with Kubica in MSport 3rd car…

Staying on guessing mode:
Toyota - Evans, Haninnen, Lappi; MSport – Tanak, Camilli, Ostberg/Kubica; DMack – Suninen

On a more serious note: control tires are still an option from 2018; can FIA’s final decision come out on December world council or just during '17?

rallyfiend

20th October 2016, 14:17

Who knows, maybe that’s the key for Ostberg mystery: divided seat with Kubica in MSport 3rd car…

Staying on guessing mode:
Toyota - Evans, Haninnen, Lappi; MSport – Tanak, Camilli, Ostberg/Kubica; DMack – Suninen

On a more serious note: control tires are still an option from 2018; can FIA’s final decision come out on December world council or just during '17?

The 3-year deal with Michelin would kill the control tyre for the next three years.

Mirek

20th October 2016, 14:21

The 3-year deal with Michelin would kill the control tyre for the next three years.

The control tyre is nonsense anyway.

dimviii

20th October 2016, 14:26

WRC drivers and teams against Turkey's potential return to calendar

Plans for Turkey's return to the World Rally Championship in 2017 have met opposition from leading drivers and teams.

A delegation of Turkish officials visited last week's Rally Catalunya in an effort to convince the service park the event should rejoin the schedule for the first time since 2010.

Turkey, China and Poland are listed by the FIA as potential 2017 rounds, with either one or two of the trio set to get the nod.

But WRC champion Sebastien Ogier is among those arguing that security concerns amid recent terrorism and the political instability around an attempted coup earlier this year should keep it off the calendar.

"Right now with the political situation in Turkey, I would not want to go there and I don't think it would be clever to go there," Ogier said.

"But hopefully - and more for the Turkish people - this situation will change and it can develop in a better way."

Citroen team boss Yves Matton echoed those sentiments.

"Turkey could be an interesting rally for the calendar, but the timing is not good," he said.

"We don't know if, in one year, the security will be good for us to go there.

"It's maybe a rally more for 2018 than for 2017."

WRC promoter's Oliver Ciesla defended Turkey's provisional place on the calendar.

"I was there recently and the tourist season was in full flow, there was no feeling anything was wrong," he argued.

"There are major events happening in Turkey, such as the UEFA Champions' League and a major basketball event is going to Istanbul.

"We are not talking about going there tomorrow, we are talking about going there in 12 months."

http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/126746/wrc-drivers-and-teams-against-turkey-return

dimviii

20th October 2016, 14:30

https://scontent.fath3-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/14691056_1145772102159371_2037293736705734638_n.jp g?oh=8d35d03526c558a2160cef26821e59ec&oe=5862F462

https://www.facebook.com/AbstraxiDesign/photos/?tab=album&album_id=1145771848826063

dont like

dimviii

20th October 2016, 14:41

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

br21

20th October 2016, 15:17

Rally Poland will be in WRC in 2017.
With Kubica it's typical rumor, it will not happen.

Rallyper

20th October 2016, 15:25

BleAivano

20th October 2016, 15:42

Fast Eddie WRC

20th October 2016, 15:42

I like...
https://scontent-lhr3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/t31.0-8/14753759_1145771975492717_5466742096764834511_o.jp g

rallyfiend

20th October 2016, 15:55

EightGear

20th October 2016, 16:25

Matton in Belgian.

focus206

20th October 2016, 16:42

https://scontent-lhr3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/t31.0-8/14753759_1145771975492717_5466742096764834511_o.jp g

This is probably better than what Citroen will actually use as a livery...
But 4 doors and aero like that, meh... they all look like touring cars. Hopefully they'll be nice to watch on stages.

rallyfiend

20th October 2016, 17:20

Matton in Belgian.

That further helps my point.

I wonder if he avoids Brussels airport.

Rally Power

20th October 2016, 19:51

For those of you wondering how close MSPORT and DMACK are then look no further than the published financial details of DMACK Global.....
https://beta.companieshouse.gov.uk/company/07673494/filing-history/MzE1MTU2NTIyM2FkaXF6a2N4/document?format=pdf&download=0
https://beta.companieshouse.gov.uk/company/07673494/charges

That’s quite a revelation, Sal. According to those docs the Wilsons now own 25% of DMack. Considering Malcolm bright business career, DMack’s future looks promising. Good news for the sport!

Mirek

20th October 2016, 19:58

That further helps my point.

I wonder if he avoids Brussels airport.

Does Belgian airforce bomb it like the Turkish one did only few weeks a go?

seb_sh

20th October 2016, 22:56

While I think WRC (and others) should avoid Turkey due to recent happenings I would rather not discuss that in this thread.

So on a different note, it's clear now that Tanak is going back to MSport and Camilli will continue as per his contract. Evans seems to be out of a WRC drive. To me that means Ostberg and Suninen or Tidemand have a drive. Maybe Lukanyuk but that's a long shot.

Here's my armchair analysis:
Ostberg seems to have options because he has experience and money. Money is attractive to MSport and experience to Toyota. Note: I'm not aware of him testing with anyone yet. Also that "story" about having 3 options and one being disregarded is clearly: MSport, Toyota, private team (disregarded). So yeah, in reality there is just 1 unknown spot left in the WRC at Toyota or MSport. I assume it will be Suninen (it's what I would pick) and the other will be Ostberg. The only unknown now is who goes where.

GigiGalliNo1

21st October 2016, 01:45

Turkey is inevitably going to be in the calendar. Money speaks compared to Greece in which it deserves a place in the calendar.

Danny0405

21st October 2016, 02:55

Yes, Lappi is much more qualified than Camilli. He is also capable on all surfaces.

Ostberg third car for loose surfaces and Evans or someone else for tarmac seems like a plan.

The issue is that Ostberg is generally quite good in the first rallyes of the season (especially Sweden and Mexico). As the third car will only arrive in the fourth event, the situation is quite complicated for Toyota because if they hire Ostberg only for the third car, you will take a driver who çannot compete in his two most efficient rallyes.

In addition to that, Ostberg is the most experienced driver so, in terms of gaining experience, it would be strange not to use him in the first three rallyes.

In my opinion, Toyota is currently negotiating with drivers about this issue. Perhaps the best solution would be that each driver miss one of the first three rallyes (Monte Carlo for Ostberg, Sweden for Lappi and Mexico for Hanninen).

skarderud

21st October 2016, 06:39

The third option that Østberg said no to can be some Dmack-drives.
Daddy Østberg said also that a option is to drive under Adapta again. They are Norways M-sport "business partner" so then it should be a Ford.
How many cars is M-sport capable to have ready for monte?

Sent fra min XP7700 via Tapatalk

tommeke_B

21st October 2016, 08:31

Anyone else heard rumors that Poland will be back on the calendar and Turkey won't?

Edit: http://rajdy24.pl/rajd-polski-2017-kalendarzu-wrc/

JUF

21st October 2016, 10:41

Mads Østberg flew to Finland this morning - probably a sign for talks with Toyota going on?

br21

21st October 2016, 10:51

Anyone else heard rumors that Poland will be back on the calendar and Turkey won't?

Edit: http://rajdy24.pl/rajd-polski-2017-kalendarzu-wrc/

Poland will be in calendar in 2017

KiwiWRCfan

21st October 2016, 12:15

Orsian Pryce has released his livery for Wales on Facebook. Among people he thanks is Adapta Motorsport. Does anyone know of this a new connection or has Orsian been connected to Adapta for some time. https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10154213835804811&set=a.10150337926024811.353938.661654810&type=3&theater

Andre Oliveira

21st October 2016, 13:31

Mads Østberg flew to Finland this morning - probably a sign for talks with Toyota going on?

It seems to test Fiesta

Hartusvuori
BREAKING: @MadsOstberg was spotted today at M-Sport #FiestaWRC test in Finland. He was supposed to drive, but team packed up prematurely.

dimviii

21st October 2016, 13:32

Teemu / Rallirinki ‏@HartusvuoriWRC

BREAKING: @MadsOstberg was spotted today at M-Sport #FiestaWRC test in Finland. He was supposed to drive, but team packed up prematurely.

EstWRC

21st October 2016, 13:53

Tänak satisfied with the new car http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/126765/msport-2017-wrc-car-impressing-in-tests

Rallyper

21st October 2016, 13:56

Maybe he planned journey to Puppola as well, and MW found out...?

Fast Eddie WRC

21st October 2016, 15:38

Ostberg is staying in the WRC: " It's been an adventure @OfficialWRC and there's more to come in the future.." 😊 https://t.co/qZiF1Nyfzi

N.O.T

21st October 2016, 15:42

As long as daddy pays ostberg is going nowhere.

adr17

21st October 2016, 21:40

As long as daddy pays ostberg is going nowhere.

agree

it was a joke the championship celebrated his 100th wrc rally he paid to drive for most ( maybe all ) of them

it has no meaning , spoilt brat , never his fault , co driver or car

Danny0405

21st October 2016, 21:52

agree

it was a joke the championship celebrated his 100th wrc rally he paid to drive for most ( maybe all ) of them

it has no meaning , spoilt brat , never his fault , co driver or car

I know he is slow but, on the other hand, he brings points in the championship.
For example, many people told Meeke could be a rival to Ogier next year but, during the two years with Citroën, Ostberg had a better ranking than Meeke.

Either it's M-Sport or Toyota, he could be a useful driver:
- he brings points
- for Toyota, he brings experience in works teams.

Ostberg staying with M-Sport could be a good News for Evans if Toyota looks for a driver with works team experience

dimviii

21st October 2016, 22:06

Ostberg bringed points when they were few teams/cars and plenty retirements.
Now with official teams from Citroen Vw Hyundai Toyota Ford and with the 3 driver rule,bringing points would be much more difficult,because he is slow,and because you cant have 10 retirements from works teams at every rally.
He is finished.

Fast Eddie WRC

22nd October 2016, 10:42

cali

22nd October 2016, 11:20

I'm not against Östberg and he is nice to watch at the stages. However, he seems a bit spoiled and IMHO makes up funny excuses. Still, he is a solid points scorer and belongs to the series for at least couple more seasons.

Sent from my ONE E1003 using Tapatalk

dimviii

22nd October 2016, 11:59

Ostberg will stay whatever.

If a team wants him to drive their car and pick up points for them that is their choice.

If not and he can enter in the Adapta team then why not. If its ok for other privateers like Prokop/Bertelli and at least he's quicker than them. Plus its another WRC car to watch for fans.

of course he can participate.He pays.so why not. Nobody said to NOT participate.
But works driver,collecting points,as his interviews, are laughable.

BleAivano

22nd October 2016, 16:42

Skoda are very interested in keeping Pontus Tidemand and his co-driver Jonas Andersson for 2017.

http://www.vf.se/sport/bilsport/pontus-tidemand-mot-nytt-skodakontrakt

Fast Eddie WRC

22nd October 2016, 21:35

If Ostberg has to pay for his drive with M-Sport, why do they have him as a nominated points scorer if he is so slow ? Why not just run the car for him and have another faster driver as their official driver ? Or is there no-one faster that they can get ...

EstWRC

22nd October 2016, 22:16

It isn't decided yet, calm down...or you mean this season?

dimviii

22nd October 2016, 23:19

Why not just run the car for him and have another faster driver as their official driver ? Or is there no-one faster that they can get ...

because they have to PAY.

bowler

23rd October 2016, 05:08

because they have to PAY.

M-Sport is a privateer, not an official manufacturer.
They do damn well considering.
IF Ford returned with them, then they might have the budget to attract a top driver.
Up to then they are probably the best private team in the history of WRC

Fast Eddie WRC

23rd October 2016, 09:33

because they have to PAY.

Does Camilli pay ? Where is his money from ?

dimviii

23rd October 2016, 11:35

Does Camilli pay ? Where is his money from ?

i dont know,but for sure he is not going to be paid from Msport serious money,maybe not at all.

Fast Eddie WRC

23rd October 2016, 12:29

There is a big difference between having to pay to drive and not being paid for driving...

dimviii

23rd October 2016, 12:51

There is a big difference between having to pay to drive and not being paid for driving...

yes big difference at money level,but not so big difference for the drivers level you can have with this aproach.
But this is Malcolm choice.

Fast Eddie WRC

23rd October 2016, 13:48

M-Sport is a business not a charity.

N.O.T

23rd October 2016, 13:53

M-Sport is a business not a charity.

So manufacturers that pay money for drivers are charity ?

dimviii

23rd October 2016, 16:06

M-Sport is a business not a charity.
thats why he prefers Camilli and Ostberg like drivers.

Fast Eddie WRC

23rd October 2016, 19:38

What about Tanak, is he paid or does he pay to stay in 2017 ?

Franky

23rd October 2016, 19:45

What about Tanak, is he paid or does he pay to stay in 2017 ?

I think nearly all the Estonian companies would need to join forces to even give someone a chance of a full season in a WRCar. This should answer your question

N.O.T

23rd October 2016, 20:17

What about Tanak, is he paid or does he pay to stay in 2017 ?

There is a difference between pay drivers so let me explain since you appear to be quite... basic

Drivers like Ostberg, Bertelli and Latvala would be nowhere near a WRC if daddy or mommy did not pay.

Drivers like Kubica and Tanak would also be nowhere near a WRC but the difference is they offer something to the sport that makes other people pay for them.

Is being that simple makes life harder or easier ?

denkimi

23rd October 2016, 21:28

thats why he prefers Camilli and Ostberg like drivers.
on the other hand, paying the drivers is a miniscule cost compared to the rest of the budget.

because he rarely crashes of breaks cars, ostberg is a cheap driver. even if they have to pay him.
the cost of a 1 chassis alone is more then an average year salary in the regular world.

itix

23rd October 2016, 21:57

That's also a very important factor... I am sure they are insured to some level but I imagine the cost is still huge if a car were to burn out for example.

N.O.T

23rd October 2016, 22:17

on the other hand, paying the drivers is a miniscule cost compared to the rest of the budget.

because he rarely crashes of breaks cars, ostberg is a cheap driver. even if they have to pay him.
the cost of a 1 chassis alone is more then an average year salary in the regular world.

have you ever heard of the term Insurance ?

Also motorsports and sports in general at the top level do not have much in common with the normality when it comes to budget.

One of the things that i enjoy this forum for is that it makes me feel like i was the offspring of an orgy between Tesla Einstein Aristotle with Curie... you guys are laughable.

itix

23rd October 2016, 22:42

[...]
One of the things that i enjoy this forum for is that it makes me feel like i was the offspring of an orgy between Tesla Einstein Aristotle with Curie... you guys are laughable.

You are becoming more and more ridiculous by the day... -_-

N.O.T

23rd October 2016, 22:52

You are becoming more and more ridiculous by the day... -_-

i am still waiting for you to show me a stage where a car won without a spoiler and that aero is not important.

funny guy.

RAS007

23rd October 2016, 22:54

M-Sport is a business not a charity.

And a very, very successful business it is, which makes it all the more puzzling that MW won't spend any money on a decent driver. Not sure what the strategy is, but it doesn't include being competitive.

stefanvv

23rd October 2016, 23:08

And a very, very successful business it is, which makes it all the more puzzling that MW won't spend any money on a decent driver. Not sure what the strategy is, but it doesn't include being competitive.

They are competitive, drivers not.

itix

23rd October 2016, 23:08

i am still waiting for you to show me a stage where a car won without a spoiler and that aero is not important.

funny guy.
Oh yeah right... Totally forgot about that.
Unless I have been day dreaming, Loeb won a stage without his rear wing once.

I'll try to dig into it... Although it wasn't yesterday so I can't make any promises.

Also you are being utterly retarded and reading into other people's posts as usual... I said that compared to actually having a sorted chassis and suspension, aero isn't that important, not that it was totally unimportant.

... But then again you the special needs person in this forum so I don't suppose I should expect more from you.

N.O.T

23rd October 2016, 23:14

Oh yeah right... Totally forgot about that.
Unless I have been day dreaming, Loeb won a stage without his rear wing once.

I'll try to dig into it... Although it wasn't yesterday so I can't make any promises.

Also you are being utterly retarded and reading into other people's posts as usual... I said that compared to actually having a sorted chassis and suspension, aero isn't that important, not that it was totally unimportant.

... But then again you the special needs person in this forum so I don't suppose I should expect more from you.

please dig it up and show us and also make the manufacturers aware because they spend money on useless things.

GravelBen

23rd October 2016, 23:14

N.O.T is just a perfect example of the Dunning-Kruger effect in action.

N.O.T

23rd October 2016, 23:17

N.O.T is just a perfect example of the Dunning-Kruger effect in action.

I totally agree with that.

itix

23rd October 2016, 23:21

I'd say text book example of schizophrenia in action...

Fast Eddie WRC

23rd October 2016, 23:27

Fast Eddie WRC

23rd October 2016, 23:30

And you decent rally fans... enjoy the forum and just use the Ignore List.

Fast Eddie WRC

23rd October 2016, 23:32

dodge33cymru

24th October 2016, 00:17

Drivers like Ostberg, Bertelli and Latvala would be nowhere near a WRC if daddy or mommy did not pay.

I'll give you two of those, but Latvala is hardly paying for his VW seat (and didn't pay for his Ford seat either, although no idea how much he was paid).

Ostberg wasn't paying for his Citroen seat either, although again I'm not sure if he was paid. He might not have progressed but he was an exciting young talent at some point.

Unless you mean their parents helped get them into the sport, which is the same for every top level driver out there since Bernd Rosemeyer....

N.O.T

24th October 2016, 02:06

But would one of the top drivers go to M-Sport even if they paid them well, since they lost Ford official support ? I doubt it.

Wilson is doing what is right for them considering their position. And how many other private WRC teams are there if its so easy...

Because other private teams would have to antagonise the manufacturers car, M-sport does not have a direct comparison with a manufacturer.

Basic. wow...

denkimi

24th October 2016, 08:08

have you ever heard of the term Insurance ?.
http://www.wrc.com/en/wrc/news/june/wilson-cost/page/1464--12-12-.html

AL14

24th October 2016, 09:34

http://www.wrc.com/en/wrc/news/june/wilson-cost/page/1464--12-12-.html

I will never believe in any kind of possible parallel universe that they don't insure rally cars as Malcom said in that interview.
I can concede that that kind of accident was somehow not covered by the insurance for some reason but will never believe that they don't insure rally cars. For sure wrc.com failed at reporting the interview, or Malcom didn't explain himself good.

Hartusvuori

24th October 2016, 10:03

I will never believe in any kind of possible parallel universe that they don't insure rally cars as Malcom said in that interview.
I can concede that that kind of accident was somehow not covered by the insurance for some reason but will never believe that they don't insure rally cars. For sure wrc.com failed at reporting the interview, or Malcom didn't explain himself good.

They necessarily don't. I have no exact figures how much insuring WRC would cost, but I'd say without insuring, with the saved money, you can total your car once or twice a season.

EightGear

24th October 2016, 10:13

Yes it will be a pretty straight forward calculation I think. Insuring a rally car will probably cost quite a lot so you'll have to make sure you destroy a car once in a while for it to make economic sense.

Fast Eddie WRC

24th October 2016, 10:54

All these opinions on M-Sport are pure speculation

Only Wilson knows their situation and he can decide what it takes to keep this non-factory team going in the WRC.

Look at Prodrive - they went down as soon as BMW (MINI) pulled out. At least M-Sport hung in there after Ford dropped out.

And they now have to compete with 4 factory teams in 2017. Not easy.

itix

24th October 2016, 11:06

Fast Eddie WRC

24th October 2016, 12:00

Maybe a rally car is only insured for damage (up to a certain value), but not for a total loss like in the Hirvonen case...

Although a total loss is pretty rare and insurance against it would be more important as damage is easily repaired by a good team.

N.O.T

24th October 2016, 12:54

Eddie has a point. If I was the insurer and I had to insure a 500 000 € car that has to go sideways in a forest at 160 kph, I'd set a very high fee and liability.

It might not be economically sound to do so.

you do understand that motorsport insurance is different than the one you insure your car Mr Aero right ?

denkimi

24th October 2016, 13:44

I will never believe in any kind of possible parallel universe that they don't insure rally cars as Malcom said in that interview.
I can concede that that kind of accident was somehow not covered by the insurance for some reason but will never believe that they don't insure rally cars. For sure wrc.com failed at reporting the interview, or Malcom didn't explain himself good.
i always heard that insurance costs about 10% of the cars value per rally. so that means that it will cost as much as one burned out car every 10 rallys.

in a case like m-sport with so many cars, and in-house made parts, insurance seems unnecessary.

tommeke_B

24th October 2016, 14:17

Insurance in rallying isn't so common indeed. Insurance companies have to make profit, so it's logical that they are quite expensive. There's the expense for each event, but there's also the amount of money that's deductible. For example for a WRC car let's say the first 40 - 50 000 euros of damage aren't paid by the insurance. I've once heard you should have almost total loss every 4-5 events before an insurance is interesting (that was a national driver with a WRC car which was obviously much cheaper than the cars currently used in WRC).

itix

24th October 2016, 15:28

you do understand that motorsport insurance is different than the one you insure your car Mr Aero right ?
You do understand that all insurance run on the same principles right?
High risk + high values = high fees.

Fast Eddie WRC

24th October 2016, 15:56

I will never believe in any kind of possible parallel universe that they don't insure rally cars as Malcom said in that interview.
I can concede that that kind of accident was somehow not covered by the insurance for some reason but will never believe that they don't insure rally cars. For sure wrc.com failed at reporting the interview, or Malcom didn't explain himself good.

I dont see the point in some of these comments from people. If you never believe a single thing anyone says or reports, then what's the point in following the sport and the comments of its protagonists ?

Maybe you are one one living in your own hyper-cynical universe.

N.O.T

24th October 2016, 16:04

You do understand that all insurance run on the same principles right?
High risk + high values = high fees.

you are right, maybe they are obsolete, something like the rear spoilers.

dupanton

24th October 2016, 16:05

I know the price in Belgium for insuring a car. Example was for a €25.000 car:
€1750 fee per rally (strangely it didn't matter whether it was a rallysprint of 4x10km or a 3 day rally...)
The first €2500 of damage were not covered by the insurance and had to be paid anyhow.

As I understood, these were fixed percentages and did not depend on the car or driver.

In Belgium it is very difficult to find someone who wants to insure you. I know of only 1 company who does this in the Flemisch part of the country.

itix

24th October 2016, 16:08

you are right, maybe they are obsolete, something like the rear spoilers.

*Sigh*
Go watch the latest season of South Park, and then kill yourself so your genes won't spread. Thanks!

N.O.T

24th October 2016, 16:09

*Sigh*
Go watch the latest season of South Park, and then kill yourself so your genes won't spread. Thanks!

sure, but my life won't be complete until you dig up that stage where a driver won it without the spoiler.

itix

24th October 2016, 16:11

sure, but my life won't be complete until you dig up that stage where a driver won it without the spoiler.

Good so I will never!

AL14

24th October 2016, 17:07

I dont see the point in some of these comments from people. If you never believe a single thing anyone says or reports, then what's the point in following the sport and the comments of its protagonists ?

Maybe you are one one living in your own hyper-cynical universe.

Fast Eddie, with all due respect but I was saying that I couldn't believe that a big manufacturer don't insure its cars as reported in one statement of a single article. I didn't meant that all rally press is conspirating against us and is always wrong.
Didn't want to enter your discussion about Wilson paying or not paying drivers.

Mirek

24th October 2016, 17:25

They necessarily don't. I have no exact figures how much insuring WRC would cost, but I'd say without insuring, with the saved money, you can total your car once or twice a season.

Still most of the big teams do insure their cars as that is a calculated expense unlike a shock coming from to time with no actual cash available. Even in our national championship most of the top teams do have insurance. Those who don't are mostly the teams which stick somehow the budget for the season and have no reserves to cover total crash anyway. I believe the insurance cost is the main reason why many Czech, Hungarian or Austrian rally cars have Slovak license plates.

EstWRC

24th October 2016, 17:45

sorry to interrupt you guys but some news in the news thread...

broadcast plans for next year http://www.wrc.com/en/wrc/news/october-2016/wrctv-sportel/page/4007--12-12-.html

N.O.T

24th October 2016, 17:57

sorry to interrupt you guys but some news in the news thread...

broadcast plans for next year http://www.wrc.com/en/wrc/news/october-2016/wrctv-sportel/page/4007--12-12-.html

Finally our prayers have been answered.

MORE COVERAGE OF THE PODIUM CEREMONY !!!

I have seen starving dogs with better plans than those.

bowler

24th October 2016, 18:30

Greater TV coverage is good news for all the fans of the sport. More people watching means more exposure for the teams, and that means more interest from them, and bigger budgets for them to compete.
That means better sport for us. If people are interested in watching podiums, then let them watch. If that is what it takes to increase coverage, then go for it. TV coverage has seen increasing viewer numbers, so someone is doing something right, even if it may not suit the purists.

Fast Eddie WRC

24th October 2016, 19:40

Better TV coverage in 2017... finally.

KiwiWRCfan

25th October 2016, 07:06

Does calendar for future years deserve it's own thread ? A place where you can more easily locate those announcements of event getting multi year deals from the promoter ?

tomhlord

25th October 2016, 09:47

sorry to interrupt you guys but some news in the news thread...

broadcast plans for next year http://www.wrc.com/en/wrc/news/october-2016/wrctv-sportel/page/4007--12-12-.html

Increased interviews?!

Fast Eddie WRC

25th October 2016, 11:34

Re TV/ Online coverage - there should be at least one stage (run twice) shown live each day.

With modern tech, helicopters, drones, onboards etc how hard can it be...

Franky

25th October 2016, 11:56

Re TV/ Online coverage - there should be at least one stage (run twice) shown live each day.

With modern tech, helicopters, drones, onboards etc how hard can it be...

Oh it's easy. Just money ...

big_sw2000

25th October 2016, 12:42

As said before. IRC managed it, plenty of live stages. surly WRC has more budget for tv available

Steve

PLuto

25th October 2016, 12:55

As said before. IRC managed it, plenty of live stages. surly WRC has more budget for tv available

Steve

Also in IRC era, it was mainly... ...about money.

Fast Eddie WRC

25th October 2016, 15:51

Fast Eddie WRC

25th October 2016, 15:53

Breen to drive Condroz Rally in place of Hirvonen...

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CvnyYWwWAAENr3s.jpg:large

Franky

25th October 2016, 18:46

Technology has become smaller, cheaper and more portable and I dont see cost as an excuse...

And the stages are all being filmed anyway, so its just a question of showing the pictures live not recorded.

Sorry for the massive off topic that's about to follow.

Fast Eddie, don't confuse the consumer and professional video equipment. Yes, the technology has become lighter and a bit cheaper but it still costs a fortune for the ordinary person.

So what's the cost of equipment. HD broadcast cameras cost north of 50k USD and that's the camera body only. Very cheap lenses are between 5-10k USD. ENG type lenses go up to 83k USD. Studio box lenses can cost over half the price of a WRCar. So that's camera cost. Now the outside broadcast unit. If it's a small one, then those are usually in a van. Those used vans cost more than 20k GBP and majority of them are SD only. For HD you are looking at least 40k GBP. Bigger units that support 10 or more cameras are somewhere between 500k and 1,5 million GBP. Now you can imagine that if some company has invested in such equipment, they want to earn the cost back and also profit. So it won't be cheap in the end and this is just the equipment.

Yes, you can use prosumer camcorders for broadcast but the quality is not the same and also different cabling is used.

Googol

25th October 2016, 20:36

Fast Eddie WRC

25th October 2016, 23:26

Making live pictures from the middle of a forest is still not so easy nor cheap. But it's still quite hard to understand how many small cycling races can produce 1-2 hours live while top level WRC events can barely do that.

An example I was also thinking about.

So its not hard to do its just a question of whether they really want to do it.

And if they dont with the five WRC teams and new 2017 cars they never will...

Franky

26th October 2016, 06:04

Yes, put a cameraman on a motorbike on a rally stage!

Guys, come to your senses with your conclusions. If your suggestion is to broadcast more stages just from the helicopter camera, then that won't attract more new fans. That will mostly work on the hardcore fans only. And even that is money, money, money.

big_sw2000

26th October 2016, 09:44

That's true. Most road racing video is from a few motor bikes in amongst the peloton. But cant we have a few static cameras. With incar in between.
Its been done before with the IRC, so surly WRC can sort something.

Steve

Googol

26th October 2016, 11:20

Yes, put a cameraman on a motorbike on a rally stage!

In cycling there are a few static cameras like in rallying. There is no point to cover whole (long) stage with static cameras as you can't use much of them anyway. Then while in cycling there are motorbike cameras, rallying has incar cameras (which don't even need 2 people to operate). And the technic needed to move the images from motorbikes and incar cameras should be roughly the same.

Mirek

26th October 2016, 11:24

Afaik Eurosport in IRC used the same team and equipment which was normally used for Tour de France and other cycling races. If I remember well the main challenge was to transmit the signal from static cameras and low flying helicopters in the mountains. They used a high-flying aircraft as a signal transmitter. Anyway most of the expenses were payed by event organizations and local ASNs.

seb_sh

26th October 2016, 11:52

Yes, as far as I know the most expensive part is the need for a helicopter or airplane with equipment constantly flying overhead to receive the signal from the static and on-board cameras and retransmit it. Compared to a "stadium sport" where you just need a van parked outside. Another issue is sometimes the signal is bad due to forests or mountains or the aircraft cannot fly due to weather. However I think such problems can be reduced by choosing the stages carefully. Another interesting option that has appeared recently is to use drones; they could also be used for aerial shots closer to the ground with less danger than a helicopter.

For sure someone smart who understands rallying can choose 1 good stage per day to transmit and for sure it's technically possible. The only question is if it's financially viable; and for that it's actually great news that they have expanded their broadcast to more countries because it means more money. Hopefully they use the money to improve the package and increase it's value rather than going into someone's pocket.

Fast Eddie WRC

26th October 2016, 12:16

To be honest we have to admit the real 'problem' with rallying on (live) TV is that it is just one car at a time, not a race.

The general public just see it as a car driving along a track/road and dont get excited as they dont see any actual competition. (They tried a few years ago showing a car with another as an overlay on the same piece of road but that just didnt catch on.)

So I suppose this is why the cars themselves have to be made to to look and sounds as exciting and extreme as possible (a la 2017), to excite the viewer on their own...

big_sw2000

26th October 2016, 12:52

EightGear

26th October 2016, 14:33

I believe it to be as simple as going back to daily highlight program, with maybe a live stage here and there.

Through the 80s Top Gear rally report was brilliant on the BBC, half hour a night, maybe an hour, somehow much more entertaining than todays crap.
Also you often had a top gear rally live stage. Normally one of the spectator friendly stages such as Blenhem Palace. Much beeter than the spectator friendly stuff now. Used to be shown on a sunday afternoon on the BBC, sometimes during Grandstand. I mean if it could be done then, surly with technology now, it has to be easier

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oS0bWtsv_b4

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3gJjx30vm64

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Z5YrwuC_ss

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eqRvVmJmxV4

Steve
Thats quite a good point. You only have to go back to the early 2000's to notice the difference in the daily highlights programmes or event highlights as well.

Today there is so much stuff going in in those programmes which don't really tell anything about what happened during the event. Needless slow-mo footage, bad commentary, etc.

Ca. 15 years ago the programme told what happened and it was enjoyable to watch. Sometimes I tried to watch event highlights this year but it's always a disappointment.

seb_sh

26th October 2016, 15:39

Yeah, the actual content in the daily programmes is quite bad sometimes. They're trying to make them "exciting" but it makes things seem fake and superficial. I like the "informative" older style much better. I don't mind some slow-mo and spectacular shots; cut out some of the irrelevant driver interviews and put a proper commentator in that knows what he's talking about and send Desborough back to his local horse racing track where he belongs.

OnlyRally

26th October 2016, 19:35

VW news
In german: https://goo.gl/mUFwGs
Google translate:
The diesel employees at Volkswagen could have further consequences: the WRC program of the Wolfsburgers could already expire next year
Volkswagen
(Motorsport-Total.com) - With the withdrawal of Audi from the long-distance World Championship (WEC), the Volkswagen Group's diesel co-ordinators have a first serious consequence for the motorsport commitment of the Group which shook the world of motorsport on Wednesday. It could not be the last shake. In the course of the sparing efforts, the motorsport programs of the other corporate brands of the Rotstift are also taken. This is likely to have consequences for Volkswagen's commitment to the World Rally Championship (WRC).

According to information from 'Motorsport-Total.com', Volkswagen's WRC commitment will be terminated by the end of 2017 at the latest. Also an exit at the end of this season is clearly in the room. However, since the preparation of the WRC program for 2017 and the development of the new Polo R WRC have progressed far ahead, the brand could still save itself into the next season.

At Volkswagen, a withdrawal from the WRC was neither confirmed nor denied. "In our opinion, the speculation that we do not want to participate in," a Volkswagen spokesman on demand from 'Motorsport-Total.com'. "We are now focusing on the rally in Wales and the preparation for the 2017 season."

In June 2014, Volkswagen had announced the continuation of the WRC program until 2019. When asked if this is still valid, the spokesman says: "Everyone knows that Volkswagen is facing a huge challenge, so it is difficult to look into the future." Here too, no clear commitment to the WRC.

Skickat från min iPhone med Tapatalk

Mirek

26th October 2016, 19:59

That's somewhat twisted. It sounds like Audi is leaving motorsport but that's not true. Audi is only moving from one to another as it shall do Formula-E instead of WEC. There are also talks about larger involvement of the company in RX and a push for allowing hybrid technology there.

Franky

26th October 2016, 20:03

Isn't Audi moving from WEC to Formula E? So don't really trust it. In a way it's logical that either Porsche or Audi had to leave WEC eventually.

Rally Power

26th October 2016, 20:29

Audi can also be looking to this: http://www.motorsport.com/wtcc/news/class-1-could-be-introduced-in-wtcc-by-2019-840548/

Fast Eddie WRC

26th October 2016, 22:17

Colin Clark at WRGB Forum:
Malcolm Wilson tonight said "by middle of next year we hope to be running at least six of the 2017 cars"

Toyoda

26th October 2016, 22:45

Wonder how hard it would be to focus on one car per stage over the rally, I.e Ogier ss1 Sordo ss2 Meeke ss3 etc so hire out one heli for the day, and on the final stage of the day do the whole power stage camara setup.
I would be stoked to watch a 15min stage of one driver for each stage. We have all the info on the other cars...
Surely this would not be that hard with tech these days

seb_sh

26th October 2016, 22:47

I hope it's just sensationalist news. Audi retireing from WEC is just a rumor so far and they will be there next year for sure. On the WRC side VW have extended their commitment.

On the other hand sometimes things get twisted in a very short time period, like when Peugeot retired from WEC. In the end it's all about money.

Personally I hope it's just sensationalism, the VW group has been very involved in motorsport and they see the value of it so I hope that continues.

seb_sh

26th October 2016, 22:48

Andre Oliveira

26th October 2016, 23:02

Colin Clark at WRGB Forum:
Malcolm Wilson tonight said "by middle of next year we hope to be running at least six of the 2017 cars"

3 M-Sport
1 DMACK
1 Prokop
1 Bertelli

stefanvv

26th October 2016, 23:07

3 M-Sport
1 DMACK
1 Prokop
1 Bertelli

"at least" sounds promising, but we'll see...

EDIT: Or may be it's just H.Solberg here and there the most.

wia5958

26th October 2016, 23:25

Will any of them 3 privateers want to take a car mid season... Im sure there will be an increase on price of them as MW will be looking funds back asap What do they do until they arrive? Use theyre old wr cars wich will kind of be in no mans land not fast enough for a suprise result but still faster than wrc2?

EightGear

26th October 2016, 23:53

seb_sh

27th October 2016, 00:17

Audi leaving WEC is not a rumour, it has been confirmed. Pulling out after this season.

Ah, you're right, I totally missed that one, I had only read the initially rumor and then a quote from Wolfgang Ullrich saying nothing is decided yet. Bummer.

EstWRC

27th October 2016, 09:52

finally something good from them, tyre war will continue http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/126843/wrc-shelves-plan-for-control-tyres

electroliquid

27th October 2016, 10:17

finally something good from them, tyre war will continue http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/126843/wrc-shelves-plan-for-control-tyres

Pirelli, Michelin, D-MACK and who is fourth?

stefanvv

27th October 2016, 10:36

Probably Hankook?!?

AMSS

27th October 2016, 10:40

Pirelli, Michelin, D-MACK and who is fourth?

Hankook

René

27th October 2016, 15:05

Seb Loeb tests a new co-driver...

https://www.facebook.com/SebLoebOfficiel/videos/1451970388150393/

itix

27th October 2016, 22:25

"A control tyre does have certain benefits, but why would we try to fix something that's not broken?"

I wish they would apply that logic to a lot more things in the future! Absolutely the right way to go.

MikeD

28th October 2016, 14:27

3 M-Sport
1 DMACK
1 Prokop
1 Bertelli

DMACK is entering 2 WRC cars next year. I don't think we will see much of Prokop in WRC anymore. I doubt Bertelli as well. He said he needed to progress this year or he would quit WRC. He hasn't progressed one bit, so I don't expect him either in 2017.

smsgrafica

28th October 2016, 15:55

I doubt Bertelli as well. He said he needed to progress this year or he would quit WRC. He hasn't progressed one bit, so I don't expect him either in 2017.

Well, he doesn't crash as often anymore! :D

29th October 2016, 16:15

DMACK is entering 2 WRC cars next year.

Have they confirmed this?

Could be a lifeline for Evans and Ostberg.

Simmi

29th October 2016, 18:09

Have they confirmed this?

Yep I'd also like some confirmation on that statement. Not heard anything from Dmack regarding next year for a while...

Fast Eddie WRC

30th October 2016, 10:49

WRC 2017 seen around Wales Rally GB... :D

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CwABWM5WIAANHNZ.jpg
https://twitter.com/fuckmatie37/status/792635034918350849

Arnold Triyudho Wardono

30th October 2016, 19:18

WRC 2017 seen around Wales Rally GB... :D

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CwABWM5WIAANHNZ.jpg
https://twitter.com/fuckmatie37/status/792635034918350849
Still better than Yaris.. :p

Sent from my A12 using Tapatalk

Carbon

30th October 2016, 21:50

Evans in DMack (2017) and FORD MOTOR CO returning (2017).

Cheers.

N.O.T

30th October 2016, 22:17

Evans in DMack (2017) and FORD MOTOR CO returning (2017).

Cheers.

Good news a second class drive rto a second class car. Tanak i guess is going to the factory team. Nice.

Reis Eduardo

30th October 2016, 22:26

Evans in DMack (2017) and FORD MOTOR CO returning (2017).

Cheers.

What is the source that Ford Motor will return to the WRC?

Rally Power

31st October 2016, 00:12

Evans in DMack (2017) and FORD MOTOR CO returning (2017).
Cheers.

Great, if it gets real. Specially the 2nd one.

A FONDO

31st October 2016, 08:47

Why do you think it will add some difference to the present situation?

Franky

31st October 2016, 09:03

Why do you think it will add some difference to the present situation?

Less M-Sport on the livery?

car

31st October 2016, 09:57

Why do you think it will add some difference to the present situation?

DO you not?

There will be another manufacturer, a potentially bugger budget. It may mean that they can hire a bigger name for 2018...

Hope I have misunderstood you mate, but it looks like you are saying that Ford motor co entering the WRC as a full manufacturer team, won't make any difference?!

car

31st October 2016, 10:47

VW May pull out of WRC...

http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/126924/volkswagen-could-pull-wrc-programme

sindroms

31st October 2016, 10:56

Poland WRC will be in 2017 calendar.
Source - organizers prese release send to rally journalists.

GigiGalliNo1

31st October 2016, 11:02

YAWN

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20161031/eb95429386a33c50f03cd2171fa1675c.png

Franky

31st October 2016, 11:13

Cheer up Gigi, you might enjoy it sometime

Oliverk

31st October 2016, 11:27

Nice. Have to start booking.

macebig

31st October 2016, 12:24

Well,if Ford knows that VW will/is about to quit it makes sense for them to "officially" come back.The car is there,the team is there,they only need to spend something on a good pair of hands(maybe they decide to retry the McRae strategy with Ogier?) and they can seriously contend for the Title.They could be able to bring some sponsorship like Monster to offset some costs and with less than 10 mil they are good to go.

WUff1

31st October 2016, 15:29

VW May pull out of WRC...

http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/126924/volkswagen-could-pull-wrc-programme

VW is dismissing 10.000 employees, so pulling out of WRC would unfortunately be no big surprise ...

Francis44

31st October 2016, 15:52

I dont believe they would pull the plug so abruptly, perhaps running normally next year and abandon then, so many would be without a job with no heads up at all.

rallyfiend

31st October 2016, 15:57

I dont believe they would pull the plug so abruptly, perhaps running normally next year and abandon then, so many would be without a job with no heads up at all.

They just did it with Audi last week, so why not?

Franky

31st October 2016, 16:20

They just did it with Audi last week, so why not?

Moving from one championship to another isn't exactly "finito" compared to just pulling the plug and doing nothing.

dimviii

31st October 2016, 17:03

Autocar understands a withdrawal from the WRC tops a list of topics to be tabled at a Volkswagen board meeting being held at the company’s Wolfsburg headquarters in Germany on Tuesday 1 November.

A high-ranking Volkswagen official contacted by Autocar suggests chairman, Matthias Mueller, will announce an end to the company’s highly successful WRC programme as a direct result of the financial burden placed on Volkswagen in the wake of the Dieselgate emission manipulation scandal. It is expected the announcement will be made prior to the final round of the 2016 championship in Coffs Harbour, Australia on 17 November.

Suggestions that Mueller could grant Volkswagen Motorsport a year’s grace before a definitive end to the WRC programme are rebuffed by Autocar’s sources, who say the decision to end an association with the WRC is likely to be taken similar to that undertaken by Audi, and would be effective at the end of 2016, not 2017.

“It is disappointing. The guys at Volkswagen have done a great job,” a separate source involved in Volkswagen Group Motorsport operations told Autocar.

Since rejoining the WRC as a fully fledged manufacturer team from the beginning of the 2013 championship, Volkswagen has notched up 41 victories, including four manufacturer and four driver’s championships.

Volkswagen's sister company Audi axed its WEC programme last week after 18 years; officials confirmed it plans to switch its focus to Formula E.
http://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/motorsport-wrc/volkswagen-quit-world-rally-championship

EightGear

31st October 2016, 17:08

That doesn't look good...

Would be very intersting to see where their drivers would end up now that pretty much every team is already full.

dodge33cymru

31st October 2016, 17:15

Doesn't look good at all - would be a real shame for them to disappear just when there is the prospect of real competition showing up too. All the folks from Audi stayed on at the company with no redundancies; it's hard to see the same situation being possible here.

Rally Power

31st October 2016, 17:20

macebig

31st October 2016, 17:39

Did Makinen and Wilson knew something other people didn't?(in regards to the driver's market and VW).Because if the rumors are true,suddenly a very nice bunch of drivers(Ogier,Latvala,Mikkelsen+Lappi,Tidemand and Suninen) become available and possibly at a bargain price...

er88

31st October 2016, 17:58

Ford coming back would allow Msport to keep a hold of Tanak first and foremost. Like Neuville a few years back, if Tanak continues his progress he'd be away in 2018 to Toyota or maybe Citroen/ Hyundai. Ford already provide support to Msport and have always kept a possible return to the WRC alive, so if they know the 2017 car is going to be more than decent I wouldn't be surprised to see them return earlier than expected. I'd heard rumours 2018 was more likely but hope it's next year, and if the VW drivers are available Ford could have just stumbled across a goldmine so to speak...

Sent from my SM-G920F using Tapatalk

EstWRC

31st October 2016, 18:15

i dont believe it...they have a deal to the end of 2019 and a month ago they talked about extending it http://classic.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/126367

even Smeets says it is rumours.

Lousada

31st October 2016, 18:23

Fast Eddie WRC

31st October 2016, 18:23

Shock news if it happens.. there was no sign of it from the VW team or drivers right up to yesterday and the 4th Title celebrations.

But maybe they have proved all they wanted to anyway... they came in and totally dominated the traditional teams

Shame though if its true as 2017 holds so much promise.

Fast Eddie WRC

31st October 2016, 18:25

Colin Clark: My understanding is this story is somewhat premature. Speaking to my German colleagues they say it's not yet decided https://t.co/4ZzyjZvDYR

macebig

31st October 2016, 18:28

Ford's case was different.M-Sport was independent from Ford factory and Wilson found Al-Attiyah to cover the costs back in 2013.Ford backtracked then,giving technology support to Wilson,who in his turn was able to continue funding the WRC team through R5 sales and they are still here.VW is a full factory effort(similar to the Boreham one from Ford) so without factory support there is no team to begin with.

Francis44

31st October 2016, 18:31

That the brand Volkswagen will withdraw does not mean there will be no Volkswagens at the start of the 2017 Monte Carlo. Ford has not been involved in the WRC for a number of years now but there have been Fords at every rally. Some 'private' team will continue to enter the Volkswagens and will probably become world champions too.

Totally different, as far as I know homolgation processes for next year are far from over and I would expect them to completely drop development and construction of the 2017 cars. Perhaps someone will keep running this years cars but who cares about that.

When people start saying "it is not yet decided" you know shit is about to go down.

rallyfiend

31st October 2016, 18:34

That the brand Volkswagen will withdraw does not mean there will be no Volkswagens at the start of the 2017 Monte Carlo. Ford has not been involved in the WRC for a number of years now but there have been Fords at every rally. Some 'private' team will continue to enter the Volkswagens and will probably become world champions too.

yes it does. VW will never let the cars out of their hands. They will become museum pieces - just like all the Dakar Touregs.

Have you ever seen a VW WRC chassis used outside of VW Motorsport? They've made heaps of them over the years. All of them are stored somewhere. Their departure won't change that strategy.

dimviii

31st October 2016, 18:45

N.O.T

31st October 2016, 19:00

come on guys,prepare your questions.

Hayden Paddon ‏@HaydenPaddon · 10m10 minutes ago

I will be answering your #askpaddon questions tonight from 10pm CET (10am NZT) - get your questions through ��

I think Paddon is overdoing it with those social media questions thing, it begins to lose its meaning.

EstWRC

31st October 2016, 19:02

agreed, basically same questions every time.

Leon

31st October 2016, 19:03

Totally different, as far as I know homolgation processes for next year are far from over and I would expect them to completely drop development and construction of the 2017 cars. Perhaps someone will keep running this years cars but who cares about that.

When people start saying "it is not yet decided" you know shit is about to go down.
And then Skoda takes turn?

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dimviii

31st October 2016, 19:06

I think Paddon is overdoing it with those social media questions thing, it begins to lose its meaning.

it is loosing the meaning because most questions are stupid and they repeat again and again. Prepare some good questions and ask him.

BigWorm

31st October 2016, 19:08

Oh, his idol is McRae? Who would've known!

denkimi

31st October 2016, 19:14

yes it does. VW will never let the cars out of their hands. They will become museum pieces - just like all the Dakar Touregs.

Have you ever seen a VW WRC chassis used outside of VW Motorsport? They've made heaps of them over the years. All of them are stored somewhere. Their departure won't change that strategy.
they've made 33.
http://www.ewrc-results.com/cars.php?cid=45&t=Volkswagen-Polo-R-WRC

i don't think hyundai ever sold a wrc car. and i'm not sure about citroen, but i believe you can't by one, only rent one through ph-sport, which is basically owned by citroen.

N.O.T

31st October 2016, 19:21

it is loosing the meaning because most questions are stupid and they repeat again and again. Prepare some good questions and ask him.

Very rarely drivers are allowed to answer the good ones honestly

macebig

31st October 2016, 19:29

they've made 33.
http://www.ewrc-results.com/cars.php?cid=45&t=Volkswagen-Polo-R-WRC

i don't think hyundai ever sold a wrc car. and i'm not sure about citroen, but i believe you can't by one, only rent one through ph-sport, which is basically owned by citroen.

Corrado Fontana is running a previous gen i20 WRC in various Italian rallies.Citroen has sold most of the old C4s to various Italian/Belgian/French drivers and they will probably do the same with the DS3s when those beome redundant.

AL14

31st October 2016, 19:36

Very rarely drivers are allowed to answer the good ones honestly

totally agree. plus twitter has 140 characters that are not enough for a lot of decent questions.
btw sometimes he gives some info actually.

kure91

31st October 2016, 19:38

looking into ewrc-results, also DS3s are even now in private hands, for example chassis #10 and #11 at D-MACK Racing

macebig

31st October 2016, 19:39

Yes,also some 2011-12 spec DS3s are sold.

itix

31st October 2016, 21:25

And then Skoda takes turn?

Sent from my SM-J500FN using Tapatalk

That's actually a valid question...
Say that VW pulled the plug, how much freedom would Skoda have to take over what VW had begun? Probably not for -17 as homolgation time frame for all the components that wouldn't fit a fabia would be waaaay to short... but say 2018?

How tight are the reins from VW headquarters on Skoda motorsport?

Simmi

31st October 2016, 21:34

There may be a difference between Audi and VW cases. Can’t remember any Audi previous declaration of their LeMans engagement under the future 2018/21 regs, while VW confirmed a long time ago their 2017/19 WRC commitment. Hopefully, this is just an anticipation of Audi’s decision to choose FE instead of LM/WEC.

No unfortunately there is a misconception that Audi chose FE over WEC which was brought about by the press release. Effectively Audi trying to save a bit of face and imply they are remaining in global motorsport. The decision for them to support Formula E was made before and independently of the WEC exit. They even put out a press release weeks ago, explaining the move to FE would not have any impact on Audi's current motorsport programmes. The FE stuff is absolutely tiny in comparison to the Le Mans effort. Really it's just a branding exercise.

The decision to quit the WEC was made completely at boardroom level. Same as VW/WRC will be. The only thing that is different here is the fact that Audi had inter-brand competition in Porsche. That's something VW don't have in the WRC.

Clearly no one at VW Motorsport had any clue this was coming until very recently. It looks really bad. The fact they've been developing this new car for 18 months or whatever it's been really doesn't matter with decisions like this.

The only positive we can draw is that the WRC can take this blow on the chin and stay standing in the knowledge it still has 3.5 manufacturers in the series next year and a new set of exciting regs.

Tanak, Lappi, Ostberg, Evans, whoever... better have signed those contracts already otherwise they will be getting ripped up...

itix

31st October 2016, 21:41

Unless my memory fail me, the FE cars are all the same cars and they are given to the different race teams by a standard manufacturer... a branding exercise like you say.
I am not sure if this is the case anymore but in the beginning they had so shitty range that they had to change car mid race to actually complete a full race. All drivers had to have two cars each per race. Absolutely ridiculous.

EightGear

31st October 2016, 21:50

Is Paddon reading this thread or something? :D

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20161031/571c0433b0dea3f9bef3e74b944f74a7.jpg

macebig

31st October 2016, 21:51

Skoda won't probably have a problem(for now).The cars don't need significant investment and they are making a good chunk of money back by selling quite a few Fabia R5s.The Skoda Motorsport WRC2 program may stop but ERC involvement should continue+ privateers.
Edit for Paddon:He should try Facebook live Q+A next.

itix

31st October 2016, 22:07

Also important to remember is that Audi hasn't won the WEC manu. championship since 2013... and unless they changed, they are running diesel cars against a VW sister company that has not yet been axed.
I know that boards are hasty to axe things when numbers are red but VW wrc program is probably their only positive promotion right about now. Still, like Simmi says, the board of VW don't care about this at all. It is a balancing game for them and all outlays need to be slashed until the red numbers can be presented to share holders together with equal or greater cuts to spendings.

Such is the grim world of share holding and boards of directors.

For me it is a 50/50 that they will stay but it looks very dark indeed. I may hate hitlerwagen but the WRC does not need this instability right now. Ogier would likely pick up a seat at Msport or Toyota, Latvala might get a seat, I doubt Mikkelsen will...

Time will tell.

dodge33cymru

31st October 2016, 22:10

Wouldn't surprise me if Citroen and Hyundai made Ogier an offer regardless of having three on the books already. If Citroen need one French driver on their roster, methinks Ogier fills that role a little better than Lefebvre.

I wouldn't assume that Skoda would step up either; they don't have the same international reach and market as the VW brand and ROI would realistically be a lot lower. Would love to see it, but don't think we will.

dimviii

31st October 2016, 22:16

Is Paddon reading this thread or something? :D

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20161031/571c0433b0dea3f9bef3e74b944f74a7.jpg
Paddon seems reading our forum.

dimviii

31st October 2016, 22:17

Tanak, Lappi, Ostberg, Evans, whoever... better have signed those contracts already otherwise they will be getting ripped up...

very good point Simmi!

Epik

31st October 2016, 22:18

looking into ewrc-results, also DS3s are even now in private hands, for example chassis #10 and #11 at D-MACK Racing

D-MAX, not D-MACK...

Danny0405

31st October 2016, 22:35

Wouldn't surprise me if Citroen and Hyundai made Ogier an offer regardless of having three on the books already. If Citroen need one French driver on their roster, methinks Ogier fills that role a little better than Lefebvre.

For Hyundai, it would be very complicated because they have three drivers with two years contract and probably with high salary as they have experience. Firing Sordo (the most likely option) to hire Ogier would be very costly. And hiring Latvala or Mikkelsen does not seem very useful looking at the results this season.

Citroën is effectively an option that males sense as Lefebvre's salary is probably very low. It would depend on Citroën's bosses wish to put a little more money to ensure the title. But, has Ogier forgiven to Citroën?

bassist

31st October 2016, 22:44

For Hyundai, it would be very complicated because they have three drivers with two years contract and probably with high salary as they have experience. Firing Sordo (the most likely option) to hire Ogier would be very costly. And hiring Latvala or Mikkelsen does not seem very useful looking at the results this season.

Citroën is effectively an option that males sense as Lefebvre's salary is probably very low. It would depend on Citroën's bosses wish to put a little more money to ensure the title. But, has Ogier forgiven to Citroën?

Is that why Kris was looking so pissed off on the weekend????

dimviii

31st October 2016, 22:46

William H
‏@billyboy205gti
@HaydenPaddon is there much banter between drivers on rallies, piss taking when cars are bent? Or spinning on power stage? Who is best joker

Hayden Paddon ‏@HaydenPaddon · 1h1 hour ago

Hayden Paddon Retweeted William H

Depends how close the battles are amongst people, but generally a little bit of banter. Kris and Dani pretty good at it ��

AL14

31st October 2016, 23:14

Paddon seems reading our forum.

Hi did actually. His codriver knew about Ole Lundefaret reading his theory here.

Hello Hayden! What's up? :)

AL14

31st October 2016, 23:18

As for VW issue.
If an article is written with conditional verbs is not of any interest for me.
When they will write a proper news using indicative verbs then maybe we have something to talk about.

Rally Power

31st October 2016, 23:23

No unfortunately there is a misconception that Audi chose FE over WEC which was brought about by the press release. Effectively Audi trying to save a bit of face and imply they are remaining in global motorsport. The decision for them to support Formula E was made before and independently of the WEC exit. They even put out a press release weeks ago, explaining the move to FE would not have any impact on Audi's current motorsport programmes. The FE stuff is absolutely tiny in comparison to the Le Mans effort. Really it's just a branding exercise.(...)

They wouldn’t be promising to keep Audi Sport work force just for PR purposes...everyone suspected Audi would leave LM/WEC before 2018, most likely because of group brand competition with Porsche, like you’ve mentioned. If they’re keeping their motorsport arm and decided to quit LM/WEC earlier it makes sense they’ll use the free time to prepare a full scale entry in other motorsport series. They’re saying its FE, why should we doubt?

Btw, today’s rumor is essentially the same BS story since dieselgate’s day after: VW will pull out motorsport due to the emissions scandal ‘financial burden’. Why can't people realize VW is one of the richest and most profitable industrial groups around? If they decide to leave motorsport they’ll do it for political pressures – there’s a strong eco lobby in Germany - not by financial needs.

Still, fingers crossed…

Fast Eddie WRC

31st October 2016, 23:26

As for VW issue.
If an article is written with conditional verbs is not of any interest for me.
When they will write a proper news using indicative verbs then maybe we have something to talk about.

Yeh, yeh, we know.. Mr I Dont Believe Anything Anyone Says Ever...

This is News and RUMOURS... if people want to discuss things this is the place.

AL14

31st October 2016, 23:35

Yeh, yeh, we know.. Mr I Dont Believe Anything Anyone Says Ever...

This is News and RUMOURS... if people want to discuss things this is the place.

I don't see the point of your post (and it's not the first time).
I'm not criticizing people discussing about the issue, just said that I don't give credit to articles with conditional verbs. May I sir?

Simmi

31st October 2016, 23:49

They wouldn’t be promising to keep Audi Sport work force just for PR purposes...everyone suspected Audi would leave LM/WEC before 2018, most likely because of group brand competition with Porsche, like you’ve mentioned. If they’re keeping their motorsport arm and decided to quit LM/WEC earlier it makes sense they’ll use the free time to prepare a full scale entry in other motorsport series. They’re saying its FE, why should we doubt?

Btw, today’s rumor is essentially the same BS story since dieselgate’s day after: VW will pull out motorsport due to the emissions scandal ‘financial burden’. Why can't people realize VW is one of the richest and most profitable industrial groups around? If they decide to leave motorsport they’ll do it for political pressures – there’s a strong eco lobby in Germany - not by financial needs.

Still, fingers crossed…

Formula E is a spec series. There is no development for Audi to do and the team to run those cars already exists. So I've no idea what the rest of their workforce will do. All I'm really saying is they pulled the WEC programme for political reasons first, cost cutting second. Not to go and do FE instead.

Of course even with the US fines VAG still have more than enough money to compete. This isn't about that. When workers start losing their jobs and you are under fire you can't be seen to be spending ridiculous amounts of money on motorsport - which at the end of the day is not a necessity. That's what it boils down to. Sportscar fans will remember Peugeot did exactly the same thing heading into 2012. They had a new car developed, built and were on their way to a test when they found out.

We've heard all these scare stories before but when well-placed sources say this is being tabled for discussion at a meeting this week then there seems to be some substance to this news.

stefanvv

31st October 2016, 23:52

They wouldn’t be promising to keep Audi Sport work force just for PR purposes...everyone suspected Audi would leave LM/WEC before 2018, most likely because of group brand competition with Porsche, like you’ve mentioned. If they’re keeping their motorsport arm and decided to quit LM/WEC earlier it makes sense they’ll use the free time to prepare a full scale entry in other motorsport series. They’re saying its FE, why should we doubt?

Btw, today’s rumor is essentially the same BS story since dieselgate’s day after: VW will pull out motorsport due to the emissions scandal ‘financial burden’. Why can't people realize VW is one of the richest and most profitable industrial groups around? If they decide to leave motorsport they’ll do it for political pressures – there’s a strong eco lobby in Germany - not by financial needs.

Still, fingers crossed…

Good points. Honestly I thought AUDI will leave WEC sooner or later after the Porsche came into it (this was about the same time VAG considered Posrche as the sports brand of the group instead of AUDI to this point). There seems to be no room for in company competition in 1 series. They may use now the dieselgate as a reason, but is it really?

I believe VW will be in WRC at least until 2019 as the initial plan was, may be with reduced budged somehow, but they should be in. You don't spend 18 months of developing entirely new car for nothing.

Simmi

31st October 2016, 23:57

You don't spend 18 months of developing entirely new car for nothing.

You don't from a motorsport perspective. But the new car means nothing to the board members who are looking at the bigger picture for the company.

macebig

1st November 2016, 00:00

Honda spend tons of money to develop the car that became BGP001.Subaru and Suzuki invested significantly on the Impreza 08 and SX4 WRC only to pull the plug.Last but not least,Toyota created a Yaris WRC and a TF110 in TMG only to store those two cars under a blanket in Cologne...

Rally Power

1st November 2016, 00:09

Formula E is a spec series.

Not an FE follower, but I think manus can now make their own powertrains.

Each one is entitled to believe, or not, on this kind of rumors. Having in mind journos current need for scoops and scandals, I tend to get more skeptical every day.

stefanvv

1st November 2016, 00:21

macebig

1st November 2016, 00:27

All of those examples(except Toyota in WRC) were active with various degrees of success.

Mirek

1st November 2016, 00:30

Yes, Audi leaves WEC likely due to internal VAG war with Porsche which started after Porsche won Le Mans. Still we shall not downplay the impacts of the dieselgate. The overall loss for VW is going to be huge and will hurt a lot for many years to come. The VAG Group is also very special company as it is partially owned and driven by state Lower Saxony and the politics play an important role in its working. It doesn't matter that for us the WRC budget seems to be tiny compared to the overall numbers of the group or compared to the dieselgate loss. It may be closed, it may continue. We have to wait and see.

giu canbera

1st November 2016, 00:34

should we start to beg prodrive or eks (matthias ekstrom's team.. where Ogier tested last week or something) on twitter for them to run the Polos in 2017 like Msport and Ford are doing with its partnership? heheh

dupanton

1st November 2016, 06:29

Oliverk

1st November 2016, 07:07

What I find really strange is, if they want to stop, why didn't they do that at the end of this year? Why bother developing a whole new car to then pull the plug out 1 year later. Doesn't make much sense to me...

Please try to understand that these kind of decisions are made in upper level. They don't give a rats ass about spent time and resources. If it's needed to the brand to cut motorsport then it will be cut.

dupanton

1st November 2016, 08:05

Please try to understand that these kind of decisions are made in upper level. They don't give a rats ass about spent time and resources. If it's needed to the brand to cut motorsport then it will be cut.

I agree, but it's not like Dieselgate is a thing of the last month.
We will see, I hope they stay in the WRC!

Loose_Unit

1st November 2016, 08:54

So this could be VW Team next year for real?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mDL9sy0KLuM

Fast Eddie WRC

1st November 2016, 09:11

VW with 4 WRC Titles... it could be hard for the team to explain to the hierarchy what more they have to prove.

Plus if any cuts are needed where staff are to lose their jobs then motorsport will go for sure.

KKS

1st November 2016, 09:12

What I find really strange is, if they want to stop, why didn't they do that at the end of this year? Why bother developing a whole new car to then pull the plug out 1 year later. Doesn't make much sense to me...
Maybe they pull out as factory team and run with that developed 2017 car as "V-Sport" or something like that as Malcolm do?
Or like Citroens in 2006 with Kronos

EstWRC

1st November 2016, 09:16

i think its a high possibility, Red Bull WRC team or something like that.

Fast Eddie WRC

1st November 2016, 10:05

Yeah, the team and car is too good to just break up..

PLuto

1st November 2016, 10:36

VW with 4 WRC Titles... it could be hard for the team to explain to the hierarchy what more they have to prove.

They did it in the past - new WRC cars are mainly because of them. They needed to persuade VAG bosses why to invest again so much money, so they needed brand new WRC car. Thats why we have this 2017 versions...

Mintexmemory

1st November 2016, 10:48

PLuto

1st November 2016, 10:50

If the worst happens (or for those who think VW/Ogier are making it boring - the best) then where would the reigning 4 times Champ be likely to end up? Would any team even have a spare seat at this time?

He can make pair with Tidemand at Skoda and finally win WRC2 ;)

Toyoda

1st November 2016, 10:51

So did Jost Capito predict or know this and get out early...

Franky

1st November 2016, 10:59

So did Jost Capito predict or know this and get out early...

Doubt it, just it took him ages to actually leave VW.

EightGear

1st November 2016, 11:12

Arwel Davies

1st November 2016, 11:27

If the worst happens (or for those who think VW/Ogier are making it boring - the best) then where would the reigning 4 times Champ be likely to end up? Would any team even have a spare seat at this time?

Ogier to Citroen
Latvala to Toyota
Mikkelsen to Hyundai

That would be my guess anyway.

big_sw2000

1st November 2016, 11:32

Citroen are full. and not bringing a 3rd car online till a few events. Hyundai haven't they completed there driver line up as well.
Only Ford and Toyota with seats I reckon ]

Steve

Francis44

1st November 2016, 11:35

Hyundai is the only team with deep enought pockets, Ogier would never get involved with Toyota and I think Citroen is set for next year. Interesting couple of months ahead.

PLuto

1st November 2016, 11:41

My guess is that VW will normally continue in WRC...

rallyfiend

1st November 2016, 11:50

My guess is that VW will normally continue in WRC...

They're out. I'm sure they're probably just waiting to tell staff in a more compassionate way than a press release - and they were no doubt travelling yesterday on the way home from Wales, and possibly having a day off today.

N.O.T

1st November 2016, 11:51

All that VW withdrawal is just end of season banter by the british journalists who are bantermasters of nothingness.

nothing will happen tot he VW program.

denkimi

1st November 2016, 11:57

Would any team even have a spare seat at this time?
are you joking, or just completely unfamiliar with the wrc?

Miika

1st November 2016, 11:58

Volkswagen will end its World Rally Championship (WRC) programme at the end of this season, Autocar can exclusively reveal (http://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/motorsport-wrc/updated-volkswagen-quits-world-rally-championship-end-2016).

In a meeting held in Wolfsburg on Tuesday morning, the German car maker’s board vowed to retain the 200 employees at its Volkswagen Motorsport division, with plans for them to focus on the VW Golf TCR customer car and other motorsport programmes within the Volkswagen Group, possibly including Skoda's rally programme.

An official statement confirming the end to Volkswagen’s WRC involvement is set to be made on Wednesday, after affected staff have been told of the decision.

“The priority is to advise our employees of the plans first,” a senior source revealed. “We will then make the decision to pull out of the WRC public. Until then, there will be nothing official.”

Despite developing an all-new Polo WRC to 2017 WRC regulations, Volkswagen does not intend to provide it to customer teams.

"The costs involved in developing the 2017 car will be absorbed into the existing R&D budget. There are no plans to offer it through a customer programme. It will be mothballed," Autocar's source revealed.

..

rallyfiend

1st November 2016, 12:01

All that VW withdrawal is just end of season banter by the british journalists who are bantermasters of nothingness.

nothing will happen tot he VW program.

And once again, you're shown to have not the slightest clue of what you're talking about.

Danny0405

1st November 2016, 12:13

Ogier to Citroen
Latvala to Toyota
Mikkelsen to Hyundai

That would be my guess anyway.

In my opinion, looking at the results this season, Hyundai has no interest to hire an other driver than Ogier. However, as they have yet made a huge effort for Neuville, I do not think they will be able to sign Ogier and fire Sordo.

Citroën is the best choice for Ogier (and Lefebvre could be sacrifice by the management as Ogier is French) but has Ogier forgiven to Citroën?
Or maybe he Will take a year out of WRC?

About Latvala and Mikkelsen, the market will be complicated as they Will have to wait Ogier's décision (no team Will make Them an offer before I think)