[WRC] News & rumours (part IV) 2016

[sollitt]

Next year will be really interesting ... once the cats are finally able to play amongst the pigeons.

[N.O.T]

The really great news about Latvala to the village team is that once they flop they are going to take him with them.

I think toyota should be renamed into "finnish unemployment fund for the useless doggos"

At first it was funny then it became weird now its a scandal. They are ridiculing the sport.

[Allez Andruet]

At first it was funny then it became weird now its a scandal. They are ridiculing the sport.

Just like you at this forum.

[FAlonso]

Just like you at this forum.

This.

[Toyoda]

Longer this drags the more likely it will be Citroen

[EightGear]

It's ridiculous Hanninen's seat is so safe still. Without VW's withdrawal I could understand he would get a chance, but the risk of Mikkelsen not having a seat while Hanninen gets a full time drive is wrong.

The above applies maybe even more to Camilli.

[Allez Andruet]

It's ridiculous Hanninen's seat is so safe still. Without VW's withdrawal I could understand he would get a chance, but the risk of Mikkelsen not having a seat while Hanninen gets a full time drive is wrong.

The above applies maybe even more to Camilli.
But it's never been a question of right and wrong. When unfortunate things such as the VW withdrawal happen (in November!), it's quite obvious there will not be perfect seats available for all three. It would have been just as much "wrong", if all signed contracts suddenly became invalidated at the moment VW decided to pull the plug.

[macebig]

Calm down,guys.When a team retires abruptly those things happen.Remember Solberg and Subaru in late 2008 or Auriol and Kankkunen when Toyota was DQ from 1996.Mikkelsen needs to keep his focus and try to find even a R5 drive and continue his progress.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

What is Mikkelsen's situation regarding funding/sponsors.. could he bring anything to get himself into a team ?

Also, is he a real second choice for M-Sport (if Ogier declines), or is Tanak safe as their no. 1 ?

[Duvel]

Completely agree, in 2017 there are only 2 drivers that can challenge Ogier: Mikkelsen and Neuville. There are many other good drivers now, much more than 5 years ago but they are all at least 1 level below Ogier. Even Mikkelsen and Neuville need favourable circumstances to stand a chance, if everything is equal Ogier will beat them.

Also before people make the argument about Mikkelsen having the best car for a few years: he's been a close 3rd two times against JML and Neuville. He has grown above JML lately and he's about equal with Neuville. The only one clearly better, shoulders above the rest, is Ogier. Unless Meeke gets a clearly superior DS3 next year no on else can win the title in 2017 except Ogier, Mikkelsen or Neuville.

Moving on... about this silly season, it seems Ogier will make his decision soon. But even after that there are many things yet unknown. The first important point is the manufacturer registration for 2017 which i think is in december sometime. There we will find out if Ford decides to back MSport and if there will be any kind of VW team.

Agree whit you 100%
There are some other drivers in WRC how have the pace, but not on all rally's (Paddon, Tanak, JML,..).
Also completly agree whit you on Meeke, if the car is bether than al the rest mayby, but if not i'm afraid he'l be pushing very, probaly to much, we al know what happens than.

[Hartusvuori]

It's ridiculous Hanninen's seat is so safe still. Without VW's withdrawal I could understand he would get a chance, but the risk of Mikkelsen not having a seat while Hanninen gets a full time drive is wrong.

The above applies maybe even more to Camilli.

Or to Breen and Lefebvre. It's just those contracts were done and published before VW's withdrawal.

On the other hand, I see it quite logical that a driver who has developed the car and drove it for 6000+ kms on gravel and unknown mileage on tarmac will get to compete in it on team's development season. Admittedly I'm a big Hänninen fan, so I don't get to vote.

[EightGear]

Or to Breen and Lefebvre. It's just those contracts were done and published before VW's withdrawal.

On the other hand, I see it quite logical that a driver who has developed the car and drove it for 6000+ kms on gravel and unknown mileage on tarmac will get to compete in it on team's development season. Admittedly I'm a big Hänninen fan, so I don't get to vote.
Yeah same goes with Lefebvre and maybe Breen.

I do understand the situation and I see why thing are like they are but stil it's a bit of a shame.

[Duvel]

Yeah same goes with Lefebvre and maybe Breen.

I do understand the situation and I see why thing are like they are but stil it's a bit of a shame.

It will only be a shame if Mikkelsen doesn't find him a seat for 2017, because i think Hanninen never had a proper chanse for a full season.
I doubt if he will impress in 2017, but looking at history (IRC,...) i'm hoping to be wrong.

Still i think they both deserve a drive in 2017.

[Lundefaret]

No matter how this turns out, we are going to have a VERY strong driver line up in the WRC in 2017!

Ogier
Latvala
Mikkelsen?
Neuville
Paddon
Sordo
Meeke
Breen
Levfebre
Tänak
Camilli
Østberg
Evans?
Latvala
Häninen
Lappi

There hasn't been a driver line up as strong as this since 2003.

[itix]

No matter how this turns out, we are going to have a VERY strong driver line up in the WRC in 2017!

Ogier
Latvala
Mikkelsen?
Neuville
Paddon
Sordo
Meeke
Breen
Levfebre
Tänak
Camilli
Østberg
Evans?
Latvala
Häninen
Lappi

There hasn't been a driver line up as strong as this since 2003.
Latvala is so important that he is mentioned twice ;)

You are quite right though. And if the VW privateer team happens it will be even greater.

Prokop will likely be there for at least some rallies and if they do succeed Al Attiyah will too.

DMACK have said they will run two cars as well. If Østberg is running in his own adapta team this will be yet another seat.

...so yeah.

[Andre Oliveira]

Baumschlager with Polo R WRC at Austria?

https://www.facebook.com/rallyandmore/videos/1214961731963491/

[Andre Oliveira]

Translation please: http://yle.fi/urheilu/3-9343848?origin=rss

[OldF]

Translation please: http://yle.fi/urheilu/3-9343848?origin=rss

We have been negotiating with Toyota, my manager Timo Jouhki and (team manager) Tommi Mäkinen. We have gone through a lot of things. Basically, you could say that things are pretty good, but the contract has not been signed yet, Latvala says. I am sure I’m driving something.

Must take into account the fact that if I can get a place with Toyota and I will get to the team, they have a new car, which has been tested for perhaps half a year. It's really a short time, says Latvala.

The rest is about how shit it felt when VW left and his age is not yet a disadvantage. But he says after a year not driving it would be difficult to come back

He’s spending the Christmas and New Year in Thailand. I wonder what he will doing there with Maisa.:)

[rallyfiend]

He’s spending the Christmas and New Year in Thailand. I wonder what he will doing there with Maisa.:)

Probably the same thing he'd be doing if he was with her in Finland...

Watching on-boards on WRC+ and old rally movies on Youtube.

[WUff1]

Baumschlager with Polo R WRC at Austria?

https://www.facebook.com/rallyandmore/videos/1214961731963491/

He says he´s been asked, but it´s nothing serious by now. He also says it´s rather late by now and he already has some commitments for 2017-

[traxx]

Baumschlager with Polo R WRC at Austria?

https://www.facebook.com/rallyandmore/videos/1214961731963491/

Any translation, please ?

[HaCo]

New fiesta on facebook without covers!
https://www.facebook.com/MSportLtd/photos/pcb.1310493195660396/1310490162327366/?type=3&theater

Pretty nice!

[itix]

New fiesta on facebook without covers!
https://www.facebook.com/MSportLtd/photos/pcb.1310493195660396/1310490162327366/?type=3&theater

Pretty nice!
Just saw it also. Looks a lot better without camo. Dunno why but the camo made it look completely different... Like some kind of time attack/Hill climb car with waaaay to much aero bits on it or something.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

M-Sport car reveal... surely the driver line-up cant be far away.

[Simmi]

Car looks lovely. Don't think that's a finished version though. Doesn't appear to have the side-impact door protection that the latest Ogier test car had. Definitely some photoshopping going on.

[macebig]

M-Sport car reveal... surely the driver line-up cant be far away.

Colors and sponsors are much more important right now.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ISz3DVa0RwE/WErvjfUVgaI/AAAAAAAAYAU/Cm7IReoVb-sktk2p35YYpY4o-iHHvHfWACKgB/s800/FiestaWRC%2B%25283%2529.jpg

https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MtV0fhV6-rc/WErvzM7WPtI/AAAAAAAAYAY/m9YU7ZgWnCsVjatYYbOGf09tW4lTHRsgQCKgB/s1600/FiestaWRC%2B%25284%2529.jpg

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Colors and sponsors are much more important right now.

More important than whether they have the 4x World Champion driving their car ?

[focus206]

Nice, much better than what I was expecting. Camo livery really deceived me. The aereo makes it look larger which is good, considering the road one looks way too "tall".

[Andre Oliveira]

Beautifull ��

[dimviii]

I don't like it. I will wait to see with livery though.
cant understand why they didn't wait to show it with livery after few days.Maybe nor major sponsor? (ford-redbull etc)

[Karukera]

That is a nice iteration of a rally car.

[rallyfiend]

I don't like it. I will wait to see with livery though.
cant understand why they didn't wait to show it with livery after few days.Maybe nor major sponsor? (ford-redbull etc)

WAsn't today the day of the Big Meeting with the Ford guys from the US? Perhaps just a chance to show it off to them.

[car]

WAsn't today the day of the Big Meeting with the Ford guys from the US? Perhaps just a chance to show it off to them.

I'm sure they could have seen it without M-Sport having to do a press release...

[car]

Colors and sponsors are much more important right now.

Why is the colour of a car more important than the driver?

[car]

Not massively into it... I think the rear wheel arch / air outlet looks terrible when looking from front to rear and the front aero is too 'rounded' though, I concede, it probably 'must' look like that for the aero to be effective.

I'll give it 7/10.

Think it till be behind the Hyundai and Citroen in the overall looks contest.... however if it is on the top step of the podium then it doesn't really matter one bit what it looks like..

[Duvel]

I like it to, 2017 cars are looking very agressive. I do think that when the cars hit a bank, or have a smal off, the aero will be a big difference. Clean drivers wil have the benefit i gues.

So far my top on looks:
1) Hyundai
2) Ford
3) Polo
4) DS3
5) Yaris

[Fast Eddie WRC]

It is a bit strange to do a reveal of the basic rally car. Everyone is going to be looking at it and so you would think its a good advertising opportunity for their sponsors...

But not even a Ford logo.

[macebig]

Why is the colour of a car more important than the driver?

Well,if the car has Big Blue Oval logos(and less M-Sport branding) and a nice chunk of exterior sponsors(Red Bull/Monster etc) you can be pretty sure the driver duo is gonna be spectacular.

[danon]

https://s5.postimg.org/dzbrtmgzr/image.jpg

[tc10a]

https://s5.postimg.org/dzbrtmgzr/image.jpg

And whats the conspiracy theory for the arrows?

[GravelBen]

Presumably someone thinks the car was never there and its just a photoshop. They might be right about that, but they could well be wrong about where the natural light source is and just making assumptions about which clouds are causing which shadows.

Artificial lighting on the car itself (fill flash etc) would usually be used for that type of photography anyway whether the car was shot there or shot elsewhere and chopped in.

It could be a different piece of road in foreground with car to the background though, looking at it more closely.

[Mirek]

Why is that important?

[tc10a]

And if it would be placed on the moon, its a presentation shot - who cares

[itix]

Exactly... It's when pictures turn up with rocket launchers on it that we should raise an eyebrow.

[car]

https://s5.postimg.org/dzbrtmgzr/image.jpg

I think it is Wrynose or Hardknott pass... pretty much on the M-sport doorstep...

Maybe one of the Cumbrian board members can correct me / confirm this?

[sollitt]

Is this an ugliest car competition? These guys are in serious contention along with Toyota.

[dimviii]

I think it is Wrynose or Hardknott pass... pretty much on the M-sport doorstep...

Maybe one of the Cumbrian board members can correct me / confirm this?

RallyCaptures ‏@RallyCaptures

And for anyone wondering where the @MSportLtd pictures were taken, it's Honiston Pass in Cumbria

[Fast Eddie WRC]

RallyCaptures ‏@RallyCaptures

And for anyone wondering where the @MSportLtd pictures were taken, it's Honiston Pass in Cumbria

Honister Pass.

[GravelBen]

Why is that important?

Its not. But he asked what the arrows were about.

[Mirek]

It was more of a general question since I didn't understand why somebody spends time with such kind of "analysis".

[danon]

https://s5.postimg.org/ucvrcrx53/dp_Fxmas.jpg

[EightGear]

I like it.

[EstWRC]

you guys are just so hard to satisify, i wonder if its also so in real life...

[Fast Eddie WRC]

The R5 was tested and photgraphed by Evo magazine on the Honister Pass.. maybe that inspired the location for the WRC car reveal shots...

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BRJxFzGCYAE8Ra0.jpg:large

[BleAivano]

you guys are just so hard to satisify, i wonder if its also so in real life...

Not really but it's almost impossible to make these kinds of hatchbacks look good since they are ugly by default.

I won't be satisfied until they give me a four door saloon car regulation.

[Mk2 RS2000]

Not really but it's almost impossible to make these kinds of hatchbacks look good since they are ugly by default.

I won't be satisfied until they give me a four door saloon car regulation.

Guess you never liked Mini Coopers, Lotus Cortina, Escort Twin Cam, Escort RS1800, Fiat 131, Lancia 037 or the Quattro either. There is more to the world than early Subaru Legacy's and Mitsi VR4's

[Thousandlakes]

Kalle Rovanperä third fastest in Bettega memorial after Neuville and Evans. Kalle was fastest in saturday morning qualifying. Well done Kiddo ;) Tomorrow race continues.

https://www.facebook.com/KalleRovanperaRacing/photos/a.575075579240625.1073741825.390268281054690/1242034319211411/?type=3

[RS]

Not really but it's almost impossible to make these kinds of hatchbacks look good since they are ugly by default.



I don't agree. The current generation of WRCars and R5s look just right to me, just aggressive and sporty enough. The 2017 cars all look a bit silly/tacky to me but will reserve full judgement until we see them all finished and liveried up.

[Essaj]

Kalle Rovanperä third fastest in Bettega memorial after Neuville and Evans. Kalle was fastest in saturday morning qualifying. Well done Kiddo ;) Tomorrow race continues.

https://www.facebook.com/KalleRovanperaRacing/photos/a.575075579240625.1073741825.390268281054690/1242034319211411/?type=3

you can see from the podium photos that Kalle is nowhere near pleased with his 3rd place, I think we're going to see massive push from him tommorow.

[Andre Oliveira]

Gerard Quinn ‏@WRCgerardquinn 12h12 hours ago

The evolution of #FordFiesta in @OfficialWRC From concept to reality. Looking forward to 2017 and future iterations of this great car?



Colin Clark ‏@voiceofrally 3h3 hours ago

Hearing news today that gives me renewed hope that Ogier will go to M-Sport! Keeping everything crossed.

[Andre Oliveira]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CzaPd3gWEAAZIeQ.jpg

[Simmi]

Gerard Quinn ‏@WRCgerardquinn 12h12 hours ago

The evolution of #FordFiesta in @OfficialWRC From concept to reality. Looking forward to 2017 and future iterations of this great car?

Colin Clark ‏@voiceofrally 3h3 hours ago

Hearing news today that gives me renewed hope that Ogier will go to M-Sport! Keeping everything crossed.

Hopefully the Ford brass left some bags of money behind after that M-Sport meeting.

[Essaj]

This one was pretty clever :D
1147

edit: no idea why it is so small, sorry

[Andre Oliveira]

Deal done :)

Dream livery

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

[rallyfiend]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CzaPd3gWEAAZIeQ.jpg

Thierry at his finest.

[dupanton]

Thierry at his finest.

Quite funny that he crashed only once during this WRC season (in Mexico at the beginning of the year), and that now he crashes in a rallyshow :D

[Andre Oliveira]

Stagebystage.com

It looks very unlikely that Sébastian Ogier will be behind the wheel of a 2017 Volkswagen Polo GTi World Rally Car for his WRC title defence. When that confirmation comes, the relief of the rest of the 2017 contenders will be palpable.

However the Champ has made one thing clear, he and Julien Ingrassia will be in a competitive car. Time pressure means he will let us know his decision very soon.

No matter what car he chooses, providing it is both fast and reliable over a full championship season, I believe he and Julien are again odds-on for the 2017 Championship. Here are ten facts which I feel justify my reasoning: –

Momentum

Apart from a small blip on the last day in Australia (which I am sure he has already taken the learning from and moved on), Ogier will believe like the previous three years that he is the best driver and the others have to catch him.

Confidence

He starts his defence on his home event, Rally Monte Carlo which he has won 4 times – the last three years consecutively, matching Seb Loeb and Walter Röhrl. Only Tommi Mäkinen has won it 4 times in a row. On a rally where traction can be so unpredictable, it proves those drivers were able to feel and react to grip levels better than their competition.

Previous domination of the first four events

Not only is his Monte Carlo record impressive, after the first 4 rallies over the last 4 seasons, Ogier had 75% more points on average than his nearest rival. Now that is a nice cushion to have so early in the year.

Consistency

Those levels of consistency have always been maintained throughout the year in a machine-like way. From pace notes to tyre selection to precision driving, his consistency has never been matched by any of his rivals.

Only one day sweeping duties on gravel

For the gravel rallies in 2017 he has only one days road-sweeping duties to perform, which will be an obvious advantage to him over the year.

Attitude

Working as a stage end reporter for WRC Live on a few events over the last 2 years has been a real privilege for me. Nowadays, Ogier usually just gets on with the task of “doing my best” in whatever conditions he encounters. He is usually calm, relaxed and reflective. It is also rare that you hear him say, he doesn’t have a good feeling etc… He reminds me of Tiger Woods in his heyday when he was in contention, the others seem to struggle with that pressure.

Tyre efficiency

Seb commented in a recent interview that he does not need to think about saving his tyres anymore, he does it unconsciously. That smooth driving style has other benefits of course; being easy on the drive train, reducing the risk of punctures, reducing the number of mechanical failures etc… Compare that to others who say they are only able to go fast while driving a lot more flamboyantly. Like Mäkinen and Loeb, I do not believe he is a lucky driver, he generates his own good fortune.

Judging pace

I noticed a change in Ogier’s pace early in 2016. It was clear that he decided that on some events, second place was good enough. It was also obvious to me that Power Stage points were not worth the same risk of previous years. Again the facts show, where he won 7/8 stages on a rally in previous years, in 2016 he only won 2/3 on that same rally.

Knowledge

Each year, the Champ knows how to tweak his approach to drive fast enough to do the job. Now winning the Championship is very much front of mind and the priority. Knowledge, skills and attitude, with the ability to minimise both external and internal interferences are the key and he has all of those nailed.

No consistent challengers

Although 5 other drivers won one or more rallies in 2016, yet again no one consistently challenged Ogier for the title. Pace note mistakes, driver errors and mechanical issues led to a lack of consistency. Remember there were 6 different winners on 6 consecutive rallies that to me tells a tale.

Summary

As a WRC fan, the last point is the one I want to see change in 2017. There is so much potential to put Ogier under pressure from the outset. Of the drivers confirmed for 2017, Kris Meeke, Thierry Neuville and Hayden Paddon have shown their pace in 2016 and should win rallies next year again, Ott Tänak and Andreas Mikkelsen should be confirmed in the next few days. They will of course be threats, as will Mads Østberg if he can get back to a faster consistent pace in 2017. It remains to be seen how competitive Toyota will be, I expect it will take a while to get up to pace so I don’t see their drivers competing for the title.

In order to perform at the highest level in the most consistent way, Ogier’s title challengers need to change what they have been doing to date because it is clear that strategy has not worked. They need to do something different if they stand a chance of winning their first title.

If you look through the ten areas I listed above, a lot can be approved with the right mental attitude, an area which I still believe most WRC drivers need to focus on more. It would be great if they paid as much attention to improving in those areas as they do on watching in-car stage footage. I know which would have the greater benefit based on studies of competitors in other sports over the last few years.

Here’s to a fascinating 2017, may the best men win!

[N.O.T]

so you spent all this time to tell us something that we already knew...

Thank you captain obvious.

[stefanvv]

Stagebystage.com

It looks very unlikely that Sébastian Ogier will be behind the wheel of a 2017 Volkswagen Polo GTi World Rally Car for his WRC title defence. When that confirmation comes, the relief of the rest of the 2017 contenders will be palpable.

However the Champ has made one thing clear, he and Julien Ingrassia will be in a competitive car. Time pressure means he will let us know his decision very soon.

No matter what car he chooses, providing it is both fast and reliable over a full championship season, I believe he and Julien are again odds-on for the 2017 Championship. Here are ten facts which I feel justify my reasoning: –

Momentum

Apart from a small blip on the last day in Australia (which I am sure he has already taken the learning from and moved on), Ogier will believe like the previous three years that he is the best driver and the others have to catch him.

Confidence

He starts his defence on his home event, Rally Monte Carlo which he has won 4 times – the last three years consecutively, matching Seb Loeb and Walter Röhrl. Only Tommi Mäkinen has won it 4 times in a row. On a rally where traction can be so unpredictable, it proves those drivers were able to feel and react to grip levels better than their competition.

Previous domination of the first four events

Not only is his Monte Carlo record impressive, after the first 4 rallies over the last 4 seasons, Ogier had 75% more points on average than his nearest rival. Now that is a nice cushion to have so early in the year.

Consistency

Those levels of consistency have always been maintained throughout the year in a machine-like way. From pace notes to tyre selection to precision driving, his consistency has never been matched by any of his rivals.

Only one day sweeping duties on gravel

For the gravel rallies in 2017 he has only one days road-sweeping duties to perform, which will be an obvious advantage to him over the year.

Attitude

Working as a stage end reporter for WRC Live on a few events over the last 2 years has been a real privilege for me. Nowadays, Ogier usually just gets on with the task of “doing my best” in whatever conditions he encounters. He is usually calm, relaxed and reflective. It is also rare that you hear him say, he doesn’t have a good feeling etc… He reminds me of Tiger Woods in his heyday when he was in contention, the others seem to struggle with that pressure.

Tyre efficiency

Seb commented in a recent interview that he does not need to think about saving his tyres anymore, he does it unconsciously. That smooth driving style has other benefits of course; being easy on the drive train, reducing the risk of punctures, reducing the number of mechanical failures etc… Compare that to others who say they are only able to go fast while driving a lot more flamboyantly. Like Mäkinen and Loeb, I do not believe he is a lucky driver, he generates his own good fortune.

Judging pace

I noticed a change in Ogier’s pace early in 2016. It was clear that he decided that on some events, second place was good enough. It was also obvious to me that Power Stage points were not worth the same risk of previous years. Again the facts show, where he won 7/8 stages on a rally in previous years, in 2016 he only won 2/3 on that same rally.

Knowledge

Each year, the Champ knows how to tweak his approach to drive fast enough to do the job. Now winning the Championship is very much front of mind and the priority. Knowledge, skills and attitude, with the ability to minimise both external and internal interferences are the key and he has all of those nailed.

No consistent challengers

Although 5 other drivers won one or more rallies in 2016, yet again no one consistently challenged Ogier for the title. Pace note mistakes, driver errors and mechanical issues led to a lack of consistency. Remember there were 6 different winners on 6 consecutive rallies that to me tells a tale.

Summary

As a WRC fan, the last point is the one I want to see change in 2017. There is so much potential to put Ogier under pressure from the outset. Of the drivers confirmed for 2017, Kris Meeke, Thierry Neuville and Hayden Paddon have shown their pace in 2016 and should win rallies next year again, Ott Tänak and Andreas Mikkelsen should be confirmed in the next few days. They will of course be threats, as will Mads Østberg if he can get back to a faster consistent pace in 2017. It remains to be seen how competitive Toyota will be, I expect it will take a while to get up to pace so I don’t see their drivers competing for the title.

In order to perform at the highest level in the most consistent way, Ogier’s title challengers need to change what they have been doing to date because it is clear that strategy has not worked. They need to do something different if they stand a chance of winning their first title.

If you look through the ten areas I listed above, a lot can be approved with the right mental attitude, an area which I still believe most WRC drivers need to focus on more. It would be great if they paid as much attention to improving in those areas as they do on watching in-car stage footage. I know which would have the greater benefit based on studies of competitors in other sports over the last few years.

Here’s to a fascinating 2017, may the best men win!

Must be lonely at top.

[Andre Oliveira]

so you spent all this time to tell us something that we already knew...

Thank you captain obvious.

Not me :) only sharing Trevor Agnew blog

[N.O.T]

Not me :) only sharing Trevor Agnew blog

who ?

[Andre Oliveira]

http://www.stagebystage.com/

[GigiGalliNo1]

Polo GTI

Interesting...

[Doon]

who ?

http://www.ewrc-results.com/coprofile.php?p=641

[Simmi]

Polo GTI

Interesting...

Yep. Yet another reason it's a shame they pulled out - http://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/motorsport-wrc/volkswagen-polo-gti-name-2017-world-rally-championship-contender

[Andre Oliveira]

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

[jbmarcus21]

Wrc Tour de Corse 2017 (10 SS and reduce by 70kms compare to 2016) ➡️ http://bit.ly/2hoC0Fj

[PLuto]

Wrc Tour de Corse 2017 (10 SS and reduce by 70kms compare to 2016) ➡️ http://bit.ly/2hoC0Fj

For me it is bad news. Still same shit format for Corse (especially for spectators). And reducing mileage of stages? This should be world rally championship, not sprint...

[Andre Oliveira]

Agree 110% with Pluto

[skarderud]

Ogier at monte Carlo in fiesta.

Sent fra min XP7700 via Tapatalk

[OnlyRally]

Ogier at monte Carlo in fiesta.

Sent fra min XP7700 via Tapatalk

rumour or fact? source?

[skarderud]

rumour or fact? source?
According to Anders Grøndal on twitter and Facebook.

Sent fra min XP7700 via Tapatalk

[skarderud]

According to Anders Grøndal on twitter and Facebook.

Sent fra min XP7700 via Tapatalk
Edit: possible hacking at ewrc's twitteraccount.

But colin Clark was quite sure it was this yesterday also. No smoke without fire?

Sent fra min XP7700 via Tapatalk

[OnlyRally]

According to Anders Grøndal on twitter and Facebook.

Sent fra min XP7700 via Tapatalk

look what e-wrc has answered to his tweet :)

edit: it is a hack. But answer to my question: just another rumour!

[Doon]

How would he be first to know and/or first to broadcast it anyway?

[OnlyRally]

How would he be first to know and/or first to broadcast it anyway?

true

[EstWRC]

lol! this fake ewrc monte list has created a lot of trouble today.

[electroliquid]

When actual list will be published?

[tc10a]

When actual list will be published?

January 6th

[Andre Oliveira]

Simple to explain:

We are testing new style of ewrc-results. So we create some entries (hidden) to test all the look, but someone enter (how?) and saw it and share. We ask apologies by that.

Anyway, our ewrc.cz mates said sources are 100% on Ogier, but we need wait.

[sindroms]

Simple to explain:

Anyway, our ewrc.cz mates said sources are 100% on Ogier, but we need wait.

Let's call all that mess for month and more - "forum members source test". We just need someone who in the end could make summary which forum members had most reliable sources :D

[stefanvv]

Simple to explain:

We are testing new style of ewrc-results. So we create some entries (hidden) to test all the look, but someone enter (how?) and saw it and share. We ask apologies by that.

Anyway, our ewrc.cz mates said sources are 100% on Ogier, but we need wait.

We can also call this list "beta version":D

[Andre Oliveira]

After some "issues" with last year beta test of MC list, we will have no more beta ahah but this issue of hack is good. We will improve our safety.

[AL14]

After some "issues" with last year beta test of MC list, we will have no more beta ahah but this issue of hack is good. We will improve our safety.

It can happen. Maybe you were not even hacked, just let somehow a way in on your hidden entry.
You do a very good job no need to apologize :)

[Rally Power]

Jeezus…it seems easier to choose a Pope than getting a team to Ogier!

A bit disappointed to see the new Fiesta revealed without having the French champ name on it. The “Ford’s confirmation in a few hours” repeated line makes hard to believe he’ll end in Cumbria…still, fingers crossed!

[Rallyper]

Agreed, RallyPower! Understand it wont happen tomorrow (Toyotas´day) but latest on Wednesday. How hard could it be?

[EstWRC]

my bet is also on wednesday or NEVER

[Andre Oliveira]

Why not today? Day to sign and photos. Evening to announce. Car reveal was in begging of night.

[EstWRC]

i doubt it...usually these announcements have been at mid day if it isnt scheduled announcement like Toyota tomorrow has. The previous ones were also mid day, Sordo, Neuville, Citroen drivers...

[Andre Oliveira]

M-Sport: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hNUbl8oSA44

[Andre Oliveira]

https://scontent-lhr3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t31.0-8/fr/cp0/e15/q65/15440358_907722332696921_1366689527754536136_o.jpg ?efg=eyJpIjoidCJ9&oh=f550ceae6dde0e77abeecc03bd204e46&oe=58F20B54

[smsgrafica]

Ogier officially to M-Sport!

http://www.m-sport.co.uk/m-sport-news/fiesta-rs-wrc/ogier-and-taenak-lead-m-sport-in-2017

[jonkka]

Site is offline just when big news are revealed... Congrats to those who knew or guessed correctly - now only Mikkelsen's fate remains open (out of the big names, that is).

[jonkka]

Ogier officially to M-Sport!

And Toyota (TGR) confirms Latvala.

[EightGear]

Guys I laughed so hard the forums were down right at these moments.


But good to have it back online!

[smsgrafica]

It was a pity hearing the news and being unable to read the forums...

So, excited for 2017. It'll definitely be a great battle.

With Ogier to Ford and JML to Toyota, where could Mikkelsen possibly land? There are not many seats left now, are they?

[smsgrafica]

https://www.facebook.com/voiceofrally/posts/680502882112378

[AL14]

Guys I laughed so hard the forums were down right at these moments.


But good to have it back online!

Lol same here. days and days waiting for moment like yesterday and then the forum down. :D

[Andre Oliveira]

From Gerard Quinn twitter

https://scontent-lht6-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t31.0-8/fr/cp0/e15/q65/15440350_1554212344608187_5321988021697691405_o.jp g?efg=eyJpIjoidCJ9&oh=cfdb78a37288942624fd349d65d1049b&oe=58E65F9C
https://scontent-lht6-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t31.0-8/fr/cp0/e15/q65/15493606_1554212357941519_3023464324558745867_o.jp g?efg=eyJpIjoidCJ9&oh=9bc5bfbe5e38e450ff34f75eed5b19b8&oe=58B66575
https://scontent-lht6-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t31.0-8/fr/cp0/e15/q65/15391439_1554212347941520_2918701170340265746_o.jp g?efg=eyJpIjoidCJ9&oh=325ac35261c5d3794d1866d58fcc33c2&oe=58E5909C

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Great news for us M-Sport fans to finally have a winner to cheer on !

What a change it will be from all the years of Latvala, Hirvonen, Ostberg etc . :)

All you critics of the team and MW dont go jumping on the M-Sport bandwagon now... ;)

[Andre Oliveira]

https://scontent-lht6-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t31.0-8/fr/cp0/e15/q65/15493314_1554074451288643_4501004448018239749_o.jp g?efg=eyJpIjoidCJ9&oh=48556585c76c35980fae7ddf87443c5c&oe=58FC5967
https://scontent-lht6-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t35.0-12/fr/cp0/e15/q65/15540325_1554083561287732_1190868161_o.jpg?efg=eyJ pIjoidCJ9&oh=6933bd3e2a656285ea161eb06e0c9e04&oe=5851E861https://scontent-lht6-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t35.0-12/fr/cp0/e15/q65/15540326_1554083607954394_318535166_o.jpg?efg=eyJp IjoidCJ9&oh=fd6dd3f10aa5b60a2463ba6351265d11&oe=5851E54B

[Andre Oliveira]

Steering wheel equal of RX

https://scontent-lht6-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t35.0-12/cp0/e15/q65/p843x403/15555315_1554222057940549_444354576_o.jpg?efg=eyJp IjoidCJ9&oh=71be5ea0ffb004297a4e35aa8c68921d&oe=585316D8

FORD Performance sticker

https://scontent-lht6-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t35.0-12/fr/cp0/e15/q65/15409582_1554222101273878_250453948_o.jpg?efg=eyJp IjoidCJ9&oh=9a580fe2358fc06197ceed7ca447c189&oe=58531498

[Andre Oliveira]

Humm interesting


https://scontent-lht6-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t34.0-12/fr/cp0/e15/q65/15494128_1553012571394831_166081530_n.jpg?efg=eyJp IjoidCJ9&oh=aabafb7f90485f5618d1858181b5a3df&oe=58531D60

[GigiGalliNo1]

Toyota. Still a joke

[spyros]

Imagine Malcolm's face at the finish line of Monte Carlo rally (if Seb wins),its also boost Tanak's performane as well.

[Doon]

Imagine his face if Ogier and Tanak struggle with pace!

[BigWorm]

What is going to happen with Camilli?

[EightGear]

What is going to happen with Camilli?

Not only that, but I was wondering why M-Sport hasn't announced their third driver yet. I guess it will be Camilli after all though.

[rallyfiend]

Not only that, but I was wondering why M-Sport hasn't announced their third driver yet. I guess it will be Camilli after all though.

It'll probably be the DMACK car as their 'third'.

I think I read somewhere they were changing the rule to allow nominated cars to run different tyre brands.

[EightGear]

It'll probably be the DMACK car as their 'third'.

I think I read somewhere they were changing the rule to allow nominated cars to run different tyre brands.
Meh, that would be a bummer.

[big_sw2000]

It'll probably be the DMACK car as their 'third'.

I think I read somewhere they were changing the rule to allow nominated cars to run different tyre brands.

Thought i read somewhere that Evans would be confirmed in the DMACK car by the end of today. Not to long to wait then,

Steve

[Gregor-y]

How did Malcolm round up the money for Ogier? That news is as interesting to me as the fact Seb will be driving a Ford next year.

[Rally Power]

Guys I laughed so hard the forums were down right at these moments. But good to have it back online!

Yep, bad timing, but it made us realize that this forum is really the best place to get Rally news; much easier than clicking around on endless FB and twitter accounts. Big thanks to the guys that keep Motorsport Forums alive!

[BigWorm]

How did Malcolm round up the money for Ogier? That news is as interesting to me as the fact Seb will be driving a Ford next year.

There will be no christmas gifts from him this and the next year

[Eric]

Thought i read somewhere that Evans would be confirmed in the DMACK car by the end of today. Not to long to wait then,

Steve

Guessing they will try to get Mikkelsen now that he doesn't have any other options..

[Andre Oliveira]

As i share in page 387, DMACK tweet was very interesting.

[Andre Oliveira]

Malcolm Wilson announcig Ogier to M-Sport team: https://youtu.be/n4PQgBW56G0

[Jack4688`]

Guessing they will try to get Mikkelsen now that he doesn't have any other options..

He's certainly a much better WRC driver than Evans, Camilli or Østberg but unfortunately I think those three, or maybe just the first two are more likely to get a drive from round 1 onwards than Mikkelsen :(

If he doesn't get to Monte though it's not a complete disaster, I'm sure he'll be in a 2017 WRC at some point next year, then he just needs to remind everyone that he deserves a full time seat in 2018

[Andre Oliveira]

Sébastien Ogier
✔
@SebOgier

@MSportLtd So happy to see this enthusiasm!!! ����
#BringOn2017 @OfficialWRC

[macebig]

Well,the forums crashed on the worst moment possible.Great to see Wilson,Ford and M-Sport get a realistic chance at a title for the first time in a decade.Its a make or break season for M Sport.They have to grab one of the two championships.As for Mikkelsen,looks like his best bet is to try and gather some sponsorship and persuade Ostberg to run a 2 car Adapta team with last year's Fiestas(for the beginning at least).VW + Qatar scenario seems out of the door and 2017 cars seats are covered.Get a 16 Fiesta for cheap and go all out.If he can mix it up with the 17 spec cars and be consistently faster than the rest of the 16 field,he will be fine.

[Sub_Skoda]

What about Andreas Mikkelsen? Mads Ostberg? or Elfyn Evans?
Evans will be going to DMACK? Isn't it?

[seb_sh]

How did Malcolm round up the money for Ogier? That news is as interesting to me as the fact Seb will be driving a Ford next year.

I doubt he asked for a huge amount of money. For Ogier it's about winning not about getting stupidly rich. Not saying he's driving for free but the question we should ask is: "is the Ford good enough compared to the VW or did Citroen not want him or Ogier not want Citroen?"


Yep, bad timing, but it made us realize that this forum is really the best place to get Rally news; much easier than clicking around on endless FB and twitter accounts. Big thanks to the guys that keep Motorsport Forums alive!

Haha, indeed, i was thinking the forum itself couldn't handle the pressure and cracked as soon as the news broke. Indeed I also like it here, lots of knowledgeable people whos comments, insights and analysis often go beyond the regular media. Big thanks to the forum admins from me as well!


What about Andreas Mikkelsen? Mads Ostberg? or Elfyn Evans?
Evans will be going to DMACK? Isn't it?

I think the pieces will now start to fall into place because they were mostly all waiting for Ogier to pick. The biggest mystery now is if that VW team will happen or not.

[N.O.T]

unfortunately the forum going offline denied us the opportunity to see the classic 5 posts with the same sentence (ogier to Msport/msport signs ogier) 2 mins apart which usually happens when big news break....

but the truly golden moment is when the random forum special kid posts the news again after 3-5 hours while everyone already has a discussion about it.

I live for these moments, they make me lose hope on humanity which is always nice.

[tc10a]

Extended Live Coverage of WRC in 2017: Live action from WRC stages every saturday (75 min, around midday) - as well as highlights progammes (20-30 min) every friday, saturday and sunday evening (10 pm) during WRC events on Red Bull TV.

[A FONDO]

So for the first time after about 10 years we'll have two different teams for driver's champion and manufacturer's title?

[Andre Oliveira]

M-Sport merchandising will have a boost in France :)

https://scontent-cdg2-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-0/p200x200/15380739_10154775480593728_3966656237710060310_n.j pg?oh=253f35b84369ed410bb2adb25013efe3&oe=58F5102B

[jbmarcus21]

WRC will be on live TV and shows via RedBull TV in 2017 => http://bit.ly/2gEQnYS

[bassist]

In all of this shake up with drivers, I think it will be a travesty if Andreas doesnt get a decent seat.

[EstWRC]

Really happy for Malcolm and for the whole team! They definitely deserve both championship titles and im sure Ogier will bring him drivers one and together with Tänak also constructors one (at least i hope so, nothing certain of course). i think Ogier's choice shows that m-sport has a very good car. It is still quite unbelievable that Malcolm got him.

Of course i am really happy for Tänak. He has now great opportunity to see how the master works and only learn from him and now we can see how fast he really is.

The only downside is that Raigo left, they were working really well together. Raigo said in estonian media that he left for personal reasons and family (decision was made already months ago). Big applause for him from me, he came from estonian village rallies and worked himself up to WRC level, hats off. But Järveoja has worked with Tänak before and has much more experience when Raigo started, im sure everything will be fine.


Now, BRING ON SEASON 2017!

[RS]

In all of this shake up with drivers, I think it will be a travesty if Andreas doesnt get a decent seat.

If this Volkswagen thing happens then i suppose he is in pole position. He is not Ogier but surely he is of a high enough calibre to interest Red Bull and Qatar.

[dimviii]

I am curious to see if M sport will attract any major sponsor now with Ogier.
That they didnt show the main 2017 livery maybe is because they are on negotiations with some companys?

[Andre Oliveira]

Nasser helped Neuville shinning. Hope do something to Andreas too

[Andre Oliveira]

M-Sport livery should be presented in Autosport Motor Show in january.

[dimviii]

M-Sport livery should be presented in Autosport Motor Show in january.

yes that's right,they use to do that for years if I remember correct.

[EstWRC]

yes that's right,they use to do that for years if I remember correct.

But I think you are right too. The announcement came so quickly so I guess they still haven't solved all the sponsorship questions

[A FONDO]

I am curious to see if M sport will attract any major sponsor now with Ogier.
That they didnt show the main 2017 livery maybe is because they are on negotiations with some companys?

Remember when VW appeared, Citroen was testing with Red Bull until the end of the calendar year and then the change happened.

[macebig]

The cars will already be at Monte Carlo by the time Autosport show rolls through(12-15 January), so team/livery presentation should happen earlier.

[GigiGalliNo1]

Already told you guys a month ago or so during Rally Aus that Red Bull will have their own team filming, editing and broadcasting the WRC

http://m.crash.net/wrc/news/235606/1/wrc-signs-broadcast-deal-with-red-bull.html

[GigiGalliNo1]

https://madmimi.com/p/e35139?fe=1&pact=445296-136136758-3989623050-b17314df0ffede8c9e3c5f97e360588a9cdb365a

[HaCo]

https://madmimi.com/p/e35139?fe=1&pact=445296-136136758-3989623050-b17314df0ffede8c9e3c5f97e360588a9cdb365a

I think I even have a dedicated Red Bull channel on my old Samsung Smart TV, not sure if it is still working and will pick up these transmissions.

[bearclaw]

as some people said before the vw-qatar-red bull thing is not working for al attiyah. red bull is not interested. ogier was the key factor.

he had planned a three car team with mikkelsen, östberg and himself. by the way the magazine speedweek is owned by red bull media house. the source seems to be reliable.

https://translate.google.com/translate?sl=de&tl=en&js=y&prev=_t&hl=de&ie=UTF-8&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.speedweek.com%2Fwrc%2Fnews%2F10 3245%2FWRC-Rueckkehr-von-VW-Projekt-wurde-beerdigt.html&edit-text=&act=url

[GigiGalliNo1]

I think I even have a dedicated Red Bull channel on my old Samsung Smart TV, not sure if it is still working and will pick up these transmissions.

If it's digital i.e. via the internet then yes.

[skarderud]

Its quite a long time since Østberg had a statement that he was going to be in WRC 2017, but nothing more than that. Adapta Ford, VW or a 2016?

Sent fra min XP7700 via Tapatalk

[sete]

I think that i read somewhere that Ostberg will drive at Monte Carlo WRC 2016 car and sit to WRC 2017 later the year

[Andre Oliveira]

Yes, he told Eric Dobrowolski that. Fiesta 2016 in MC and Sweden 2017.

[ruesluporp]

Yes, he told Eric Dobrowolski that. Fiesta 2016 in MC and Sweden 2017.

Eric Dobrowolski is a mythomaniac who writes fantasies about WRC. Mads Olsberg never told him anything about 2017...

[Rally Power]

Who's Eric Dobrowolski? And Mads Olsberg, btw?



as some people said before the vw-qatar-red bull thing is not working for al attiyah. red bull is not interested. ogier was the key factor. he had planned a three car team with mikkelsen, östberg and himself. by the way the magazine speedweek is owned by red bull media house. the source seems to be reliable.
https://translate.google.com/translate?sl=de&tl=en&js=y&prev=_t&hl=de&ie=UTF-8&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.speedweek.com%2Fwrc%2Fnews%2F10 3245%2FWRC-Rueckkehr-von-VW-Projekt-wurde-beerdigt.html&edit-text=&act=url

Cool site bearclaw, but the news just said Red Bull won’t partner Nasser for “private” VW team. Most likely Qatar is able to do it alone, so maybe there’s still a chance for Al-Attiyah and Mikkelsen.

[SubaruNorway]

Already told you guys a month ago or so during Rally Aus that Red Bull will have their own team filming, editing and broadcasting the WRC

http://m.crash.net/wrc/news/235606/1/wrc-signs-broadcast-deal-with-red-bull.html

Not their own team on stage filming i guess? That would be a bit weird, to me this just looks like the same clips in different wraping.
Also strange that they won't show the powerstage...

[tc10a]

Not their own team on stage filming i guess? That would be a bit weird, to me this just looks like the same clips in different wraping.
Also strange that they won't show the powerstage...

The powerstage is sold to various networks.
But very nice addition. Looking forward to the first live stage on Red Bull TV on January 21st at 11:50am

[Franky]

Will we start seeing Saturday mid-day superspecials?

[Simmi]

Will we start seeing Saturday mid-day superspecials?

Probably - bit like the Australia stuff.

[Simmi]

DMACK Tyres ‏@DMACK_Tyres
I know many people are waiting on our plans for 2017. They won’t be announced today, so stand down. Still a few things left to sort out.

Longer to wait.

[Simmi]

Okay finally caught up with Motorsport News this week and some interesting stuff in there from David Evans.

- Malcolm Wilson shot down talk of Ford officially returning to the WRC - even though they had Henry Ford III in Cumbria with other Ford Performance heads last week. "That's not on the cards, not in any way, shape or form. But that doesn't mean we won't stop trying to persuade them!"

- Ogier tested in Sweden and now heads on holiday. Monte testing in the New Year

- MN reporting that Dmack will run as the third M-Sport points-scoring entry. So I guess the FIA were willing to bend on tyre supply. They also say Elfyn was due to sign early this week (not sure that happened?). No mention of a second car. Dmack also won't field a team in the BRC for what it's worth.

- Article says Mikkelsen had been ready to sign with M-Sport before Ogier committed. His management have been in talks with Dmack (maybe why they have still not announced Elfyn?).

- Reiteration that private VW talks have stalled. 15 million to run a pair of cars in 2017 is what VW quoted. Non-negotiable apparently. Qatar can't/won't pay that.

[EstWRC]

Okay finally caught up with Motorsport News this week and some interesting stuff in there from David Evans.

- Article says Mikkelsen had been ready to sign with M-Sport before Ogier committed. His management have been in talks with Dmack (maybe why they have still not announced Elfyn?).


i can confirm this, you can hear Malcolm saying it himself in this interview with estonian radio http://heli.er.ee/helid/2858401.mp3

the interview starts at 19:00 minute mark.

[EstWRC]

Makinen: Ogier was right to turn down Toyota http://www.motorsport.com/wrc/news/makinen-ogier-was-right-to-turn-down-toyota-859532/


"I can say, when he tested with us, we did it on a particularly misleading piece of asphalt.

[Simmi]

Makinen: Ogier was right to turn down Toyota http://www.motorsport.com/wrc/news/makinen-ogier-was-right-to-turn-down-toyota-859532/


"I can say, when he tested with us, we did it on a particularly misleading piece of asphalt.

Sounds like Toyota didn't exactly roll the red carpet out for Ogier. Reports they were slow in picking up the phone after VW news broke. Clearly didn't push the boat out to give Seb the best-possible testing conditions. Basically the opposite of what Malcolm did. And you see the result.

[samWRC]

Makinen: Ogier was right to turn down Toyota http://www.motorsport.com/wrc/news/makinen-ogier-was-right-to-turn-down-toyota-859532/


"I can say, when he tested with us, we did it on a particularly misleading piece of asphalt.
I don't think so Tommi :D

[N.O.T]

Tommi did not want Ogier because his finnish joke of a team had already a deal with latvala, for the simple fact that jouhki wanted one of his neverbeen nobodies to have a salary payed by the autistic japanese bosses.

[stefanvv]

Makinen: Ogier was right to turn down Toyota http://www.motorsport.com/wrc/news/makinen-ogier-was-right-to-turn-down-toyota-859532/

He sounds a bit arrogant to me.

[Rallyper]

No, can depend on two different attitudes:

1) Disappointment

2) Knowing the product wasn´t ready for a WDC title, and therefore didn´t want to risk bad publicity.

[EightGear]

Pretty disappointing if the 3rd M-Sport entry will indeed be the (sole) DMACK entry.

[dimviii]

Karlip ‏@Karlip1 9m
9 minutes ago

Malcolm Wilson in an interview to @errsport - Camili will start Monte-Carlo in an R5-spec Ford Fiesta. #WRC #MonteCarlo

[Andre Oliveira]

Also:

Wilson in an interview with @errsport - "If we couldn't have gotten Ogier then our next target would have been Mikkelsen." #WRC #MSport

Wilson to @errsport "We will probably also have Elfyn Evans driving for us in Monte-Carlo." #WRC

[EstWRC]

Yes and he basically confirms that Evans will be third driver in m-sport with dmack.
He also says there will be only one car for dmack. Mikkelsen with no drive then ?

[Rally Power]

Mikkelsen with no drive then ?

Could Qatar/VW deal still be made?

Btw, good move to release Camilli. He would'nt be at ease on a '17 WRC.

[cali]

Could Qatar/VW deal still be made?
No

Sent from my ONEPLUS A3003 using Tapatalk

[Lundefaret]

Mäkinen:
"I can say, when he tested with us, we did it on a particularly misleading piece of asphalt.

This I dont understand.
The team could have any piece of asphalt, why choose a "misleading" one?

[seb_sh]

I guess Camilli's contract did not require a WRC drive, so he's doing what Evans did last year, driving the "official" MSport Ford WRC2 car.

It doesn't look so good for Mikkelsen at the moment but maybe a private Ford is possible. It seems that's also what Ostberg will do.

Too bad about the private VW team if the rumors are true; but it's not too late yet.

[Rally Power]

Mäkinen:
"I can say, when he tested with us, we did it on a particularly misleading piece of asphalt.

This I dont understand.
The team could have any piece of asphalt, why choose a "misleading" one?

I imagine he was trying to say that the car wasn't properly tuned. Probably it used a dry tarmac set up, based on Haninnen driving style.

[liposh]

No


Is there any reason why are you convinced it is not possible? In my opinion those things about "Norway dreamteam" were just rumours at the beginning and same rumours about the end of the project. If Nasser is working on it he will succeed no matter what RedBull says. If Nasser is not working on it then it also doesn´t matter what RedBull says.

[Lundefaret]

I imagine he was trying to say that the car wasn't properly tuned. Probably it used a dry tarmac set up, based on Haninnen driving style.

But why dont you give the four time World Champion a properly tuned car when you have a chance of recruiting him to your team?

[seb_sh]

But why dont you give the four time World Champion a properly tuned car when you have a chance of recruiting him to your team?

I've been thinking about that quote myself as well. Maybe it wasn't a real try to get him or he is trying to make excuses for the car; or maybe it was a simple case of hard to find a schedule so they put him in when they had a test and conditions weren't ideal. Without more info we will never know...

[stefanvv]

But why dont you give the four time World Champion a properly tuned car when you have a chance of recruiting him to your team?

Probably Per is right at the 2nd point - http://www.motorsportforums.com/showthread.php?36037-WRC-News-amp-rumours-(part-IV)-2016&p=1116924&viewfull=1#post1116924

[EstWRC]

Sebastien Ogier completes first full test M-Sport ahead of 2017 WRC

http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/127505

http://d2d0b2rxqzh1q5.cloudfront.net/sv/1.67/dir/dfa/image/dfa9ca613c4edbb6a9a16fb929967043.jpg
http://d2d0b2rxqzh1q5.cloudfront.net/sv/1.67/dir/246/image/2468a11aea8abe2a2ed1a8ea166ed911.jpg

[smsgrafica]

Since when does Ogier wear tinted glasses?

[Essaj]

Since when does Ogier wear tinted glasses?

Im pretty sure that every driver uses them on Snow, they help incredible much.

[dimviii]

http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/127504/drivers-want-rally-poland-safety-improvements

[GravelBen]

...or maybe it was a simple case of hard to find a schedule so they put him in when they had a test and conditions weren't ideal. Without more info we will never know...

This is my thought too - they probably had a test planned for that time and place already, so they let him come and drive. It may have also been the only test that fit into Ogier's schedule.

[Andre Oliveira]

JWRC 2017

• Corsica 6th-9th April (Tarmac)
• Italy 7th-11th June (Gravel)
• Poland 29th June-2nd July (Gravel)
• Finland 27th-30th July (Gravel)
• Germany 17th-20th August (Tarmac)
• Spain 5th-8th October (Tarmac/Gravel)

[AMSS]

Mads Østberg on Facebook
2 min ·
To all of you waiting in excitement for me to announce my 2017 plans; I can confirm that I have a drive for next years WRC in a 2017 spec car. I plan to drive most of the WRC events, but I also have ambitions to drive selected rallies outside the WRC, like I did last year. There are still som details remaining before I can present you with the complete programme for next year. I will keep you posted
#wrc #2motor

[BigWorm]

I'm not sure if I have got this right, but aren't only manufacturers allowed to contest with 2017 cars? So if Mads drives a few events in a '17 spec, he will score manufacturers points. I bet it's with M-Sport who see him as a wild card in Sweden (only event he does well on) and maybe Mexico and Argentina as well.

[big_sw2000]

I'm not sure if I have got this right, but aren't only manufacturers allowed to contest with 2017 cars? So if Mads drives a few events in a '17 spec, he will score manufacturers points. I bet it's with M-Sport who see him as a wild card in Sweden (only event he does well on) and maybe Mexico and Argentina as well.

But wouldnt that put him in the DMACK car which is the 3rd msport car. Would they turn Evans and Mikkelson down for Ostberg

Steve

[GigiGalliNo1]

Perhaps alternate between Mads and another driver in 3rd car?

Teams with 3 cars will bring socialist drivers ie Mads for Snow and some Gravel

Just like Panizzi was brought in for Tarmac!

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Mads' 2017 car... biggest front aero yet ! ;)

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CzyC4K6XAAEM46K.jpg

[Simmi]

I'm not sure if I have got this right, but aren't only manufacturers allowed to contest with 2017 cars? So if Mads drives a few events in a '17 spec, he will score manufacturers points. I bet it's with M-Sport who see him as a wild card in Sweden (only event he does well on) and maybe Mexico and Argentina as well.

Manufacturers can enter as many cars as they like - but only three can be nominated for manu points as I understand it. Then the best two actually get the points I think. Really as long as it says M-Sport on the entry and they are serviced together it won't be a problem. Can be a load of Adapta guys, FWRT - whoever. Always a way round these things.

[SubaruNorway]

I'm not sure if I have got this right, but aren't only manufacturers allowed to contest with 2017 cars? So if Mads drives a few events in a '17 spec, he will score manufacturers points. I bet it's with M-Sport who see him as a wild card in Sweden (only event he does well on) and maybe Mexico and Argentina as well.

You just have to be entered by a manufacturer, just to show that they approve your entry i guess

[Franky]

Mads' 2017 car... biggest front aero yet ! ;)

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CzyC4K6XAAEM46K.jpg

Mads is prepared for road sweeping on 2nd and 3rd day.

[BigWorm]

Ah, thanks. But should he enter some events with a '16 car, that must mean no points whatever he finishes in? Only for the privateers cup, right.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Twitter rumour that Ostberg has first use of the the 2017 DMack car... second car coming mid-season.

[BigWorm]

Twitter rumour that Ostberg has first use of the the 2017 DMack car... second car coming mid-season.

That must be music to the ears of Evans-supporters if true. Oh my..

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Mikkelsen entry for 2017 Monte-Carlo Rallye in WRC2 driving a Skoda Fabia R5.

[Mirek]

Better than nothing but still sad.

[EstWRC]

very sad...i cant believe it...

[tommeke_B]

Unbelievable how one of the most reliable and quick drivers gets no seat. Maybe it's a stupid idea, but could it be possible that he stays under contract with VW to develop the Polo R5?

[HaCo]

Here they say it is Evans who gets the DMack car:
https://www.rallye-magazin.de/wm/artikel/d/2016/12/16/evans-im-fiesta-wrc-camilli-nur-noch-im-r5/

Ostberg would get a car from Sweden on, put as a privateer. Many privateers are interested in the 2017 Spec car Wilson says.

Camili in the R5.

[er88]

Mikkelsen should be in the second Citroen car, with Breen and Lefebvre rotating in the 3rd c3. That would give Citreon a fighting chance for the manufactures championship, but oh well. Can't believe Lefebvre gets the C3 for Monte either, over Breen....

Sent from my SM-G920F using Tapatalk

[giu canbera]

Hmmm Nasser Al-Attiyah will race Dakar with a Toyota, right?
So why the hell would he upload a pic with a huge VW logo on his suit just now?
https://www.instagram.com/nasser_dakar/
hahah why?

[stefanvv]

its not necessary to be new one.

[Zeakiwi]

Hmmm Nasser Al-Attiyah will race Dakar with a Toyota, right?
So why the hell would he upload a pic with a huge VW logo on his suit just now?
https://www.instagram.com/nasser_dakar/
hahah why?

To channel the positive vibe of his first Dakar victory? (or does he have the first customer order for a VW Polo R5 when homologated or other car order in with VW?)

[bassist]

Mikkelsen entry for 2017 Monte-Carlo Rallye in WRC2 driving a Skoda Fabia R5.

What a bloody waste!

[tc10a]

Ah, thanks. But should he enter some events with a '16 car, that must mean no points whatever he finishes in? Only for the privateers cup, right.

Every car gets points in the overall classification, if it finished in the points places, wether it is WRC 2017, WRC 2016, R5, R3,....

[EstWRC]

another translated piece from me, ERR interview with Wilson

After getting a deal with Ogier, are you now the happiest man on earth ?

Wilson: (Laughing) I hope that in the end it is so. Of course the whole team is really excited about next year. Firstly, we have put a lot work into building and developing the new car and getting Ogier now is icing on the cake. Our position hasnt been so good for a long time. The responsibilities that come now are big but i believe that the timing was right and that our company needed to make the next step. Luckily we found the options to make it. Of course it is a shame that VW left because they gave a lot to the sport. M-sport cant take over what VW left but hopefully we can establish ourselves again.


When was it clear to you that Ott is driving in the team?


W: To be honest i knew it all the season. We have first priority rights to use his services and bringing back to him in the main team was clear from the beginning. I wouldnt have let him drive our new car if he wouldnt stayed with us.


Were there any other drivers besides Ogier who would have partnered Tänak ?

W: Sebastian was my priority number one 100%. We have never had a chance like this. We were very close hiring him in 2011 but it didnt happen. If we wouldnt have got Ogier then we would have taken Mikkelsen. As you understand we are very happy to get Ogier. He tested with us and was very satisfied and after that we continued our talks.


Taking into account that you have four time champion Ogier and Tänak who hasnt won a rally yet, are your expectations for them same or do you approach them individually?

W: Expectations are the same. This is a great chance for Tänak. He has been developing the car from the beginning and this reminds me when Markko was developing Focus in 2003. They have a lot of similarities. Ott got a lot of things in the car that he wanted. I am sure that Ott can be competitive on many rallies. If you look at Poland, Finland and Gb this year, then im sure that there will be many moments next season when there is very exciting to watch and compare Ott's and Ogier's stage times.


How will you react when they both are fighting for a rally win? Will you use team orders or you let them fight until the end?

W: It depends on the situation. I have always been honest to the drivers but in the end of the day we have to consider that our aim is to win the championship and it comes with team work. Ott has developed a lot this season and to work whole season with Ogier will offer him a lot of learning. For sure there will be rallies where Ott is very strong and will be competing for rally win.


All things considered, you cant have a smaller goal than winning the championship?

W: We have one of the best line-ups in recent years. The cars are new for everybody and there will be reliability problems but despite the testing we get the real picture at rallies. But we have very experienced mechanics and hopefully we have taken care of everything.


Next season teams have the chance to have 3 drivers to score points for the team. Does m-sport put out 2 cars or will there be a third one also ? If so, then who will be driving it?

W: It is our goal but we still havent finalised our plans. Monte list will be closed on December 16th, so i think Elfyn will be also driving for us. Hopefully we can offer a lot of our cars to our clients too but we will see. We have worked hard that we have 2 cars ready for Monte.


Is there a place for Eric Camilli in the team, he has a contract with you?

W: Eric will be also in Monte but with R5 car.


Building the cars requires a lot of time but how many cars can M-sport make for own team and for customers?

W: I hope that we can build many cars. Our business depends of this. Our interest developing the car is huge because have got a very good response. Hopefully after Sweden we can offer our cars to customers.

M-sport has worked very close with Dmack. Is it true that they will be competing with 2 cars next season?

W: It wont happen. We hope that we can prepare one 2017 spec car for them but definitely not two.

[Simmi]

Every car gets points in the overall classification, if it finished in the points places, wether it is WRC 2017, WRC 2016, R5, R3,....

I think BigWorm was referring to manufacturer points. Breen's DS3 being registered as a manufacturer entry on the Monte implies you can score points with a 2016 car. But I think Citroen are the only team who will need to exploit this. Unless Tommi wants to try and enter a Fiesta R5 ;).

[dimviii]

another translated piece from me, ERR interview with Wilson
.

finally a journalist that knows to make right questions. Who is he?

[Doon]

finally a journalist that knows to make right questions. Who is he?

Or was he just there at the right time when Malcolm Wilson was ready to give us the answers we wanted to hear?

[EstWRC]

its an estonian radio reporter Sten Teppan. it seems to me that Wilson is more open to our media than to others.

[dimviii]

Or was he just there at the right time when Malcolm Wilson was ready to give us the answers we wanted to hear?

I don't think so,you can understand from his questions that he knows what to ask.

[dimviii]

Mads with Adapta 2016 fiesta at Monte

https://www.facebook.com/FotoRallyByDavideMatteo/?hc_ref=NEWSFEED&fref=nf

[Andre Oliveira]

Brynildsen trying a Fiesta WRC 2017 too. Maybe a two team Adapta with Østberg all time and second shared by Henning, Brynildsen and Mikkelsen?

[GigiGalliNo1]

https://www.rallye-magazin.de/fileadmin/user_upload/content/2016/dez/mc2017.pdf

[Myrvold]

Brynildsen trying a Fiesta WRC 2017 too. Maybe a two team Adapta with Østberg all time and second shared by Henning, Brynildsen and Mikkelsen?

It's highly, highly unlikely to see Mikkelsen and Østberg in the same team when it is Østberg's own team.

[Zeakiwi]

How slippery are the hotel showers the teams are staying at in the south of france before rally mc?

[Rallyper]

How slippery are the hotel showers the teams are staying at in the south of france before rally mc?

????

[Sulland]

How slippery are the hotel showers the teams are staying at in the south of france before rally mc?

So you hope for broken bones?

[Doon]

Mikkelsen will have no trouble finding a seat next year, he's just keeping himself sharp.

Toyota will realise Juho can't cut it, and Citroen will let go of the French dream that Lefebvre is Seb 3.0. Hyundai might even realise that Sordo is past it?

[Simmi]

Mikkelsen will have no trouble finding a seat next year, he's just keeping himself sharp.

Toyota will realise Juho can't cut it, and Citroen will let go of the French dream that Lefebvre is Seb 3.0. Hyundai might even realise that Sordo is past it?

Two of those three already have contracts in 2018. But certainly things can change.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Different circumstances I know, but Ogier took a year out in a Skoda S2000 while waiting for the WRC Polo and it did him no harm.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

WRC Door numbers (Provisional)

#1 Sébastien Ogier (M-Sport Ford Fiesta WRC)
#2 Ott Tänak (Ford Fiesta WRC)
#3 Mads Østberg (Ford Fiesta WRC)
#4 Thierry Neuville (Hyundai i20 WRC)
#5 Hayden Paddon (Hyundai i20 WRC)
#6 Dani Sordo (Hyundai i20 WRC)
#7 Kris Meeke (Citroën Racing C3 WRC)
#8 Craig Breen (Citroën C3 WRC
#9 Stéphane Lefebvre (Citroën C3 WRC)
#10 Jari-Matti Latvala (Toyota Yaris WRC)
#11 Juho Hanninen (Toyota Yaris WRC)
#12 Esapekka Lappi Official (Toyota Yaris WRC)

[Simmi]

WRC Door numbers (Provisional)

#1 Sébastien Ogier (M-Sport Ford Fiesta WRC)
#2 Ott Tänak (Ford Fiesta WRC)
#3 Mads Østberg (Ford Fiesta WRC)
#4 Thierry Neuville (Hyundai i20 WRC)
#5 Hayden Paddon (Hyundai i20 WRC)
#6 Dani Sordo (Hyundai i20 WRC)
#7 Kris Meeke (Citroën Racing C3 WRC)
#8 Craig Breen (Citroën C3 WRC
#9 Stéphane Lefebvre (Citroën C3 WRC)
#10 Jari-Matti Latvala (Toyota Yaris WRC)
#11 Juho Hanninen (Toyota Yaris WRC)
#12 Esapekka Lappi Official (Toyota Yaris WRC)

You sure Eddie? I think Toyota numbers will be before Citroen next year due to Latvala finishing higher than Meeke in the championship. Neither were entered as a manufacturer last year. But it's not clear in the regulations.

[EstWRC]

i dont think Mads will be #3 if he joins with Adapta, whoever is driving the third fiesta with dmack is going to be #3 and i think it is Evans.

Citroen wasnt entered as manufacturer but they took part this year so maybe they are before Toyota after all?

[Mintexmemory]

Different circumstances I know, but Ogier took a year out in a Skoda S2000 while waiting for the WRC Polo and it did him no harm.

Always smile about the 'year out' - which was in fact spent making VW HIS team and probably a vital component in getting 4 championship's on the bounce. That, and perfecting notes here and there. Free tyre choice I know, as he didn't contest SWRC but that fastest stage in Sardinia in the Fabia is the point where other drivers must have had a glimpse of the future.

[Jack4688`]

Tommi did not want Ogier because his finnish joke of a team had already a deal with latvala, for the simple fact that jouhki wanted one of his neverbeen nobodies to have a salary payed by the autistic japanese bosses.

It's good to see your disgusting comments making light of a serious medical condition have come back again, probably to go unpunished AGAIN. You are a despicable human being and need to get off this MOTORSPORT forum if all you are going to do is make poor jokes and chuck in the odd reference to autism.

MODERATORS TAKE NOTE: WE DO NOT NEED SOMEONE WITH THIS FUCKING AWFUL ATTITUDE ON THIS FORUM

And NOT: don't bother 'apologising' like you did on the BRC thread. If you make a 'joke' about autism then tell us you did not mean to offend anyone then you are a complete and utter imbecile.

[BigWorm]

Different circumstances I know, but Ogier took a year out in a Skoda S2000 while waiting for the WRC Polo and it did him no harm.

But it's a different scenario now though isn't it. Ogier was waiting for a car he was developing and he had a contract so he was safe anyway. Mikkelsen has no contract with the top runners now, so he will be driving for his future. Something he shouldn't be doing though, quite amazing that one of the fastest is overlooked.

[SubaruNorway]

It's highly, highly unlikely to see Mikkelsen and Østberg in the same team when it is Østberg's own team.

Although they are friends again now, back in 2008 that would not have been a alternative. They have some dads with big personalities to say it like that :)

[Franky]

In other news, some forum members still get agitated by N.O.T

[N.O.T]

In other news, some forum members still get agitated by N.O.T

lol

[dimviii]

Although they are friends again now, back in 2008 that would not have been a alternative. They have some dads with big personalities to say it like that :)

what business have their fathers?

[Jack4688`]

In other news, some forum members still get agitated by N.O.T

If you think it's humorous to get agitated, as you say, about someone showing a 19th century attitude to towards something that absolutely does not deserve to made the subject of ridicule then you are just as stupid. Would you make fun of someone on the street who has autism? No. So why should we put up with it here?

[A FONDO]

We either do not care about autists or not take it personally, it was just figurative speech you tart.

[Jack4688`]

That's a figure of speech? Fucking ridiculous. Let's chuck in some racism and homophobia for good measure

[Franky]

If you think it's humorous to get agitated, as you say, about someone showing a 19th century attitude to towards something that absolutely does not deserve to made the subject of ridicule then you are just as stupid. Would you make fun of someone on the street who has autism? No. So why should we put up with it here?

This discussion doesn't belong to this thread. Just take it easy, but if you want to argue with him, then do it in person as both of you are in the same country.

[Jack4688`]

It belongs here because NOT originally posted it here. What would be the point of starting a thread that no one will see to discuss basic etiquette and behaviour? I'm trying to raise the point that when we want to discuss motorsport someone has to make stupid comments such as calling someone autistic and all that has ever happened before is a moderator will think about it. I think we can afford to go off topic for just a while because ignoring something like this is not correct.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

That's a figure of speech? Fucking ridiculous. Let's chuck in some racism and homophobia for good measure

Sexism and borderline racism are among NOT's other 'figures of speech'.
He is a disgrace.

[dimviii]

It belongs here .

we don't care. Start a different thread.NOT here.

[SubaruNorway]

what business have their fathers?

Mikkelsen's dad Steinar Mikkelsen used to import alcohol through Norwegian Beverage Group, not sure what he does now due to ill health i think it was. Morten Østberg started a computer company called NDS in 1979 and sold it in 2012. It's been lots of moments where both drivers where on the edge of the rules didn't help the relationship back then :)

[Rallyper]

Morten now is in real estate business. Own malls on the swedish side of norway/swedish border. Veri nice fellow btw.

[Rally Power]

MODERATORS TAKE NOTE: WE DO NOT NEED SOMEONE WITH THIS FUCKING AWFUL ATTITUDE ON THIS FORUM

You’re right Jack, and it’s quite clear from a long time that the 'forum idiot' main purpose is just to upset rally fans. But I tend to agree with the others; we should have some compassion and let him be around, just like village people uses to do with their own idiots…

[Mk2 RS2000]

My Grandfather told me that in any argument the first person to raise their voice is the one who knows they have lost and are now trying to intimidate or bully the other person into their point of view.

[Simmi]

yawn. Back on Monday when hopefully there's some news...