[WRC] News & rumours (part IV) 2016

[AndyRAC]

For me that's his main problem. Just needs to drive, stop second guessing himself and worst of all, announcing plans about how he's is going to drive this season - (take it easy first half, attack 2nd half of season, or whatever he said). He drove himself off the road thinking about all this nonsense.
Just drive, don't think so much J-M.

And all the talk of a 'mind manager' who has transformed him into a serial rally winner & WRC Title contender......or maybe not.

[Simmi]

I can't be bothered buying the digital issue of the magazine for one story. What's the news? How many rounds will Meeke do?

Citroen haven't put a number on anyone's programme it seems. I think there were some rumours Meeke had five rounds sorted but was expected to do more.

Matton quote in MN: "The idea is to give approximately an equal amount [of competition] to the three drivers. I want to keep full flexibility and I don't want to talk about who will drive on which rallies or which rallies we will compete on - just in case we make a change in our plans.

"What the drivers will do will be linked to our test programme as well. Kris will not do all of the rallies which we will do as a team."

It says China is the only long-haul event believed to be under consideration.

I'd also add don't forget Al Qassimi who is clearly having some kind of programme too this year. Possibly a case of just waiting for the entry lists to come out each event. Or maybe they will just announce their plans two rallies at a time?

[Lundefaret]

I think its important to remember, when judging Latvala, is that in a non-french-Seb-era, he would be a winner. He would in fact be a clear winner of the 2015 WRC if Ogier didn't enter. So he is no slouch, its just that the Loeb and the Ogier are so perfect, and have introduced a new way of doing things You can't really compete with unless You learn it. And driving 110% at times to follow a driver that only needs to push 95% is a big difference.

Latvala is off course an emotional guy, but in my opinion not more than Ogier. Remember 2014, and the big dispute in regards to starting positions. It clearly hampered his performances, and he was so demotivated he threatened to stop rallying. His management (V&V management at the time) was really frustrated on what to do.
But even being emotional, and sometimes a little too cocky like going of in Sweden in 2014, and at the end of 2015 giving away a victory to Mikkelsen because a laps of strategy management, when You have the right driving technique/strategy as a base, these things dont get such large effects as they do for Latvala.

I am off course surprised of how WRC teams and drivers dont see how large a difference to driving technique Ogier and Loeb are from "the others", and are able to work more closely with the drivers to change their ways, after Olav Bodilsen opened mye eyes to it, and that it isn't Latvalas psyche that keep him from being world champion, but his technique. And this can be adjusted.

[AL14]

I think its important to remember, when judging Latvala, is that in a non-french-Seb-era, he would be a winner. He would in fact be a clear winner of the 2015 WRC if Ogier didn't enter. So he is no slouch, its just that the Loeb and the Ogier are so perfect, and have introduced a new way of doing things You can't really compete with unless You learn it. And driving 110% at times to follow a driver that only needs to push 95% is a big difference.

Latvala is off course an emotional guy, but in my opinion not more than Ogier. Remember 2014, and the big dispute in regards to starting positions. It clearly hampered his performances, and he was so demotivated he threatened to stop rallying. His management (V&V management at the time) was really frustrated on what to do.
But even being emotional, and sometimes a little too cocky like going of in Sweden in 2014, and at the end of 2015 giving away a victory to Mikkelsen because a laps of strategy management, when You have the right driving technique/strategy as a base, these things dont get such large effects as they do for Latvala.

I am off course surprised of how WRC teams and drivers dont see how large a difference to driving technique Ogier and Loeb are from "the others", and are able to work more closely with the drivers to change their ways, after Olav Bodilsen opened mye eyes to it, and that it isn't Latvalas psyche that keep him from being world champion, but his technique. And this can be adjusted.

Letting your theory apart, I agree on what you said. That's a big part of what I meant to say.

[COD]

I think its important to remember, when judging Latvala, is that in a non-french-Seb-era, he would be a winner. He would in fact be a clear winner of the 2015 WRC if Ogier didn't enter. So he is no slouch, its just that the Loeb and the Ogier are so perfect, and have introduced a new way of doing things You can't really compete with unless You learn it. And driving 110% at times to follow a driver that only needs to push 95% is a big difference.

Latvala is off course an emotional guy, but in my opinion not more than Ogier. Remember 2014, and the big dispute in regards to starting positions. It clearly hampered his performances, and he was so demotivated he threatened to stop rallying. His management (V&V management at the time) was really frustrated on what to do.
But even being emotional, and sometimes a little too cocky like going of in Sweden in 2014, and at the end of 2015 giving away a victory to Mikkelsen because a laps of strategy management, when You have the right driving technique/strategy as a base, these things dont get such large effects as they do for Latvala.

I am off course surprised of how WRC teams and drivers dont see how large a difference to driving technique Ogier and Loeb are from "the others", and are able to work more closely with the drivers to change their ways, after Olav Bodilsen opened mye eyes to it, and that it isn't Latvalas psyche that keep him from being world champion, but his technique. And this can be adjusted.

He has won many events and been fast almost everywhere. That speaks strongly against you theory. It his head, and that alone that prevents him from ever being a champion

[Nornbugger]

He has won many events and been fast almost everywhere. That speaks strongly against you theory. It his head, and that alone that prevents him from ever being a champion

When Lundefaret speaks of technique he is not nessessarily talking how to make a driver faster but how to make them safer, do you consider JML to be a safe driver?

[Lundefaret]

He has won many events and been fast almost everywhere. That speaks strongly against you theory. It his head, and that alone that prevents him from ever being a champion

No, it really doesn't speak strongly against it.
This says a lot about the level of risk he needs to take to keep up with Ogier, and this again will affect his psyche.

Take Finland: This is one of the most prestigious rallies to win, and if You are a Finn, this is the one You want on Your resume. For Finns this means that 300.000 + spectators are expecting You to do great things, and cary the flag for them. Finnish drivers have won in Finland, but they have also lost big time (crashed out).
Latvala has had a very strong duel against Ogier for two consecutive years, duels (I was present in 14 with was great) that he one on the last stage. It was close.

I am not saying that Latvala has the strongest psyche known to the athletic world, I am just saying that the rallies he stumbles, is often technical events, or events with grip changes where You have to be very precise to get the victory. And its the uncertainty around not knowing how to drive these rallies safely, and having an opponent that clearly does, that takes its toll.

Latvala is an extremely good rally driver, and he has adjusted a lot the last few years, also in driving technique, but not enough to challenge Ogier for the championship.

[Lundefaret]

When Lundefaret speaks of technique he is not nessessarily talking how to make a driver faster but how to make them safer, do you consider JML to be a safe driver?


You are right.
Rally is about the ratio between speed and risk (risk in the meaning of the risk of loosing time because of a missed apex, having a puncture, having a small accident, or even crashing out).

Rally Monte Carlo is all about this, and its a "Nose End First" rally to the extreme, and very difficult to win if You have a different speed vs risk ratio than Ogier.

JML can come to stage end saying that the stage went okay with no problems and saying that he can push more (and mean in), and on the inboard You can see four or five places where he lost small amounts of time because of not optimal accelerations, or missed apexes etc, and two or three places he nearly went off (where probably most other rally drivers in the world would have gone of, he has incredible car control), so he has laid the bar where he is used to drive with just an incredible level of risk, but some how being able to get to the finish of most stages.

In Latvalas early days he was the driver that could take 30 seconds of almost anybody when he left his brain at home and let the horns grow out of his helmet, but then the risk/speed ratio was even more extreme than now.

[Rally Power]

I am not saying that Latvala has the strongest psyche known to the athletic world, I am just saying that the rallies he stumbles, is often technical events, or events with grip changes where You have to be very precise to get the victory. And its the uncertainty around not knowing how to drive these rallies safely, and having an opponent that clearly does, that takes its toll.

It was probably an exception, but Latvala also had a fantastic win last year at Portugal, and the rally had many types of SS’s (from fast to twisted routes, hard to soft surfaces) .

You all pointed important reasons for Latvala’s inconsistency, but there’s another one that’s always used to explain Ogier domination: VW team moves around the French! (as previously Citroen moved around Loeb).

There’s no way Latvala (or any other guy) can be champion in VW alongside Ogier. Latvala knows it, and that’s a huge mental pressure on him. Ogier comment on that brilliant Latvala win was “today the best driver didn’t win…”.

If after Portugal the Finn managed to start a winning series and become a real threat to the ‘numero uno’, things would get pretty ugly inside VW’s and certainly not to the Champ side.

I was hoping to see Latvala’s moving to Toyota and become their undisputed leader, but sadly it seems he’s happy to stay as second driver at VW.

[dodge33cymru]

http://nwt.se/sport/motorsport/2016/01/28/vm-avtalet-chockhojs

I didn't see this coming. If true, Sweden faces losing the snowy round of WRC to either Japan or Canada unless they find a lot more money. What's tradition got to do with anything anyway?

[AL14]

It was probably an exception, but Latvala also had a fantastic win last year at Portugal, and the rally had many types of SS’s (from fast to twisted routes, hard to soft surfaces) .

You all pointed important reasons for Latvala’s inconsistency, but there’s another one that’s always used to explain Ogier domination: VW team moves around the French! (as previously Citroen moved around Loeb).

There’s no way Latvala (or any other guy) can be champion in VW alongside Ogier. Latvala knows it, and that’s a huge mental pressure on him. Ogier comment on that brilliant Latvala win was “today the best driver didn’t win…”.

If after Portugal the Finn managed to start a winning series and become a real threat to the ‘numero uno’, things would get pretty ugly inside VW’s and certainly not to the Champ side.

I was hoping to see Latvala’s moving to Toyota and become their undisputed leader, but sadly it seems he’s happy to stay as second driver at VW.

Portugal did had many type of SSs but Lundefaret was referring to changes of grip in the same stage, sometimes in only one corner and on those situation, Latvala has indeed a gap from Ogier. That's why Latvala never shined in Monte for example. When on the contrary he can build a rythm and can predict the grip he can be faster, except very loose gravel rallys like Mexico where Ogier is simply a master. As already said I think he should concentrate on build a solid base of speed also in those situation in order to be more sure of himself and not let his mind fuck him up. (sorry for the language but I don't know how to say it in a more polite way :) )

[GigiGalliNo1]

Canada or Japan to take over as Winter WRC Round as Sweden might get dropped due to funds

https://translate.googleusercontent.com/translate_c?depth=1&nv=1&rurl=translate.google.com.au&sl=sv&tl=en&u=http://nwt.se/sport/motorsport/2016/01/28/vm-avtalet-chockhojs&usg=ALkJrhihCuqKdudthFK3obovROADb_K_Pw

[GigiGalliNo1]

Japan and Canada offering $40million + to host Winter rally

[tommeke_B]

Japan and Canada offering $40million + to host Winter rally

Any source? I hope it's not the man who told you Kubica was going to drive a DS3 WRC from PH Sport this year, or the man who said Fiat is returning in WRC...

[OldF]

Original

http://nwt.se/sport/motorsport/2016/01/28/vm-avtalet-chockhojs?refresh=true

Google translated

https://translate.google.com/translate?sl=sv&tl=en&js=y&prev=_t&hl=fi&ie=UTF-8&u=http%3A%2F%2Fnwt.se%2Fsport%2Fmotorsport%2F2016% 2F01%2F28%2Fvm-avtalet-chockhojs%3Frefresh%3Dtrue&edit-text=

[Eli]

they'll probably take Japan since Toyota are returning to the sport..allthough it would make more sense to go to Canada since you have Mexico soon after..

[Hartusvuori]

Japan and Canada offering $40million + to host Winter rally

That's 40 million Swedish kronor - drop the zero to get estimated amount in €/$.

[Eli]

http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/122619 has anybody seen this???

[liposh]

Since we know there is no difference between 13 and 14 rounds for FIA and WRC promoter I bet they will drop out Sweden and put into the calendar both Canada (with money) and Japan (with money). More rounds in WRC calendar means more money for promoter. :D Who gives a f*ck what the teams say? Money rules. At least that is how I understand the whole situation with 2016 calendar. China candidate event was tragical event, 13 rounds was enough but money gave everybody from FIA and promoter answer to their doubts :D

[Eli]

http://www.rallye-magazin.de/wm/nachrichten/artikel/d/2016/01/28/rallye-schweden-unter-druck/ more about sweden,japan & canada...

[Franky]

When does RBMH contract end?

[rallyfiend]

When does RBMH contract end?

It was 10 years from 2013, wasn't it?

[AL14]

I know how money count and I agree with the purpose to open the WRC's doors to other countries and people. But leaving Scandinavia, one of the regions where rally is a serious stuff, with so many drivers, teams, sponsors and fans seems to me like a sacrilege. It's like not playing football in Italy or hockey in Finland. I really hope Sweden and the promoter will find a way to extend the contract.

[focus206]

That's stupid... Rally Sweden should be one of the "safest" in the calendar...

[mousti]

https://t.co/LHajaZMmYE

Seems Prokop is saying WRC would better off without VW, is that true that he is really saying that??

[GigiGalliNo1]

Apologies I thought indeed it was 40million!

[dimviii]

Proud to announce the formation of the Paddon Rally Foundation. Details and information will be released in the second half of the year as we work towards helping New Zealand club and national competitors from 2017 onwards. I have been very lucky to have had a lot of people help me and this is our way to start giving back to our sport - a sport that I and everyone else involved in HPRG are incredibly passionate about. The aim of the foundation will be to help encourage new competitors into rallying, encourage club competitors to make that next step and of course try and help the next NZ champion and international driver and/or co-driver. Stay tuned for more details later in the year, in the meantime do what you can this year to add to your CV before we open up applications in the future. Happy rallying!


https://www.facebook.com/haydenpaddonwrc/photos/a.186311901404607.35647.184390891596708/943835892318867/?type=3




https://www.facebook.com/haydenpaddonwrc

[makinen_fan]

Hirvonen gets WRC testing role with Toyota

http://www.motorsport.com/wrc/news/hirvonen-gets-wrc-testing-role-with-toyota-670281/

[SubaruNorway]

Studded tyres are still not allowed in Canada right? So that means they would have to change the law to have an WRC event there...

Anyone got a video link to a snow rally in Japan? Couldn't find anything

[tc10a]

That's stupid... Rally Sweden should be one of the "safest" in the calendar...

Since how many years do we hear this reguarly before and after Rally Sweden? Countless...
I see this as an hint for Sponsors, government etc. to open budgets for the organiser.
Ok, but I don't take it too serious and I'm quite sure in the end we will be in Sweden for the coming years as it was in the past.

[Arnold Triyudho Wardono]

If WRC back to Japan for winter rally, where's the venue..?

[KiwiWRCfan]

Rally of Tsumagi is held on snow in Japan this weekend. Here is a video from 2015 event https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MCPVEKTXHGc&feature=youtu.be

The 2016 event is known as International Rally of Tsumagi and has FIA Sanctioning.
Here is an onboard of 2016 practice stage that was posted to youtube a few hours ago. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=An3M6v4QjHA

[Walach]

https://t.co/LHajaZMmYE

Seems Prokop is saying WRC would better off without VW, is that true that he is really saying that??

Yes, he is. Embarassing stuff from start to finish.

[Zeakiwi]

The article about Hirvonen testing for Toyota also mentions Bouffier and Hanninen.
Toyota is believed to have approached Ogier and Latvala.
Would Toyota be potentially better off starting with other drivers than those listed? e.g Evans, Lappi, poaching Abbring, Wiegand etc?

Below vvvv - If Hirvonen is used by Toyota in WRC, it will be about the money. I would guess Hirvonen likes the idea of being able to beat Loeb at Rally Raid events, rather than have to compete against Seb O in a 2017 VW with a new Toyota wrc car.

Perce Neige would have my wrc round vote.
http://www.rallyeperceneige.com/ (Have support crews at the stage starts and ends to change to studded tyres for the stages see whose battery ratle gun works best in the cold)

https://youtu.be/DmfknvKUjg4 (They can even keep the commentator on - Neil Cole)

Would Sweden/ Norway work better as a May event event (South Swedish) and bring more spectators. https://youtu.be/Mlc1qJ0tNro (South Swedish, 2015) (and have Finland at the beginning of August)?

Have Japan as an autumn event with the orange leaves on the ground. Bring a few Chinese competitors over to rally Japan for pr.

Argentina has Dakar and World Rally Cross, WTCC etc could be missed. Spectator issues also. Sardinia is questionable for spectator issues also?

[Simmi]

The article about Hirvonen testing for Toyota also mentions Bouffier and Hanninen.
Toyota is believed to have approached Ogier and Latvala.
Would Toyota be potentially better off starting with other drivers than those listed? e.g Evans, Lappi, poaching Abbring, Wiegand etc?

Tommi said the other month that they had no chance to sign Ogier and Latvala. It doesn't seem to be anywhere in the press or public record but those guys appear to be under deals with VW beyond 2016. So I think he might have approached them and found out they couldn't sign them?

For me the identity of Toyota's drivers is one of the most intriguing stories in quite a few years. It would not surprise me at all if they have to go back to Hirvonen - at least for a partial programme in 2017.

[RS]

The article about Hirvonen testing for Toyota also mentions Bouffier and Hanninen.
Toyota is believed to have approached Ogier and Latvala.
Would Toyota be potentially better off starting with other drivers than those listed? e.g Evans, Lappi, poaching Abbring, Wiegand etc?


Hirvonen, Bouffier and Hanninen are all experienced and good test drivers. No problem there.

The younger guys you mentioned are all currently under contract elsewhere (except Wiegand ?!) Maybe Evans or Abbring could be available for 2017. I don't see any of the big-guns going to Toyota. Maybe Ostberg as their no.1? Sordo could end up there or maybe Neuville if he has another bad year at Hyundai.

[janvanvurpa]

Rally of Tsumagi is held on snow in Japan this weekend. Here is a video from 2015 event https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MCPVEKTXHGc&feature=youtu.be

The 2016 event is known as International Rally of Tsumagi and has FIA Sanctioning.
Here is an onboard of 2016 practice stage that was posted to youtube a few hours ago. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=An3M6v4QjHA

Wow. They certainly have snow.. And snow walls... And evidently they are allowed, sensibly, decent studded tires.

Looks like a lot of fun.

[tc10a]

Wow. They certainly have snow.. And snow walls... And evidently they are allowed, sensibly, decent studded tires.
Looks like a lot of fun.

And what they don't have: tradition, passion for the sport and the unique atmosphere like in Swedens and Norways forests.
Could never be a serious replacement.

[SubaruNorway]

Wow. They certainly have snow.. And snow walls... And evidently they are allowed, sensibly, decent studded tires.

Looks like a lot of fun.

That much snow isen't really a good thing since you can't see shit, not really a stage worthy of being in a the WRC if they are all more or less like that.

I hope that was sarcasm, since that's just normal road tyres like in Canada and USA.

[AL14]

Why are we acting as Sweden is already gone? It's just a statement in an interview that is likely been said just to get some easy public money

[tc10a]

Why are we acting as Sweden is already gone? It's just a statement in an interview that is likely been said just to get some easy public money

Yes, as I said before it's the same story since years around the Event, should not be taken to serious.

[EightGear]

It will be very interesting to see what Toyota will do regarding their drivers indeed. Maybe they can have a shot at Neuville, if not they could possibly end up with a bit of a second-range number 1 driver like Sordo or Ostberg.

Which in their first year back wouldn't really that big of a problem, I guess.

[pantealex]

Studded tyres are still not allowed in Canada right? So that means they would have to change the law to have an WRC event there...g

I believe studded tyres are not allowed at France also and we have Monte...
So no problem!

[SubaruNorway]

I believe studded tyres are not allowed at France also and we have Monte...
So no problem!

Then why don't they use them in rallying? And we don't have proper studs in MC anymore, not much use i guess since it's not as much snow as before, even though it looks ridicules when you could go faster in your Suzuki Swift 4wd than a 500.000 euro WRC on the few km of snow.

[DonJippo]

That much snow isen't really a good thing since you can't see shit, not really a stage worthy of being in a the WRC if they are all more or less like that.

So suddenly it's a bad thing to have a lot of snow in a winter rally? I am sorry I don't get it.

[Grundo Farb]

And what they don't have: tradition, passion for the sport and the unique atmosphere like in Swedens and Norways forests.
Could never be a serious replacement.

And that's what people said about Australia replacing New Zealand....

[SubaruNorway]

So suddenly it's a bad thing to have a lot of snow in a winter rally? I am sorry I don't get it.

From a video making point of view at least, like in that one Clip the car completely disapears behind a snowbank.
And it makes every corner blind so not so enjoable to drive i would believe.

[Franky]

Snow walls instead of snow banks wouldn't be much fun, I'd imagine. Like driving in a never ending open tunnel.

[Martins Tolks]

It's easier to shape and clear the snow than make snow in positive temperatures. These japanese stages looks nice, but I wonder, what's under the snow. If it's tarmac then proper studded racing tires are out of question. If gravel, then I see no problem and there should be a different kind of spectacle than in video, because of much higher speeds. Lapland rally is not much different in terms of snow amound and noone is moaning about tunnels or stuff.

[Rallyper]

Hey, guys. Why dont we swop Finland for Indonesia or South Africa or whatever. Huh?

[GigiGalliNo1]

Rallyper, there is no point of discussion that as there isn't any news of Finland Rally in any struggle. We are discussion Sweden as its been in the news.

[Rallyper]

My suggestion was a sarcasm. And this discussion is a joke if you believe Japan or Canada to be a good WRC-winter rally changed from Sweden/Norway.

[GigiGalliNo1]

I understand.

Shame we cannot see sarcasm or joking around in forums with words...

[EstWRC]

Sweden must definetly stay but i wouldnt mind the idea of having two snow rallies with the other being in japan or canada then. Sweden seems to be very popular among the fans and a lot of estonians go there too.

[itix]

I don't think we should put too much fear in this. These are the worried words of the organiser. The organiser is basically saying that there is added pressure because these two rallies would very much like to claim their spot with added financial backing. The organiser is also saying that since they are further away from europe, a lot more financial means would be necessary because of the added hassle to get there (I guess the idea is that teams get backing for shipping from the promoter should they replace Sweden).

Also, we have run a calendar with two winter events before and Poland hasn't really been a huge success and now with Kubica out it is going to flop properly so why not replace Poland with another winter event.

All that extra winter gear they need would somehow be twice as motivated. (Not counting MC that is).

[Franky]

IAlso, we have run a calendar with two winter events before and Poland hasn't really been a huge success and now with Kubica out it is going to flop properly so why not replace Poland with another winter event.

Why do you think Poland will flop this year?

[Eli]

Why do you think Poland will flop this year?

'cause nobody cares about it apart from Kubica who's out of the WRC and Poland's contract ends this year

[Franky]

'cause nobody cares about it apart from Kubica who's out of the WRC and Poland's contract ends this year

Have you been to Rally Poland to say that no one cares about it?

[Eli]

Nope, sorry for the disrespect

Sent from my GT-I9300 using Tapatalk

[GigiGalliNo1]

I went to Rajd Polski in 2015.... I did not like it... stages, the people and yes I am of Polish background!; the food was great, the town was great but 4 hour drive to nearest airport... but also I didn't find it spectacular...

[Mariusz]

I went to Rajd Polski in 2015.... I did not like it... stages, the people and yes I am of Polish background!; the food was great, the town was great but 4 hour drive to nearest airport... but also I didn't find it spectacular...
It's the drivers that make any rally spectacular and in 2015 they were quite good and fast. Poland is also one of the easiest rallies to spectacle, which is also its curse because there is no way to control these crowds.

[N.O.T]

I went to Rajd Polski in 2015.... I did not like it... stages, the people and yes I am of Polish background!; the food was great, the town was great but 4 hour drive to nearest airport... but also I didn't find it spectacular...

i sugget you stop following the sport, it hurts to see you suffer like that by the things you inflict upon yourself.

[N.O.T]

It's the drivers that make any rally spectacular and in 2015 they were quite good and fast. Poland is also one of the easiest rallies to spectacle, which is also its curse because there is no way to control these crowds.

you are agruing with a person who suggested Ogier would leave VW to drive a privately entered citroen team.

[Bartek]

I went to Rajd Polski in 2015.... I did not like it... stages, the people and yes I am of Polish background!; the food was great, the town was great but 4 hour drive to nearest airport... but also I didn't find it spectacular...

Sorry but what do you want, rally in Warsaw near airport? I drove to this rally almost 9 hours and for you 4 hours it's too much? I thought rally is a sport for men not for a boys... ;) Maybe because I'm from Poland but I can't say Rally Poland isn't spectacular.

[tommeke_B]

I was at Poland as well last year, and will visit again this year. Some drive from the airport(s) yes, similar to Sweden or Finland. The organization of the event was far from perfect, when comparing to other WRC events. But... If you didn't find spectacle in Poland, the only reason could be that you were looking in the wrong places... Maybe it could be lack of knowledge/experience, or simply bad luck, but that's something you can't blame the organizers for. :)

[Oliverk]

Without even bother to check, i would think that one of the most viewed WRC videos from 2015, would be high speed jumps and turns form rally Poland.

[GigiGalliNo1]

Gotcha guys.

Maybe from a media perspective where majority of photographers and tv crews had issues from the marshals, police and head organizers including a particular Polish FIA person who gave us the most hardest restrictions in covering this WRC round in years! From stage access to us following rules in the media guide book to then being moved on from these spots! I think it was the higher up experience than a 'spectating' experience. And yes during the rally there was talk of Ogier leaving VW as on a few occasions and during Rally Australia Ogier was in a riefe with the media and Joost.

There is a certain view of when a number 1 driver is at his peak, more money is being put on offer from a new coming team (Toyota) but at the time everyone saw Toyota as a threat to the drivers market but as you can see later down the track Toyota and Makinen still don't have things locked down... And where I could have said this was going to happen. I only mentioned that Ogier could leave VW for a higher pay packet at his prime... As because when you start going down hill from a prime you won't get offered as much money as if you are at a peak! Offers...

I hope that explains it N.O.T

Just like Makinen would have with Subaru and Burns with Subaru to Peugeot

[N.O.T]

Gotcha guys.

Maybe from a media perspective where majority of photographers and tv crews had issues from the marshals, police and head organizers including a particular Polish FIA person who gave us the most hardest restrictions in covering this WRC round in years! From stage access to us following rules in the media guide book to then being moved on from these spots! I think it was the higher up experience than a 'spectating' experience. And yes during the rally there was talk of Ogier leaving VW as on a few occasions and during Rally Australia Ogier was in a riefe with the media and Joost.

There is a certain view of when a number 1 driver is at his peak, more money is being put on offer from a new coming team (Toyota) but at the time everyone saw Toyota as a threat to the drivers market but as you can see later down the track Toyota and Makinen still don't have things locked down... And where I could have said this was going to happen. I only mentioned that Ogier could leave VW for a higher pay packet at his prime... As because when you start going down hill from a prime you won't get offered as much money as if you are at a peak! Offers...

I hope that explains it N.O.T

Just like Makinen would have with Subaru and Burns with Subaru to Peugeot

small difference is that VW is the richest team right now and back then Citroen was almost privately funded.

there are many sports you can follow man, it is painful to see you trying like that.

[GigiGalliNo1]

I love this sport so I am not moving!

At the time of talk of Ogier leaving, no one knew exactly how much Toyota had to spend on cars/production/team management and drivers!

[N.O.T]

hopeless.

[GigiGalliNo1]

We love you NOT

[N.O.T]

i know

[KAMV]

I went to Rajd Polski in 2015.... I did not like it... stages, the people and yes I am of Polish background!; the food was great, the town was great but 4 hour drive to nearest airport... but also I didn't find it spectacular...

We have done each WRC event in Europe and my personal opinion is that Poland is one of the most spectacular events. Great atmosphere, beatifull region and very cheap. Spectating a rally is a bit suffering, it may not be to easy. Satisfaction is huge when you can see all the stages you have planned. If you want to take it easy, then go to the circuit.

[jbmarcus21]

new i20 R5 test days [gallery photos] => http://goo.gl/43NYO9

[EightGear]

First i20 R5 test.


http://www.imgdumper.nl/uploads9/56af147133fc0/56af147124fb9-FB_IMG_1454314391503.jpg

http://www.imgdumper.nl/uploads9/56af1495ef5c4/56af1495e1ceb-FB_IMG_1454314399648.jpg

http://www.imgdumper.nl/uploads9/56af14c09b823/56af14c091a36-FB_IMG_1454314380809.jpg

http://www.imgdumper.nl/uploads9/56af14d6b3bdf/56af14d6ab6b9-FB_IMG_1454314402558.jpg

[hype]

Nice photos, where is this?

[itix]

Why do you think Poland will flop this year?

Kay, change that to "probably flop"!
I get the feeling that most of the spectators came for Kubica and that they won't show in the same numbers if he isn't competing!

[wrc1600]

Kay, change that to "probably flop"!
I get the feeling that most of the spectators came for Kubica and that they won't show in the same numbers if he isn't competing!

You probably missed crowds in 2009, that has nothing to do with Kubica, just crowd control was much better.

[EightGear]

Nice photos, where is this?
Somewhere in France.

[SubaruNorway]

Without even bother to check, i would think that one of the most viewed WRC videos from 2015, would be high speed jumps and turns form rally Poland.

Most viewed video has 296.000, mine from Sweden has 759.000 and Finland 658.000

[hype]

That's about my impression after watching all the photos from Rally Poland on ewrc.cz
There's just nothing really spectacular.
Plains, dust and plains... and some trees. Alright.

[EstWRC]

what do you want then? Circus in the middle of the stage?

[sindroms]

That's about my impression after watching all the photos from Rally Poland on ewrc.cz
There's just nothing really spectacular.
Plains, dust and plains... and some trees. Alright.

"I have not read the book, but I have an opinion about it" (c)

[AL14]

That's about my impression after watching all the photos from Rally Poland on ewrc.cz
There's just nothing really spectacular.
Plains, dust and plains... and some trees. Alright.

You looked at the pictures from rally Poland and didn't noticed the biggest protagonists of that rally? You did not remember any flower??
Shame on you. Lavadinho and NOT will be very disappointed. You're not true rally fan.

[tommeke_B]

That's about my impression after watching all the photos from Rally Poland on ewrc.cz
There's just nothing really spectacular.
Plains, dust and plains... and some trees. Alright.

In what way are the landscapes related to the spectacle? I think you're watching it too much from a photographers point of view... ;) You can always take some plastic sunflowers to make it more interesting...

[liposh]

Just my thoughts, nothing in common with Polish rally itself. I have been to Poland once and their roads are awful. (Walbrzych and surroundings) I thought our (czech) roads are the worst but this was 100% worse than I expected. So I would rather choose expensive Germany or Corse, Sardegna. Anything is better than driving my car in Poland.

[CWJ]

I went by plane last 2 years.

2016 I change to car and travel with friends. That rally is just worth it. Yes landscape, lakes, boats, Hotels & service level, BBQs, friendly people.

By the way, we took a very nice swim between stages just 20m from here...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x5aFN_lW4NM

[hype]

In what way are the landscapes related to the spectacle? I think you're watching it too much from a photographers point of view... ;) You can always take some plastic sunflowers to make it more interesting...

Yes that's always my problem.
I'm thinking through the camera ;)

I didn't want to offend anyone. Of course a rally is not just landscape, but the fans, the atmosphere, the culture of the country.
Surely Rally Poland might be an amazing rally and I definitely want to visit it in the future.

[GigiGalliNo1]

Yes that's always my problem.
I'm thinking through the camera ;)

I didn't want to offend anyone. Of course a rally is not just landscape, but the fans, the atmosphere, the culture of the country.
Surely Rally Poland might be an amazing rally and I definitely want to visit it in the future.

Through the camera, me too.

[Red bull]

Hyundai press release. http://motorsport.hyundai.com/m/en/news/view/6101

[Simmi]

Hyundai press release. http://motorsport.hyundai.com/m/en/news/view/6101

There were rumours at the end of last year that Hyundai would also build an R2 car. With the customer projects team they have built it wouldn't surprise me if that car comes next.

[Mirek]

Hyundai press release. http://motorsport.hyundai.com/m/en/news/view/6101

The leader of R5 project Andrea Adamo - is it the same man who was chief designer of Punto S2000 and Lotux Exige R-GT?

[aykutbilir]

The leader of R5 project Andrea Adamo - is it the same man who was chief designer of Punto S2000 and Lotux Exige R-GT?

yes exactly he is


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Sulland]

They still have a different solution on the back spoiler than the rest of the R5s.
Anything in the regs on how that has to look like, or are the teams free?

[Mirek]

There are rules about the size and the location of the wing. I don't have them in my hand though.

[TWRC]

The leader of R5 project Andrea Adamo - is it the same man who was chief designer of Punto S2000 and Lotux Exige R-GT?
Might be a coincidence, but I think Honda WTCC's chief engineer is also called Andrea Adamo.

[Mirek]

I think that it's the same guy.

[EightGear]

Yes he is.

[jbmarcus21]

NEW ! U can download Google Earth Map but now U can also read map via PLANETEMARCUS http://goo.gl/WJCyqV

[tfp]

Any news on toyotas drivers?

[N.O.T]

Any news on toyotas drivers?

Loeb and Solberg, the team will be named "old age in a rollcage"

[AL14]

Loeb and Solberg, the team will be named "old age in a rollcage"

You forgot the young gun Hirvonen in the third car to get experience

[stefanvv]

You forgot the young gun Hirvonen in the third car to get experience

They are all young guns at Toyota test team atm. But that's quite an army forming there.... Still I wonder for the real driver line-up for 2017....

[Grundo Farb]

They are all young guns at Toyota test team atm. But that's quite an army forming there.... Still I wonder for the real driver line-up for 2017....

Stig Blomqvuist and Markku Alen have also been approached.

[stefanvv]

Stig Blomqvuist and Markku Alen have also been approached.

No Rohrl, or Mouton? I'm little disappointed..... Of course MW is busy with other stuff, so he is excused.....

[AL14]

Sordo and Neuville will form the top team in Mexico while Paddon will go back to the Mobis Team after Sweden.

[jbmarcus21]

Update date for Monte CArlo 2017 18 au 22 January 2017 ➡ http://goo.gl/G0caMJ

[Eli]

Update date for Monte CArlo 2017 18 au 22 January 2017 ➡ http://goo.gl/G0caMJ

I thought they were leaving gap after this year & back in Valance as they used to be there in the past...

[dimviii]

Fionas new colors

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

[pantealex]

Fionas new colors

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

He is driving for MT points in Mexico

[skarderud]

Petter Solberg just said at swedish tv that he going to do swedish rally next year, "for sure"!

Some deal with tommi and Toyota on its way?

[Eli]

http://www.rallye-magazin.de/wm/nachrichten/artikel/d/2016/02/14/neuer-dreijahresvertrag-fuer-rallye-schweden/ good news for Sweden keeping themselves for another 3 years in the wrc. guess now Canada & Japan won't be added to the championship, at least not as snow rallies?

[dimviii]

The search for the new Sebastien

http://www.rallysportmag.com.au/home/wrc/10175-the-search-for-the-new-sebastien

[BleAivano]

http://www.rallye-magazin.de/wm/nachrichten/artikel/d/2016/02/14/neuer-dreijahresvertrag-fuer-rallye-schweden/
good news for Sweden keeping themselves for another 3 years in the wrc. guess now Canada & Japan won't be added to the championship, at least not as snow rallies?


On the contrary Oliver Ciesla said in in interview with Swedish TV that he doesn't rule out having two winter rally if it can be done within/along with WRC's growth plans.
The interview was done Saturday so the new deal hadn't been reached yet at the time of the interview.


Han öppnar även för två vintertävlingar i kalendern. – Jag ha så mycket passion för vinterrallyn så jag skulle inte ha något emot att ha två. Kan vi klara det i linje med vår övriga tillväxtplan så.
Låt mig ha idén och följa upp den, sen får vi se.

http://www.vf.se/sport/bilsport/promotorn-positiv-till-svenska-rallyt (article is a short resume of the interview)

The full interview can be seen here (starts after 1min 15 sec): http://www.svtplay.se/klipp/6491379/vd-n-om-framtiden-for-svenska-rallyt-beror-pa-vader-och-vind

[dupanton]

Petter Solberg just said at swedish tv that he going to do swedish rally next year, "for sure"!

Some deal with tommi and Toyota on its way?

I think he will compete in Historic again.

[Rallyper]

I think he will compete in Historic again.

However he got an cryptic answer from Seb Ogier on Twitter mentioning he looked forward to any challenge...

[skarderud]

I think he will compete in Historic again.
He said this summer that he wont do historic anymore, because he won it 3 times already.
Then he was probably in talks with Citroën, i presume.

If Toyota have a "testseason" in 2017, why not?

[BleAivano]

He said this summer that he wont do historic anymore, because he won it 3 times already.
Then he was probably in talks with Citroën, i presume.

If Toyota have a "testseason" in 2017, why not?

More likely Toyota.

-----------

Interview with Paddon: http://www.svt.se/sport/motorsport/paddon-hoppas-slass-om-segern-nasta-ar/

[dimviii]

Msport-Lazer partnership
http://www.m-sport.co.uk/m-sport-news/dovenby-hall/m-sport-announce-new-partnership-with-lazer-lamps

[Andre Oliveira]

Any photo of differences of view?

[Bartek]

Msport-Lazer partnership
http://www.m-sport.co.uk/m-sport-news/dovenby-hall/m-sport-announce-new-partnership-with-lazer-lamps

I don't know how it will look with Lazer but with old led's light was sh*t. Great ball of light and nothing more, in my opinion standard light pod is much better

[Carbon]

Trust me, Lazers are very good. I have an experience aswell.

[br21]

Right from beginning of Fiesta R5 official M-Sport lightpod was from Lazer. Just now it's new design as previous was too weak - too "short" light.

[Mirek]

Normally LED lights don't reach specs of Xenon tubes however particularly in rallying I guess that the reachable specs. of each light pod type is more or less driven by the rules not by the technology limitation.

[Eli]

http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/122828 Breen's and Matton thoughts about sweden and the rest of the season respectively

[jbmarcus21]

Markko Martin is back behind the wheel for Legend Boucles de Bastogne 2016 this wkend with Escort RS1600 ➡ http://goo.gl/1eA5Rl

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Strong words from Meeke re drivers boycott !

http://beta.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/122833/wrc-drivers-stand-by-boycott-threat

[EstWRC]

i agree. For years it seems to me that the organizers and FIA doesnt want to listen to drivers. Same in F1 and im sure also in other classes. i remember many drivers being very mad at australia last year.

[hype]

What happened in Australia last year?

[EstWRC]

There was a night stage which drivers didnt want because you get a lot of dust in australia and you dont see anything.

[AndyRAC]

Drivers voices should be listened to - as safety is an important issue.

What I don't want to see are threat of boycotts if conditions are tougher than usual. Modern era WRC is watered down as it is - when organisers try to add something different, I dont want to see complaints.

[PLuto]

i agree. For years it seems to me that the organizers and FIA doesnt want to listen to drivers. Same in F1 and im sure also in other classes. i remember many drivers being very mad at australia last year.

There is FIA, promoter and teams. Nobody is interested in opinion of organisers or drivers...

[EstWRC]

ok you know it better because are inside these thing or something :) ...but yeah the message is same, they dont listen.

[AL14]

Drivers should be heard but they cannot decide themself boycotting stages.
I hope that the boycotting ideas are due to the fact they are not listened, and not to the fact they had to drive there. What I mean is, ok, they should be on meeting but they have to accept the outcome of that meeting no matter if they agree or not.

[nafpaktos]

@AL14 Driver's perception about how dangerous a ss could be under some specific conditions is closer to the true than the opinion of each rally organization.

[dimviii]

M-Sport ‏@MSportLtd

Today we surprised the boss with a little Birthday celebration... 60 years young and still going strong!

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CbbZl85WwAIZwUk.jpg
https://scontent-cdg2-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xft1/v/t1.0-9/12743837_1072217919487926_838468796931887166_n.jpg ?oh=e9625ce471fb28e35af1bb9f18ee9476&oe=57291B9D


Happy birthday Malcolm.

[dimviii]

Internal competition is scheduled to Citroën from Rally of Portugal among the drivers competing with DS3 R5 in WRC2 is taking shape. In addition the winner will contest the Catalunya Rally of Wales and a Citroen DS3 WRC, already they revealed some of the names that will participate in this kind of unofficial one-make trophy that will perform the signing of the two chevrons. Including the return of an old acquaintance.
Along with Quentin Gilbert, Yoann Bonato, Karl Krudda and Sébastien Chardonnet, also is the return of Evgeny Novikov, who has two seasons away from the World Rally Championship after running in 2013 as a pilot of M-Sport. After two years away from the stages of the World Cup, in which he has even made the work of co-pilot in Russia, Novikov seems determined to go back and choose to drive a DS3 WRC against protected Citroen (Chardonnet and Gilbert) seems a good first step.
The Russian, 25 also have been tempted by Tommi Mäkinen (as reported in the paper edition of the French AUTOhebdo) to try one of the Toyota Yaris WRC for next season. If anyone missed Evgeny Novikov, it seems to be back.

http://www.diariomotor.com/competicion/2016/02/17/evgeny-novikov-esta-de-vuelta-al-mundial-de-rallyes-con-citroen/

[denkimi]

on the one hand, the drivers should be able to give input and should be listened to.

on the other hand, they should stop whining. it's not the fia or the promotor who's pushing the gas pedal, if they believe they're going too fast to keep it on the road they should slow down.


"Nobody understands that when you drive on these tyres with no studs, it's a bit of a nightmare. The speeds we're doing here, you just can't do it.
i just don't understand this. you could drive on slicks if you wanted to. of course you wouldn't be able to go 110km/u on average, but that doesn't mean it can't be done.
to me it seems they think driving in anything but the very best conditions with the very best material is not worth it.

[tommeke_B]

@AL14 Driver's perception about how dangerous a ss could be under some specific conditions is closer to the true than the opinion of each rally organization.
To be honest, I think the drivers comments in Australia last year were much more justified than in Sweden this year. Then there was dust, which made the competition unfair. In Sweden it was just about being on the wrong tyres. Isn't it a great aspect of our sport too, seeing drivers in conditions that aren't ideal? It's a part of our sport, that drivers have to get out of their comfort zone. The speed would be lower than in optimal conditions (which drivers prefer), so normally the consequences of a crash should be smaller as well... In Monte it happened so much that drivers were on wrong tyres, even on much more dangerous stages (for both drivers and spectators), and nobody ever complained...

[lewalcindor]

Internal competition is scheduled to Citroën from Rally of Portugal among the drivers competing with DS3 R5 in WRC2 is taking shape. In addition the winner will contest the Catalunya Rally of Wales and a Citroen DS3 WRC, already they revealed some of the names that will participate in this kind of unofficial one-make trophy that will perform the signing of the two chevrons. Including the return of an old acquaintance.
Along with Quentin Gilbert, Yoann Bonato, Karl Krudda and Sébastien Chardonnet, also is the return of Evgeny Novikov, who has two seasons away from the World Rally Championship after running in 2013 as a pilot of M-Sport. After two years away from the stages of the World Cup, in which he has even made the work of co-pilot in Russia, Novikov seems determined to go back and choose to drive a DS3 WRC against protected Citroen (Chardonnet and Gilbert) seems a good first step.
The Russian, 25 also have been tempted by Tommi Mäkinen (as reported in the paper edition of the French AUTOhebdo) to try one of the Toyota Yaris WRC for next season. If anyone missed Evgeny Novikov, it seems to be back.

http://www.diariomotor.com/competicion/2016/02/17/evgeny-novikov-esta-de-vuelta-al-mundial-de-rallyes-con-citroen/

What's the deal with Novikov? He was last in the championship the year before I followed WRC. He seemed to produce decent results and was fairly young, but completely disappeared from the WRC landcape.

The only things I remember about him are (i) he uses English pacenotes with co-driver Ilka Minor, and (ii) his bonnet flew up and blocked his windscreen one year at NORF, and he decided to continue driving instead of stopping to fix it, "oblivious" to the fact that Kris Meeke was literally right behind him for a few kms.

[Arnold Triyudho Wardono]

The only things I remember about him are (i) he uses English pacenotes with co-driver Ilka Minor, and (ii) his bonnet flew up and blocked his windscreen one year at NORF, and he decided to continue driving instead of stopping to fix it, "oblivious" to the fact that Kris Meeke was literally right behind him for a few kms.
The only problem is he crashes too much..(watching Alsace 2011, Denis wasn't amused)

[EstWRC]

Internal competition is scheduled to Citroën from Rally of Portugal among the drivers competing with DS3 R5 in WRC2 is taking shape. In addition the winner will contest the Catalunya Rally of Wales and a Citroen DS3 WRC, already they revealed some of the names that will participate in this kind of unofficial one-make trophy that will perform the signing of the two chevrons. Including the return of an old acquaintance.
Along with Quentin Gilbert, Yoann Bonato, Karl Krudda and Sébastien Chardonnet, also is the return of Evgeny Novikov, who has two seasons away from the World Rally Championship after running in 2013 as a pilot of M-Sport. After two years away from the stages of the World Cup, in which he has even made the work of co-pilot in Russia, Novikov seems determined to go back and choose to drive a DS3 WRC against protected Citroen (Chardonnet and Gilbert) seems a good first step.
The Russian, 25 also have been tempted by Tommi Mäkinen (as reported in the paper edition of the French AUTOhebdo) to try one of the Toyota Yaris WRC for next season. If anyone missed Evgeny Novikov, it seems to be back.

http://www.diariomotor.com/competicion/2016/02/17/evgeny-novikov-esta-de-vuelta-al-mundial-de-rallyes-con-citroen/

i dont understand. theres a shoot out between the drivers who are named or novikov goes straight to DS3 WRC in spain and wales?

[TheFlyingTuga]

What the news says it's that Novikov will take part in the DS3 R5 extra-official trophy against Citroen protegé Gilbert and Chardonnet (isn't Chardonnet going to drive a 208 T18 from Loeb Racing??)

[EstWRC]

i understand that Yoann Bonato and Kruuda also take part.

[TheFlyingTuga]

Yes, it seems that Citroen revelead some names for the trophy. Bonato, Kruuda, Gilbert and Chardonnet along with Novikov (!!!). Don't know what it's their source.

[AL14]

To be honest, I think the drivers comments in Australia last year were much more justified than in Sweden this year. Then there was dust, which made the competition unfair. In Sweden it was just about being on the wrong tyres. Isn't it a great aspect of our sport too, seeing drivers in conditions that aren't ideal? It's a part of our sport, that drivers have to get out of their comfort zone. The speed would be lower than in optimal conditions (which drivers prefer), so normally the consequences of a crash should be smaller as well... In Monte it happened so much that drivers were on wrong tyres, even on much more dangerous stages (for both drivers and spectators), and nobody ever complained...

I agree.
I'm not against what drivers say, I repeat they should be listened but they can't decide themself. It's true what nafpaktos says, drivers know more than anyone else how can be dangerous out there but this doesn't mean they can take decisions ALONE boycotting stages. They should be listened carefully but they should be only a part of the discussion. Otherwise they could take decisions too much comfortable to them.
At the end, as someone wrote some months ago, if any of us can drive with fog, or without studs in snowy roads, those guys who are the best drivers in the world with the most performing cars (in terms of grip) in the world, can as well.

EDIT: Want just to add that in Australia I think with the drivers had a sort of point, especially regarding the spectators safety.

[stefanvv]

if any of us can drive with fog, or without studs in snowy roads.

we drive on snow but with snow tyres, while they have only studded tyres option for Sweden. It is not impossible they drive slower with them when there's no snow, but may be this is not what is expected of them - driving faster is what is the competition is about, promotion and do forth, running at 150 to 200 kph on Rally Sweden is what everybody expect. On one hand I agree this is rally with all the challenges ahead, including improper equipment, on the other hand I tend to agree that this is not good for the sport, including safety. Sweden is suppose to be snow rally, but sometimes the weather doesn't agree.

Anyway this is not precedent in history of this rally, 15-20 years ago there was similar case, I remember McRae one year complained about such road conditions when all studs are gone early, fortunately nothing bad happened then, but I wonder what is supposed to be the solution for this? Are the tyre supply rules not comforting to these challenges? Or it is more about the competition issue?

[Rallyper]

In the 80´s Blomqvist had no studs what so ever on front wheel at end of stages. He complained about the car but drove furious anyway... And it was icy roads...

[Mirek]

we drive on snow but with snow tyres, while they have only studded tyres option for Sweden. It is not impossible they drive slower with them when there's no snow, but may be this is not what is expected of them - driving faster is what is the competition is about, promotion and do forth, running at 150 to 200 kph on Rally Sweden is what everybody expect. On one hand I agree this is rally with all the challenges ahead, including improper equipment, on the other hand I tend to agree that this is not good for the sport, including safety. Sweden is suppose to be snow rally, but sometimes the weather doesn't agree.

Anyway this is not precedent in history of this rally, 15-20 years ago there was similar case, I remember McRae one year complained about such road conditions when all studs are gone early, fortunately nothing bad happened then, but I wonder what is supposed to be the solution for this? Are the tyre supply rules not comforting to these challenges? Or it is more about the competition issue?

Come on, the conditions in Sweden were better than usually in Liepaja, ERC. Also the stud retention function of tyres is way better today than in the past.

Out of curiosity. Here in CZ no studs are allowed but we had a winter rally till 2006, even with WRC cars. It was never too dangerous, just stupidly slow. In fact it was very interesting to see which tyres work in such conditions and what is interesting, sometimes stock winter tyres were better option than racing ones. Also old pattern from 1980' when Barum was making competition non-studded snow tyres was brought back with a stock protector tyre - and it worked better than Monte Carlo style racing Michelin tyres without studs! Last time such conditions appeared was Prague rallysprint 2011. I was on one stage where PG Andersson with Michelin Monte Carlo tyres was 3 s/km slower than Tlusťák with stock Nokians with additional cuts!

[jbmarcus21]

Markko Märtin & Stéphane Prévot TEST DAYS Legend Boucles de Bastogne
==> http://goo.gl/1eA5Rl

[jbmarcus21]

Markko Märtin is back ==> http://goo.gl/1eA5Rl

[jbmarcus21]

Video Test Days Markko Märtin Legend Boucles Bastogne 2016

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mX6kKdUX3eM&feature=youtu.be

[karl59]

Sounds like an 8 valve car, not a BDA ???

[Eli]

http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/122850 As said earlier, FIA looking for another winter rally, search includes: Japan, Russia & Canada.

[bluuford]

When they mention Russia, then this talk cannot be considered very serious. do not see WRC going there in next decade. Japanese round sounds most realistic. they tend to find money from nowhere, very quickly and they can do good event if they have money and will :) However, people do not like to go out in the forrest there, they must find some solutions there.

[Mirek]

However, people do not like to go out in the forrest there, they must find some solutions there.

Isn't it forbidden in Japan to spectate outside of predefined secure areas?

[Rally Hokkaido]

Isn't it forbidden in Japan to spectate outside of predefined secure areas?

Yes, at APRC/WRC level, spectating is at ticketed areas only. Anyway, that is only one of many greater challenges facing an organiser of a winter WRC round in Japan

[Xsara Fan]

Internal competition is scheduled to Citroën from Rally of Portugal among the drivers competing with DS3 R5 in WRC2 is taking shape. In addition the winner will contest the Catalunya Rally of Wales and a Citroen DS3 WRC, already they revealed some of the names that will participate in this kind of unofficial one-make trophy that will perform the signing of the two chevrons. Including the return of an old acquaintance.
Along with Quentin Gilbert, Yoann Bonato, Karl Krudda and Sébastien Chardonnet, also is the return of Evgeny Novikov, who has two seasons away from the World Rally Championship after running in 2013 as a pilot of M-Sport. After two years away from the stages of the World Cup, in which he has even made the work of co-pilot in Russia, Novikov seems determined to go back and choose to drive a DS3 WRC against protected Citroen (Chardonnet and Gilbert) seems a good first step.
The Russian, 25 also have been tempted by Tommi Mäkinen (as reported in the paper edition of the French AUTOhebdo) to try one of the Toyota Yaris WRC for next season. If anyone missed Evgeny Novikov, it seems to be back.

http://www.diariomotor.com/competicion/2016/02/17/evgeny-novikov-esta-de-vuelta-al-mundial-de-rallyes-con-citroen/

It`s lie about Novikov (google translate it) http://ru.motorsport.com/wrc/news/slukhi-o-vozvrashchenii-novikova-v-wrc-okazalis-lozhyu-674311/

[dimviii]

Exclusive: Qatar motorsport boss kicked out
http://fastnfurious360.com/2016/02/18/exclusive-qatar-motorsport-boss-kicked-out/

[jbmarcus21]

new adventure has started ! .. Hayden Paddon Fan Club on facebook in 1st ..
https://www.facebook.com/Hayden-Paddon-Fan-Club-1107574252607192/

[aykutbilir]

Fia and organization at wrc and f1 or any other motorsport seems drivers like show monkeys. So complaince is not accetable go and do your show.
That is basicly all.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[vino_93]

Michel Fabre's WRC3 program : Monte Carlo, Sweden, Mexico, Argentina, China, Corsica, Catalunya, Australia

so he will be world champion if he achieves his overseas events ...


Another french driver in, Romain Martel will do JWRC with Trajectoire Racing. He has a two year plan.
http://www.ewrc-results.com/profile.php?p=19604&t=Romain-Martel

[samWRC]

Michel Fabre's WRC3 program : Monte Carlo, Sweden, Mexico, Argentina, China, Corsica, Catalunya, Australia

so he will be world champion if he achieves his overseas events ...


Another french driver in, Romain Martel will do JWRC with Trajectoire Racing. He has a two year plan.
http://www.ewrc-results.com/profile.php?p=19604&t=Romain-Martel

FIA should stop this stupid WRC-3 class...

[AL14]

Michel Fabre's WRC3 program : Monte Carlo, Sweden, Mexico, Argentina, China, Corsica, Catalunya, Australia

so he will be world champion if he achieves his overseas events ...


Ridiculous

[Simmi]

What is the actual prize for becoming WRC3 champion?

[PLuto]

What is the actual prize for becoming WRC3 champion?

He is WRC3 champion :)

[Simmi]

He is WRC3 champion :)

Okay sure but is there no financial prize? I know there's no prize drive like in JWRC. Otherwise it seems like quite a hollow championship to win. It's not like you are impressing team bosses having it on your CV.

WRC2 gets criticism sometimes but at least you have to beat someone to win each round.

[AL14]

Otherwise it seems like quite a hollow championship to win. It's not like you are impressing team bosses having it on your CV.

Pampered boy's ego can do wonders.

[AndyRAC]

Okay sure but is there no financial prize? I know there's no prize drive like in JWRC. Otherwise it seems like quite a hollow championship to win. It's not like you are impressing team bosses having it on your CV.

WRC2 gets criticism sometimes but at least you have to beat someone to win each round.

WRC3 is a lame duck championship. It's not as if they're in crowd pleasing cars - and putting on a show. Most, are just trundling around.
In an ideal world the WRC3 would be for RWD or GT/ 'F2 type' cars; crowd friendly cars that put in a show after the top WRC/ WRC2 guys have been through.

[itix]

Come on, the conditions in Sweden were better than usually in Liepaja, ERC. Also the stud retention function of tyres is way better today than in the past.

Out of curiosity. Here in CZ no studs are allowed but we had a winter rally till 2006, even with WRC cars. It was never too dangerous, just stupidly slow. In fact it was very interesting to see which tyres work in such conditions and what is interesting, sometimes stock winter tyres were better option than racing ones. Also old pattern from 1980' when Barum was making competition non-studded snow tyres was brought back with a stock protector tyre - and it worked better than Monte Carlo style racing Michelin tyres without studs! Last time such conditions appeared was Prague rallysprint 2011. I was on one stage where PG Andersson with Michelin Monte Carlo tyres was 3 s/km slower than Tlusák with stock Nokians with additional cuts!
Mirek speaks wisdom!
Not only have worse conditions been contested before... There is a certain value in being able to compete in any condition on almost any road. It is half the market value of rallying.

If we did like F1 and stopped driving every time there was moist in the sky, we'd be just as hopeless. No one wants to make rally a sport of princesses like F1 is.

[vino_93]

In AutoHebdo, Henning Solberg said Oscar will do Drive Dmack Cup.
He said too that he has half of the monney to do the same events as Oscar but with a M-Sport Fiesta WRC.

[pantealex]

Michel Fabre's WRC3 program : Monte Carlo, Sweden, Mexico, Argentina, China, Corsica, Catalunya, Australia

so he will be world champion if he achieves his overseas events ...

He can´t drive 8 events in WRC3, I believe it´s 6 best from 7 starts.

[jbmarcus21]

Ken Block announce Gymkhana VIII 2016 for next monday
➡ http://planetemarcus.com/gymkhana-viii-2016-by-ken-block

[Rallyper]

Ken Block announce Gymkhana VIII 2016 for next monday
➡ http://planetemarcus.com/gymkhana-viii-2016-by-ken-block

Good for him and americans. Not more.

[Munkvy]

Ken Block announce Gymkhana VIII 2016 for next monday
➡ http://planetemarcus.com/gymkhana-viii-2016-by-ken-block

Not sure that's WRC news, or rally news at all?

[janvanvurpa]

Good for him and americans. Not more.

How does it make anything good for Merikuns? Now with Block and Pastrami gone from the scene the speed and skill level is not even up to Distriks Mästerskap level and guys who would struggle to come mid-field in a GruppH for B-påsar are now called ''Pro'' and ''brilliant''..:snore:

Pooor rallycross.Once a sport of men, now its children and Gentlemen who can barely be called Gentlemen Drivers..

These Gymkhana things are what I call ''weapons of mass distraction'' and over 80% of people who say they want to enter the sport in Merikuh are either already Subaru fan+bois or want to be Subaru Super+stars in the next 2 years..

Make even people with very strong stomach want to spew..:bigcry:

[Rallyper]

How does it make anything good for Merikuns? Now with Block and Pastrami gone from the scene the speed and skill level is not even up to Distriks Mästerskap level and guys who would struggle to come mid-field in a GruppH for B-påsar are now called ''Pro'' and ''brilliant''..:snore:

Pooor rallycross.Once a sport of men, now its children and Gentlemen who can barely be called Gentlemen Drivers..

These Gymkhana things are what I call ''weapons of mass distraction'' and over 80% of people who say they want to enter the sport in Merikuh are either already Subaru fan+bois or want to be Subaru Super+stars in the next 2 years..

Make even people with very strong stomach want to spew..:bigcry:

Didn´t want to speak up loud and clear. Meant good for the average Joe of America which don´t believe in rallying or even don´t know a thing about it...

[dupanton]

Not sure that's WRC news, or rally news at all?

Or news at all?

[janvanvurpa]

Didn´t want to speak up loud and clear. Meant good for the average Joe of America which don´t believe in rallying or even don´t know a thing about it...

Speak up loud and clear pojken you are here among friends, and we won't tell anybody...

What would be good for Merikuh is to have sever good Grupp H --if they still call it that ---and a few good F cup guys to have a little vaction in the US and do a few events and essentially slaughter everybod---and the guy who then have to say on camera and in print form "ti hi ti hi, well that was easy, better sell your Subarus or spend another $30k on them and on top learn to drive" to make an impression on the scene.

Just one to be brave enough to be called an ass-whole for speaking the truth: "don't buy turbo 4wd Subarus---nearly 62% of the start fields here----until you can at least beat a ancient old Toyota or 240...you are embarrassing yourselves"

That's what would be good for Merikuh

Oh and same goes for some guest starring Aussies who have come up, stomped everybody but amazingly and disappointingly for a young Ozzie, been all "Gosh, gee, heck darn Thank Keeeeew to mah sponsors" about it..

[Rallyper]

Completely agree, John! Grupp H it´s still called. Coming weekend SM deltävling två in Östersund.
www.rallysm.se

[Arnold Triyudho Wardono]

Pooor rallycross.Once a sport of men, now its children and Gentlemen who can barely be called Gentlemen Drivers..
If you're talking about GRC, I'm agree..

[KiwiWRCfan]

This blog by Hans Erik Naess contains some interesting discussion on Rally Swden driver concerns as well as thougts on WRC TV coverage https://thrillsandskills.wordpress.com/2016/02/19/swedish-thunder/

[SubaruNorway]

This blog by Hans Erik Naess contains some interesting discussion on Rally Swden driver concerns as well as thougts on WRC TV coverage https://thrillsandskills.wordpress.com/2016/02/19/swedish-thunder/

Cool! He's right about how i try to capture "the dance" of the cars, feels awesome when i get shots like 4:55 ;)

[Gregor-y]

What would be good for Merikuh is to have sever good Grupp H --if they still call it that ---and a few good F cup guys to have a little vaction in the US and do a few events and essentially slaughter everybod---and the guy who then have to say on camera and in print form "ti hi ti hi, well that was easy, better sell your Subarus or spend another $30k on them and on top learn to drive" to make an impression on the scene.

Just one to be brave enough to be called an ass-whole for speaking the truth: "don't buy turbo 4wd Subarus---nearly 62% of the start fields here----until you can at least beat a ancient old Toyota or 240...you are embarrassing yourselves"

The few non US drivers that have come over in the last ten years aside from Higgins haven't managed to clean up anything yet, and Higgins is sponsored by the only manufacturer solidly involved (Subaru). Used Subarus are plentiful, dirt cheap and have a mountain of non-homologated (cheap) parts that are interchangeable on cars made between 1993 to 2007, so it's no surprise they're a common choice. Decent competition parts for something like a 240 either have to be custom made or charge the extra price homologation and manufacturing/shipping from Europe entail. And that's assuming you find a 240 in good enough (and bad enough) condition to prepare. They've been out of production for over twenty years, now. Even the die-hards with ancient (Mk II, III) VWs have ragged them out and there's nothing left to replace them. Fiestas are still too new and expensive.

[Munkvy]

The few non US drivers that have come over in the last ten years aside from Higgins haven't managed to clean up anything yet, and Higgins is sponsored by the only manufacturer solidly involved (Subaru). Used Subarus are plentiful, dirt cheap and have a mountain of non-homologated (cheap) parts that are interchangeable on cars made between 1993 to 2007, so it's no surprise they're a common choice. Decent competition parts for something like a 240 either have to be custom made or charge the extra price homologation and manufacturing/shipping from Europe entail. And that's assuming you find a 240 in good enough (and bad enough) condition to prepare. They've been out of production for over twenty years, now. Even the die-hards with ancient (Mk II, III) VWs have ragged them out and there's nothing left to replace them. Fiestas are still too new and expensive.

I wouldn't say 6th overall in a Fiesta R2 is anything to be sneezed at, especially when that's ahead of a number of 4WD cars:

http://www.rally-america.com/events/2015/NEFR/results

[janvanvurpa]

The few non US drivers that have come over in the last ten years aside from Higgins haven't managed to clean up anything yet, and Higgins is sponsored by the only manufacturer solidly involved (Subaru). Used Subarus are plentiful, dirt cheap and have a mountain of non-homologated (cheap) parts that are interchangeable on cars made between 1993 to 2007, so it's no surprise they're a common choice. Decent competition parts for something like a 240 either have to be custom made or charge the extra price homologation and manufacturing/shipping from Europe entail. And that's assuming you find a 240 in good enough (and bad enough) condition to prepare. They've been out of production for over twenty years, now. Even the die-hards with ancient (Mk II, III) VWs have ragged them out and there's nothing left to replace them. Fiestas are still too new and expensive.

Tarvarich Grigorij,
Brendon reeves ---cleaned up everybody except theguys with budgets 20 times everybody else.
1.6 n.a. car with maybe a whopping 165hp;
http://www.ewrc-results.com/final.php?e=7990&t=Lake-Superior-Performance-Rally-2013

4th overall

http://www.ewrc-results.com/final.php?e=7989&t=Ojibwe-Forests-Rally-2013

3rd overall

http://www.ewrc-results.com/final.php?e=7988&t=New-England-Forest-Rally-2013

5th overall

http://www.ewrc-results.com/final.php?e=7988&t=New-England-Forest-Rally-2013

4th overall

http://www.ewrc-results.com/final.php?e=7986&t=Oregon-Trail-Rally-2013

5th overall

Better details found here:
http://www.daronhume.com/rally/combine.php5?rally_id=STPR&rally_id_override=&rally_year=2013&start_stage=&end_stage=&watch_cars=106&ignore_cars=&class_alias=&class_filter=&stage_skip=

Generally speaking he consistently beat all but hired gun Higgins, self funded 100 millionaire Block, Belgian millionaire Sterckx

As for the 50-60% of the field being Subaru-Lego clone cars, nothing wrong with that except they're expensive to run because they are such junk engines and transmissions and the fail frequently---and really aren't that good...and modest performance..
And people doing them think they are doing great..
Decent competition parts for Volvo are as easy as for Escort, just have to pay some postage...somehow they do over there manage to pay for pistons and rods and flywheels to that I sent BACK...
And yes the production ended 20 years ago..But they made 2,7 million and maybe 70% came to USA..

And somehow in the rest of the world guys keep Escorts and Corollas and Starlets and other cars going which ended the production30 years ago..
We have the cheapest gas in the industrialised world ---under USD2.00/gallon or .53 cents/liter and great highways....5500 km coast to coast--110km/hr just 50 relaxed hours coast to coast...certainly people can find nice rust free bodyshells.
They don't want to.They watch You-tube and want to pretend they're Burns and McRae...
As long as it looks like a rally car--stickers adds 10 hp per sticker--and they can watch themselves, they seem content to what looks like just cruise around..



In reference to Brendon Reeves (and before him Will orders) results, bear in mind USA events are done on the biggest roads imaginable--usually big enough for one semi-truck and trailer rig, and often big enough for 2. Average speeds on many US stages for local big budget guys over 130 km/hr

[Gregor-y]

Subarus are just in the right age group at the moment. All the mk 2 and 3 GTIs have been worn away and Fiestas are still too new to prep as cheaply as an Impreza. And forget importing an old European Escort and all the parts to prepare it unless you have money like Ken Block (who has done so, much to the glee of the newest generation of fanboys).

"Modest performance" comparing a WRX to a 240 - or even an Escort - was good for a chuckle.

Good call on Brendon Reeves, though; think he could have won with a Subaru?

[janvanvurpa]

Subarus are just in the right age group at the moment. All the mk 2 and 3 GTIs have been worn away and Fiestas are still too new to prep as cheaply as an Impreza. And forget importing an old European Escort and all the parts to prepare it unless you have money like Ken Block (who has done so, much to the glee of the newest generation of fanboys).

"Modest performance" comparing a WRX to a 240 - or even an Escort - was good for a chuckle.

Good call on Brendon Reeves, though; think he could have won with a Subaru?


Modest performabce comes for modest build of engines--and you better keep it that way--I have built several EJ20s for customers and they are the polar opposite of the Ford and Volvo and Saab and Volvo and Mitsubishi engines I have built----and for most the limited availability of final drives shorter than 4.1 (yeah I know there are 4.44 :1 final drives out there but when one sees a stack of 12-14 broken, chipped, dead ring gears and they are all 4.44 and my friend who has pulled them all says "Seems like 4.44 break far too often and look at the stack again..I'm inclined to believe him) See the 4.1 barely compensates for the taller gravel tires so performance is not really "increased".
In a theoretical Volvo or Escort or rwd Corolla for less than a couple of hundred bucks new, we can get a 4.88 or a 5,1 or even a 5.35 final drive which is just a smidge shorter than the road cars 3.64 real axle (or the Corolla's 4.1) Affordable short final drive is a instant huge plus in the performance of even a modest built engine...Power---gearing-weight... In none does the typical club Subie have a distinct advantage.

As for Reeves winning overall..Yeah maybe..But then nobody would rave because nobody care now who wins.

You know the old saying in 'Merikun that goes "That's like bringing a gun to a knife fight" ?

What we have and a glance at the multiple minute gap per stage of the rich guys to the not-so-rich shows this is closer to "That's like bringing a
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/8/89/Vulcan1.jpg

to a knife fight..

Nobody is impressed at the "marksmanship". And the futile attempts by some software types to play catch up aren't very impressive either....
Obviously.....if a n.a 1.6 good spec but no works car and a good driver could beat nearly every one except the few Rich guy builds..

[Zeakiwi]

Did they wire tie in the bolts in the Subaru differentials ?
http://www.possumbourne.co.nz/trans-and-diff-parts.html (special diff bolts)

[dimviii]

Panta will be the official fuel provider for wrc.

[dimviii]

Eric Camilli will revert to former co-driver Benjamin Veillas for the rest of the FIA World Rally Championship season after splitting with Nicolas Klinger.

Advertising

Veillas partnered the 28-year-old Frenchman in WRC 2 last season, but when Camilli joined M-Sport World Rally Team this year it was confirmed that the experienced Klinger would partner him in the British squad’s Ford Fiesta RS.

The pair had a tough start to the 2016 campaign, retiring after hitting a tree at Rallye Monte-Carlo and then rolling heavily at Rally Sweden, and Veillas will return to the co-driver’s seat from next week’s Rally Guanajuato Mexico (3 - 6 March).

However, Camilli denied the accidents were behind the split.

“Nicolas and I were working very, very well in the car but we were not in the same line for the future. I didn’t have the same complicity as with Benjamin, so we prefer together to stop the partnership now,” Camilli told wrc.com.

“We were not working in the same way and I think that’s very important to succeed. In the car it worked very well, there were no problems. We went off twice in two rallies but that was not the issue. It’s more for human character reasons,” he added.

Veillas, who tested with Camilli in Spain on Thursday, co-drove for Julien Maurin in WRC 2 at Rallye Monte-Carlo. Klinger previously partnered Maurin for three seasons before joining with Camilli at the start of this season.

http://www.wrc.com/en/wrc/news/february-2016/camilli-co-driver/page/3282--12-12-.html?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter

[N.O.T]

Changing co-drivers is the first sign to failure. Happy landing Camilli the way down is loooong.

[Andre Oliveira]

Two first events Monte and Sweden is not fair to young driver

[N.O.T]

Camilis is was and will evolve to nothing, no surprise he was chosen by Makinen and his flop team.

[Fly]

Camilis is was and will evolve to nothing, no surprise he was chosen by Makinen and his flop team.

How do you know so soon? ;) Sometimes you're right, sometimes you're not. I think you wrote some similar things about Paddon a few years ago.

[Sulland]

Panta will be the official fuel provider for wrc.

And by doing that they are rejecting huge sponsoring sums from petrol companies, that could use WRC as a testbed.
Even harder to get sponsors in a dry market. But I guess it is only F1 that could be used for testing......

[aykutbilir]

I think changing to Klinger is a wrong option not in person for sure. Every young driver attending to top class is force to get pair with a more experinced co driver. Im sure Camili will be better with Veillas because they are partners for a time.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[OldF]

Camilis is was and will evolve to nothing, no surprise he was chosen by Makinen and his flop team.

Camilli chosed by Mäkinen’s team? I thought he was driving for M-Sport. And by the way, you don’t know a fuck what Mäkinen’s team is doing.

[N.O.T]

you don’t know a fuck what Mäkinen’s team is doing.

other than flopping ?

[Rallyper]

Two first events Monte and Sweden is not fair to young driver

It´s not fair stepping into WRC-team as 2nd driver with no experience. Still dont understand what Malcolm was thinking.

[Grundo Farb]

How do you know so soon? ;) Sometimes you're right, sometimes you're not. I think you wrote some similar things about Paddon a few years ago.

In defence of N.O.T I normally agree with him (not the way he says it though) and don't remember him saying such things about Paddon.

[Grundo Farb]

Camilli chosed by Mäkinen’s team? I thought he was driving for M-Sport. And by the way, you don’t know a fuck what Mäkinen’s team is doing.


I think your comment highlights your level of bewilderment. Camilli was originally a test driver for Toyota.

[Rally Power]

I think your comment highlights your level of bewilderment. Camilli was originally a test driver for Toyota.

He was hired by TTE. Nothing to do with Makinen.

[cali]

He was hired by TTE. Nothing to do with Makinen.
Correction, it was TMG.

Sent from my ONE E1003 using Tapatalk

[N.O.T]

How do you know so soon? ;) Sometimes you're right, sometimes you're not. I think you wrote some similar things about Paddon a few years ago.

I am always right, its like a natural phenomenon, the sun rises from the east, the earth revolves around the sun and i am always right, the fact that you do not like natural phenomena does not affect the phenomenon.

[Rallyper]

I am always right, its like a natural phenomenon, the sun rises from the east, the earth revolves around the sun and i am always right, the fact that you do not like natural phenomena does not affect the phenomenon.

Well, not right about Camilli hired by Makinen. Foreseeing can always be adjusted...

[Marcco]

In defence of N.O.T I normally agree with him (not the way he says it though) and don't remember him saying such things about Paddon.
I also recall N.O.T saying something similar about Paddon. Turned out he was wrong.

[Rally Power]

The new Focus RS short appearance in Block’s last gymk video https://youtu.be/_hf6ke1-i3E?t=518 is being supposed as his new car for RX championship. Can the Focus also become MSport rally car for 2017?

Btw, it’s somehow shameful, but RB ice show introducing Loeb’s RX season got more exposure on generalist TV than any WRC event…

[Simmi]

The new Focus RS short appearance in Block’s last gymk video https://youtu.be/_hf6ke1-i3E?t=518 is being supposed as his new car for RX championship. Can the Focus also become MSport rally car for 2017?


I'd say no not unless Ford come back with some money? A new base car would surely be a huge undertaking for M-Sport at this stage. That said it would be interesting to see if M-Sport have any involvement at all in this WRX project or if it's moving in-house.

[AndyRAC]

Ford Performance (USA) seem to be heavily involved with this, and why wouldn't they. Look at the number of hits/ views on social media.

There have been no rumours that Ford wish to return to WRC; and I'd be surprised if they did in the near future.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

The new Focus RS short appearance in Block’s last gymk video https://youtu.be/_hf6ke1-i3E?t=518 is being supposed as his new car for RX championship. Can the Focus also become MSport rally car for 2017?



Nice idea, but that's purely a Rallycross Focus.

The car would be too big for a 1.6T, so unless WRC rules change then the Mk8 Fiesta will be the next Ford used for rally (2018 ?).

[Rally Power]

What happened to the plan of allowing C and D segments cars in WRC?

[pantealex]

What happened to the plan of allowing C and D segments cars in WRC?

They are allowed already, there is no such rule that says you can´t use bigger base car.

[Andre Oliveira]

It is market that decides. Makes want "sell" the Fiesta, Fabia, etc....

[Jack4688`]

Because the rules state a minimum length the car used is as small as possible, generally speaking. So that makes it detrimental to use a Focus, for example, as it is a bigger car than the Fiesta. But nothing in the rules states that it isn't allowed

[Eli]

Because the rules state a minimum length the car used is as small as possible, generally speaking. So that makes it detrimental to use a Focus, for example, as it is a bigger car than the Fiesta. But nothing in the rules states that it isn't allowed

well before 2011, World rally cars also had to apply to the weight restriction of no more than 1230Kg and both the C4 & the Focus didn't seem to have a problem.

[Mirek]

well before 2011, World rally cars also had to apply to the weight restriction of no more than 1230Kg and both the C4 & the Focus didn't seem to have a problem.

No such rule ever existed. There is only minimal weight for homologated rally variant and that has nothing to do with the weight of stock car.

The rule is same now. All cars use additional balance anyway (only first S2000 cars could not reach their minimum limit which was originally set to 1100 kg and only later modified to 1200 kg). Anyway the stock cars in that time were pretty heavy as there wasn't the recent CO2 mania ongoing but rather another Renault-started safety mania.

[GigiGalliNo1]

Service park banter in Mexico is that Kubica will do a few European rounds this year...

[Karukera]

well before 2011, World rally cars also had to apply to the weight restriction of no more than 1230Kg and both the C4 & the Focus didn't seem to have a problem.

Eli, you probably meant "no less than" (...) .

[itix]

What happened to the plan of allowing C and D segments cars in WRC?

You mean the rules change that would force manufacturers to use D segment cars as base? Thank f*** that never happened

[focus206]

You mean the rules change that would force manufacturers to use D segment cars as base? Thank f*** that never happened

Not to force, to allow them if they choose to.

[maciotacio]

Service park banter in Mexico is that Kubica will do a few European rounds this year...

In which car? Lately, Szczepaniak his co-driver said that their situation is the same as it was at Monte.

[itix]

Not to force, to allow them if they choose to.
They are allowed. The rules mandate minimum dimensions, not maximum.

You can build a WRC limo if you want.

(ok there is a maximum track width of 1850 mm if I remember correctly but length, no maximum)

[jbmarcus21]

Full standings Wrc 2016 (driver, manufacturers, stage winners) after Mexico http://goo.gl/10GkuQ

[dimviii]

Latvala family wining weekend

Jari-Matti Latvala ‏@JariMattiWRC

Would like to congratulate my father who won Rallye Wittenberg yesterday in Germany! #FamilyVictories �� KR-Pictures


https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Cc5zWVjUMAAWGXO.jpg

[Mirek]

Martin Prokop and Robert Kubica will share Prokop's new Mercedes SLS GT in 12 hours of Muggello.

[Ucci]

Martin Prokop and Robert Kubica will share Prokop's new Mercedes SLS GT in 12 hours of Muggello.

nice !

[N.O.T]

good news but i think Kubica should be more serious about his career because he has some skills. Be a team mate with a hamburger boy nobody doesn't help much, but its his career and his choice.

[Mariusz]

Robert is saying that for now it's only one race and he's 'helping' Martin and his team in their first start in the series. I wonder if the series website will crash during the race weekend ;)

[focus206]

Robert is saying that for now it's only one race and he's 'helping' Martin and his team in their first start in the series. I wonder if the series website will crash during the race weekend ;)

What series is that?

[Mariusz]

http://www.24hseries.com/12h-italy-mugello

[pantealex]

Emil Bergkvist has new managers "V&V Management" (Kim Vatanen & Atte Varsta) (and yes Kim is son of Ari)

[dimviii]

vw secured wrc programm at least till 2019
http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/123183?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter

[dimviii]

Sordo and Neuville nomimated for points at Argentina

[gorganl2000]

Sordo and Neuville nomimated for points at Argentina
i'm a little surprised they kept neuville in the A team for this event based on recent form...but i suppose he has more overall experience than paddon there

[Eli]

http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/123183 VW reconfirmed until 2019 & confirming testing for next year's car already well underway

[Mk2 RS2000]

Sordo and Neuville nomimated for points at Argentina

Cars #3 & #4 were the nominated ones for Mexico & Argentina.

Who would want to take over the car that has had more hits than Elvis and attempt to head off the VW's

For Neuville could this be the last chance for him to man up and undertake the task that is expected of him..

[Simmi]

Well if nothing else Neuville has the best road position of all the Hyundai drivers after a tough pair of rallies.

[dimviii]

Well if nothing else Neuville has the best road position of all the Hyundai drivers after a tough pair of rallies.

Penasse waiting for him to win the rally due to road position.

[Grundo Farb]

Cars #3 & #4 were the nominated ones for Mexico & Argentina.

Who would want to take over the car that has had more hits than Elvis and attempt to head off the VW's

For Neuville could this be the last chance for him to man up and undertake the task that is expected of him..

They just change the stickers on the cars, not the cars.

[Mk2 RS2000]

They just change the stickers on the cars, not the cars..

The VIN numbers are what are registered, not the stickers. Any toss pot can change a sticker. This is about registering the actual vehicle for the events and not just a random vehicle out of the shed.

Suggest you check out the regulations as they are quite interesting and help to explain the background to many of the things you see happening around events.

[Grundo Farb]

.

The VIN numbers are what are registered, not the stickers. Any toss pot can change a sticker. This is about registering the actual vehicle for the events and not just a random vehicle out of the shed.

Suggest you check out the regulations as they are quite interesting and help to explain the background to many of the things you see happening around events.

I agree which is why when Sordo was injured last year Paddon had to drive Sordo's car with the wrong base set-up as they couldn't change it at short notice as it was the car that was registered.

Still don't understand why Paddon would drive Neuvilles car as Number "4". If they register Paddons vin number then he would drive his car as 4.

[GigiGalliNo1]

Is Camilli doesn't perform in Argentina he'll be out of a drive...

[Mk2 RS2000]

I agree which is why when Sordo was injured last year Paddon had to drive Sordo's car with the wrong base set-up as they couldn't change it at short notice as it was the car that was registered.

Still don't understand why Paddon would drive Neuvilles car as Number "4". If they register Paddons vin number then he would drive his car as 4.

Paddon's car is not registered as the manufacturers team entry for Mexico & Argentina, cars 3 & 4 are. If Hayden was to drive for manufacturers points then he would have to be in either of these cars.

The manufactures team registration of cars was required pre Mexico.

[car]

Is Camilli doesn't perform in Argentina he'll be out of a drive...

Do you know that for a fact, or are you just speculating? Only a few events in would be very soon...

[AL14]

Is Camilli doesn't perform in Argentina he'll be out of a drive...

Please stop.

[focus206]

I can't imagine Camilli being dropped anytime soon... unless he crashes in all 14 rounds this year...

[EstWRC]

and who would be replace him? Evans?

Malcolm is very happy with him even if he is crashing and yes, please stop with all this nonsense

[EightGear]

Is Camilli doesn't perform in Argentina he'll be out of a drive...

When will you be out of a forum?

[N.O.T]

When will you be out of a forum?

no need for that, just do not pay attention to the little kid.