[WRC] News & rumours (part IV) 2016

[Lundefaret]

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

Cool to see a proud father wearing his sons overalls :)

[GigiGalliNo1]

When will you be out of a forum?


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

You guys are as bad as the some of the people who work in the WRC itself! Pathetic. You hear something you don't like or think it's made up, or a rumour that I've heard and you want to get rid of me.

You have noticed the name of this thread or are you too important for everyone?

[N.O.T]

You guys are as bad as the some of the people who work in the WRC itself! Pathetic. You hear something you don't like or think it's made up, or a rumour that I've heard and you want to get rid of me.

You have noticed the name of this thread or are you too important for everyone?

The fact that whatever your "WRC friends" say to you because they like to laugh behind your back with your naiveness you rush to post in here plays a bit into that...

So far we heard from you only false rumours. What do you expect ? to take you seriously ? you are a laughing stock in here (and probably a laughing stock between your WRC connections since they play you like that) and you caused that to yourself.

The worst thing is one of these days you are going to get something right and none will pay attention to you.

Take me for example, everyone in here respects me, is nice to me (especially the finns... i heard rumours about renaming Lordi square after me) and thinks i am a the bright beacon of hope for the sport, thus nobody argues with what i say and take my word as gospel.

Oh and to answer your question i am an important and vital part of the ecosystem, i mean like REALLY important like the sun.

[GigiGalliNo1]

:)

[Rallyper]

We need you both, at least now and then, to have a good laugh. Keep on your stunning work.

[Simmi]

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

I was thinking about this the other day. In an ironic way Elfyn's winning performances so far this year might actually prevent him from getting back into a WRC car as quick as he would like. For M-Sport there is a lot of PR to be had from winning WRC2 and the BRC against all those other rival cars.

Also we should remember Camilli is on a two-year deal.

[EstWRC]

yes a two year-deal but it doesnt mean much. When Tänak first went to m-sport in 2012 it was said that it was a five-year deal but what happened was that he was dumped next year. That deal is still a mystery for estonians because at times it seems it wasnt cancelled because Tänak was back in 2014 for wrc2 and back to main team in 2015.

i remember when Tänak was asked about it then he didnt give a straight answer, always went to the next question or something like that.

Having said that i believe that Camilli's deal is much more waterproof. Like i said, Wilson seems to be very happy with him even when he is crashing.

[electroliquid]

Hi all:wave:
After 3 events of WRC i have my opinion about all M-Sport/Camilli thing. As it was said before, Wilson have Evans and Tänak close his side, but not in main team. Also there is Mads (many says that he isn't fast enough to be 1st seat in WRC factory (for now in semi-factory) seat). And also out of the blue there is inexperienced Camilli. Wilson has two drivers - one from Citroen, another from Toyota. So called "slow" Mads is in 1st seat, and he is happy, Wilson gets Mads' knowledge about Citroen, and maybe about Citroen's 2017 car, I'm think there could be drafts of that last years. Same with Camilli - he want to be in WRC ( Everybody wants :) ), maybe Toyota wasn't so sure about his future, so Camilli need another option, and he also has knowledge about 2017 spec car from another manufacturer. I imagine, that Toyota has strong engineering squad, with good ideas. So Camilli happy in WRC seat now, not maybe next year or 2018 or whenever, and Wilson again happy to get secret info. M-Sport thinks about future, and Wilson have all reasons to be very happy. Car in progress, 4 drivers "fighting" for 2 seats, also data from different tires manufacturers. My guess - next year Camilli switch to Evans. And maybe Evans 1st, Mads 2nd. Don't judge me - it's just my opinions and thoughts. ;)

[Simmi]

Hi all:wave:
After 3 events of WRC i have my opinion about all M-Sport/Camilli thing. As it was said before, Wilson have Evans and Tänak close his side, but not in main team. Also there is Mads (many says that he isn't fast enough to be 1st seat in WRC factory (for now in semi-factory) seat). And also out of the blue there is inexperienced Camilli. Wilson has two drivers - one from Citroen, another from Toyota. So called "slow" Mads is in 1st seat, and he is happy, Wilson gets Mads' knowledge about Citroen, and maybe about Citroen's 2017 car, I'm think there could be drafts of that last years. Same with Camilli - he want to be in WRC ( Everybody wants :) ), maybe Toyota wasn't so sure about his future, so Camilli need another option, and he also has knowledge about 2017 spec car from another manufacturer. I imagine, that Toyota has strong engineering squad, with good ideas. So Camilli happy in WRC seat now, not maybe next year or 2018 or whenever, and Wilson again happy to get secret info. M-Sport thinks about future, and Wilson have all reasons to be very happy. Car in progress, 4 drivers "fighting" for 2 seats, also data from different tires manufacturers. My guess - next year Camilli switch to Evans. And maybe Evans 1st, Mads 2nd. Don't judge me - it's just my opinions and thoughts. ;)

Welcome to the forum. Interesting theory but I'm not sure that Mads and Camilli know as much about the 2017 cars as you think. Certainly in the case of Camilli he was never brought into Makinen's fold.

[seb_sh]

Welcome to the forum. Interesting theory but I'm not sure that Mads and Camilli know as much about the 2017 cars as you think. Certainly in the case of Camilli he was never brought into Makinen's fold.

I think the same can be said about Mads, I think Citroen had decided not to keep him so as far as I know he didn't test the 2017 car and even if he got any tests with the 2017 car it would have been way too early to gain any significant knowledge.

[Eli]

http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/123211 Rally mexico will drop the 50 miles stage in 2017

[RAS007]

http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/123211 Rally mexico will drop the 50 miles stage in 2017

WRC promoter Oliver Ciesla: "We do not see the added value; endurance is sufficiently covered in the WRC as it is."

Oh really Oliver? I'd love to hear the thinking behind that statement. Every event is a fucking sprint now.

[N.O.T]

Having 1 really big stage in an event does not do any good, if it early then big gaps might develop and we might have too many retirements which might lead into a boring rally after it, and when you have it late then everyone is on cruise mode like in mexico.

In my opinion the WRC should have stages between 15 and 35 kms plus just 2 superspecials preferably at the start to act as shows for the uninitiated. If they want to add endurance they should try and see where and how they could have a safari style rally with 3 days of huge stages.

[EstWRC]

100% with NOT on this one...except for that i think there should be longer stages than 35km, 50km maximum for me but definitely no stages under 15km's.

Last year we had those longer stages on Corsica rally but that was on tarmac and it was boring as hell for me and painful to follow with those huge gaps between stages.

[Toyoda]

So Im wondering what people think of a car match of Evans and Citreon, with my limited knowledge and based purely on observation I would have thought Evans driving style matches Citroen. Smooth and straight. Anyone have any thoughts? An all British drivers team with a French manufacturer next year lol

[EstWRC]

m-sport is his only chance i think. I think Matton would like to have Neuville and if Neuville doesnt get his act together in Hyundai then he will leave i think. His deal comes to and end this year and Matton publicly last year said that it would be good for Neuville to join Citroen.

[EstWRC]

m-sport to get more power

https://translate.google.ee/translate?sl=de&tl=en&js=y&prev=_t&hl=et&ie=UTF-8&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.rallye-magazin.de%2Fwm%2Fnachrichten%2Fartikel%2Fd%2F2016 %2F03%2F13%2Fwrc-und-r5-m-sport-legt-beim-motor-weiter-nach%2F&edit-text=

[Lundefaret]

The AP4 regulations inNew Zealand seems a very good way of moving forward in regrds to nationally homologated 4WD rally cars with R5-ish performance.

Its basically a spec car wich you can mount to every brand of similar sized small car. Very interesting and clever!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vv0LpoDcQcI

http://www.motorsport.org.nz/sites/default/files/motorsport/technical-regulations/Group%20AP4%20-%20Technical%20Regulations%20for%20National%20Rall y%20Car.pdf

[AndyRAC]

WRC promoter Oliver Ciesla: "We do not see the added value; endurance is sufficiently covered in the WRC as it is."

Oh really Oliver? I'd love to hear the thinking behind that statement. Every event is a fucking sprint now.

That bloke is clueless about rallying. Does he actually know what Endurance is? Funnily enough, interest in rallying is falling - yet guess what form of Motorsport is growing in popularity? Yes, endurance racing; more and more 12/24 hour races are on the calendar.
Malcolm Wilson was interviewed last month on the DailySportscar website, and this comment says it all.."Endurance racing is like rallying used to be..."

They'll never get it right, because they don't understand the sport. Every event the same just isn't working; 2 days followed by 40/50km on a Sunday which is almost pointless - why not finish the event on the Saturday night? If you must run on the Sunday - then make it worthwhile.

The Mark James interview on Absolute Rally before Christmas was telling; RedBull are merely repeating the same mistakes that ISC/ NorthOne made. Why will anything be different?

[sollitt]

The AP4 regulations inNew Zealand seems a very good way of moving forward in regrds to nationally homologated 4WD rally cars with R5-ish performance.

Its basically a spec car wich you can mount to every brand of similar sized small car. Very interesting and clever!

The AP4 regulations are a NZ (and to a lesser degree Australian) initiative to produce regional homologated cars for use in FIA sanctioned events. They are eligible for entry into the domestic NZ championship, as is any car. They are not, at this time, the regulated formula for that championship.

[KiwiWRCfan]

A blog looking at current WRC event formats
http://echocentrix.blogspot.co.nz/2016/03/wrc-16-is-wrc-format-flawed.html

[GravelBen]

The AP4 regulations are a NZ (and to a lesser degree Australian) initiative to produce regional homologated cars for use in FIA sanctioned events. They are eligible for entry into the domestic NZ championship, as is any car. They are not, at this time, the regulated formula for that championship.

I'm very glad NZRC didn't go to R5 anyway, or there would probably only be about 2 entrants!

[sollitt]

R5 was never on the radar.

[itix]

Having 1 really big stage in an event does not do any good, if it early then big gaps might develop and we might have too many retirements which might lead into a boring rally after it, and when you have it late then everyone is on cruise mode like in mexico.

In my opinion the WRC should have stages between 15 and 35 kms plus just 2 superspecials preferably at the start to act as shows for the uninitiated. If they want to add endurance they should try and see where and how they could have a safari style rally with 3 days of huge stages.
Noooooooo waaaaaaaaaaay? Actual usable advice and a vision of how things should be from N. O. T instead of endless silly complaints. This can not be!

[GigiGalliNo1]

R5 was never on the radar.

Too expensive for Australian's and NZers.

[sollitt]

Too expensive for Australian's and NZers.
Not entirely. Rumor has it that there is at least one R5 destined for NZ and a number of competitors have certainly considered them. But expensive enough to rule out ever basing a domestic series on them.

[raybak]

R5 cars eligible for ACT regional rally series, also World Rally Cars are eligible. There is prizemoney as well. 1st round this weekend in Canberra. We have some ARC entrants competing as similar roads will be used for the National round in May.

Ray

[leighton323]

Not entirely. Rumor has it that there is at least one R5 destined for NZ and a number of competitors have certainly considered them. But expensive enough to rule out ever basing a domestic series on them.
I have also heard this and it will be interesting to see what happens. In my opinion R5 cars are way to costly to run in NZ, so I'm doubting that this will even happen or whether it is a good idea at all. They better have deep pockets.
Either way this year's championship will be interesting. I think with everyone having new cars, Phil Campbell could be a surprise dark horse for the championship this year.
Looking forward to being at Round 1 in Otago and seeing your pics from the event GravelBen

[Eli]

http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/123253 like Citroen, Toyota will only start testing next month, I don't see how they or even Citroen stand a chance when VW already started testing six months beforehand...

[MartijnS]

Fourth Hyundai for Abbring in Portugal, Sardinia and one round later in the year.

[GigiGalliNo1]

In Paddon Monte car.

[EightGear]

I'm afraid he won't be able to do much with the 2015 car.

[EstWRC]

i like Abbring a lot, showed immense speed in ERC but hasnt impressed me so far in his wrc outings...i think he has had a lot of problems also and if you have just 2-3 outings in year then it doesnt help.

[Sulland]

http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/123253 like Citroen, Toyota will only start testing next month, I don't see how they or even Citroen stand a chance when VW already started testing six months beforehand...

Why change a winning game, VW did the same on Fabia's, both S2000 and R5. German Thoroughness for you!

[Simmi]

Toyota had the chance and the budget to do the same as VW but opted not to.

[RS]

Why change a winning game, VW did the same on Fabia's, both S2000 and R5. German Thoroughness for you!

Fabias are Czech ;)

But i get your point. Difference with Toyota vs. Citroen is that Citroen are already experienced at building a competitive World Rally Car.

[AndyRAC]

Toyota had the chance and the budget to do the same as VW but opted not to.

So why haven't they? And what kind of budget have they got?
I don't think the confusion/ meddling/ switch to Makinen Racing has helped. The previous months/ kms of testing seems to have been a waste - not good.

I'll wait until the start line of Monte 2017 before I'm convinced this programme is on track.

[Simmi]

So why haven't they? And what kind of budget have they got?
I don't think the confusion/ meddling/ switch to Makinen Racing has helped. The previous months/ kms of testing seems to have been a waste - not good.

I'll wait until the start line of Monte 2017 before I'm convinced this programme is on track.

It seems like Tommi convinced Toyoda-san this his team could do the work - and that a smaller, focused 'family' operation like Mitsubishi was the best way forward. All we can do now is wait and see if he'll be proven correct.

[Mariusz]

There is even a harder task ahead for Tommi than just building a fast car. He needs fast drivers who would show the speed of their new car. Malcolm's way of just talking about the greatness of his car won't work, because people (be it Toyoda, any interested drivers and fans) look for good stage times and results, not just words. So the biggest challenge Tommi may have is how to convince at least one top, fast driver that it's worth to drive Toyota in 2017.

[AndyRAC]

It seems like Tommi convinced Toyoda-san this his team could do the work - and that a smaller, focused 'family' operation like Mitsubishi was the best way forward. All we can do now is wait and see if he'll be proven correct.

Fair enough - but that was 20 years ago. If you want to beat VW, I think you need more than that. Personally, you have to be like VW. Time will tell. I'm not overly optimistic.

[ArtooDetoo]

My first post on this august forum, so introduction seems in order - Name's Andy and like a few others here, I live in the shaky isles known as New Zealand. For those unfamiliar with this antipodean paradise, the country is assembled from two main islands, one parked above the other, the top one known inventively as North Island and the lower one equally cunningly named South Island. Hanging off the bottom is the Scots-themed Stewart Island with another group of large rocks off the right-hand coast of the mainland called the Chatham Islands. There are numerous other islands hanging about - for example, to my left about 1300 miles (or roughly 2,000km) is the West Island, sometimes known as Australia. What else should I add? Oh yeah, we have the best rally roads on the planet.

Cheers,
Andy

[janvanvurpa]

My first post on this august forum, so introduction seems in order - Name's Andy and like a few others here, I live in the shaky isles known as New Zealand. For those unfamiliar with this antipodean paradise, the country is assembled from two main islands, one parked above the other, the top one known inventively as North Island and the lower one equally cunningly named South Island. Hanging off the bottom is the Scots-themed Stewart Island with another group of large rocks off the right-hand coast of the mainland called the Chatham Islands. There are numerous other islands hanging about - for example, to my left about 1300 miles (or roughly 2,000km) is the West Island, sometimes known as Australia. What else should I add? Oh yeah, we have the best rally roads on the planet.

Cheers,
Andy

G'day Fred..Yep there are some nice roads down there...Nice countryside and awfully pretty backdrops..reminds me of round here.. You drive? Co-driver? twirl wrenches? Plan to?
Fan? Got any pretty piccies of nice cars? Nice like Escorts? RX7s? ya know cars human beings might have or had or have a chance of having?
Late, gotta sleep..
Welcome aboard..Most of the guys here are good guys, have good humor...One or two are NOT..but nobody pays any attention to troglodytes, so don't be shy..

[ArtooDetoo]

Ta for the welcome wagon.

Once upon a time, a long long time ago, I was (in no particular order) a co-driver, a driver, service crew member, car club route crew member, car builder and marshall as well as serving on car club committees for three different clubs in as many cities. Hmmm... sounds like a CV...

Over the years I've competed in various cars - Datsun (Nissan) 1200, Mk1 Escort, Datsun 120Y, Mazda RX3s, RX7 and 323. Plus I dabbled in motoX - CR125s. So my competition life centred around tearing up loose surfaces. :D

Although I enjoyed being involved a lot, the sad truth is that my enthusiasm always exceeded my ability. And being a family dude, the budgets were lean, to say the least. No regrets though... well maybe that I never drove a BDA Mk2. Maybe some day.

These days though, I mostly follow the local rally championship and the WRC, re-live the rally world vicariously through the efforts of Hayden Paddon, and blog about stuff.

But that's probably enough off-topic stuff for one day, yeah?

Cheers,
Andy

[janvanvurpa]

Ta for the welcome wagon.

Once upon a time, a long long time ago, I was (in no particular order) a co-driver, a driver, service crew member, car club route crew member, car builder and marshall as well as serving on car club committees for three different clubs in as many cities. Hmmm... sounds like a CV...

Over the years I've competed in various cars - Datsun (Nissan) 1200, Mk1 Escort, Datsun 120Y, Mazda RX3s, RX7 and 323. Plus I dabbled in motoX - CR125s. So my competition life centred around tearing up loose surfaces. :D

Although I enjoyed being involved a lot, the sad truth is that my enthusiasm always exceeded my ability. And being a family dude, the budgets were lean, to say the least. No regrets though... well maybe that I never drove a BDA Mk2. Maybe some day.

These days though, I mostly follow the local rally championship and the WRC, re-live the rally world vicariously through the efforts of Hayden Paddon, and blog about stuff.

But that's probably enough off-topic stuff for one day, yeah?

Cheers,
Andy

Off topic ---arf-topic.. The real topic on the whole forum is US..The rally is just a prop sorta for getting a buncha guys together and blabbering about this sport we are all obviously infected with and conversation and discussion is always better if you know a bit and respect "the other side" so knowing who "the other side is" is actually a big thing.

Sounds like the background of a fair number of folks here.. and I'd love to lure you over to our local American forum where your background and experiences could be a useful and probably fun addition cause god knows we need more voices who have done the sort of stuff you've done....and where we have some long term affection for what we know you guys do..and have done...down there in Nyoo Zilund over the decades which is.....considering your population and geographic uniqueness---is pretty damn remarkable..

You mentioned Paddon's adventures and I gotta say he's a bright spot in the Dubya Arsey... And in reference to our little piddly US rally scene I've posted and talked a lot about not so much his WRC shenanigans but his truly amazing---and hilarious win last year at Rally Otago how it casts a light on the whole fan-boi like adulation of the modern cars....1st overall OVERALL in a Historic Class MkII Escort says there is a lot to ponder about the whole fixation with new tricky Whirled rally cars "amazingness"...and the belief that turbo awd car is so coooooooooooooooooooool..Yeah they're cool but 99% would never ever be allowed to even sit in one, but we can identify with an Escort mainly because we've owned or could own something vaguely like it---and bringing it back to "On Topic" that seems to me anyway to be a central critical element in the now decades old crisis in the WRC: fan drift and disengagement:
Pretty hard for me to "identify with" a Whirled Rally Car Fiesta or VW..Haven't seen anything even vaguely looking like that down at the grocery store, eh? I look at back and there's my trusty old Saab V4 (Last Saab 96 ever in the history of the WRC) and a Sierra with a cage in it I built and they don't look anything like the modern little cars.

Any idea if Haddon has any further evil plans to go out and have any more fun in that Escort?

It'd be fun to hear about your local scene---but there's really nowhere that that seems to fit in here so maybe if you have any energy left in your fingertips you could drift over and say Hi on our clubbie build oriented forum? I'll buy you a beer if you do.
Assuming of course you like a frosty one...If not share a cuppa tea wif ya, and we can get all nostalgic about those Dattos and Maz-dogs (I've helped build and done engines and suspension and axles for PILES:eek: of those even currently)

See ya!

[Rallyper]

Ta for the welcome wagon.

Once upon a time, a long long time ago, I was (in no particular order) a co-driver, a driver, service crew member, car club route crew member, car builder and marshall as well as serving on car club committees for three different clubs in as many cities. Hmmm... sounds like a CV...

Over the years I've competed in various cars - Datsun (Nissan) 1200, Mk1 Escort, Datsun 120Y, Mazda RX3s, RX7 and 323. Plus I dabbled in motoX - CR125s. So my competition life centred around tearing up loose surfaces. :D

Although I enjoyed being involved a lot, the sad truth is that my enthusiasm always exceeded my ability. And being a family dude, the budgets were lean, to say the least. No regrets though... well maybe that I never drove a BDA Mk2. Maybe some day.

These days though, I mostly follow the local rally championship and the WRC, re-live the rally world vicariously through the efforts of Hayden Paddon, and blog about stuff.

But that's probably enough off-topic stuff for one day, yeah?

Cheers,
Andy

Welcome Andy. John here made the speech for all others of us (not US) here on the forum.
Guess your age is about mine or Johns´.

What you should do is to visit one or two European rounds of WRC. Rally Finland I´ll recommend. Just think how nice it would be meeting up in Jyväskylä some more friends including John and Paavo and Teemu and Dimitris and why not NOT??

[ArtooDetoo]

Thanks for the welcoming words.

Sadly my age is such that I clearly remember Andrew Cowan throwing a Mini Clubman GT about over the "Paekak Hill" stage of the Heatway Rally in nineteen-mumble-mumble. That day was the beginning of my passion for rallying. :D

I'd dearly love to spectate on the Finnish WRC round although I don't see it happening in the near future. But you never know...

[janvanvurpa]

Thanks for the welcoming words.

Sadly my age is such that I clearly remember Andrew Cowan throwing a Mini Clubman GT about over the "Paekak Hill" stage of the Heatway Rally in nineteen-mumble-mumble. That day was the beginning of my passion for rallying. :D

I'd dearly love to spectate on the Finnish WRC round although I don't see it happening in the near future. But you never know...

If you can still remember you can't be doing that bad! I spent from about '67 thru early 80s pounding my head hard into dirt in USA, Canada, years in Sweden--and that Old-pile maniac Pelle just ^ up there has even been to some of the races I was in in the 70s in Sweden....we almost met---'except he was maybe 10 and i was fighting for my life ---then a couple of years down on the Continent in France and once in Begium (OI! dinged me gord there a good 'un) and even South Africa..Good times, good pay. Even did a couple of 24 Hour so called "enduros" which were really 24 hour full gas moto-crosses with lights. Can you say :eek: Fawk meeeeeeeee! 120-130 km/hr on a bike between the trees and the lights work off the magneto....lotsa revs=lotsa light..Chop throttle = WHA! EEEEEEK! (BRAAAP!). Myself it was watching on the Swedish TV WRC Sweden 1976...Stig Blomqvist and Perra Eklund from Arvika both in works Saab 96s....3 days of seriously crazy---Hey Pelle va fan heter "sekund strid" p[ Engleski?---fight for seconds ? Doesn't sound as good..
But it was Eklunds first--and only WRC win, and it was the mighty Saab V4s last WRC win...

Hey the invite--its not just for you. I reckon Pelle would be a welcome and useful addition to since he knows a thing or two about pounding cars for normal fols..
Its called rallyanarchy.com...there's a lt of good guys there, a few jerks, a few Rah! Rah boys but the focus is the local scene--and I think locals should talk to locals, especially you bastids that have good domestic series and guys that can gas it and not just putter in a endless procession of clone like Blue Subies...
r

[KiwiWRCfan]

ADAC rally to leave Trier and be based in Saarland according to report in German magazine

https://translate.google.co.nz/translate?sl=de&tl=en&js=y&prev=_t&hl=en&ie=UTF-8&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.motorsport-magazin.com%2Fwrc%2Fnews-225125-fix-adac-rallye-deutschland-ab-2017-im-saarland%2F&edit-text=

[Maui J.]

---and hilarious win last year at Rally Otago how it casts a light on the whole fan-boi like adulation of the modern cars....1st overall OVERALL in a Historic Class MkII Escort

Any idea if Haddon has any further evil plans to go out and have any more fun in that Escort?



I've heard a rumour about Hayden and Rally Otago this year. If it's true then it will bring the crowds!
...and it's not an Escort.
Watch this space.

[Simmi]

ADAC rally to leave Trier and be based in Saarland according to report in German magazine

https://translate.google.co.nz/translate?sl=de&tl=en&js=y&prev=_t&hl=en&ie=UTF-8&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.motorsport-magazin.com%2Fwrc%2Fnews-225125-fix-adac-rallye-deutschland-ab-2017-im-saarland%2F&edit-text=

Interesting move. I had a soft spot for Trier I must admit having been there last year. Glad to see the event remain anyway it's always been one of my favourites.

[Franky]

Finally a chance to see more new stages?

[AndyRAC]

ADAC rally to leave Trier and be based in Saarland according to report in German magazine

https://translate.google.co.nz/translate?sl=de&tl=en&js=y&prev=_t&hl=en&ie=UTF-8&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.motorsport-magazin.com%2Fwrc%2Fnews-225125-fix-adac-rallye-deutschland-ab-2017-im-saarland%2F&edit-text=


I think this good. While the event based in Trier was a success - it's hardly changed since 2002. Personally, more events need to change their base; as most events are the same year after year.

[Mirek]

There is a DRM event in Saarland. Does anybody have any experience with local stages? If I remember they used mixed stages with some gravel roads there. Is it true?

[Nornbugger]

I think this good. While the event based in Trier was a success - it's hardly changed since 2002. Personally, more events need to change their base; as most events are the same year after year.


I'm not sure how events changing their character is positive(applicable only to events that have nice character! I'd love to see GB move out of Wales for example) But then I really like Rally Germany and Trier and together they have great memories for me and I love going to it.

[Hartusvuori]

There is a DRM event in Saarland. Does anybody have any experience with local stages? If I remember they used mixed stages with some gravel roads there. Is it true?

At least they used some stages/roads in DRM that have been used in Rally Germany, so Saarland isn't that new all in all for Rally Germany spectators. I'm always interested in new stages, but fully moving to Saarland could narrow down what Rally Germany has had to offer. It've remained quite much the same, albeit some changes, throughout the year, but I've always liked the diversity of the event. Last years on Friday you coud've swapped between forest roads, field roads or the spectacular vineyards. Saturday is fully different with Panzerplatte and Saarland stages - yet there've been some parts in vineyards too. Sunday (Dhrontal) is combination of forest parts and vineyards, run very early in the morning it's challenging with grip and weather. It's rally for spectators who like to move around easily, see a lot of action and know what to expect organisation-wise. My flights are booked for the 5th year running.

[jbmarcus21]

Hanninen confirmed as test driver Toyota + option official driver in 2017 http://goo.gl/cZ7p7Y

[tommeke_B]

There is a DRM event in Saarland. Does anybody have any experience with local stages? If I remember they used mixed stages with some gravel roads there. Is it true?

There have been many "Saarland" stages in the past, every now and then. I bet they'll just use more of those stages again. Thinking of Bosenberg, Birkenfeld, Peterberg, Freisen and Hermeskeil. It's possible to have a day in the vineyards, a day with Panzerplatte and 2 "normal" Saarland stages, and another last sunday consisting of some other Saarland stages. There's plenty of roads there. They could make it a very compact event but I doubt it would be interesting for spectators... Also, in general, the Saarland stages are not the most entertaining to watch...

[dimviii]

cereer oportunities at vw motorsport

http://www.volkswagen-motorsport.com/index.php?id=132&L=1

[RS]

Hanninen confirmed as test driver Toyota + option official driver in 2017 http://goo.gl/cZ7p7Y

Great news. He hasn't been given a 'proper' chance by anyone, mostly because he is old I suppose.

If you compare him to the other IRC graduates (Meeke, Mikelssen, Neuville) he was probably more impressive than any of them at that time, although he did have a better car than two of them.

[jbmarcus21]

Today Sebastien Loeb testing in France C4Wrc + DS3Wrc for French Rally driver Pereira
Full story with video + photos ➡ http://goo.gl/Mur585

[Munkvy]

Today Sebastien Loeb testing in France C4Wrc + DS3Wrc for French Rally driver Pereira
Full story with video + photos ➡ http://goo.gl/Mur585
Imagine having the opportunity to get tuition from Loeb... Lucky fellow!

[KiwiWRCfan]

cereer oportunities at vw motorsport

http://www.volkswagen-motorsport.com/index.php?id=132&L=1

position of Motorsport Director is not listed, perhaps they have identified their preferred candidate to replace Jost

[Rally Power]

Imagine having the opportunity to get tuition from Loeb... Lucky fellow!

Armando Pereira is a true self made man. He leave Portugal at the age of 14 and was able to become one of the wealthy french telecom entrepreneurs. Ironically he was only noticed in Portugal last year, after getting involved in PT Telecom buy out by Altice.

For sure he's not the most talented rally driver around, but he runs for pleasure as any other amateur guy. During the years he achieved some interesting results on French regional events, always at the wheel of state of the art rally cars.

https://youtu.be/vVxVjFSdEO8

[vino_93]

Armando Pereira is a true self made man. He leave Portugal at the age of 14 and was able to become one of the wealthy french telecom entrepreneurs. Ironically he was only noticed in Portugal last year, after getting involved in PT Telecom buy out by Altice.

For sure he's not the most talented rally driver around, but he runs for pleasure as any other amateur guy. During the years he achieved some interesting results on French regional events, always at the wheel of state of the art rally cars.

https://youtu.be/vVxVjFSdEO8

"some interesting results on French regional events" Well ... We can say he is clearly slow, even for that level. Ok sometimes he is on the podium, but when you look the classification, you can see he is regularly beaten by R3 cars (well drived, but R3 against WRC ...). Of course, there's worst drivers than him, but he is not especially good ...

BUT ... he is great guy. He financially help a lot of young gun, as Quentin Gilbert. When you see a french driver - or belgian, like Wagner - with "SFR" on the car, it's thanks to Pereira.
And it's always nice to see such nice car on small events, even if they are not amazingly drived.

[seb_sh]

position of Motorsport Director is not listed, perhaps they have identified their preferred candidate to replace Jost

They probably search for that position through other channels. I assume they have some kind of shortlist of people and are contacting them directly.

[Simmi]

They probably search for that position through other channels. I assume they have some kind of shortlist of people and are contacting them directly.

Yep that's not the kind of role you post in the job papers. I read rumours about Sainz which would be awesome. No idea if there's any basis to that. They could have Sainz and Moya as first and second in command - versus Tommi and Jarmo Lehtinen at Toyota.

[ArtooDetoo]

position of Motorsport Director is not listed, perhaps they have identified their preferred candidate to replace Jost
It would be fairly unorthodox for a position that far up the chain to be advertised, I should think. Although having said that, the new MD may indeed have been in duscussions already and just not announced yet. Isn't speculation fun? :-)

Dang - should've read on a bit further. Beaten to it, multiple times.

D'oh...

[Mariusz]

An interview with Martin Prokop (https://www.facebook.com/cezarygutowskiofficial/videos/989399031149029/) after his first race, Mugello 12h, where he was driving really well. He talks about his possible change of motor sport and also about Robert Kubica.

[AL14]

An interview with Martin Prokop (https://www.facebook.com/cezarygutowskiofficial/videos/989399031149029/) after his first race, Mugello 12h, where he was driving really well. He talks about his possible change of motor sport and also about Robert Kubica.

sounds pretty excited about racing. Do you know what position they got in that race?

[Barreis]

sounds pretty excited about racing. Do you know what position they got in that race?

44th...
http://classic.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/123355

[Mariusz]

sounds pretty excited about racing. Do you know what position they got in that race?
They retired after transmission problem. They had also suspension failure at the beginning of the race (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7WVKZA8PMbk at 3:25), but I'm sure they both had a lot of fun.

[Rally Power]

"some interesting results on French regional events" Well ... We can say he is clearly slow, even for that level. Ok sometimes he is on the podium, but when you look the classification, you can see he is regularly beaten by R3 cars (well drived, but R3 against WRC ...). Of course, there's worst drivers than him, but he is not especially good ...

Podium arrivals are always interesting results, no matter what car you drive or whoever comes ahead of you. According to Ewrc data, Pereira managed to get 27 podiums and 3 overall wins. That’s amazing for a “clearly slow” guy…

[liposh]

"Podium arrivals are always interesting results, no matter what car you drive or whoever comes ahead of you." ...

... Well, that is the "angle of view". For example Prokop. He is a privateer so he will never fight for win in WRC. Some people say he should downgrade and drive ERC and fight for podium or even drive some national series and fight for win. And we all know he is fast enough to fight for win nearly everywhere else except WRC rounds. BUT he doesn´t want to. It is not challenging enough for him. (and moreover his sponsors want him in WRC) ...so that is the angle of view.

[cali]

"Podium arrivals are always interesting results, no matter what car you drive or whoever comes ahead of you." ...

... Well, that is the "angle of view". For example Prokop. He is a privateer so he will never fight for win in WRC. Some people say he should downgrade and drive ERC and fight for podium or even drive some national series and fight for win. And we all know he is fast enough to fight for win nearly everywhere else except WRC rounds. BUT he doesn´t want to. It is not challenging enough for him. (and moreover his sponsors want him in WRC) ...so that is the angle of view.
I'm sorry to say but Prokop would not challenge the win in most of the ERC races unless other driver have troubles or DNF's.

Sent from my ONE E1003 using Tapatalk

[N.O.T]

Its good to see hamburger boy and Kubica had fun in racing, lets hope they stay there.

[PLuto]

And we all know he is fast enough to fight for win nearly everywhere else except WRC rounds.

Are you sure?

[AndyRAC]

http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/123389/analysis-is-wrc-boom-and-bust-over

[PLuto]

I dont think that new rules from 2017 helped to bring new manufacturers. I think they onle helped to keep VW in the championship.

[liposh]

Are you sure?
Well, I am not sure. :) I would trust him for example in Mitropa or something like that, but on the other hand he is not gentleman driver for sure. And in my opinion he could be somewhere around Lukyanuk speed on Canary Islands, don´t you think? ...And being czech member on international forum I have to be nice when talking about czech driver(s) :)

[PLuto]

Well, I am not sure. :) I would trust him for example in Mitropa or something like that, but on the other hand he is not gentleman driver for sure. And in my opinion he could be somewhere around Lukyanuk speed on Canary Islands, don´t you think? ...And being czech member on international forum I have to be nice when talking about czech driver(s) :)

That is interesting question, where he can be in results in reality. We dont have so many comparisons. Last ones are Cyprus in IRC and Bohemia in Czech championship, but this was always with S2000 car. Now he is driving with WRC car. If he will go to lower category, he must use R5. And it is question how fast he should be there. And it is also question how fast he should be on events in ERC, which he doesnt know...

[USER47]

I think Prokop might do quite well in WRC2 with R5 car. He's not the fastest driver around, but he's experienced and doesn't make a lot of mistakes. Plus he's used to higher tempo of his WRC car, so he might not be afraid to push R5 to its limit.

I don't know much about ERC, but he's already shown he can get into new kinds of races pretty quickly. He finished his very first Dakar in 14th place and now he even did decent times in 12h endurance circuit race in Italy. Jumping into ERC probably wouldn't be much of an issue and I believe he is good enough driver to get on the podium at least in some events.

[pantealex]

I don't know much about ERC, but he's already shown he can get into new kinds of races pretty quickly. He finished his very first Dakar in 14th place

and slow Hirvonen was 4th (and Loeb also inside top10)

[USER47]

I'd say finishing 5 places behind the most successful rally driver ever is quite a success for Prokop:). Someone like Loeb would totally destroy the competition in ERC or WRC2, Prokop is obviously not as good, but he could still be very competitive there.

[dimviii]

Μsport launches vp racing fuels specially for r5 fiesta.This man knows his job better than anybody.

http://www.m-sport.co.uk/m-sport-news/fiesta-r5/m-sport-teams-up-with-vp-racing-fuels

[Arnold Triyudho Wardono]

Does Skoda & PSA siblings also have their own fuels..?

[jbmarcus21]

Hayden Paddon launch NEW Zealand Rally Team ➡ http://goo.gl/Eg5D8A

[pantealex]

Hayden Paddon launch NEW Zealand Rally Team ➡ http://goo.gl/Eg5D8A

Official NZ team uses old model i20, stupid!
Car is RightHandDrive.

[Arnold Triyudho Wardono]

That's AP4 version..(with 1.8L engine)

[dimviii]

any news from French speaking mates?

http://oi66.tinypic.com/2aj29hs.jpg

[Mk2 RS2000]

Official NZ team uses old model i20, stupid!
Car is RightHandDrive.

Briefly,
The countries of the Asia Pacific region drive on the left hand side of the road hence right hand drive.

Current version of the i20 on sale in NZ is the "old" model, no sense in building a car that does not have any spare parts available, especially body panels & lights etc.

My understanding is that new version of the i20 is not planned for NZ sale and that the i20 will be withdrawn from the market while Hyundai concentrate on the sales of the i30 and the Santa Fe which are amongst the market leaders. These are both more suitable for our body size and style of living / working than "Grandma" cars used for pottering around town.

I am sure that the promotion will be all about the brand Hyundai and not about any model in particular.

[TheFlyingTuga]

any news from French speaking mates?

http://oi66.tinypic.com/2aj29hs.jpg

My french is a little rusty, but the headline says that their on time with the new car and are on the final assemble now. Car will start testing next month. It says also that the model of series prodution it's still confidenticial, but the car will be based on the all new C3, and that the new car will be tested by their drivers plus Alexander Bengué. Loeb could also participate, as Matton said that "it's not excluded. It would be interesting."

[seb_sh]

My french is a little rusty, but the headline says that their on time with the new car and are on the final assemble now. Car will start testing next month. It says also that the model of series prodution it's still confidenticial, but the car will be based on the all new C3, and that the new car will be tested by their drivers plus Alexander Bengué. Loeb could also participate, as Matton said that "it's not excluded. It would be interesting."

My french is also rusty, there's a bit at the end about drivers for next year. They will probably run 2 official cars and possibly a third for al-Qassimi on selected rallies. They will make a shortlist of drivers in the second trimester and they acknowledge there's a risk Toyota may swoop up some drivers but he says that due to Citroen's past performances they should be very attractive to drivers. Obviously Meeke is signed until end of 2018.

[EstWRC]

Tänak and Meeke please :p...great to hear they are on track with the developement, im expecting big push for VW's from them in 2017.

[Leon]

M

Sent from my SM-J500FN using Tapatalk

[Munkvy]

Briefly,
The countries of the Asia Pacific region drive on the left hand side of the road hence right hand drive.

Current version of the i20 on sale in NZ is the "old" model, no sense in building a car that does not have any spare parts available, especially body panels & lights etc.

My understanding is that new version of the i20 is not planned for NZ sale and that the i20 will be withdrawn from the market while Hyundai concentrate on the sales of the i30 and the Santa Fe which are amongst the market leaders. These are both more suitable for our body size and style of living / working than "Grandma" cars used for pottering around town.

I am sure that the promotion will be all about the brand Hyundai and not about any model in particular.

And to be fair, what other manufacturer/WRC driver has created a car for their home market using WRC body panels, it's a pretty cool idea...

[Mk2 RS2000]

And to be fair, what other manufacturer/WRC driver has created a car for their home market using WRC body panels, it's a pretty cool idea...

A very good question.

[Lundefaret]

A very good question.

Here is a video from Force Motorsport, the team that has build the Hyundai, this from a build up of a Mazda 2 under the same concept:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vv0LpoDcQcI

What is especially cool about this AP4 concept is that it allows for nationally homologated cars of R5 performance, which means that manufacturers/importers/dealers that want to do a national rally effort, and dont have a homologated car (like Volkswagen), can do it on their own with a ready developed package.

For New Zealand and Hyundai, this opens up for them being able to use the popularity of Paddon to attract fans in a more optimum way than him driving an old Ford (even tough he won Rally Otago in one last year.)
The factory rally drivers are in effect car salesmen, if they like it or not, so to be able to be a part of the marketing is of course very important.

[janvanvurpa]

Here is a video from Force Motorsport, the team that has build the Hyundai, this from a build up of a Mazda 2 under the same concept:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vv0LpoDcQcI

What is especially cool about this AP4 concept is that it allows for nationally homologated cars of R5 performance, which means that manufacturers/importers/dealers that want to do a national rally effort, and dont have a homologated car (like Volkswagen), can do it on their own with a ready developed package.

For New Zealand and Hyundai, this opens up for them being able to use the popularity of Paddon to attract fans in a more optimum way than him driving an old Ford (even tough he won Rally Otago in one last year.)
The factory rally drivers are in effect car salesmen, if they like it or not, so to be able to be a part of the marketing is of course very important.

Pretty parts.
Zero technical details..like what motor? what size? what suspension? How much travel?
No mention ever of cost.

No Easter Eggs for them.:arrows:

[Mk2 RS2000]

Pretty parts.
Zero technical details..like what motor? what size? what suspension? How much travel?
No mention ever of cost.

No Easter Eggs for them.:arrows:

http://www.motorsport.org.nz/sites/default/files/motorsport/technical-regulations/Group%20AP4%20-%20Technical%20Regulations%20for%20National%20Rall y%20Car.pdf

Technical information available at your fingertips. Cheers

At current rates of exchange the maximum budget figure that was worked to is $US167k Euro150K UK Pound 118k

[Xsara Fan]

Evgeny Novikov will take part in traditional rallysprint Rally Masters Show in Moscow. He will drive Audi Quattro. Other big names - ERC regulars Lukyanuk and Gryazin. News about it (google translate it): http://ru.motorsport.com/russian-rally/news/novikov-i-lukyanyuk-srazyatsya-na-rally-masters-show-682755/

[janvanvurpa]

Nice broad outline....still weak on numbers,details!

And the price..
What a deal! I think I'll sell me old '69 Saab and grab 2 of these buggers with what i make off the sale..
At a thrifty mere $150,000 everybody should get 2!

[Fast Eddie WRC]

More 2017 WRC's testing soon..

http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/123493/full-2017-wrc-cars-set-to-start-testing

[Mk2 RS2000]

Nice broad outline....still weak on numbers,details!

And the price..
What a deal! I think I'll sell me old '69 Saab and grab 2 of these buggers with what i make off the sale..
At a thrifty mere $150,000 everybody should get 2!

Have a look at this, it includes some shots of the first days test runs
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QMXaQugS5Gs&feature=youtu.be

[dimviii]

Esapekka Lappi Rally ‏@EsapekkaLappi

New life priority #1
Mom and daughter feeling well, daddy fully in love ��

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Ce467lHW8AI5jA1.jpg

[AL14]

10 years ago Ogier made his first rally.
Unbelievable, he took only 7 years to win a World Championship. And only 5 to seriously fight for it. What a talent!

https://scontent-mxp1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpa1/v/t1.0-9/12928257_1132111923500131_6059531444395437312_n.jp g?oh=7240a31c5daabd13e52ee8a8dbd0fff9&oe=5783DDB4

[skarderud]

10 years ago Ogier made his first rally.
Unbelievable, he took only 7 years to win a World Championship. And only 5 to seriously fight for it. What a talent!

https://scontent-mxp1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpa1/v/t1.0-9/12928257_1132111923500131_6059531444395437312_n.jp g?oh=7240a31c5daabd13e52ee8a8dbd0fff9&oe=5783DDB4
And still the same co-driver :)

[KiwiWRCfan]

A proposal for a Great National Koala Park in Coffs Harbour City Council's draft 2020 tourism plan is seen as threat to local timber industry and also possible threat to future of WRC in Coffs Harbour

Story http://www.coffscoastadvocate.com.au/news/report-puts-koalas-rally-in-the-spotlight/2982942/
Editorial http://www.coffscoastadvocate.com.au/news/questions-that-need-answers/2982890/
Earlier article http://www.coffscoastadvocate.com.au/news/nationals-koala-national-park-bad-news-timber-indu/2516597/

[Arnold Triyudho Wardono]

We always have NZ..

[Grundo Farb]

We always have NZ..

Maybe it was their idea?

[Mirek]

Kalle Rovanperä was testing in CZ, Bělá pod Bezdězem. That's interesting because the track can be called a Škoda base (also most of Motorsport media events take place there).

[dimviii]

testing with his fabia s2000?

[Mirek]

Yes, maybe it wasn't not related to Škoda works team but rather some asphalt training. I don't know.

[Hartusvuori]

Yes, maybe it wasn't not related to Škoda works team but rather some asphalt training. I don't know.

It was TGS' Fabia. Engine blew (600 km ran on that engine) and stopped the test. I doubt it was anything seriously connected with Skoda Motorsports, but I'm just guessing.

[leighton323]

It was TGS' Fabia. Engine blew (600 km ran on that engine) and stopped the test. I doubt it was anything seriously connected with Skoda Motorsports, but I'm just guessing.
http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160404/c868bcb9d60a0ec53ab013204ee7f111.jpg

[dimviii]

In April drop the cases. At least partially. Could the manufacturer the components of the new World Rally Cars not yet among the bodies of the current vehicles hide, so in the next few weeks of the new car will always be seen more clearly.

Not only the four manufacturers Citroën, Hyundai, Toyota and Volkswagen now begins the intensive test work with the World Rally Cars of the third generation, also M-Sport heralds the final phase. Man lying on schedule, it is out of the rally wrought by Malcolm Wilson and many components of the new car were similarly tested extensively as in the competition already in the current vehicle.

Under the leadership of Chris Williams, the design team started with a blank sheet of paper, leaving a completely new Ford Fiesta WRC arise, which is externally clearly apart from its predecessor. "The advanced capabilities of the regulations we have but this time put more emphasis on the aerodynamics, than with previous cars," revealed Malcolm Wilson.
The forthcoming test program of its troops is ambitious. Until the last minute we will try the new World Rally Car in 2017, to experienced drivers from the latest M-Sport-pool is not lacking here. An already equal to no motivation. Although one does not have the budget of a manufacturer wants to M-Sport to prove once again that you can put a car capable of winning in Kiel also with limited resources. After all, you can rely on the technical support from Ford and the new Fiesta WRC. "If we had this not, it would be to compete very difficult for us," Wilson concluded.

with google translate from

http://www.rallye-magazin.de/wm/nachrichten/artikel/d/2016/04/01/wrc-2017-m-sport-will-sich-erneut-beweisen

[Mintexmemory]

...and now would any kind German speaker like to provide a translation in English?

[Oppositelock]

...and now would any kind German speaker like to provide a translation in English?

Here we go (but don't expect too much insights):

M-Sport wants to prove its capabilities again in 2017

Fighting the giants Toyota and Volkswagen M-Sport wants to prove again, that it is possible to develop a winning car with a small budget. Tests with parts of the 2017 World Rally Car have already started.

Up to now the WRC teams have been testing parts of their new World Rally Cars under the bodies of current models. From April on this will change, the shape of the 2017 cars will become more and more clear. Not only the manufacturers Citroen, Hyundai, Toyota and Volkswagen will intensify testing their third generation cars. Also M-Sport is stepping up. According to Malcom Wilson's team the development is right on track. M-Sport also has already been testing 2017 components in the current car.

M-Sport's design team under the guidance of Chris Williams has started with a white sheet of paper and designed a radical new Fiesta WRC, which will be externally very different from the current car. "Because of the new regulations we have been concentrating much more on aerodynamics than with the current car", says Malcolm Wilson.

M-Sport's testing schedule is very ambitious. The plan is to test the new car until the last possible moment. To find experienced test drivers shouldn't be a problem with regards to M-Sport's current drivers pool. There is motivation aplenty as well. Although they don't have the budget of a proper manufacturer, M-Sport wants to prove again, that they are capable of developing a winning car. At least there is some support from Ford. "Without support from Ford it would be very difficult for us", admits Wilson.

[Leon]

M-Sport's design team under the guidance of Chris Williams has started with a white sheet of paper and designed a radical new Fiesta WRC,

Christian Loriaux is not there anymore?

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Info on Citroen's 2017 car testing:

http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/123642/citroen-in-race-against-time-for-2017

[Mintexmemory]

Big thanks to Oppositelock for his great translatory skills - there is a very filthy joke I could make at this point about linguistics, but as this is a 'family' site I won't go there!!

Although I'm 61 I think I am allowed to say Google Translate sucks

[stefanvv]

Although I'm 61 I think I am allowed to say Google Translate sucks

You don't expect something human made to be better than human, do You?

[Mintexmemory]

You don't expect something human made to be better than human, do You?

How else to explain Ogier and Loeb? ;-)

[stefanvv]

How else to explain Ogier and Loeb? ;-)

Good one:). There is a saying for the exception of the rule.....

[Eli]

http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/123656/ireland-renews-push-for-wrc-slot Circuit of Ireland also wants a piece of the pie

[dimviii]

https://www.facebook.com/abdalla.alketbi.3

Fujairah Team Official team for Fujairah GOV for 3 years in Europe and WRC

Thanks god and thanks Crown prince of Fujairah for official launch for Fujairah Team for Our 12 europe rally and WRC Germany

https://scontent-bru2-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xal1/v/t1.0-9/12512640_904091649717978_2573486399921465718_n.jpg ?oh=c9de29bf87d496c42b17c63b0c3dea42&oe=57B88231

[jbmarcus21]

Update @Rally_d_Italia road program :no change Day1 / timetable Day2 / SS order Day3 ➡ http://goo.gl/p2NdRU

[car]

Not WRC - but LIVE stream Circuit of Ireland...

http://www.circuitofireland.net/#!live-stream/rob7d

[Eli]

Not WRC - but LIVE stream Circuit of Ireland...

http://www.circuitofireland.net/#!live-stream/rob7d

if only the WRC could learn from this...

[car]

I know - there really are no excuses...

[Rally Power]

Some web sites have mentioned it on April 1st, but it seems to be for real: Subaru and Prodrive are working together again.
It’s supposed to be a one-off WRX Sti track project, in order to establish a new lap record on Man TT course. Mark Higgins behind the wheel.

https://static.wixstatic.com/media/b7967c_dcdf0d39ac4c48799f0be5059ef1025b.jpg/v1/fill/w_950,h_450,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01/b7967c_dcdf0d39ac4c48799f0be5059ef1025b.jpg
http://www.prodrive.com/#!PRODRIVE-CREATES-UNIQUE-SUBARU-TO-TACKLE-TT/c24a4/imni4scw27

It would be great to see further developments from this association, even if nowadays Subaru seems more interested in racing than in rallying.

[jbmarcus21]

Good news DS3Wrc are back in Portugal with Meeke, Lefebvre and Al-Qassimi.. + Poland with Breen and Lefebvre http://goo.gl/OEwg2w

[b3637853]

Good news DS3Wrc are back in Portugal with Meeke, Lefebvre and Al-Qassimi.. + Poland with Breen and Lefebvre http://goo.gl/OEwg2w

Nice, but I think Meeke should do Poland as well. He was suprisingly slow there. Would definitely benefit from more experience at this rally.
On the other no one knows if Rally Poland will save calendar spot.

[Eli]

Will Rally Poland stay for next year? do Citroen know something we don't?

[EstWRC]

here we go http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/123708/concerns-over-2017-wrc-cars-growing

[AL14]

here we go http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/123708/concerns-over-2017-wrc-cars-growing

They are the same concerns a lot of forum members here had since the beginning...
Do we have geniuses in here or retarded over there?

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Doubts about Rally Poland's future plus the constraints of testing the 2017 car means no entry for Meeke here this time.

[BleAivano]

They are the same concerns a lot of forum members here had since the beginning...
Do we have geniuses in here or retarded over there?

Personally I love the look and sound of the old Group A cars. Especially this car: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b4RMapc74lk&nohtml5=False
next after the Quattro, this is probably one of the most iconic rally cars ever used. Who will remember the fiesta in 10 years time?

[Rally Power]

They are the same concerns a lot of forum members here had since the beginning...
Do we have geniuses in here or retarded over there?

Probably neither...If we read carefully Autosport article we may notice that this seems to be another over speculative piece from theirs rally journo. Honestly, there’s nothing substantial in it and the unnamed sources are always convenient when you try to impress the most sensible readers.

Evans waves Gr.B dramatic memories and tries to establish a parallel with ’17 regs, forgetting the huge advances on rally cars handling and security. And on the spectator’s control issue, what matters is to improve safety standards, whatever kind of car it’s used, and those standards must be used by each organizer, from national events to WRC.

2017 cars will be more powerfull, faster and spectacular to see (even on tarmac, at least in loco), but more demanding to drive. That’s why it makes sense to implement a Super-license and restrain them to WRC top drivers.

Let’s be fair: something has to be done to revamp WRC. The shooting out proposal, and probably any other innovative scheme that threats rally spirit, is rejected by the rally community. Getting back to long resistance events, shrinking the calendar and WRC need for global recognizing, is also off the table.

The only thing left is to improve the cars. In a fast and unanimous way, FIA and manufacturers agreed on the ‘17 tech rules and there are founded prospects for a high level championship. What’s the point to question them now?

[AndyRAC]

The current cars are quicker through a stage than Gp B. But, sadly, that isn't bringing in more interest. The WRC needs to be more spectacular. It's just more evolution, rather than a dramatic revolution which the sport needs. People need to wake up - it's being left behind by other series.

[stefanvv]

here we go http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/123708/concerns-over-2017-wrc-cars-growing


Spectacle? Hmm, what is it? - Make the cars RWD, increase engine power and reduce tyre grip level?

[Arnold Triyudho Wardono]

Some web sites have mentioned it on April 1st, but it seems to be for real: Subaru and Prodrive are working together again.
It’s supposed to be a one-off WRX Sti track project, in order to establish a new lap record on Man TT course. Mark Higgins behind the wheel.

https://static.wixstatic.com/media/b7967c_dcdf0d39ac4c48799f0be5059ef1025b.jpg/v1/fill/w_950,h_450,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01/b7967c_dcdf0d39ac4c48799f0be5059ef1025b.jpg
http://www.prodrive.com/#!PRODRIVE-CREATES-UNIQUE-SUBARU-TO-TACKLE-TT/c24a4/imni4scw27

It would be great to see further developments from this association, even if nowadays Subaru seems more interested in racing than in rallying.
I hope the onboard didn't have low fps..

[skarderud]

Spectacle? Hmm, what is it? - Make the cars RWD, increase engine power and reduce tyre grip level?
I think more power, lesser grip is a way to make more spectacle. Shorter suspention to.

[AL14]

Probably neither...If we read carefully Autosport article we may notice that this seems to be another over speculative piece from theirs rally journo. Honestly, there’s nothing substantial in it and the unnamed sources are always convenient when you try to impress the most sensible readers.

Evans waves Gr.B dramatic memories and tries to establish a parallel with ’17 regs, forgetting the huge advances on rally cars handling and security. And on the spectator’s control issue, what matters is to improve safety standards, whatever kind of car it’s used, and those standards must be used by each organizer, from national events to WRC.

2017 cars will be more powerfull, faster and spectacular to see (even on tarmac, at least in loco), but more demanding to drive. That’s why it makes sense to implement a Super-license and restrain them to WRC top drivers.

Let’s be fair: something has to be done to revamp WRC. The shooting out proposal, and probably any other innovative scheme that threats rally spirit, is rejected by the rally community. Getting back to long resistance events, shrinking the calendar and WRC need for global recognizing, is also off the table.

The only thing left is to improve the cars. In a fast and unanimous way, FIA and manufacturers agreed on the ‘17 tech rules and there are founded prospects for a high level championship. What’s the point to question them now?

I don't know, there are some statements, so not too much speculations...
And I also don't know if they will look spectacular as you and other say. Looking at testing they are very much boring, and also ugly.

[AL14]

Am I the only one who thinks that WRC cars don't need more power than now? I think they should have focused on finding a way to have more different cars between manufacturers, keeping the same level of power and grip. I can't enter in technical discussions, and I don't know how it can be done but I do think more variety should have been the main purpose.

As for now I think cars are fast enough by the way.

[AndyRAC]

Yes, the current cars are fast enough. As ever, those 'in the know' - are addressing the wrong issues.

[N.O.T]

Am I the only one who thinks that WRC cars don't need more power than now?


Yes, the current cars are fast enough.

are you trying to give me cancer you 2 legged life forms ?

http://i.imgur.com/LAvQY0s.gif

[Munkvy]

I believe more power isn't necessarily a bad thing, but if they add more grip via aero/width/suspension, then that just makes the cars go from point A to point B faster. Not necessarily making the car more spectacular.

If you watch Hayden Paddon at Otago last weekend (example http://youtu.be/PScjE2GuZbw ), sideways into blind crests everywhere, THATS spectacular and is a great display of driving skill and confidence in the car. We need more of that type of action, not the boring nose end first/tidy style which looks more like watching WTCC.

That I believe is why some have mentioned Group A too, more limited tyre tech, moderate power and limited suspension travel meant the cars were more spectacular as they were thrown at corners.

[BleAivano]

You don't need to implement the Grp A regulations but only some parts of it like engine size, car size (2/4 door sedans) and the general look/sound of those cars.
The celica and the Subaru Impreza 555 Group A are really amazing sounding cars. Today's cars are too small. It speaks for itself that a fiesta that is much smaller and light
compared to an Impreza or a Lancer is more "gocart-ish". It's the basic law of physics.

I also agree that the actual rallies needs to have a more feeling of endurance then they have today. I think there is something wrong when not
even the Swedish rally have any proper "dark-stages". By 5pm all stages are complete and that includes a long lunch break.

[Eli]

http://www.wrc.com/en/wrc/news/april-2016/vw-2017-car/page/3449--12-12-.html just speaking of the devil...

[drive]

not bad at all



https://www.rallytheworld.com/polo-r-wrc-2017

[AL14]

not bad at all



https://www.rallytheworld.com/polo-r-wrc-2017
So close...

http://images.wrc.com/News/2015/July/6375_WRCconcept-2015_001_896x504.jpg?

[EstWRC]

LOL....VW looks great IMO!

[BleAivano]

http://www.wrc.com/en/wrc/news/april-2016/vw-2017-car/page/3449--12-12-.html just speaking of the devil...

looks awful. Is it a rally car or a DTM car?

[Eli]

looks awful. Is it a rally car or a DTM car?

maybe a WTCC car? yeah they should have gone back to the C segment perhaps...

[Francis44]

There we go again with the Group A story..... Those were the most boring cars ever! The sport is growing and that cant be said about most motorsport disciplines today, the car formula isnt the problem, the lack of competition is the major fault right now. The problem is that for the past decade the Universe as blessed us with super-human Sebastiens and as long as another one is found not much can be done.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

are you trying to give me cancer you 2 legged life forms ?


Latvala and an unnamed driver also think the current cars are powerful/fast enough and need less aero not more to be more spectacular...

[AMSS]

Latvala and an unnamed driver also think the current cars are powerful/fast enough and need less aero not more to be more spectacular...

Latvala said that more power is welcome!! Which it is! He doesn`t think that more aero and actice centre diff is necessary

[Nornbugger]

There we go again with the Group A story..... Those were the most boring cars ever! The sport is growing and that cant be said about most motorsport disciplines today, the car formula isnt the problem, the lack of competition is the major fault right now. The problem is that for the past decade the Universe as blessed us with super-human Sebastiens and as long as another one is found not much can be done.


I'm guessing your still school/university age? If you had experienced the rallying from '90 to '96 you would know the sport was huge then, the crowds and media interest were on a completely different scale to now.

Many sports have had eras of dominance by individuals and teams, rallying is certainly not alone in this, where rallying has failed has been in its marketing, technology has moved on but WRC in particular has been slow to move forward and embrace and use livestreaming etc

[BleAivano]

There we go again with the Group A story..... Those were the most boring cars ever! .


Nope way more exciting then today's kitcar kocarts. The Subuaru Impreza 555 and the Toyta Celica sound and look so much
better then the modern mini-cars with their mini engines. The Celica and the Impreza sounds powerful. For those car are
the actual definition of a rally car. Today's cars are too generic. Slap a big wing at the back and think the car automatically looks cool.
They try to copy WTCC and WRC too much.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PvMMXqq6vqM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fVjvQLCL9Ag
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6XblrFPdkwM

These care iconic legends. Nobody will care about the fiesta or the polo in a few years time.

Then the might be other problems with the actual Group A general regulation but you can still use modern technology but keep
the old school look and sound. The issue for me with the WRC is that the cars are too small and have too small engines.

[Nornbugger]

Nope way more exciting then today's kitcar kocarts. The Subuaru Impreza 555 and the Toyta Celica sound and look so much
better then the modern mini-cars with their mini engines. The Celica and the Impreza sounds powerful. For those car are
the actual definition of a rally car. Today's cars are too generic. Slap a big wing at the back and think the car automatically looks cool.
They try to copy WTCC and WRC too much.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PvMMXqq6vqM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fVjvQLCL9Ag
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6XblrFPdkwM

These care iconic legends. Nobody will care about the fiesta or the polo in a few years time.

Then the might be other problems with the actual Group A general regulation but you can still use modern technology but keep
the old school look and sound. The issue for me with the WRC is that the cars are too small and have too small engines.

I'm guessing you are 42, +or- 5 years?

The problem now is not the cars, their looks, sound and speed are fine, the problem is how the sport is presented.

[AL14]

are you trying to give me cancer you 2 legged life forms ?

http://i.imgur.com/LAvQY0s.gif

How about the fact that we need more hairpins, more WRC cars in events no matter who drives them, more lakes in the pictures and that WRC+, at the end, is a great service?

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Latvala said that more power is welcome!! Which it is! He doesn`t think that more aero and actice centre diff is necessary

Must be the other driver then who thinks "you wouldnt want to go much faster than the cars do now..."

[Francis44]

I'm guessing your still school/university age? If you had experienced the rallying from '90 to '96 you would know the sport was huge then, the crowds and media interest were on a completely different scale to now.

Many sports have had eras of dominance by individuals and teams, rallying is certainly not alone in this, where rallying has failed has been in its marketing, technology has moved on but WRC in particular has been slow to move forward and embrace and use livestreaming etc

Im slightly under 30 but thats completely besides the point.

In those years, even though some managed to be champions more than once, you could say entrylists had 4 or 5 drivers who could legit fight for victory, can you say that now?! Absolutely not. Thats the problem as of now.

[Nornbugger]

Im slightly under 30 but thats completely besides the point.

In those years, even though some managed to be champions more than once, you could say entrylists had 4 or 5 drivers who could legit fight for victory, can you say that now?! Absolutely not. Thats the problem as of now.

It's not beside the point, people are rarely completely objective and usually misunderstand eras that were not at their own personal sweet spot, ie your late teens/early 20s when typically people have more freedom of both time and money to enjoy stuff.

If you look at other sports you will see that well presented and marketed sports don't collapse when one individual or team dominates.

ps. remember your original post that I had quoted, you said GpA cars were boring, you also said the sport is growing now!!!

[Francis44]

you also said the sport is growing now!!!


Isnt it?! Last time I checked for 2017 we can expect five manufacturers, not long ago we had just two. Im not saying there isnt a problem with the sport and how it is marketed, what Im saying is that the car formula is hardly the problem.

[AndyRAC]

If VW continue to dominate, then it won't matter how many manufacturers there are; media & public interest, coverage, etc just won't be there.

[COD]

They are the same concerns a lot of forum members here had since the beginning...
Do we have geniuses in here or retarded over there?
weel, I think the latter. Of course, I have said the same from the beginning, so you feel free to call me genius 😇

[markf8691]

For me the main problem with the sport is the complete dominance of Volkswagen and Sebastian Ogier.

I like Ogier however I know before I watch a rally that unless something major happens to him, or the FIA do everything they can to make him not win (even then he grabs a podium) then he is going to take the victory.

I don't think Volkswagen and Ogier should be penalised for doing a brilliant job and for being the quickest, I think the other teams and drivers need to step up.

If each rally there were 3/4 drivers who could legitimately take the win for being the quickest then it would be so much more interesting to me. I think this is a problem too, there are not enough great drivers out there (look at problem Toyota are going to have).

I'm happy about the extra power, a lot of road cars these days have more HP than current WRC cars so to me this is a good thing however I do think the cars need a bit more variation and a bit less grip.

Imagine how exciting it would be (even with current cars) if each rally you had no idea who was going to win and it was a fight right down to the end of the rally, for me that's what needs to change to make the sport more interesting - new regulations will just mean Ogier winning the rallies just in a new car.

[Nornbugger]

If VW continue to dominate, then it won't matter how many manufacturers there are; media & public interest, coverage, etc just won't be there.


A healthy sport is a good place for teams to be, the lack of profile the sport has is much more of an issue than VW/Citroen/Seb x2 dominance.

[stefanvv]

If the 2017 wrc cars will be easier to drive, that means drivers would have more equal speed. Probably that is what counts FIA on. Though I believe VW will just be even more dominant force with technology advantage.

[RAS007]

For me the main problem with the sport is the complete dominance of Volkswagen and Sebastian Ogier.

I like Ogier however I know before I watch a rally that unless something major happens to him, or the FIA do everything they can to make him not win (even then he grabs a podium) then he is going to take the victory.

I don't think Volkswagen and Ogier should be penalised for doing a brilliant job and for being the quickest, I think the other teams and drivers need to step up.

If each rally there were 3/4 drivers who could legitimately take the win for being the quickest then it would be so much more interesting to me. I think this is a problem too, there are not enough great drivers out there (look at problem Toyota are going to have).

I'm happy about the extra power, a lot of road cars these days have more HP than current WRC cars so to me this is a good thing however I do think the cars need a bit more variation and a bit less grip.

Imagine how exciting it would be (even with current cars) if each rally you had no idea who was going to win and it was a fight right down to the end of the rally, for me that's what needs to change to make the sport more interesting - new regulations will just mean Ogier winning the rallies just in a new car.

The rot started during the Loeb era; the profile of the sport became lower and lower, as any element of competition evaporated, especially after Gronholm retired. That led to a dearth of talented drivers coming through. What we see now is just a continuation of that, meet the new boss, same as the old boss. The situation you describe regarding rallies going down to the wire with multiple possible winners hasn't been seen since about 2004. I'm not sure it's coming back.

[Sulland]

Would also be nice with some profiles in the field, that could be a bit controversial and make some headlines. As when Petter played psyco games with the rest of the field, and also had the Pirellis that could be a joker in some rallies.

We need some uncertanties in WRC, and not like today.
It is the same in both F1 and WRC; you know what car that will win, and 90% what driver in WRC. Percetange is lower in F1, but same principle!

[dimviii]

Hyundai Motorsport ‏@HMSGOfficial

A new name on our car... #WRC #HyundaiWRC

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Cf7Agu_W4AU3sCo.jpg

[Andre Oliveira]

Echappment Mag test?

Or Tour de Corse preview? I thaught he said something about Fiesta WRC

[Lundefaret]

Neuville was very fortunate of the timing of his best season in 2013, with Hyundai coming in, and it was sellers market. And despite a negative trend in the following three years, he is still fortunate, because as several people state here, he will be wanted by several teams (Ford, Citroën and Ford), so his paycheck is at least secured for some years to come, all tough his results might not be if he doesnt change his approach.

Regarding giving Citröen/Loeb the blame for the rally "rut", I think that is a little to simple.
Yes, a driver winning 9 championships in a row is not a good sign by any means, but if other drivers and teams where in real contention it still could be entertaining. Rossi hasnt "destroyed" Moto GP the same way Ferrari/Schumacher, Citroën/Michelin/Loeb did, but why?

In the WRC I think it is several important factors.

In 2003 you had several very strong teams:
- Ford with Martin, Duval and Hirvonen, and Latvala part time.
- Peugeout with Grönholm, Burns, and part timers Loix, Panizzi and Rovenpära.
- Subaru off cource with Solberg and Mäkinen
- Hyundai with Loix and Schwartz and several part timers.
- Skoda with Auriol and Gardermeister and some part timers.
- And off cource Citroen with McCrae, Sainz, Loeb and part timers Bugalski and Sola.

In 2002 you also had Mitsubishi, and in 2001 also Seat.

It was a great number of teams (off course with various levels of performance), but a great number of open driver seats, which meant that it was a bidding war to secure the best drivers, and it was a sellers market (drivers market), which again meant that it was possible for true talent to become works WRC drivers, whit out having to pay their way in (Petter Solberg was a prime example).

And because of this, it was also a very good manufacturer backed junior series in the S1600 (you will get drivers and teams to a junior series if there is a hope that it will lead some where).

But then several things happened.

Peugeot made a terrible decision in developing the 307 cab as a WRC car. And if that wasn't bad enough, they did it with four gears and a terrible active centre diff mapping. Effectively ending Grönholms bid for the championship.

Petter Solberg was a real challenge to Loeb also in 2004, and would be much closer to winning the championship (he was clearly the fastest driver in this year), if not for several technical miss haps from the Prodrive Subaru. But also because of Michelin developing their "super tire", leaving Pirelli for dead.
In 2005 the real downturn started in Prodrive, with technical regulations stipulating it to be a very difficult task to develop a fast Subaru (engine type and position wasn't an advantage to say the least), and a lot of internal things at Prodrive ended in a real negative spiral, and Petter and Subaru was effectively out of the reckoning.

Marrko Märtin was another driver that should have been able to fight Loeb for future championships, but he off course had a tragic accident.

This lead to the weakening of the competition, and all tough Loeb was/is a great driver, the combo of driver/car/tires vs the competition, made it to easy to win.
Grönholm should have been a stronger contender, also Solberg and Märtin.

And because of several bad decisions from the others, Citroën and Loeb suddenly seemed almost invisible. And then teams started to pull out. And teams like Suzuki coming in was not given a break (had they been able to do the engine modifications they wanted, maybe it could have been a different story for them), and with suddenly a lot of vacant drivers, it was buyers (teams) market.
(This is off course overly simplified)

And the day you could start bying your way in to top WRC teams, was the day it all went sour.

There was no more reason to put a lot of effort in doing a junior campaign. And there was a lot off talent falling by the way side because of lack off funds. Talent that would have been picked up just a couple of years earlier.

And with no new talent, and no real competition, Citroën/Loeb/Michelin was running against an open goal. And this off course turned off interest. And a big part of this was also the media appeal of Loeb. This is after all the entertainment business.
Had Loeb been more of an outward going guy, the story might have been different. But he alone didn't have the crowd pull of say Rossi (very visible in his WTCC campaign, and I think a big reason for Citroëns split, they tought he would gather a bigger crowd following, but didnt understand that his media traction is with us "gravel" guys, and it would have been much wiser to make a Super-Rallycross team with him and Petter), in the same manor that Schumacher didn't have it in F1.
McCrae and Solberg was very important for the popularity of the championship in their respective times. But an uncompetitive McCrae or Solberg, was not a crowd puller either.

So with less media interest, a very strong number one team, and a lot of the other teams pulling out (mostly because of results of their own bad decisions, using the financial melt down in 2008 as an excuse), the junior category left for dead, it was - and I say WAS - a negative spiral.

But now we again see a positive trend.

Yes Volkswagen and Ogier is supreme at the moment.
But with Hyundai, Citroen, and Toyota as factory teams, and a serious effort from M Sport, it is again a real search for talent.
Drivers are getting paid again, and because of this a lot of juniors are again doing big time efforts to get into the WRC, because it is a real chance of a factory drive.
There is a big vacuum on the talent side, (very clear by it not beeing any obvious drivers for Toyota), but with several factory teams in the junior categories etc, we are getting there.
- And now we see Hyundai, VW (Skoda), Citroen and Toyota (they will to) all giving young talent a chance.

Personally I think the 2017 regulations are a step in the wrong direction, and car wise I think something else is needed.

- Bigger category car, like a focus and golf in stead of Fiesta and Polo, because of bigger relevans with fans (both Golf and Focus can be bought in hot 4wd versions), and a more fitting to the age of rally fans (older than circuit fans), and I think the road car relevans is important.
(Remember how many niche type cars like the group a homologation specials that have been sold over the years, it clearly is a market)
- Shorter suspension travel
- Less aerodynamic downforce
- Powerfull engine
- Regulated tires for less grip/damage to stages

If the WRC Promotor also does its job bringing rallying up to the level it should be:
- Live streaming of the rally
- Good TV with live stages
- Taking full advantage of the eGame possibilities
- Etc

All in all I think rallying has a positive future, and is facing a positive trend the coming years.
And even tough VW will be hard to beat, now we have several teams giving it a real try, and thats what we need :)

[RAS007]

Neuville was very fortunate of the timing of his best season in 2013, with Hyundai coming in, and it was sellers market. And despite a negative trend in the following three years, he is still fortunate, because as several people state here, he will be wanted by several teams (Ford, Citroën and Ford), so his paycheck is at least secured for some years to come, all tough his results might not be if he doesnt change his approach.

Regarding giving Citröen/Loeb the blame for the rally "rut", I think that is a little to simple.
Yes, a driver winning 9 championships in a row is not a good sign by any means, but if other drivers and teams where in real contention it still could be entertaining. Rossi hasnt "destroyed" Moto GP the same way Ferrari/Schumacher, Citroën/Michelin/Loeb did, but why?

In the WRC I think it is several important factors.

In 2003 you had several very strong teams:
- Ford with Martin, Duval and Hirvonen, and Latvala part time.
- Peugeout with Grönholm, Burns, and part timers Loix, Panizzi and Rovenpära.
- Subaru off cource with Solberg and Mäkinen
- Hyundai with Loix and Schwartz and several part timers.
- Skoda with Auriol and Gardermeister and some part timers.
- And off cource Citroen with McCrae, Sainz, Loeb and part timers Bugalski and Sola.

In 2002 you also had Mitsubishi, and in 2001 also Seat.

It was a great number of teams (off course with various levels of performance), but a great number of open driver seats, which meant that it was a bidding war to secure the best drivers, and it was a sellers market (drivers market), which again meant that it was possible for true talent to become works WRC drivers, whit out having to pay their way in (Petter Solberg was a prime example).

And because of this, it was also a very good manufacturer backed junior series in the S1600 (you will get drivers and teams to a junior series if there is a hope that it will lead some where).

But then several things happened.

Peugeot made a terrible decision in developing the 307 cab as a WRC car. And if that wasn't bad enough, they did it with four gears and a terrible active centre diff mapping. Effectively ending Grönholms bid for the championship.

Petter Solberg was a real challenge to Loeb also in 2004, and would be much closer to winning the championship (he was clearly the fastest driver in this year), if not for several technical miss haps from the Prodrive Subaru. But also because of Michelin developing their "super tire", leaving Pirelli for dead.
In 2005 the real downturn started in Prodrive, with technical regulations stipulating it to be a very difficult task to develop a fast Subaru (engine type and position wasn't an advantage to say the least), and a lot of internal things at Prodrive ended in a real negative spiral, and Petter and Subaru was effectively out of the reckoning.

Marrko Märtin was another driver that should have been able to fight Loeb for future championships, but he off course had a tragic accident.

This lead to the weakening of the competition, and all tough Loeb was/is a great driver, the combo of driver/car/tires vs the competition, made it to easy to win.
Grönholm should have been a stronger contender, also Solberg and Märtin.

And because of several bad decisions from the others, Citroën and Loeb suddenly seemed almost invisible. And then teams started to pull out. And teams like Suzuki coming in was not given a break (had they been able to do the engine modifications they wanted, maybe it could have been a different story for them), and with suddenly a lot of vacant drivers, it was buyers (teams) market.
(This is off course overly simplified)

And the day you could start bying your way in to top WRC teams, was the day it all went sour.

There was no more reason to put a lot of effort in doing a junior campaign. And there was a lot off talent falling by the way side because of lack off funds. Talent that would have been picked up just a couple of years earlier.

And with no new talent, and no real competition, Citroën/Loeb/Michelin was running against an open goal. And this off course turned off interest. And a big part of this was also the media appeal of Loeb. This is after all the entertainment business.
Had Loeb been more of an outward going guy, the story might have been different. But he alone didn't have the crowd pull of say Rossi (very visible in his WTCC campaign, and I think a big reason for Citroëns split, they tought he would gather a bigger crowd following, but didnt understand that his media traction is with us "gravel" guys, and it would have been much wiser to make a Super-Rallycross team with him and Petter), in the same manor that Schumacher didn't have it in F1.
McCrae and Solberg was very important for the popularity of the championship in their respective times. But an uncompetitive McCrae or Solberg, was not a crowd puller either.

So with less media interest, a very strong number one team, and a lot of the other teams pulling out (mostly because of results of their own bad decisions, using the financial melt down in 2008 as an excuse), the junior category left for dead, it was - and I say WAS - a negative spiral.

But now we again see a positive trend.

Yes Volkswagen and Ogier is supreme at the moment.
But with Hyundai, Citroen, and Toyota as factory teams, and a serious effort from M Sport, it is again a real search for talent.
Drivers are getting paid again, and because of this a lot of juniors are again doing big time efforts to get into the WRC, because it is a real chance of a factory drive.
There is a big vacuum on the talent side, (very clear by it not beeing any obvious drivers for Toyota), but with several factory teams in the junior categories etc, we are getting there.
- And now we see Hyundai, VW (Skoda), Citroen and Toyota (they will to) all giving young talent a chance.

Personally I think the 2017 regulations are a step in the wrong direction, and car wise I think something else is needed.

- Bigger category car, like a focus and golf in stead of Fiesta and Polo, because of bigger relevans with fans (both Golf and Focus can be bought in hot 4wd versions), and a more fitting to the age of rally fans (older than circuit fans), and I think the road car relevans is important.
(Remember how many niche type cars like the group a homologation specials that have been sold over the years, it clearly is a market)
- Shorter suspension travel
- Less aerodynamic downforce
- Powerfull engine
- Regulated tires for less grip/damage to stages

If the WRC Promotor also does its job bringing rallying up to the level it should be:
- Live streaming of the rally
- Good TV with live stages
- Taking full advantage of the eGame possibilities
- Etc

All in all I think rallying has a positive future, and is facing a positive trend the coming years.
And even tough VW will be hard to beat, now we have several teams giving it a real try, and thats what we need :)

Good summary, but really struggling to see anything you've said here that hasn't been said many times before.

[Barreis]

Struggle of the championship began (in my opinion) in 2004 giving 2nd subaru seat to paying Hirvonen instead of McRae...

[BleAivano]

This have also been said before but I'll say it again,

The main focus the past decade or so have been too much on cost saving and too much on "generification" of all the rallies.
I want the promoter to allow the organizers to be more unique/flexible. If a rally wants to have 3½ days of stages and no super specials then let them have it that
way although I think that 2½ like Swedish Rally should be the minimum.

Agree about car sizes. I also realize that car sizes have grown a bit the past 20 years and that today's equivalent of the likes of Impreza/Lancer (D-segment)
are probably too big to be suitable for use so I think we'll have to settle for C-segment cars.

Obviously I always get the feeling that Rallies rarely are "noob" friendly, every rally I have been too (regardless if it was Swedish rally or a local rally)
seems to have "assumed" that "everyone" already knows everything. The spectator area description in the rally magazines rarely give anything more then a basic description.
So I think it is very hard for noobs to get into the sport.

[Arnold Triyudho Wardono]

Struggle of the championship began (in my opinion) in 2004 giving 2nd subaru seat to paying Hirvonen instead of McRae...
And it was supposed to be Burns, but we know the rest..

Sent from my A12 using Tapatalk

[AndyRAC]

I’m struggling to be optimistic. Will 2017 be any different from 2011 – another time when things were going to improve?
I personally think the sport has had its best days. Times have changed and there are other series out there capturing interest more than the WRC.
Nobody; that is the teams, the FiA, the promoter wants to make the drastic changes needed to turn it around. They just seems to accept the status quo….

[Lundefaret]

Good summary, but really struggling to see anything you've said here that hasn't been said many times before.

Agree, but it seemed like someone needed a repeat :)

[Lundefaret]

I’m struggling to be optimistic. Will 2017 be any different from2011 – another time when things were going to improve?
I personally think the sport has had its best days. Times havechanged and there are other series out there capturing interest more than the WRC.
Nobody; that is the teams, the FiA, the promoter wants to makethe drastic changes needed to turn it around. They just seems to accept thestatus quo….


See where you are coming from, but I am a little bit more optimistic than you.

I think positive things are happening :)

[EstWRC]

im with Lundefaret, i also think positive things are happening

[Lousada]

:)

Nice summary of almost every post about this subject on this forum ;)

Only one thing I would like to add. The Xsara WRC was also the first car that almost never had a mechanical failure. I was watching some old rallies from the '90s recently. It was quite surprising how many times Carlos Sainz retired or lost time when he was leading only because of mechanical issues. He could have been the Loeb of the '90s if he had the indestructible cars of today.
Rallies used to be a balance between reliability and speed. Now all the cars, and especially the VW Polo, can drive a whole season without any problem. Of course if nobody retires, then the fastest guy will always end up on top.

[BleAivano]

Rallies used to be a balance between reliability and speed. Now all the cars, and especially the VW Polo, can drive a whole season without any problem. Of course if nobody
retires, then the fastest guy will always end up on top.


I agree but this is is mainly due to cost saving limitations/restrictions for the car and it's parts. I.e. a car can only use 3 engines/season.

[Andre Oliveira]

C3 WRC first test today.

According some reports, ugliest car ever.

No photos cause it was a private test and Citroën forbidden the share.

Very similar to these:

https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/88/92/4b/88924bad92701483ae05baa7008ff247.jpg

[focus206]

C3 WRC first test today.

According some reports, ugliest car ever.

Do we know if it will be 3-doors or 5-doors?

[Andre Oliveira]

Car were camuflated. Apparently 4 doors.

[COD]

"- Shorter suspension travel
- Less aerodynamic downforce
- Powerfull engine
- Regulated tires for less grip/damage to stages
"

That is where I agree with Lundefaret 100%, and is what I have saying here for years. Those changes would make the sport safer and more spectacular. Too bad, the rules went exactly the wrong way

[Rally Power]

I’m struggling to be optimistic.

That’s the spirit! Having four top manu’s committed to WRC (plus Ford backing MSport) in 2017 will certainly help.

It’s true that WRC interest has been undermined for quite a long time (since Loeb’s overwhelming domination), but the series heritage still is strong enough to attract new manu’s and provide good expectations for the future.

However, that strong heritage can also create a negative reaction to new ideas. Other motorsport series are in a permanent search for innovation (WRX, GT racing, etc), but that’s hardly the case in WRC. Probably, the Rally community (including us, hardcore fans) is too attached to Rally past.

Frankly, I don’t know any more if Capito’s shoot-out was such a silly proposal (still sounds that way…) but one thing I’m sure: WRC (and the whole Rallysport) needs more out of the box thinking.

For now, manu’s and the FIA came out with a more conventional solution: an evolution of WRC cars and a rearranged calendar. It can work, if (finally) the promoter delivers a proper job. Fingers crossed!

[Barreis]

We need more various drivers that can win, that will make chamionship interesting... Shootout is stupid just as new qualifing in F1 that was garbaged after two races...

[EstWRC]

Here IT is https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CgEssxnXEAATvC4?format=pjpg&name=large

[MartijnS]

Looks big!

[stefanvv]

Very similar to these:

https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/88/92/4b/88924bad92701483ae05baa7008ff247.jpg

Is that Ogier written there?

[AP-Racing]

https://scontent.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xaf1/v/t1.0-9/12993456_10153543186111918_6497182541663697252_n.j pg?oh=117084736c1a0bfe88064ae2698a35ad&oe=57ADFFC4

https://scontent.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xap1/v/t1.0-9/12987113_10153543186106918_105113362054120387_n.jp g?oh=ee21bb9a6c9c51b4d5d9107848ebbd52&oe=57B3A685

https://scontent.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpf1/v/t1.0-9/12994454_10153543186126918_7518861268671360184_n.j pg?oh=cd9cd60af9e9f5f675082f6f44d2759b&oe=57B988EA

[AP-Racing]

https://scontent.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xap1/v/t1.0-9/12961597_10153543195906918_933920059939725258_n.jp g?oh=27c70fda9856d94c7240a0ba237d76ed&oe=57B07020

https://scontent.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xla1/v/t1.0-9/13007300_10153543195901918_4968015201456283647_n.j pg?oh=910d13aab99487137b0ea003e7861044&oe=57B5FDCD

https://scontent.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xtf1/v/t1.0-9/12670640_10153543195911918_8875175304344522949_n.j pg?oh=8404f4b95cf31e4f6703363de1d45d4f&oe=5781E424

https://scontent.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpa1/v/t1.0-9/13007372_10153543195996918_7596942829372644772_n.j pg?oh=155a4433b5ad8deca7bd6c8e636a6288&oe=577F9F2B

[Arnold Triyudho Wardono]

Looks like Chevy..

Sent from my A12 using Tapatalk

[EightGear]

It's massive, bigger than the Mini JCW.

[EstWRC]

some good pictures here too http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/car-news/95214/new-citroen-c3-wrc-begins-prep-for-2017-glory


i dont why but i actually like it, lol

[TWRC]

Here IT is https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CgEssxnXEAATvC4?format=pjpg&name=large
At first sight it reminded me of Tajima's Pikes Peak SX4. It certainly doesn't look that ugly though, but it will be more controversial when the lower headlights that are now camouflaged will be revealed. The strangest things are the cooling ducts on the bumper, I think those will certainly change later.

[dimviii]

at least we found the most ugly.

and a small video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jhXcCGzIdv0

[Fast Eddie WRC]

AutoExpress:

"Citroen has started testing the C3 WRC rally car that will support its-entry to the World Rally Championship in 2017.

The new regulations are designed to make cars faster and more spectacular. The 1.6-litre engine gets a larger air restrictor on the turbocharger to boost power to around 380bhp, the chassis is wider, the transmission is more sophisticated and there’s greater freedom for teams to play around with aerodynamics and wings.

At the heart of Citroen’s campaign - and the development of the new car - is Briton Kris Meeke. The 36-year-old Northern Irishman has a single WRC win to his name, on last year’s Rally Argentina, but he’s shown enough pace over the past couple of seasons for Citroen team boss Yves Matton to place his faith in him.

As we arrive at the test base at Chateau du Lastours in southern France, the new Citroen WRC car itself is covered in a wrap that’s meant to disguise the shape of its panels. The road car on which it’s based hasn’t even been launched yet - indeed, team members won’t even refer to the vehicle by its model code (B618) - but it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to work out that it’s a high-performance version of the next-gen Citroen C3.

We’re told that the C3 WRC underwent a brief shakedown at a track next door to Citroen Racing’s factory earlier in the week; today, 14th April, marks its first outing on gravel and in real anger. The venue could scarcely be more challenging, either; Chateau Lastours has long been used by rally teams to ‘break in’ new machinery, with the emphasis firmly on ‘break’. It’s a network of rock-strewn gravel tracks that will give the C3 a proper pounding, allowing engineers to test for durability as well as speed.

There’s silent anticipation in the service area after the mechanics send Meeke on his way for the very first run. The C3 is the first Citroen rally car in well over a decade that hasn’t had input from Loeb in its design - so the guys in the red overalls are keen to see potential.

Meeke himself, who will undertake the bulk of the test mileage along with Frenchman Stephane Lefebvre and Irishman Craig Breen, is a bit more patient. “It’s a dream come true for to me to work with such a great team and help them to develop the car,” he says during a mid-morning coffee break. “It brings pressure, of course, but I don’t really feel it; instead, I walk around here or at the factory and see the guys, see their determination and belief, and it just makes me feel proud. And a wee bit excited.

“We have to also accept that this is just the start of a real learning process,” he adds. “Our whole engineering philosophy is different from what we had on the DS 3, but the rules are changing as well. So when I’m getting a feel for the car, I need to split the bits that we’ve changed and created from the bits that are down to the new regulations. I can tell you this, though: it feels faster.”

It looks faster too. Over a 2.5-mile stage through dust-strewn tracks that twist between the wind turbines of Chateau Lastours, the C3 WRC has a noticeably angrier engine note than the current crop of rally cars. There’s a shotgun-rifle bang under hard-acceleration gearshifts but the engine note is also much quicker to rise up through the revs - a result, no doubt, of the turbocharger working more effectively with its larger air restrictor.

The car does seem to be airborne for a fair amount of the time, though. “The first run was just to try soft tyres,” says Meeke with a wry smile. “Then we stuck on some hard-compound ones for comparison. Once that’s over with we’ll get on with tuning the dampers and the differential to really improve the handling.”

The first morning of action goes well, though - which is to say that there is plenty of untroubled mileage (around 75 miles, by all accounts, without drama) and a good enough base for playing with settings. “To get the first morning in without a sniff of a tow-rope is a great start,” says Meeke.

As we depart, he and the Citroen engineers are settling in for a few more days of experimentation. There’s a long road ahead - particularly for the driver, who is focusing on the testing but also tackling a limited number of rallies this year to keep his hand in. But in the depths of the French countryside, you can feel a mix of euphoria and relief that the early miles are over and the serious business of making the Citroen C3 WRC ready for the Monte Carlo Rally in January 2017 can begin."

[Francis44]

Looks can be deceiving but I find it amazing that they can make that slab faster than the DS3.

[Simmi]

If this car can take the fight to the Polos then it will be beautiful.

[Lundefaret]

The dynamics look similar to the Xsara, I wonder about dimensions compared to that.

[the sniper]

some good pictures here too http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/car-news/95214/new-citroen-c3-wrc-begins-prep-for-2017-glory


i dont why but i actually like it, lol

While I was initially a bit shocked by the look of this big hippo on wheels, its appearance is already starting to grow on me, tbh! I think these Auto Express pictures do it more favours than the pictures elsewhere.

[dimviii]

new small video from Citroen racing.At least sounds lovely.
https://twitter.com/CitroenRacing?lang=el

[N.O.T]

Sounds and looks good...

Did makinen test his Flop ?? or he is still compiling the list of his finish friends that has not yet include on the feast sponsored by Toyota ??

[AP-Racing]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mk3xnfq33bg

[Mirek]

new small video from Citroen racing.At least sounds lovely.
https://twitter.com/CitroenRacing?lang=el

I love twitter... I clicked on Your link and since then I had whole twitter in Greek language without seeing anything resembling a possibility to switch into English. I had to delete cookies to get it English again. Not that I had anything again Greece... :D

[Fast Eddie WRC]

C3 WRC test onboard (English twitter ;) )

https://twitter.com/RallyingUK/status/720971935161708544

[dimviii]

some new closer photos

http://www.worldrallyisfree.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/c3WRC1702.jpg
http://www.worldrallyisfree.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/c3WRC1703.jpg
http://www.worldrallyisfree.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/c3WRC1704.jpg
http://www.worldrallyisfree.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/c3WRC1705.jpg

[USER47]

I have a feeling it will be even more ugly after they uncamouflage those headlights.

[wia5958]

Is this the first test for a true out and out 2017 car for any of the manufacturers?

[pantealex]

Is this the first test for a true out and out 2017 car for any of the manufacturers?

No, Toyota was 1st, long time ago...

[Lundefaret]

No, Toyota was 1st, long time ago...

When did Mäkinen test his 2017 car?

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Mads Ostberg has entered Rally Sørland 2016 (Norway) on 30 April in the Team Adapta Fiesta R5.

[Lundefaret]

This is the best picture/computer graphic I have found of the 2017 Citroën C3 (B618).
The plastic over fenders (which is customary on light SUVs, and a design statement at MINI) are present - as on the WRC car.
Tough it would be cool, I dont know if we should expect a high powered road version of the WRC car, because that hasnt really been Citroëns strategy in the past. They did a "Loeb version" of the C4, but that wasnt a real "rally replica" by no means.

Here is a link to the pic, the car on the left is the one that the WRC car looks based up on - and I am not sure this needs to look ugly in WRC form, I think it can be quite cool and aggressive - time will tell :)

http://img15.hostingpics.net/pics/370251DuoCitronC3III.jpg

[Andre Oliveira]

When did Mäkinen test his 2017 car?

Never. The 2017 cars are close to ready, but not yet.

[jbmarcus21]

Marcus & Timo was on test (GRAVEL) last wednesday in South of France
Here my video of the day

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Se68zRVmgs

[N.O.T]

When did Mäkinen test his 2017 car?

Never, he has more important things to do like if he missed any of his friends to include in the team.

[Franky]

Never, he has more important things to do like if he missed any of his friends to include in the team.

We understand that you are deeply disappointed that you were left out of Tommi's circle. But it is time to get over it.

[Franky]

Marcus & Timo was on test (GRAVEL) last wednesday in South of France
Here my video of the day

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Se68zRVmgs

That splitter still looks wrong. Like a bookshelf.

[Nornbugger]

We understand that you are deeply disappointed that you were left out of Tommi's circle. But it is time to get over it.

I cannot understand why Tommi hasn't got N.O.T. on board to look after their PR yet

[GigiGalliNo1]

Silly Rally Australia!

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-04-18/shock-sponsorship-decision-for-australian-leg-of-wrc/7333188

[Francis44]

Portugal had the same kind of problems years ago with Tourism of Portugal which is almost exclusively funded by the government (or the taxes of gambling), however the local counties saved the funding.

[AndyRAC]

If the WRC was in a better state it could attract big money commercial sponsors - instead of regional government/ tourist boards....who pull the plug when it no longer suits them.

[Lundefaret]

C3 WRC 2017
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rWQqBZV0EL4

Dampers of Citroën C3 WRC seems to be in the angular position like VW, and Ford. Leaves only Hyundai with the straight up-and-down (French style), if they carry it over to the 2017 car.

[Eli]

Silly Rally Australia!

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-04-18/shock-sponsorship-decision-for-australian-leg-of-wrc/7333188

so we might have 13 rounds after all? and no silly sydney party at the end of the year?

[Mintexmemory]

so we might have 13 rounds after all? and no silly sydney party at the end of the year?

Get it done quickly and move WRGB back to its traditional date!!!

[AL14]

Get it done quickly and move WRGB back to its traditional date!!!

And (at least) alternating with NZ as was agreed years ago.

[EstWRC]

Citroen's all-new C3 for 2017 WRC rules makes trouble-free debuthttp://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/123850/troublefree-debut-for-citroen-new-wrc-c3

https://scontent-arn2-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xfa1/t31.0-0/p600x600/13055111_10154169321354973_4957357971387617284_o.j pg

[KiwiWRCfan]

Podcast from Mayor of Coffs Harbour talking to local radio station about Coffs Harbour Council withdrawing sponsorship to Rally Australia WRC round
http://omnyapp.com/shows/breakfast-with-moffee/mayor-denise-knight-chats-about-rally

[Eli]

Podcast from Mayor of Coffs Harbour talking to local radio station about Coffs Harbour Council withdrawing sponsorship to Rally Australia WRC round
http://omnyapp.com/shows/breakfast-with-moffee/mayor-denise-knight-chats-about-rally

so for now..no Rally Australia in 2016, if they don't move it to Perth maybe the FIA should give that slot to NZ...

[tommeke_B]

Maybe just scrap Australia and give NZ the place in the calendar from next year on. I'm sure none of the teams would mind having one event less this year.

[smokingjoe]

Maybe just scrap Australia and give NZ the place in the calendar from next year on. I'm sure none of the teams would mind having one event less this year.

us Kiwis are a resourceful bunch, we could damn near make it happen THIS year, aye carlo

[GigiGalliNo1]

No, Rally Australia is going ahead in Coffs Harbour WITHOUT backing from the council/city of Coffs Harbour.

2016-2017 100% will be there but only getting sponsors from other companies and tourism but not from the city... which is a shame. From then onwards, who knows!

[Eli]

No, Rally Australia is going ahead in Coffs Harbour WITHOUT backing from the council/city of Coffs Harbour.

2016-2017 100% will be there but only getting sponsors from other companies and tourism but not from the city... which is a shame. From then onwards, who knows!

source?

[N.O.T]

Since they moved the rally from Perth OZ is a joke and should be dropped, Australia is all about Bunnings and Banister stages.

[GigiGalliNo1]

"These achievements and the evidence of stable support have ensured Rally Australia and the Coffs Coast a place in the World Rally Championship for 2016 and 2017. We have begun negotiations to extend our participation to at least 2020, with the obvious potential for even greater community benefits."

Second last paragraph: http://www.rallyaustralia.com.au/wrc-rally-australia-brings-substantial-benefits-coffs-coast/

[GigiGalliNo1]

Robert Kubica and LOTOS are no longer working together. LOTOS stated that Kubica is starting a new career.

[pantealex]

Robert Kubica and LOTOS are no longer working together. LOTOS stated that Kubica is starting a new career.

Source? (have to ask because many times your info is BS)

[BleAivano]

Source? (have to ask because many times your info is BS)

Here is an article from ESP PL. https://translate.google.com/translate?sl=auto&tl=en&js=y&prev=_t&hl=sv&ie=UTF-8&u=http%3A%2F%2Feurosport.onet.pl%2Fmotorowe%2Frajd y-samochodowe%2Fgrupa-lotos-i-robert-kubica-zakonczyli-wspolprace%2F6c1rvl&edit-text=


Robert Kubica and Grupa Lotos ended cooperation. Informed of this on facebook profile "Emotions to the Full" - a party led by fuel company.
"Robert Kubica intends to pursue new career goals," - said in a statement.

[Simmi]

"These achievements and the evidence of stable support have ensured Rally Australia and the Coffs Coast a place in the World Rally Championship for 2016 and 2017. We have begun negotiations to extend our participation to at least 2020, with the obvious potential for even greater community benefits."

Second last paragraph: http://www.rallyaustralia.com.au/wrc-rally-australia-brings-substantial-benefits-coffs-coast/

That is one interpretation of what is being said. Press releases can be read different ways. I don't pretend to know what's going on but I read this as the support the event HAD ensured it was given a place on the calendar for '16/'17. Not that the events themselves will run.

I'm sure it will get sorted out.

[GigiGalliNo1]

Ahhh... thank you pantealex

[Eli]

http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/123871/rally-argentina-to-be-monitored-by-fia in case you forgot about it, also Poland is mentioned in there regarding safety issues

[Mk2 RS2000]

Just an example of why the WRC is important to NZ and why NZ is important to the WRC

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jyR7VrYCgQY&feature=youtu.be

[GigiGalliNo1]

There you go. Rally Aus will be in the 2016/17 Calendar but in future it'll be moved else where

http://www.2csfm.com.au/news/blog/2016/4/letter-to-rally-officials/

[RAS007]

Ahhh... thank you pantealex

Very polite, I'm sure, but what is your source about Kubica? You can't be surprised or annoyed by people asking you to substantiate rumors, especially with your track record.

[Simmi]

There you go. Rally Aus will be in the 2016/17 Calendar but in future it'll be moved else where

http://www.2csfm.com.au/news/blog/2016/4/letter-to-rally-officials/

Thanks for posting the link. I'd suggest people just read it as the synopsis you gave doesn't really reflect what is actually said in the piece.