[WRC] News & rumours (part IV) 2016

[Franky]

Well, let's think a little over it, most of the challengers last only 2 days max before rally2 comes in. The major part of them even on 1st day. So, FIA wants to make the rally more thrilling, without any artificial competition as is the starting order. I think it's not such a bad idea.

That's just a small picture. The local economy benefits a lot from sporting events. Also from a fan perspective 1,5 days is like a national rally. Would you travel 2000, 3000, 4000 or more km to see some rally in Sweden or Spain? For such a short rally?

[stefanvv]

That's just a small picture. The local economy benefits a lot from sporting events. Also from a fan perspective 1,5 days is like a national rally. Would you travel 2000, 3000, 4000 or more km to see some rally in Sweden or Spain? For such a short rally?

Small picture? But in global economy would You prefer 10 events in grade 10, or 15 events in grade 7?

[Simmi]

It's just a proposal so not worth worrying about yet I guess.

But as others have said it will be hard to justify traveling abroad to see such little action. Because they won't make it better for fans on the days that do run. It will be the same compact/cheap format as they have now.

So really it's a slap in the face for loyal rally fans.

[Simmi]

Small picture? But in global economy would You prefer 10 events in grade 10, or 15 events in grade 7?

10 events in grade 10. Quality rallies with unique character.

But no event has approached a '10' at WRC level in many, many years. FIA simply won't allow it.

[stefanvv]

It's just a proposal so not worth worrying about yet I guess.

But as others have said it will be hard to justify traveling abroad to see such little action. Because they won't make it better for fans on the days that do run. It will be the same compact/cheap format as they have now.

So really it's a slap in the face for loyal rally fans.

How much more action did You see in 2016? How much difference in that is 2 and half a day?

[SubaruNorway]

Do you go to WRC events Stafanvv?

[stefanvv]

Is that the issue SubaruNorway?

[AndyRAC]

If they want to get rid of all fans travelling from abroad or even longer distances inside the host country, this is a perfect plan to execute. Why not put Capito's Power Stage in the mix as well. Abomination! Nyt Mahonen oikeesti!

If they carry on with their crazy demented ideas there won't be any fans left......They are still chasing the mythical 'casual' fan....whilst alienating what fans that are left.

I can't think of many other sports which continually shoot themselves in the foot; and then wonder why things aren't working.

[N.O.T]

The average rally fan is just a hairpin pleb or a chav culture low life who cannot distinguish rallying from the antics of ken block, so no wonder the FIA dwants to shorten events and add stupid ideas in, in their mind they want to make rallying into an americanised extreme sport.

On the other hand we have autistic old school rallying guys who prefer events with 100000 stages and slow motion action like in the 70s where everything was over with driving after 3 stages and the overall winner was the one whose car was not into a million pieces after the event.

I hate you both equally and you should return to your caves and leave rallying alone.

[GravelBen]

...you should return to your caves and leave rallying alone.

Suggest you take your own advice.

[GravelBen]

Well, let's think a little over it, most of the challengers last only 2 days max before rally2 comes in. The major part of them even on 1st day. So, FIA wants to make the rally more thrilling, without any artificial competition as is the starting order. I think it's not such a bad idea.

Are you seriously claiming that 'most challengers' are out of events and rally2 on the first day? How often does that actually happen?

By the same argument they should reduce the Le Mans and Nurburgring 24h races to 24 minutes because thats all you need to see who can do the fastest laps, and by the end of 24h only a few cars are in contention for the lead.

I think you have the wrong sport, if you want a short sprint and think endurance is 'artificial competition' then rallying isn't for you and you should stick to hillclimbs.

As for making it 'more thrilling' - if a driver has lost some time, a shorter rally means less chance to catch up and compete for position so there is less reason to push hard, and more likely they will avoid the risk and settle for whatever points they have. That is one of the reasons drivers often play it safe on the final day with the current format, because it isn't long enough to give them real hope of making up time differences.

[Zeakiwi]

With rallies down to 250km, are the FIA hoping attract 100 percent electric vehicles to the WRC?

[Rally Power]

Maybe we, hardcore rally fans, are a bit radical defending the sport identity. Almost every time a change is proposed we get suspicious and tend to criticize it by saying this time “they” have gone too far and “they” are killing rallysport…

Actually, the sport history is made of ups and downs and it seems were getting close to one of its highest eras. 5 manus involved in WRC, several countries in a cue to get a series event and lots of young drivers coming from different parts of the world, are promising signs.

Yep, authorities doesn’t praise enough the sport heritage, we still don’t have proper mainstream media coverage at WRC (will we ever have it?), FIA’s car homologation system is too manu centered, private tuners are missed on a regional and national level, but we must admit there’s a constant evolution and we’re far from rally worst era, the late 00’s, when nobody seemed to care and the rally world was left to stagnation.

Perhaps it’s too late to get the old endurance rally format back; perhaps we don’t need it anymore. A globalised sprint series seems to be the way to go; eventually we’ll embrace it, but it needs to be implemented in a more balanced way. Fingers crossed!

[Toyoda]

Maybe we, hardcore rally fans, are a bit radical defending the sport identity. Almost every time a change is proposed we get suspicious and tend to criticize it by saying this time “they” have gone too far and “they” are killing rallysport…

Actually, the sport history is made of ups and downs and it seems were getting close to one of its highest eras. 5 manus involved in WRC, several countries in a cue to get a series event and lots of young drivers coming from different parts of the world, are promising signs.

Yep, authorities doesn’t praise enough the sport heritage, we still don’t have proper mainstream media coverage at WRC (will we ever have it?), FIA’s car homologation system is too manu centered, private tuners are missed on a regional and national level, but we must admit there’s a constant evolution and we’re far from rally worst era, the late 00’s, when nobody seemed to care and the rally world was left to stagnation.

Perhaps it’s too late to get the old endurance rally format back; perhaps we don’t need it anymore. A globalised sprint series seems to be the way to go; eventually we’ll embrace it, but it needs to be implemented in a more balanced way. Fingers crossed!

Agreed to an extent
I think there is room for a variation in rally lengths, endurance 3 to 4 days or all nighter as well as sprint events, the beauty of rally is the variation in conditions, why not have a flexible format that can be manipulated by each host country...or not

[AL14]

The average rally fan is just a hairpin pleb or a chav culture low life who cannot distinguish rallying from the antics of ken block, so no wonder the FIA dwants to shorten events and add stupid ideas in, in their mind they want to make rallying into an americanised extreme sport.

On the other hand we have autistic old school rallying guys who prefer events with 100000 stages and slow motion action like in the 70s where everything was over with driving after 3 stages and the overall winner was the one whose car was not into a million pieces after the event.

I hate you both equally and you should return to your caves and leave rallying alone.

I would have quoted this if it would not have been offensive for some of you here.
But I totally agree for the rest.
As long as we will have rally fans that don't understand and enjoy the meaning of the sport and confuse it with gymkhanas and truck races this is what we have as results.

Anyway, let also see the good. 13 more countries want to enter WRC, we have more factory teams, the situation not that bad.

[stefanvv]

I think you have the wrong sport, if you want a short sprint and think endurance is 'artificial competition' then rallying isn't for you and you should stick to hillclimbs.

Where in my post I wrote endurance is 'artificial competition'?

[raybak]

I had an idea, with all these so called new events why don't we run them as WRC2 as the main event. The rotation events such as Australia and NZ run one year as WRC2 the main game and WRC the next. WRC can turn up to win the event outright but not score points.

Ray

[sindroms]

What do we want see in rally as a rally fans? Spectacular driving, attacking style driving, fight till the end.
The longer a rally fan I'm, the more I began to think about the money spent/spectacularly ratio. Let's be honest - how many drivers in WRC event we can call "fast and/or spectacular"? As from me - WRC and WRC2 top crews and a few late runners which usually are locals. If they are going trim event to 1.5 day I will start to ask question to myself - is this show worth to my spent money? What I will get for it?
Rally doesn't start and end with WRC only. The further away, the more I think about visiting very strong national events - Barum Rally, Ypres Rally, some Finland rallies, Saaremaa Rally (already doing this for years)... Up to 140 crews, most of them locals and half of them knowing local roads and driving in "we are not taking hostages" style, results are tight and guys are fighting till the end in each class. What would be loss for me? Yes, no top machinery - WRC, anything else?

[jbmarcus21]

New 2017 provisional WRC calendar include 12 rounds... and maybe 13th 14th with China or Poland or Turkey .. Corsica will run in April => http://bit.ly/2dDkLRr

[BleAivano]

New 2017 provisional WRC calendar include 12 rounds... and maybe 13th 14th with China or Poland or Turkey .. Corsica will run in April => http://bit.ly/2dDkLRr


https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CtdO-ONWYAAuZQk.jpg:large

Source: https://twitter.com/Becsywecsy/status/781179901856608256

[aykutbilir]

New 2017 provisional WRC calendar include 12 rounds... and maybe 13th 14th with China or Poland or Turkey .. Corsica will run in April => http://bit.ly/2dDkLRr

Wish we can sure an event go Turkey go


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[Simmi]

Having three cars score points and a Privateer's Cup are both good moves. Will hopefully encourage more cars.

[EightGear]

The bit about only manufacturer drivers being able to enter in the new cars worries me a bit. Like what does that mean for the DMACK team? They are not a manufacturer and I can't imagine them being entered as one under the M-Sport banner.

[Simmi]

The bit about only manufacturer drivers being able to enter in the new cars worries me a bit. Like what does that mean for the DMACK team? They are not a manufacturer and I can't imagine them being entered as one under the M-Sport banner.

The cars are run by M-Sport so I don't think there are any worries about this. I'm sure there will be loopholes for this.

[Andre Oliveira]

Prokop with M-Sport car too

[Zeakiwi]

The cars are run by M-Sport so I don't think there are any worries about this. I'm sure there will be loopholes for this.

Will Bertelli find a loophole to get a 2017 car too?

[Simmi]

Will Bertelli find a loophole to get a 2017 car too?

If he wants to run a 2017 car then yes.

[SubaruNorway]

Is that the issue SubaruNorway?

Guess that means you don't :)
It's a not a proper rally unless it's got long days that make you dead tired but very happy in the end, more time to enjoy is important :)

[stefanvv]

Guess that means you don't :)
It's a not a proper rally unless it's got long days that make you dead tired but very happy in the end, more time to enjoy is important :)

I don't what? Forgot the question.... just kidding.
Anyway good that You enjoy it, I guess for us the poor busy people there is no joy without good videos;) I can't rely on wrc+ You know.

[N.O.T]

I guess for us the poor busy people there is no joy without good videos;)

there is an easy solution for your problem.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L8zhNb8ANe8

[stefanvv]

You have awful taste for music

[Toyoda]

Disappointed there is no NZ, surely a NZ following an Ausi rally would have been a great choice, seen as they are already down there :(

[Zeakiwi]

A candidate event usually has to be observed and a report back to the FIA before it is put on a WRC calendar. NZ event observed in 2017 for 2018 calendar.

[Duvel]

Will rally Italia be in Sardenga again?

[EstWRC]

Hyundai preview their 2017 challenger https://twitter.com/HMSGOfficial/status/781373673966039040

some pics from paris motorshow

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CtgAtLkXYAAMAXm.jpg
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CtgAuilWIAAmcDD.jpg

[focus206]

Will rally Italia be in Sardenga again?

Yes

[Andre Oliveira]

http://toyotagazooracing.com/pages/contents/en/assets/images/release/2016/wrc/0929-01/wrc_160929_1_s.jpg
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CthUFCPWcAAL2Xh?format=jpg&name=large

[Andre Oliveira]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Ctggl1lXYAAEusW?format=jpg&name=large
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Ctggl1qWgAAIAP_?format=jpg&name=large

[stefanvv]

Another one:
http://toyotagazooracing.com/pages/contents/en/assets/images/release/2016/wrc/0929-01/wrc_160929_2_s.jpg

[Mirek]

Looks like a toy.

[pantealex]

Looks like a toy.

Yes but they actually drove it there, Citroen and Hyundai not...

[GigiGalliNo1]

Regarding NZ and the WRC

In 2017 they are holding the official Rally New Zealand over a weekend as the candidate rally for the FIA so it might just be back in 2018!

Fingers crossed for the event as I'll be heading over for it.

[dimviii]

At 28, Thierry Neuville loop his third season with the team Hyundai WRC. It interests many teams, including Citroen and his current employer, and Belgium agreed to discuss his future with our microphone.

"I have not decided for next year. Today there is no decision was taken. And everything is still open. We'll have to wait a little bit. Even for me, c is a phase where the forward wants to overtake me but we must wait and consider everything we are well advanced in negotiations Hopefully, by Spain (note: from 13 to 16 October).., have news. Everyone talks to me about this for five rallies. today, I can announce for nothing is nothing decided, "he detailed Thursday during the Tour de Corse.

At Hyundai, we ask some questions but we opted for the most obvious possible strategy: clarity. "We always negotiate because it wants to keep Thierry. It was the start and three seasons together. I do not know why this train, you have to ask to Thierry. We are optimistic and he knows very well what he can find in our team. for him to take stock and make a decision. I do not know who he still speaks now. on our side, it's very clear, "argued Alain Penasse, the builder's team manager Hyundai.


http://www.rtbf.be/sport/moteurs/rallye/wrc/detail_neuville-et-son-futur-nous-sommes-tres-avances-dans-les-negociations?id=9417673

[janvanvurpa]

Agreed to an extent
I think there is room for a variation in rally lengths, endurance 3 to 4 days or all nighter as well as sprint events, the beauty of rally is the variation in conditions, why not have a flexible format that can be manipulated by each host country...or not


Exactly that..If a local organisation can organise the manpower to pull off a longer event then give them the choice. Conditions about access and road permissions are a major hurdle, but there is no compelling reason to mandate a max SS kilometrage by rules--except a small minded do-anything-for-TV mistaken belief in "consistency" of the "package"...

Horses for courses..

Let locals decide..
All power to the Sovie .....


Wait. sorry, got carried away. Election year over here.

[Rally Power]

All power to the Sovie .....Wait. sorry, got carried away. Election year over here.


Sovi…is Sanders still on the race? Just kidding. Nice debate, btw. After this warm up I hope they put the gloves on for the next one. Nothing like seeing the world leader candidates having a fight, to restore the faith on human race…


Back to the topic and Toyoda’s flexibility argument. Amen, free routes and schedules should be the norm, not the copy paste 9 to 5 double loops, but probably that would be a hard way to get WRC into new publics (yes, we need them). Every sport has to have some kind of uniformization; that’s the best way to make them understandable to the public and gain new fans.

Honestly I think we can have competitive rallys with only 250 ss kms in one and a half days, as long we get rid of short running schedules and small loops routes. But besides those sprint lookalike events we must also have 4 or 5 old school long rallys on the WRC: a sort of Grand Slam, with two events in Europe (MC and GB), one in AP (NZ) and one on the Americas (ARG).

[aykutbilir]

For the WRC calendar Turkey has the agreement with FIA as I heard from official and annocement will be at 30th November with final schdule


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[COD]

http://toyotagazooracing.com/pages/contents/en/assets/images/release/2016/wrc/0929-01/wrc_160929_1_s.jpg
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CthUFCPWcAAL2Xh?format=jpg&name=large

I hope they find someone to do a proper livery before the season starts

[spiderem]

the i20 looks 2 times bigger than the yaris...

[Grundo Farb]

I hope they find someone to do a proper livery before the season starts

Putting lipstick on a Gorilla. That's the effect of a livery change...

[dodge33cymru]

the i20 looks 2 times bigger than the yaris...
The Quattro was twice the size of the 205; I'm looking forward to it!

[SubaruNorway]

For the WRC calendar Turkey has the agreement with FIA as I heard from official and annocement will be at 30th November with final schedule

Should we go to such unstable countries?

[skarderud]

Should we go to such unstable countries?
No, definitly not.
FIA has traditional never had problems with regimes, but to do a wrc-round in turkey this times, with a sivilian catastrophe in the nearest countries, a war in the near, and a loonitic erdogan in comand. Its plain stupid. Maybe a round in North Korea to?

Sent fra min XP7700 via Tapatalk

[Mirek]

The status of some Kurdish areas in south-eastern part of the country can be rightfully called a civil war as well. I also don't think it's good idea to go there.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

M-Sport boss Malcolm Wilson interview at TdC re 2017

http://progressive.laola1.at/wrc/podcast/SAT_WILSON_MID_TdC16.mp3

[N.O.T]

Maybe a round in North Korea to?

Sent fra min XP7700 via Tapatalk

Is there a problem with the Best korea kid ?

[Simmi]

M-Sport boss Malcolm Wilson interview at TdC re 2017

http://progressive.laola1.at/wrc/podcast/SAT_WILSON_MID_TdC16.mp3

Malcolm enjoys toying with Becsy in these interviews haha. Kubica could always have been talking to him about a Bentley GT3 car.

[GigiGalliNo1]

How have the Turkish rounds of the World Rallycross gone? Without issues? (!!!)

[aykutbilir]

How have the Turkish rounds of the World Rallycross gone? Without issues? (!!!)

Very basic
no spectators and the owner of the Istanbul Park dont want to pay lofs of money.

Aldo they are trying to get back the F1


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[aykutbilir]

Should we go to such unstable countries?

Unstable :) Turkey is still the safest country at Europe and Middle East line.

Please fly to Istanbul and be my guest :)

We do not lose any thing due to issues happened.
If it is not safe here we cannot run TRC all over.


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[Rallyper]

Unstable :) Turkey is still the safest country at Europe and Middle East line.

Please fly to Istanbul and be my guest :)

We do not lose any thing due to issues happened.
If it is not safe here we cannot run TRC all over.


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Depends on which eyes looking.

[nafpaktos]

From the beginning of the year a lot of deadly attacks have happened to Instabul with a lot of victims.Not even in Israel so many attacks.Also do you believe that Turkey is safer than Lebanon?????So please don't exaggerate by saying that it is the safest country at Europe and Middle East line.When the situation calms down then YES!!of course don't forget the fights in the Ankara with military helis and tanks drived on the roofs of cars because some crazy guys wanted the administration of the country and a lot of inoccent citizens were shooted for nothing.

[MM WRC]

the i20 looks 2 times bigger than the yaris...

The i20 is a big car. The three-door version is about the same size as the four-door one.

[aykutbilir]

I can see that so many guys talking from far away just looking at tv and newspapers.
Im living here at all issues goes on.
I never see these comments that Europen cities under attack of terror!

So FIA decide where a WRC leg will take action.

I am always welcome to honest comments but not to aggresive keyboard heros. :)




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[cali]

It's a quite bold statement that Turkey is the safest in the Europe... Makes me wonder where people make these things up. I haven't seen any attacks in Northern Europe. But I wouldn't call Turkey unsafe as well....

Sent from my ONE E1003 using Tapatalk

[N.O.T]

Turkey is fine as long as they organise the event in a place where people are interested in motorsports, because the last WRC outings where disappointing.

I would not consider Turkey more dangerous than France.

[Mirek]

I can see that so many guys talking from far away just looking at tv and newspapers.
Im living here at all issues goes on.
I never see these comments that Europen cities under attack of terror!

So FIA decide where a WRC leg will take action.

I am always welcome to honest comments but not to aggresive keyboard heros. :)




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12.1.2016 - Suicide bombing at Sultanahmed square in Istanbul, 14 dead
19.3.2016 - Suicide bombing at Isticlal Avenue in Istanbul, 5 dead
07.6.2016 - Suicide bombing at Fatih, Istanbul, 12 dead
28.6.2016 - Suicide bombing at Istanbul Atatürk airport, 48 dead
15.7.2016 - Coup attempt, large part of 280 dead happened in Istanbul

That's all only for Istanbul city in last 9 months. The last similar terror attack in my country happened on 26.1.1972 when a Yugoslavian airliner was bombed in our airspace. According to You my country isn't safe or isn't in Europe. I don't agree with both options.

[aykutbilir]

12.1.2016 - Suicide bombing at Sultanahmed square in Istanbul, 14 dead
19.3.2016 - Suicide bombing at Isticlal Avenue in Istanbul, 5 dead
07.6.2016 - Suicide bombing at Fatih, Istanbul, 12 dead
28.6.2016 - Suicide bombing at Istanbul Atatürk airport, 48 dead
15.7.2016 - Coup attempt, large part of 280 dead happened in Istanbul

That's all only for Istanbul city in last 9 months. The last similar terror attack in my country happened on 26.1.1972 when a Yugoslavian airliner was bombed in our airspace. According to You my country isn't safe or isn't in Europe. I don't agree with both options.

Yeah they are all right thats why I told Eurpe and Middle East line. Turkey stay between Europe toIraq and Syria problems and make a bumper to all terror attacks. Even Russians are at Syria which has no meaing and also we are dealing with second taliban as ISID because we are the only border democratic country try to stop them.

This is not a proper place to talk about politics and terrorism really.




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[aykutbilir]

It's a quite bold statement that Turkey is the safest in the Europe... Makes me wonder where people make these things up. I haven't seen any attacks in Northern Europe. But I wouldn't call Turkey unsafe as well....

Sent from my ONE E1003 using Tapatalk

cali I think my sentence gets wrong we are at europe middle east line right (check the map) Iraq Syria has huge problems we are just over 3 million homeless Syrian because of Syrian war and we try to feed them because any other countries in Europe dont want them

Thats why according to all these conditions we are safe. Not safer than Europen countries. Logically.


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[Mk2 RS2000]

Bring the WRC to Aussie and NZ, both countries are pretty safe and rather good in a scrap as history can confirm, but we are a tad smarter that most in that we show off our ability in a scrap offshore rather than at home.

[Sch17]

I dont think event security will be a problem i think organization can deal with that somehow. Turkey doesn't have any big rally event since 2011? At the moment they have an ERT event, upgrading that to an WRC event is a big step. So, i think the real question is, are they ready Organization wise ( Stewards etc..)?

I doubt Turkey will have a WRC event next year, for them having a ERC event first would be also a good option.

It would be nice to have a rough gravel event and going to a beautiful country especially coast side but at the end FIA makes the decision so we will see.

[Eli]

I dont think event security will be a problem i think organization can deal with that somehow. Turkey doesn't have any big rally event since 2011? At the moment they have an ERT event, upgrading that to an WRC event is a big step. So, i think the real question is, are they ready Organization wise ( Stewards etc..)?

I doubt Turkey will have a WRC event next year, for them having a ERC event first would be also a good option.

It would be nice to have a rough gravel event and going to a beautiful country especially coast side but at the end FIA makes the decision so we will see.
since 2010, shame Greece didn't get the slot, or even Japan instead of China.

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[Mirek]

Yeah they are all right thats why I told Eurpe and Middle East line. Turkey stay between Europe toIraq and Syria problems and make a bumper to all terror attacks. Even Russians are at Syria which has no meaing and also we are dealing with second taliban as ISID because we are the only border democratic country try to stop them.

This is not a proper place to talk about politics and terrorism really.

I said nothing about politics. I only listed some raw facts. This forum is a place to discuss where to hold an WRC event and I just like some other people don't agree to hold it in Turkey as we don't see it as a safe option and as You can see there are quite serious arguments for our position.

[N.O.T]

I said nothing about politics. I only listed some raw facts. This forum is a place to discuss where to hold an WRC event and I just like some other people don't agree to hold it in Turkey as we don't see it as a safe option and as You can see there are quite serious arguments for our position.

why France is ok then ?

[aykutbilir]

why France is ok then ?





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[Franky]

Safety/danger perception has two levels. One is what the media and governments say and the other is what's it really like on the spot. I'll take Iran as an example. Iran hasn't been portrayed exactly as a friendly country but being there you'll understand how wrong the whole mass media portrayal is.

Turkey has as many problems with attacks as Western Europe. The only thing that isn't exactly good is the political situation in Turkey.

The world isn't exactly normal at the moment anywhere. Lots of populism, authoritarian regimes and the seemingly never ending conflicts.

[Frostmourne]

Jordan is safe too!!! But again this is from my perspective!! Media can make things worse than what actually they are.. but this is another topic

But, I would agree it is good to avoid those hot spots all together for the safety of the public. No one knows what might happen!

[AL14]

Of course Turkey will be safe. Unless they host the event in some area like kurdistan etc...
I don't think that would be a problem. As other said, France would be dangerous as well.

[N.O.T]

We are waiting all rally fans in 2018, you capitalist swines must taste freedom first hand, you worthless slaves of your mobiles and gadgets.

http://i.imgur.com/iTB8HX3.jpg

[Franky]

We are waiting all rally fans in 2018, you capitalist swines must taste freedom first hand, you worthless slaves of your mobiles and gadgets.

http://i.imgur.com/iTB8HX3.jpg

N.O.T, you look happy on that photo

[N.O.T]

The prosperity of my people makes me happy.

[AL14]

We are waiting all rally fans in 2018, you capitalist swines must taste freedom first hand, you worthless slaves of your mobiles and gadgets.

http://i.imgur.com/iTB8HX3.jpg

It is ok as long as you don't eat puppies like your southern neighbors :D

[Mirek]

why France is ok then ?

1) The event is already there
2) There was no coup d'état attemp by large part of French army two months a go
3) There were not dozens of thousands of people arrested or fired around the whole county in the last two months
4) There is no civil war in part of the country
5) There is no war in the bordering country moreover with active participation of France

[N.O.T]

1) The event is already there
2) There was no coup d'état attemp by large part of French army two months a go
3) There were not dozens of thousands of people arrested or fired around the whole county in the last two months
4) There is no civil war in part of the country
5) There is no war in the bordering country moreover with active participation of France

All of the above reasons are irrelevant in organizing a rally event (how can a coup attempt, or the replacement of civil servants, or public unrest in the other side of the country have any relevance to organising an event ?)

The main reason is terrorism and France is as much in danger as Turkey is.

[Mirek]

It's not irrelevant when Your own airforce starts bombing Your own state institutions or infrastructure and when Your own army starts driving tanks in the streets. I don't see how a coupist F-16 bombing Ankara airport or parlament is a lesser problem than a suicide bomber blowing himself on the same place. Let's give them time. There is no need to push for an event in Turkey as soon as possible. Why can't it wait a year or two so that we can see if all that shit is nothing but past and won't happen again? WRC has enough other events, doesn't it?

[N.O.T]

It's not irrelevant when Your own airforce starts bombing Your own state institutions or infrastructure and when Your own army starts driving tanks in the streets. I don't see how a coupist F-16 bombing Ankara airport or parlament is a lesser problem than a suicide bomber blowing himself on the same place. Let's give them time. There is no need to push for an event in Turkey as soon as possible. Why can't it wait a year or two so that we can see if all that shit is nothing but past and won't happen again? WRC has enough other events, doesn't it?

if you are familiar with modern turkish history you will know that coup attempts are a normality (they had 6 or 7 since 1970), some of them were even successful.

I doubt the f-16s would aim for the WRC opening ceremony.

The main problem is terrorism and Turkey is no different than France.

I see the fact that Turkish people are not interested in motorsports a bigger problem than terrorism.

[Rally Power]

Come on guys, enough of politics. We’re all here to share a common passion: Rally!
https://youtu.be/7sACkMpUvsw

[GigiGalliNo1]

I'd rather Turkey than Australia for the WRC! And I'm Australian!

[BigWorm]

I'm dreaming of Zlin in the WRC, tricky roads with beautiful scenery. Valais is pretty nice aswell.

But being realistic I would prefer NZ to be back, iconic with fast and flowing stages. Not so sure if I want Turkey back, the 2006 rally was awful.

[seb_sh]

guys, do NOT feed the troll ;)

http://betanews.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/Troll-300x291.png


otherwise I think it's good news they are not pushing too hard to increase the number of rallies. Last time that happened the championship went into a crisis and several manufacturers retired (not only because of that but it was a factor). Also the 3 car per team rule I find very good, no more Volkswagen 2/Hyundai N nonsense.

[COD]

Putting lipstick on a Gorilla. That's the effect of a livery change...

Maybe true, but they should at least try. Now it is just shit on shit

[giu canbera]

Shouldnt GoPro be WRC's title sponsor? haha

[GigiGalliNo1]

They're not GoPros that's the thing

[Simmi]

Citroen driver decision should be made before Catalunya - http://www.rtbf.be/sport/moteurs/rallye/wrc/detail_neuville-chez-citroen-en-2017-reponse-la-semaine-prochaine?id=9419086

[Simmi]

BAM! Looks like Neuville is staying at Hyundai. Announcement imminent - http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/126496/neuville-poised-for-new-hyundai-deal

Judging by the Power Stage commentary yesterday Jon Desborough had heard the same thing. I think he even said it might get announced today.

[dimviii]

Neuvilles stay at Hyundai according to autosport.com
http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/126496/neuville-poised-for-new-hyundai-deal

[BigWorm]

Dammit, I was hoping for him in the Citroën

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Re Neuville news - Not surprised, he knows where he's well-off. Top dog in Hyundai with a car & team he knows.

Plus I bet he didnt fancy being at Citroen having team-mate Mr Meeke showing him the way every rally...

[Simmi]

Dammit, I was hoping for him in the Citroën

It would have been cool to see one big blockbuster driver transfer for 2017 but there will be enough new things with the cars and Toyota I guess.

I think this new manufacturer points scoring rule made Neuville even more important to both teams. For sure behind VW Hyundai have the best lineup.

I suppose in the fallout from this Breen is likely a big winner. Which is awesome. I don't know the situation at Hyundai but on the surface it doesn't seem the best news for Abbring.

[BigWorm]

Re Neuville news - Not surprised, he knows where he's well-off. Top dog in Hyundai with a car & team he knows.

Plus I bet he didnt fancy being at Citroen having team-mate Mr Meeke showing him the way every rally...

Maybe it's too risky to have them at the same team, both have the capability to challenge Ogier but they also have that crash factor. They always have a few offroad excursions.

[Simmi]

Evans still unsure about 2017 - http://www.wrc.com/en/wrc/news/october-2016/evans-2017/page/3943--12-12-.html

He'd be unlucky not to get back into a WRC car I think but I can't see him ending up anywhere but M-Sport/Dmack.

If I had to guess I'd peg him to replace Tanak at Dmack. With Ott going back up to the 'factory' team.

[Rallyper]

BAM! Looks like Neuville is staying at Hyundai. Announcement imminent - http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/126496/neuville-poised-for-new-hyundai-deal

Judging by the Power Stage commentary yesterday Jon Desborough had heard the same thing. I think he even said it might get announced today.

Told ya. You could read it between the lines in his answer after PS yesterday.

[BigWorm]

Evans still unsure about 2017 - http://www.wrc.com/en/wrc/news/october-2016/evans-2017/page/3943--12-12-.html

He'd be unlucky not to get back into a WRC car I think but I can't see him ending up anywhere but M-Sport/Dmack.

If I had to guess I'd peg him to replace Tanak at Dmack. With Ott going back up to the 'factory' team.

I honestly think Evans is as much as a mystery as Mads. Looks the business when he's driving an RC2-spec this year but his 2015 campaign was very disappointing for me. 2 stage wins during that year is not impressing, Tänak can produce more in a single rally.

[stefanvv]

I honestly think Evans is as much as a mystery as Mads. Looks the business when he's driving an RC2-spec this year but his 2015 campaign was very disappointing for me. 2 stage wins during that year is not impressing, Tänak can produce more in a single rally.

What do You expect from 1st year in wrc (if You're not Loeb or Ogier)?

[rallyfiend]

What do You expect from 1st year in wrc (if You're not Loeb or Ogier)?

He had two years in WRC...

[maciotacio]

I wonder, which drivers he is referring to that he's "a lot" faster. I see only Camilli and Hanninen, Mads future is also uncertain. I don't see him a lot faster than Hyundai boys either VW. Last year he was really mediocre on gravel events. In pace wise, i would have expected more from a guy having factory seat for 2nd year. Only consistency was his strong point and also tarmac rounds.

[stefanvv]

He had two years in WRC...

Yes, You're right, apologies. So what does someone expects from 2nd year in wrc? It took long time for Tanak to achieve what he did in Poland last & this year.

[EstWRC]

long? last year it was also his second year in a WRC car and first time in Poland with a WRC car.

[stefanvv]

Tanak is in WRC since 2012, Evans - 2014

[N.O.T]

Evans is nothing.

Tanak showed speed very early.

[EightGear]

Tanak is in WRC since 2012, Evans - 2014

No.

Tanak was in a world rally car in 2012, but came back back to it only in 2015.

If we're counting years in WRC since their junior years then Evans was in WRC in 2012 as well (Tanak 2010).

[BigWorm]

Tanak is in WRC since 2012, Evans - 2014

I think their mileages in a WRC car are pretty close to eachother. The second season was meant for Evans to unleash his best driving, if he did so it was nothing impressive. Tänak did just that in his first season in 2012 and he set a lot more better times in comparison.

[stefanvv]

Tanak was in a world rally car in 2012, but came back back to it only in 2015.

yes but had also 2014, most of them in second league, but still the same rallies, mostly.

[stefanvv]

I think their mileages in a WRC car are pretty close to eachother. The second season was meant for Evans to unleash his best driving, if he did so it was nothing impressive. Tänak did just that in his first season in 2012 and he set a lot more better times in comparison.

Better times, but no results anyway. Tanak is fast, Evans is consistent, and fast on some occasions.

[mousti]

Seems Neuville got an offer with Lots of money and promise to be number 1 driver at Hyundai I think. I hope he didn't make the wrong choice like Loix and Duval..

Verstuurd vanaf mijn ONE E1003 met Tapatalk

[RS]

Evans still unsure about 2017 - http://www.wrc.com/en/wrc/news/october-2016/evans-2017/page/3943--12-12-.html

He'd be unlucky not to get back into a WRC car I think but I can't see him ending up anywhere but M-Sport/Dmack.

If I had to guess I'd peg him to replace Tanak at Dmack. With Ott going back up to the 'factory' team.

Quite possibly, but I wonder whether Camilli's contract guarantees him a 'drive in a M-Sport World Rally Car" or a 'drive in the main M-Sport factory team'

IMO Malcolm would be better off putting Evans back in the main team and Camilli in at DMack.

[RS]

I wonder, which drivers he is referring to that he's "a lot" faster. I see only Camilli and Hanninen, Mads future is also uncertain. I don't see him a lot faster than Hyundai boys either VW. Last year he was really mediocre on gravel events. In pace wise, i would have expected more from a guy having factory seat for 2nd year. Only consistency was his strong point and also tarmac rounds.

He probably means Camilli, Ostberg, Abbring (and maybe Bertelli, Al Qassimi, Prokop if we are talking about pay drivers too)

[pantealex]

Last week you all were sure that Hänninen and Lappi will drive full season with Yaris...
This week Neuville stays in Hyundai...
Next week M-Sport drivers ???

Don´t believe everything that "outsiders" write !!!

I´m pretty sure that there are surprises coming ;)

[Simmi]

Quite possibly, but I wonder whether Camilli's contract guarantees him a 'drive in a M-Sport World Rally Car" or a 'drive in the main M-Sport factory team'

IMO Malcolm would be better off putting Evans back in the main team and Camilli in at DMack.

Yeah I was wondering about exactly the scenario you mention. It depends how much of the decision is Malcolm's - and how much is Dick Cormack's. Mr Dmack might not want Camilli in the car. Okay M-Sport are running their car but they are paying customers. They might want their own guy in the car - whether that is an Evans or maybe Tidemand/Suninen etc.

[COD]

Suninen probably to M-sport with Jouhki money. Same as Latvala and Hirvonen before

[Simmi]

Well Jouhki met with Wilson in Corsica. And I think also in Germany (with the Kalle Rovanpera entourage).

[Andre Oliveira]

My guess:

VW
1. Ogier
2. Latvala
3. Mikkelsen

Hyundai
4. Neuville
5. Sordo
6. Paddon

M-Sport
7. Tänak
8. Camilli
9. Suninen

Citroën
10. Meeke
11. Breen
12. Lefebvre/Al-Qassimi

Toyota
14. Hänninen
15. Lappi
16. Nikara

DMACK
17. Evans

Jipocar
18. Prokop

Fuckmatie
37. Bertelli

[cali]

With these news in hand I seriously hope Tänak to Citroën. Two crash prone but very fast drivers. Could be fun :D

Sent from my ONE E1003 using Tapatalk

[Simmi]

With these news in hand I seriously hope Tänak to Citroën. Two crash prone but very fast drivers. Could be fun :D

Sent from my ONE E1003 using Tapatalk

Weren't there reports out of Estonia that Tanak had turned down an offer from Citroen? EstWRC will remember.

[EstWRC]

no, i didnt say the team name that time and it wasnt Citroen...two asian car makers were offering a deal for him.

[raybak]

ACT Labor government election promise to bring Asia Pacific and eventually WRC to Canberra. They will have to give us some more roads back but I could make up an awesome 3 day event with the use of catchment areas.

Ray

[Maui J.]

no, i didnt say the team name that time and it wasnt Citroen...two asian car makers were offering a deal for him.

Two asian car manufacturers? Sounds interesting. Any more info who they were?

[RS]

Two asian car manufacturers? Sounds interesting. Any more info who they were?

Erm, Hyundai and Toyota?

[GigiGalliNo1]

New Fiesta is taking shape

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20161004/4ffd21425041524f7a9d051339dfb08f.png

[BigWorm]

New Fiesta is taking shape

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20161004/4ffd21425041524f7a9d051339dfb08f.png

Looks like a new front? It's nice looking aerdynamicly-wise anyway.

It also looks like the driver is wearing glasses so I would guess it's Camilli who's driving, which wouldn't be a surprise anyway.

[EstWRC]

Yeah it seems to me it is Camilli not Tänak like the poster in instagram is saying. It has the 2017 Fiesta body now as i can see.

[liposh]

Watching how far the cars are from standard cars in series I start thinking Mirek wasn´t totally out with suggesting the NASCAR way of making the new WRC cars. It would be much more cheaper. You know what I mean.

[Arnold Triyudho Wardono]

New Fiesta is taking shape

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20161004/4ffd21425041524f7a9d051339dfb08f.png
Mini Focus RSRX..

Sent from my A12 using Tapatalk

[Mirek]

Does anybody know what are 2017 homologation requirements in terms of produced cars? I seriously doubt Ford can be in time with the new stock car for January.

[TWRC]

Does anybody know what are 2017 homologation requirements in terms of produced cars? I seriously doubt Ford can be in time with the new stock car for January.
They can get around that, the Vesta WTCC car was also racing about half a year before the road-going Vestas went on sale.

[macebig]

It won't be a problem.Peugeot had to create the 206 GT to get over the 4 m length limit so as the 206 WRC could be granted homologation and 206 GT sales didn't start until late 1999.

[Mirek]

They can get around that, the Vesta WTCC car was also racing about half a year before the road-going Vestas went on sale.

Are You sure that WTCC rules require the same as WRC rules?


It won't be a problem.Peugeot had to create the 206 GT to get over the 4 m length limit so as the 206 WRC could be granted homologation and 206 GT sales didn't start until late 1999.

Nearly 20 years a go and it was just a version of the said model which already was on the market for some time.

[macebig]

4 meter length limit was primary back then.Without a production car over that there was no homologation.Peugeot created the 206 GT to pass the mark and in 2003 Skoda followed suit with the Fabia RS.

[Mirek]

I know but it's still very different to get the homologation for a yet non-existent version of said serially produced car (with basically only different bumpers) or for a car which hasn't yet entered production at all.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

David Evans ‏@davidevansrally
Plan for the morning: open eyes, check @autosport.

Sounds like some big announcement/reveal coming... :)

[EstWRC]

Hyundai line-up is my guess

[rallyfiend]

Citroen:
Meeke, Lefeb, Breen.

[JUF]

Citroën confirmed: http://www.citroenracing.com/en/2016/news/wrc-news/70730/citroen-reveals-its-crews-for-the-2017-and-2018-fia-world-rally-championships/

[Eli]

Citroën confirmed: http://www.citroenracing.com/en/2016/news/wrc-news/70730/citroen-reveals-its-crews-for-the-2017-and-2018-fia-world-rally-championships/
jusr beat me to it: http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/126512/citroen-announces-2017-wrc-lineup
yess, Well deserved for all crews, hope they'll do Citroen proud & kick some VW's butt.

Sent from my GT-I9300 using Tapatalk

[Oliverk]

I know but it's still very different to get the homologation for a yet non-existent version of said serially produced car (with basically only different bumpers) or for a car which hasn't yet entered production at all.

Why do you worry about such things? Do you really think that everybody in MSport is stupid and don't know how the homologation process works?

[Simmi]

Motorsport News says they will rotate until round 6 in Portugal and then run three cars. Fingers crossed they can bring that forward a bit but at least it's coming. Pleasant surprise to see all three guys are locked in through the next two seasons.

[Mirek]

Why do you worry about such things? Do you really think that everybody in MSport is stupid and don't know how the homologation process works?

Of course not. You can clearly see what I asked for in my first question - if there is anybody who knows what is written in the 2017 rules. Nobody gave any answer. Saying that there is definitely a way is not an answer to my question. I want to know what is written black on white not what somebody feels about it.

[RS]

That's VW, Citroen and Hyundai sorted then. Curious to see what Ford do.

When can we expect Toyota official announcement?

[rp]

It must be somekind of surprise! Surely Breen and Lefebvre were going to continue with the Citroën, but was thinking that they are sharing the 3rd car.

No way that Citroën is able to fight for the Manufacturers title with this lineup! Both Breen and Lefebvre are too inexperienced to compete with Ogier, Latvala, Mikkelsen, Neuville, Sordo and Paddon. A couple of times they can beat them, but it will be difficult.

[Eli]

It must be somekind of surprise! Surely Breen and Lefebvre were going to continue with the Citroën, but was thinking that they are sharing the 3rd car.

No way that Citroën is able to fight for the Manufacturers title with this lineup! Both Breen and Lefebvre are too inexperienced to compete with Ogier, Latvala, Mikkelsen, Neuville, Sordo and Paddon. A couple of times they can beat them, but it will be difficult.
Citroen are probably thinking ahead of Meek's retirement, they want a good basis for the future IMHO.

Sent from my GT-I9300 using Tapatalk

[jbmarcus21]

OFFICIAL Neuville deals 2 Years 2017-2018 with Hyundai => http://bit.ly/2dqQ2Z9

[RS]

It must be somekind of surprise! Surely Breen and Lefebvre were going to continue with the Citroën, but was thinking that they are sharing the 3rd car.


Because they couldn't get Neuville..

Only other possible choice in order to fight for a title would be Tanak, but maybe they didn't quite have enough confidence in him?

[GigiGalliNo1]

Could Citroen not build up points and still fight for the title regardless of winning drivers. See Hyundai and VW this year.

[AL14]

Worse silly season from years.

[jacko]

Monte Carlo: Meeke, Lefebvre (Breen in the 2016 car)
Sweden: Meeke, Breen (Lefebvre in the 2016 car)
Mexico: Meeke, Breen or Lefebvre in second 2017 car, the other one in the 2016 car
France: Meeke, Breen or Lefebvre in second 2017 car, the other one also in the 2017 car otherwise in the 2016 car
Argentina: Meeke, Breen or Lefebvre in second 2017 car, the other one also in the 2017 car otherwise in the 2016 car
Portugal (and rest of the season): Meeke, Breen and Lefebvre all three in the 2017 car

Also i think Citroën will send at least Breen to rally Australia this year and maybe Lefebvre aswell but he drove this one already last year. And there is a option for both drivers to compete in the last rally in France (Du Var) as a extra test for rally Monte Carlo.

Note: S. Al Qassimi possible drives Mexico & Argentina (and to be confirmed other ones) with 2016 car, later on the season almost sure also in the 2017 car.

[tomhlord]

Note: S. Al Qassimi possible drives Mexico & Argentina (and to be confirmed other ones) with 2016 car, later on the season almost sure also in the 2017 car.

'At some rounds of the 2017 World Championship, a fourth Citroën C3 WRC will also be entered for Sheikh Khalid Al Qassimi and Chris Patterson.' http://www.citroenracing.com/en/2016/news/wrc-news/70730/citroen-reveals-its-crews-for-the-2017-and-2018-fia-world-rally-championships/

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Great Citroen news, especially for Breen as he has really earned his chance with his 2016 drives.

Interesting that him and Lefebvre will still use the 2016 car to gain WRC event experience.

[EstWRC]

Worse silly season from years.

Agreed, in the middle of the season it seemed we may have some new line-ups with Tänak to Toyota/Hyundai, Neuville to Citroen and Suninen to Hyundai but in the end nothing happened. i think big part of it is that there will be new cars, nobody didnt want to wait until the end of the season to get the taste of the new car and team. Plus, you already know the current team and car but with the new team you would have started all over and too little time to prepare for next year.

[rallyfiend]

Interesting that him and Lefebvre will still use the 2016 car to gain WRC event experience.

WHo said they were? It's clear in the release they'll alternate in a '17 car until the third car is available...

[Fast Eddie WRC]

WHo said they were? It's clear in the release they'll alternate in a '17 car until the third car is available...

Jacko above...

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Colin Clarke: 'Question for the rules gurus! Could @CitroenRacing put either Craig or Stephane in a 2016 car early next year and still score manu points?'

[Andre Oliveira]

My guess:

VW
1. Ogier
2. Latvala
3. Mikkelsen

Hyundai
4. Neuville
5. Sordo
6. Paddon

M-Sport
7. Tänak
8. Camilli
9. Suninen

Citroën
10. Meeke
11. Breen
12. Lefebvre/Al-Qassimi

Toyota
14. Hänninen
15. Lappi
16. Nikara

DMACK
17. Evans

Jipocar
18. Prokop

Fuckmatie
37. Bertelli


Come on M-Sport and Toyota :) don't screw my guess please

[WUff1]

I think Ostberg will stay at M-Sport as pay driver, so other drivers will be Camilli and Tänak, Suninen for WRC2 like Evans this year. Evans will be left over.

[Simmi]

I think Ostberg will stay at M-Sport as pay driver, so other drivers will be Camilli and Tänak, Suninen for WRC2 like Evans this year. Evans will be left over.

And Dmack? That is the big question for me. I'm wondering whether Suninen could take that drive? I'm also starting the think Evans will be left without a seat.

[focus206]

Shame, I wished for Neuville at Citroen. Glad for Breen and Lefebvre but no way Citroen will be able to fight for manufacturer title unless C3 for some reason is a rocket

[BigWorm]

I don't think Suninen will be in WRC next year, he's not better than Evans or even Tidemand for that matter. If he's going somewhere it's DMACK I would guess, but wouldn't a UK based team want a British driver like Evans(who is most likely to outperform him anyway).

[Simmi]

I don't think Suninen will be in WRC next year, he's not better than Evans or even Tidemand for that matter. If he's going somewhere it's DMACK I would guess, but wouldn't a UK based team want a British driver like Evans(who is most likely to outperform him anyway).

I don't think we know that Suninen would be out-performed by those guys at all.

I think Dmack want the quickest driver to show off their product. The biggest issue for Evans was he had two years at WRC level and he very rarely flashed pace. I don't think anyone is expecting him to be winning rallies but all the top drivers have shown more than that. And he himself has said that's he's not going to have developed this year in R5 cars.

Like I said earlier in the thread I think it depends what Dick Cormack wants.

[BigWorm]

I don't think we know that Suninen would be out-performed by those guys at all.

I think Dmack want the quickest driver to show off their product. The biggest issue for Evans was he had two years at WRC level and he very rarely flashed pace. I don't think anyone is expecting him to be winning rallies but all the top drivers have shown more than that. And he himself has said that's he's not going to have developed this year in R5 cars.

Like I said earlier in the thread I think it depends what Dick Cormack wants.

I don't rate Evans that much at all but I think he has been quicker than Suninen overall this year.

[AL14]

I don't think Suninen will be in WRC next year, he's not better than Evans or even Tidemand for that matter. If he's going somewhere it's DMACK I would guess, but wouldn't a UK based team want a British driver like Evans(who is most likely to outperform him anyway).

You should think in terms of potential. This guy is at his second year (first and a half to be precise) at WRC2 and he is going to win it.
It is very difficult to find one driver who got so fast so early in a 4x4 car at the maximum level. I think that among youngsters he is for sure the most interesting one so far.

[Thousandlakes]

For sure Suninen is big talent. Like AL14 wrote 1.5 years in wrc rallying. Lack of experience and like forexample Neste Rally he was driving some very good stage times. especially winning ss14, ss18 and ss19 I think norf stage times tells more about pure speed than some other rallies. Ok Corsica wasnt good but last day was ok already. Wait and see Catalonia ;) He was no reason one of the fastest karting drivers in Europe and Finland. I think he needs his chance in top level if not next year then 2018. Hope Jouhki make good deal for him :)

[N.O.T]

why waste a car with useless Lefebre ? The guy is nothing. They should have invested full time on breen.

[pantealex]

Why would Suninen go to M-Sport R5 ?

My guess is factory Skoda R5

[EightGear]

He was no reason one of the fastest karting drivers in Europe and Finland. I think he needs his chance in top level if not next year then 2018. Hope Jouhki make good deal for him :)

His karting background is something that made me wonder the other day.

Pretty much all top-level kart racers focus on circuit racing with F1 being their ultimate goal, but what if some of them instead focus on a rallying career? Compared to the non-karting rally drivers you would imagine they would have an advantage.

[EstWRC]

why waste a car with useless Lefebre ? The guy is nothing. They should have invested full time on breen.

He was saved by his nationality.

[Rallyper]

OFFICIAL Neuville deals 2 Years 2017-2018 with Hyundai => http://bit.ly/2dqQ2Z9

That´s what you could read between the lines last Sunday at finish on RS.

[BigWorm]

You should think in terms of potential. This guy is at his second year (first and a half to be precise) at WRC2 and he is going to win it.
It is very difficult to find one driver who got so fast so early in a 4x4 car at the maximum level. I think that among youngsters he is for sure the most interesting one so far.

I don't rule out him in the future, but I don't think he's good enough yet to be in the main class. Maybe in 2 years, but Evans and Tidemand should be the ahead of him when picking drivers now.

[Rally Power]

Smart move from Hyundai. They’re keeping their most complete driver and with this line up they’ll still be VW’s main competitors. A bit disappointed not to see Matton running for Tanak, probably Green’s fantastic exhibitions were determinant for that. Still, Citroen will be weaker than main rivals.


The biggest issue for Evans was he had two years at WRC level and he very rarely flashed pace. I don't think anyone is expecting him to be winning rallies but all the top drivers have shown more than that. And he himself has said that's he's not going to have developed this year in R5 cars.

Let's be fair: Evans did a fine first WRC season in ’14 (not great like the one Breen’s having but much better than Camilli’s), making people to raise expectations for ’15. He wasn’t able to full fit those but during ‘16 he brilliantly dominated BRC and gave Skoda’s squad a superb fight in WRC2. He totally deserves to be in WRC.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Elfyn Evans to DMack WRC makes perfect sense. He's a Brit, has WRC experience, M-Sport experience and DMack tyre experience (2016 BRC)...

Plus he is super-hungry to get back into a WRC car and so would give it everything.

http://www.dmacktyres.com/uploads/image_directories/team_drivers/lrg/elfyn_evans_h_s_2.jpg

[AndyRAC]

He was saved by his nationality.

I think there is some truth in that. He hasn't achieved too much - he has shown the odd flicker of promise in previous seasons. However, I don't think Citroen could take a chance running 2 drivers from the Emerald isle - and the possible backlash about not supporting French talent.

However, you wish him well, especially after his monster shunt in Deutschland.

[Andre Oliveira]

Fiesta RS WRC 2017 by Jaume Soler

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ngH2Ums1yKU

[dimviii]

Fiesta RS WRC 2017 by Jaume Soler

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ngH2Ums1yKU

nice sound from engine.

[Mirek]

That's some lovely sound!

[Fast Eddie WRC]

His karting background is something that made me wonder the other day.

Pretty much all top-level kart racers focus on circuit racing with F1 being their ultimate goal, but what if some of them instead focus on a rallying career? Compared to the non-karting rally drivers you would imagine they would have an advantage.

Craig Breen started in Karting in1999-2007...

[EightGear]

Craig Breen started in Karting in1999-2007...
I'm talking about guys in karting at the very top of the world, who could win world championships. No disrespect to anyone but that's quite a difference.

[Rallyper]

That's some lovely sound!

Both yes and no. As the subtitle told us they had some engine problems which might could be heard during the test. To me there was a disturbing noise from the exhaust which to me means they don´t have optimal construction on either inlet or exhaust system.
That´s me doing some thinking after listening to loads of engines during the years since early 60´s.

[Thousandlakes]

Suninen got European karting championship bronze medal at season 2010 (KF2) and 2011 he took gold at supernational series at USA. That is pretty impressive results as we know how tough is competitions at those series. Breen "just" won Irish national gold. Before this season I think that Breen was just semi-talented driver. But ok. He has lot to proof next season in Citroen. Suninen really have speed there and he have strong head also.



I'm talking about guys in karting at the very top of the world, who could win world championships. No disrespect to anyone but that's quite a difference.

[adr17]

Both yes and no. As the subtitle told us they had some engine problems which might could be heard during the test. To me there was a disturbing noise from the exhaust which to me means they don´t have optimal construction on either inlet or exhaust system.
That´s me doing some thinking after listening to loads of engines during the years since early 60´s.

So your saying the engine inlet or exhaust isn't designed properly from the sound of the exhaust on a 3 minute youtube vid

I expect Mercedes f1 will be ringing you soon to offer you a job with your talent

[cali]

Actually the description below the video stated engine problems. I think this was not Per's own conclusion. But it sounded lovely for a malfunctioning engine :P

Sent from my ONE E1003 using Tapatalk

[Rally Power]

They can get around that, the Vesta WTCC car was also racing about half a year before the road-going Vestas went on sale.

That’s interesting and it really makes sense to ease up homologation. WRC cars (like those from WTCC) are mainly protos, homologated with a very large number of variants and options over their basic Gr.A forms. There’s no need to wait for the 2500 units production required by general rules.

That’s also a marketing innovation. Will Ford, VW and Toyota do the same that Lada did and base their ’17 WRC’s on future production models? In Ford’s case, it seems they’ll be able to present the new Mk7 Fiesta slightly before the WRC version gets the road in MC. We can hope this will represent a deeper involvement of Ford in WRC. That would be great!

[dimviii]

any news?

https://scontent.fath3-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/14484612_10210591821057524_3278099261492014653_n.j pg?oh=8518d3d2df8efed69e16fcb095803f55&oe=5861A04B

[dimviii]

Thierry Neuville had no offer or VW or Citroën complete.

The surprising news was confirmed by Hyundai. Three hours after formalizing Citroën Craig Breen and Stéphane Lefebvre alongside Kris Meeke in 2017, the Korean mill has provided the two-year contract extension Thierry Neuville who will continue to partner with Hayden Paddon and Dani Sordo. "I am very happy to continue the adventure started in 2014 with Hyundai," said Monaco resident. "I believe we made the best choice, the most logical."

The statement may seem surprising. If staying at Hyundai seemed so obvious, why then waited so long to resign? To test the market and, above all, to raise the stakes. Indeed, if the value of our compatriot had fallen sharply earlier this year, it has been revised upwards with the excellent results achieved in recent weeks.

But the fact remains that if Hyundai is the best proposals he had in hand (not hard to face returning Toyota and M-Sport means missing), it remains the second choice.

But Thierry did not see this eye. "We have long known that there is no place at VW until 2019 and I was aware that Citroën was no longer an option for weeks already."

Hyundai was the best of the rest, as is already often the case behind VW on the roads of the WRC. "True, but this year it has evolved with the new car. Who would have thought six months ago today that I would fight for the title of vice-champion? And we will surprise the next races and in 2017 . I believe it. All pilots were sacred rally in recent years have been due to their brand loyalty. "

Although in the case of Thierry and Nicolas, it is a bit forced. The truth is that they will stay not by love or real conviction, but because they have not found better elsewhere. We have to hope for them that WRC 2017 will be competitive. "I will not know until after having tried after Catalonia. But I am confident."

http://m.dhnet.be/sports/moteurs/neuville-hyundai-le-meilleur-de-mes-choix-57f5000fcd70e9985fea372f

[Rallyper]

So your saying the engine inlet or exhaust isn't designed properly from the sound of the exhaust on a 3 minute youtube vid

I expect Mercedes f1 will be ringing you soon to offer you a job with your talent

Boy, you don´t know how hard it is to get a proper inlet, or exhaust, however this is turboengines which makes it´s easier without dropping efficiency. Sound though tells you how bad or good it´s designed.

[adr17]

Boy, you don´t know how hard it is to get a proper inlet, or exhaust, however this is turboengines which makes it´s easier without dropping efficiency. Sound though tells you how bad or good it´s designed.

really ? i think cfd , flow bench and dyno is a better way to develop an inlet and exhaust system than a ear .

i been working in wrc for 15 years now and you are the only guy i know that can evaluate the design of a engine from a youtube video through a video camera s microphone

fair play old man

[N.O.T]

i been working in wrc for 15 years now

In which post ?

[Grundo Farb]

In which post ?

Catering.

[Grundo Farb]

really ? i think cfd , flow bench and dyno is a better way to develop an inlet and exhaust system than a ear .

i been working in wrc for 15 years now and you are the only guy i know that can evaluate the design of a engine from a youtube video through a video camera s microphone

fair play old man

I have modified an old car from the 70's/80's and turned it into a tarmac rally car and ALL the engine specialists I talked to predominantly use their ear as part of the tuning process. "Tearing calico sheets" was the sound described to me that my car should sound like at full throttle and 6500 RPM.

You don't design the exhaust and intake using your ear of course but Rallyper is right, the ear is a good guide to let you know if something is amiss.

[jbmarcus21]

Rally Sweden 2017 include 18stages and back to Torsby ➡️ http://bit.ly/2dPlJHh

[tommeke_B]

Nice change for Sweden, looking forward! :) It looks like around 60% of the stage kilometers will be new for all WRC drivers.

[spiderem]

will mikkelsen replace jari mati in the main team of VW?

[Ljuke]

will mikkelsen replace jari mati in the main team of VW?

There won't be main team and secondary team I think. All three drivers will be in one team and the points of the top 2 in an event will count to the championship.

[spiderem]

There won't be main team and secondary team I think. All three drivers will be in one team and the points of the top 2 in an event will count to the championship.

Thanks

[Rallyper]

really ? i think cfd , flow bench and dyno is a better way to develop an inlet and exhaust system than a ear .

i been working in wrc for 15 years now and you are the only guy i know that can evaluate the design of a engine from a youtube video through a video camera s microphone

fair play old man

Who said anything about designing? Just told you what sound I heard. If you´d worked 16,5 years you´d know what I meant.

[RS]

So M-Sport didn't announce this week after all.. looks like they could provide the most interesting aspect of the drivers market this year.

[nafpaktos]

Any news about Abbring's outings next year?

[EightGear]

Any news about Abbring's outings next year?
I think Neuville's contract extention at Hyundai has been pretty bad news for him...

[RAS007]

So M-Sport didn't announce this week after all.. looks like they could provide the most interesting aspect of the drivers market this year.

Any chance they'll sign someone capable of winning, or will they continue with the current policy of securing 7th and 8th on every rally?

[N.O.T]

Any chance they'll sign someone capable of winning, or will they continue with the current policy of securing 7th and 8th on every rally?

M-sport gives the cars to the highest bidder.

Winners prefer to get paid.

[mousti]

It seems that Ostberg has no agreement with MSport for the moment. Camilli and Tanak has tested with the '17 car no footage yet of Slowberg.

[Rallyper]

Lucky to Ford WRC2 team? For me that would be a most natural and spectacular move from MW.

[Thousandlakes]

He is spectacular driver but he has made spectacular crashes aswell ;) would be nice to see him drive wrc2. Wrc need personalities like lucky.

[TWRC]

I think Neuville's contract extention at Hyundai has been pretty bad news for him...
I think he would be better of with R5 in WRC2 and some WRC outings next year. And even with Neuville gone, I don't think he would've been the 3rd driver next year.

[pantealex]

Neuville, Breen and Lefebvre all have 2 year deals, so is there any drivers who could move to 2018.

If Toyota (or Ford) is good, who is available for 2018 ?

[Simmi]

Neuville, Breen and Lefebvre all have 2 year deals, so is there any drivers who could move to 2018.

If Toyota (or Ford) is good, who is available for 2018 ?

All 3 VW drivers?

Certainly VW and JML could decide not to take the option on his services in 2018. Does anyone actually know how long Mikkelsen and Ogier's deals are for? They don't seem to have been publicly stated.

It could be almost all driver contracts are up at the end of 2018. Only guys I've read who have options for 2019 are Latvala and Sordo. But that means almost nothing.

[seb_sh]

All 3 VW drivers?

Certainly VW and JML could decide not to take the option on his services in 2018. Does anyone actually know how long Mikkelsen and Ogier's deals are for? They don't seem to have been publicly stated.

It could be almost all driver contracts are up at the end of 2018. Only guys I've read who have options for 2019 are Latvala and Sordo. But that means almost nothing.

VW hasn't given exact dates just hints like "multi year". Going on how they announced in 2014 that they are extending their participation to 2019 (was until 2015 initially) I'd expect Ogier and maybe Mikkelsen have deals or options until then. That's just me speculating but if I was deciding at VW that's what I would try to do.

[dimviii]

WRC - THE 2017 WORLD RALLY CAR - ON BOARD WITH SAFETY

http://www.fia.com/news/wrc-2017-world-rally-car-board-safety

[dimviii]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Cub2y26WEAAMkkG.jpg

[Simmi]

In Motorsport News today Michel Nandan says he would like to keep Kevin Abbring next year - primarily as a test driver.

But he's aware that Abbring wants to do more rallies. So if nothing else it seems that Hyundai will still aim to retain four drivers on their books.

In other news they are saying that the China round will likely be held back until 2018. They again say rumours are there wasn't too much wrong with the roads this year and it wasn't enough reason for cancellation.

There are also quotes from Ogier and Matton expressing doubts about whether the WRC should be in Turkey.

Also Malcolm Wilson is calling for the current road running order to remain the same...

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Any more on that China Rally story ?

[Simmi]

Any more on that China Rally story ?

Yeah sure.

The story says the rally will be postponed until 2018 according to MN sources.

One source in China said that they drove the entire rally route this year and only two places would have caused a problem. And one of those could be fixed easily.

So basically it was the local organiser's decision to cancel and it seems that the area doesn't want the rally. Which is all stuff we've heard before. But the article doesn't mention the lack of funding which was heavily rumoured as the real reason the rally didn't happen.

Matton quoted as saying he wants a sustainable rally in China. So not one that will run once and then disappear. And he says there is no need to rush - which is a bit rich given the ultimatums Citroen seemed to give about going to China.

[EstWRC]

more about the new m-sport car?

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Cuj3FyXW8AAAKPW.jpg

[Simmi]

Didn't find out too much about the new car apart from M-Sport are very confident in it. David Evans sat in with Matt Wilson on a recent test. They were able to try some stuff on an existing car with a big restrictor in testing before creating the mule which ran before Finland.

[KiwiWRCfan]

first clues on 2017 Rally Portugal itinerary https://twitter.com/_D10M_/status/786163015297019904/photo/1

[Andre Oliveira]

Luílhas is lovely stage... fast sections, harpins, rocks.... fantastic choice. Love Confurco in Fafe, but i will go to Luílhas on Sunday.

[jbmarcus21]

Itinerary Portugal 2017 ➡️ http://bit.ly/2dYuLSR

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Report from @TheDDuran of more than one option for @MadsOstberg in 2017. The Norwegian expects to confirm plans before Rally Australia.. https://t.co/Lm8iO5CYwE

[Mintexmemory]

Report from @TheDDuran of more than one option for @MadsOstberg in 2017.

Presumably that's 2 options
a) Carry on in Vulture mode picking up the occasional top 5. Or
b) Give up and find a new past time!

[Simmi]

Michelin remain in the WRC for the next 3 years.

Reading between the lines I think this puts an end to any stupid control tyre talk - http://www.wrc.com/en/wrc/news/october-2016/michelin-deal/page/3967--12-12-.html

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Presumably that's 2 options
a) Carry on in Vulture mode picking up the occasional top 5. Or
b) Give up and find a new past time!

He's not deliberately doing a)... he's going as fast as he can, it's just the others are now faster...

And why should he do b)... if he gets a chance to carry on in WRC, wouldn't we all do that given the chance ? And he's still quicker than the WRC privateers like Prokop, Bertelli etc.

[N.O.T]

wouldn't we all do that given the chance ?

No, Some of us have a thing called "self respect", look it up in the dictionary to find its meaning because i doubt with your mindset will ever be able to figure out its purpose in life.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Julian Porter has just interviewed Mads several times in Spain and indicated there were some 'very, very, interesting possibilities' for him in 2017.

That must surely mean a chance in a Toyota, as continuing at M-Sport couldnt be classed like that...

[BicioWrc]

Julian Porter has just interviewed Mads several times in Spain and indicated there were some 'very, very, interesting possibilities' for him in 2017.

That must surely mean a chance in a Toyota, as continuing at M-Sport couldnt be classed like that...
Yeah from what he said all make think to Toyota...so in case 3 cars: hanninen,Ostberg,Lappi?

[RS]

Yeah from what he said all make think to Toyota...so in case 3 cars: hanninen,Ostberg,Lappi?

I imagine the two Finns would mostly be faster than Ostberg across the season but he would probably score more points than both.

Not a bad move for either side maybe.

[BicioWrc]

I imagine the two Finns would mostly be faster than Ostberg across the season but he would probably score more points than both.

Not a bad move for either side maybe.

If as i think contract is for one year, yeah could be good move. u have consistent driver, with big experience and he can maybe help also to development car (also if i never heard he have so great skill in this sector)...after for 2018 their could look for someone else

[Rally Power]

Yeah from what he said all make think to Toyota...so in case 3 cars: hanninen,Ostberg,Lappi?

Why not Evans instead of Ostberg?

[stefanvv]

Why not Evans instead of Ostberg?

Not because they just might succeed.

[Rally Power]

Not because they just might succeed.

Didn't get it. Can you explain?

[stefanvv]

Didn't get it. Can you explain?

Evans is very good and ambitious driver, so they would profit. But may be they cold prefer someone else for whatever reason. Sorry can't explain it well cause I might have a headache thinking too much about it.

PS: I'm in general disappointed by Toyota's driver choice so far (if that helps), but who knows, we might be surprised in near future?!?

[BicioWrc]

Why not Evans instead of Ostberg?

If I'm in makinen i will go 100% with Evans in front of Ostberg...sensation is that drivers look to toyota as 5th option and have less consideration of m-sport.
So is possible that choise of Ostberg was only way for Makinen to take a Wrc driver with some years of experience in wrc. (my dream of course was to see Luky in an official wrc car but this will remain a dream)
We will need some more insider infos about which drivers toyota made offers and expecially opinions of drivers about toyota project. also if looking what's happening we can already suppose:)

[seb_sh]

Didn't get it. Can you explain?

I think he means that in his opinion Toyota have made poor choices so far and Evans would be a good choice so they didn't take him.

[seb_sh]

If I'm in makinen i will go 100% with Evans in front of Ostberg...sensation is that drivers look to toyota as 5th option and have less consideration of m-sport.
So is possible that choise of Ostberg was only way for Makinen to take a Wrc driver with some years of experience in wrc. (my dream of course was to see Luky in an official wrc car but this will remain a dream)
We will need some more insider infos about which drivers toyota made offers and expecially opinions of drivers about toyota project. also if looking what's happening we can already suppose:)

The only reason I can think of is that he is expecting the other two drivers to be fast and relying on Ostberg to finish rallies. Lately there are more good drivers around so he can't get the results he used to through consistency but he's not as bad as some claim. If there were less factory seats next year he might have had a harder time finding a place but at the moment I think he still has 1-2 years until enough new drivers come up.

[OnlyRally]

I think Ford will be back as a manufacturer next year, with full support of M-Sport. Everyone around the team is speaking about a "very strong team". They can't say more right now, but still want us to begin thinking and wondering. Just the fact that the new car is built on a totally new model of Fiesta that isn't released yet, is one of the things speaking for it.

[nafpaktos]

Strong team?hmmmmmm
You need stong drivers to achieve that.So no.

[dimviii]

Hayden Paddon ‏@HaydenPaddon

Another rally, so another #askpaddon session. Get your questions through and I will be answering at 2130 CET tonight ����

[seb_sh]

Strong team?hmmmmmm
You need stong drivers to achieve that.So no.

Tanak, Tidemand, Suninen would be fun :D

[Andre Oliveira]

Tänak Camilli and Suninen

[Rallyper]

Tänak Camilli and Suninen

Not unlikely.

[seb_sh]

Tänak Camilli and Suninen

indeed, Camilli has a contract. That would actually be a decent lineup. That means Ostberg to Toyota to kill his career completely.

[Rally Power]

I think Ford will be back as a manufacturer next year, with full support of M-Sport. Everyone around the team is speaking about a "very strong team". They can't say more right now, but still want us to begin thinking and wondering. Just the fact that the new car is built on a totally new model of Fiesta that isn't released yet, is one of the things speaking for it.

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

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

[OnlyRally]

Just to keep the ford rumour living :) doesn't have to mean anything but posting it anyways ;)

Domain Name: WRCFORD.COM
Registrar: CSC CORPORATE DOMAINS, INC.
Sponsoring Registrar IANA ID: 299
Whois Server: whois.corporatedomains.com
Referral URL: http://www.cscglobal.com/global/web/csc ... vices.html
Name Server: DNS005.FORD.COM
Name Server: DNS006.FORD.COM
Name Server: EXTDNS001.FORD.COM
Name Server: EXTDNS002.FORD.COM
Status: clientTransferProhibited https://icann.org/epp#clientTransferProhibited
Updated Date: 11-sep-2016
Creation Date: 11-oct-2007
Expiration Date: 11-oct-2018


Skickat från min iPhone med Tapatalk

[macebig]

They are keeping the rights to the site name.It may mean a lot,it may mean nothing.

[Simmi]

Hyundai launch revealed for Dec 1st at Monza Rally Show - http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/126729/monza-rally-launch-for-hyundai-2017-wrc-car

They will also have a 2016 i20 in the rally with a TBC driver.