2017 News and results

[Rally Power]

Portuguese crews from the mainland should also count as foreigner crews ;)

From mainland’s North Region to Algarve and to Azores and Madeira islands we’re all Portuguese and we’re all Portugal. And we also have a common passion: Rally.

[pucky54]

From mainland’s North Region to Algarve and to Azores and Madeira islands we’re all Portuguese and we’re all Portugal. And we also have a common passion: Rally.

That's sure, but they also have to travel to the island events! :)

[mousti]

Nikolay Gryazin and Sirmacis with SRT Fabia R5 in JERC28

Verstuurd vanaf mijn SM-G935F met Tapatalk

[RS]

Nikolay Gryazin and Sirmacis with SRT Fabia R5 in JERC28

Verstuurd vanaf mijn SM-G935F met Tapatalk

Full info: https://www.fiaerc.com/sports-racing-technologies-plots-three-car-erc-bid/

Complete season for Gryazin, so far just two events for Sirmacis. I hope he can find the budget to do more.. last year he did nearly the full season so it would be a disappointment if he couldn't manage that this year.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Still no info about Kajto or Lukyanuk, either ERC or elsewhere in 2017 ?

Ok Lukyanuk is in Sweden, but after that...

Plus what of 2016 jERC Champ, Griebel ?

[kure91]

Griebel is trying to get together budget for JERC U28, probably with Fabia R5 from BRR. PLuto mentioned Griebels intentions in this article about Kremer´s departure from WRC2: http://www.autosport.cz/clanek.php?cl=18756

[WUff1]

Still no info about Kajto or Lukyanuk, either ERC or elsewhere in 2017 ?

Ok Lukyanuk is in Sweden, but after that...

Plus what of 2016 jERC Champ, Griebel ?

Kajto is still dealing with Lotos, don´t know where I read this, but it doesn´t look very promising at the moment.

[Rally Power]

Griebel is trying to get together budget for JERC U28, probably with Fabia R5 from BRR. PLuto mentioned Griebels intentions in this article about Kremer´s departure from WRC2: http://www.autosport.cz/clanek.php?cl=18756

Quite nice to see Kremer supporting Griebel.

[Jarek Z]

Can someone tell us something about them? Age, potential etc.

Prince Albert von Thurn und Taxis answered your question himself:

I would hope to get under three seconds per kilometre compared to the top times, maybe 2.5s per kilometre. But I cannot have particular hopes for a result because it’s really about learning for me and Bjorn has made that very clear. He doesn’t want me to be pushing, he wants me to be learning. And that’s helpful from his side because it kind of takes the pressure out of the whole thing and we really want to learn as much as possible. The plan is to drive to the end, to take as many kilometres as possible and hopefully not be so slow that we embarrass ourselves.

The whole interview with the driver known as The Prince :) can be found at http://www.eurosport.co.uk/erc/qa-prince-albert-von-thurn-und-taxis_sto6054151/story.shtml

[mousti]

French champion Sylvain Michel looks to do some selected events this year. He will also drive TER events of Ypres and Valais.

[Sulland]

ERC campaign for SRT
http://skoda.rallye-info.com/article.asp?sid=6&stid=13230

[NoName]

What is the budget for a season in ERC and WRC2 ?
When you see the TV coverage on WRC2. People realy should go for ERC?

[pucky54]

When you see the TV coverage on WRC2.

Which TV coverage are you speaking of? :D :D

[NoName]

Which TV coverage are you speaking of? :D :D

Was trying to be nice :p

[RS]

What is the budget for a season in ERC and WRC2 ?
When you see the TV coverage on WRC2. People realy should go for ERC?

If you are a driver who is looking to move to the top WRC class then WRC2 is good for learning the roads and getting noticed. If you are a manufacturer or sponsor it is virtually useless.

IRC/ERC also has a good record of drivers who have progressed onto the top level.

[PLuto]

If you are a driver who is looking to move to the top WRC class then WRC2 is good for learning the roads and getting noticed. If you are a manufacturer or sponsor it is virtually useless.

IRC/ERC also has a good record of drivers who have progressed onto the top level.

ERC and WRC2 has its pluses and minuses. But to be fast or "champion", knowing the roads is not the most important thing. You should go step by step and learn how to fight for seconds in rallies, how to fight for win in overall classification, when there is big pressure to you. In WRC2 you are sometimes (most usually) hidden and it is not only about the speed, but mainly about reliability.

[RS]

ERC and WRC2 has its pluses and minuses. But to be fast or "champion", knowing the roads is not the most important thing. You should go step by step and learn how to fight for seconds in rallies, how to fight for win in overall classification, when there is big pressure to you. In WRC2 you are sometimes (most usually) hidden and it is not only about the speed, but mainly about reliability.

Yes, I think that is why IRC had such a good record creating future stars, because there were often big, close fights at the front of the field.

Also, IRC and ERC have a better balance of surfaces that WRC2.

[PLuto]

Yes, I think that is why IRC had such a good record creating future stars, because there were often big, close fights at the front of the field.

Also, IRC and ERC have a better balance of surfaces that WRC2.

And also ERC is cheaper, so you can do more events or you can do more tests before the race. And there is more service areas and shorter distances between services, which suits better for R5 cars...

[NoName]

So what how big budget should a driver have to ERC ? How much bigger budget need a driver to drive WRC2?

[PLuto]

So what how big budget should a driver have to ERC ? How much bigger budget need a driver to drive WRC2?

Depends on how much money you want to invest. Nobody will tell you exact prices (I think), but usually WRC2 event is at least 1/3 more expensive. But it is also difficult to compare ultra-expensive Monte, where you must spend lot of money where you need to have both suspension for tarmac and snow, same like for tyres etc. For example, normal crew can do 2 ERC rounds comparing to one Monte...

[tolx]

I might be wrong, but in monte, they drive same suspension setup for the whole weekend.

[Simmi]

Big and timely boost for the ERC as Peugeot Academy enter a two-car team for Suarez and Lopez in R5s - http://www.peugeot-sport.com/en/objectif-erc-2017-pour-les-juniors-de-peugeot-sport/

[RS]

Big and timely boost for the ERC as Peugeot Academy enter a two-car team for Suarez and Lopez in R5s - http://www.peugeot-sport.com/en/objectif-erc-2017-pour-les-juniors-de-peugeot-sport/

Great news, for both as I think the 208 stands a better chance of completing shorter ERC rallies without falling apart.

Six rounds.. still run by Sainteloc?

Peugeot Juniors vs. Gryazin, Griebel and maybe Sirmacis in Fabias means things are shaping up nicely. Now we just need Kajto, Lukyanuk and Bouffier in Fiestas to join in :)

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Big and timely boost for the ERC as Peugeot Academy enter a two-car team for Suarez and Lopez in R5s - http://www.peugeot-sport.com/en/objectif-erc-2017-pour-les-juniors-de-peugeot-sport/

Finally some good ERC news ... I was getting concerned that it was really going to struggle for decent full-season entries this year.

Lets hope the 208 R5 has all its problems ironed-out by now.. ;)

[Eli]

Finally some good ERC news ... I was getting concerned that it was really going to struggle for decent full-season entries this year.

Lets hope the 208 R5 has all its problems ironed-out by now.. ;)
hope so too. It has been a rough patch for the ERC for the last year, that's a good boost for them.
and I also hope Opel will start developing at least an R5 car...and stop competing in the Junior's only,
On a different note, I can't wait for the day Peugeot swap with Citroen in the WRC, and we'll see that the lion roar again (as it did a very good job in both 2016-2017 Dakar).

[eddy707]

Happy to see some 208's on the stages this season. Not the fastest and most durable cars but I kind of like their looks and sound. I am already bored with just seeing Fiestas and Fabias all the time :D

[PLuto]

Great news, for both as I think the 208 stands a better chance of completing shorter ERC rallies without falling apart.

Six rounds.. still run by Sainteloc?

Peugeot Juniors vs. Gryazin, Griebel and maybe Sirmacis in Fabias means things are shaping up nicely. Now we just need Kajto, Lukyanuk and Bouffier in Fiestas to join in :)

ERC Junior U28 looks interesting and really promising this year ;)

[RS]

According to the article about this on Autosport.com, Kajto is hoping to confirm something this month and Lukyanuk is weighing up whether to do ERC or WRC2.

[kure91]

We need Alex in ERC, he´s the guy who can make rally or total wreck of his car. IMHO in WRC2 he wouldn´t be as competitive as in ERC, where he at least know the stages.

[RS]

We need Alex in ERC, he´s the guy who can make rally or total wreck of his car. IMHO in WRC2 he wouldn´t be as competitive as in ERC, where he at least know the stages.

He set some good times in Sweden, but ERC rallies are shorter = less time to crash.

I think ERC is more his style.. sprint events rather than endurance.

[Jarek Z]

He set some good times in Sweden, but ERC rallies are shorter = less time to crash.

It doesn't matter if it's WRC or ERC, he did the same thing as always - went off the road already on the second stage :)
http://alexeylukyanuk.com/public_html/images/2017/2IMG_3084.jpg

But still... it would be great to have him in the ERC again.

[Rally Power]

Big and timely boost for the ERC as Peugeot Academy enter a two-car team for Suarez and Lopez in R5s - http://www.peugeot-sport.com/en/objectif-erc-2017-pour-les-juniors-de-peugeot-sport/

Wise move from Peugeot. After last year disaster they knew they’d have no chances against Skoda and MSport in WRC2.
It’s nice to see Suarez rewarded with another go, after so many problems last season. If he manages to stay on the road he’ll be a strong contender. Lopez is still learning but he has a huge potential and can be a surprise.
According to spanish press, the new 208 evo kit will be released soon, with steering and engine improvements.

[RS]

According to spanish press, the new 208 evo kit will be released soon, with steering and engine improvements.

That's good, but that's also exactly what they said last year..

[Jarek Z]

It's time for some Italians - Max Rendina in the ERC.
Info in Italian:
http://it.motorsport.com/erc/news/max-rendina-pronto-a-esordire-nell-erc-con-motorsport-italia-873689/
Video from a test session:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DwJs2ETxscg&feature=youtu.be

[RS]

Seems this new JERC championship structure was a great initiative. Now hope some 'veteran' ERC drivers will come and join them as a benchmark.

[RICARDO75]

It's time for some Italians - Max Rendina in the ERC.
Info in Italian:
http://it.motorsport.com/erc/news/max-rendina-pronto-a-esordire-nell-erc-con-motorsport-italia-873689/
Video from a test session:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DwJs2ETxscg&feature=youtu.be

Rendina told that after Monte Carlo test accident

[Reis Eduardo]

ERC confirms Max Rendina
https://www.fiaerc.com/motivated-rendina-plans-erc-adventure/

Anyone know of the plans for French pilot Sylvain Michel for 2017 and if it includes the ERC?

[PLuto]

Anyone know of the plans for French pilot Sylvain Michel for 2017 and if it includes the ERC?

I hope soon we will know more ;)

[Jarek Z]

Ford Turkey getting ready for the ERC:
https://www.fiaerc.com/bostanci-and-bunaz-test-to-be-best-in-erc/

[Tom206wrc]

Big and timely boost for the ERC as Peugeot Academy enter a two-car team for Suarez and Lopez in R5s - http://www.peugeot-sport.com/en/objectif-erc-2017-pour-les-juniors-de-peugeot-sport/



Another great news for ERC: the 208 rally cup in France will be linked to the european championship in the future, as the leading driver of the cup at mid-season will run 3 events of 2017 ERC and the overall season winner will drive full 2018 ERC !!! :cool:

[mousti]

Those 3 events is with 208 R5 or R2?

[PLuto]

Another great news for ERC: the 208 rally cup in France will be linked to the european championship in the future, as the leading driver of the cup at mid-season will run 3 events of 2017 ERC and the overall season winner will drive full 2018 ERC !!! :cool:

This is not correct. That three events for leading driver of the cup are not starts on the events, but addition to junior experience training programme at ERC.

[Tom206wrc]

This is not correct. That three events for leading driver of the cup are not starts on the events, but addition to junior experience training programme at ERC.

OK...that wasn't what I've read on Autonews-Magazine ;)

[Jarek Z]

Great news, for both as I think the 208 stands a better chance of completing shorter ERC rallies without falling apart.

Well, I had the same hopes as you, but I'm not so sure anymore. Pepe Lopez was competing in Portugal last weekend, in the Rally Serras de Fafe, but didn't even complete SS1. He then rejoined the rally under Super Rally regulations, but... retired again :)
I don't know too much about details, but some additional info can be found here:
http://www.motorsportforums.com/showthread.php?32128-Portuguese-Rally-News/page35

[PLuto]

Well, I had the same hopes as you, but I'm not so sure anymore. Pepe Lopez was competing in Portugal last weekend, in the Rally Serras de Fafe, but didn't even complete SS1. He then rejoined the rally under Super Rally regulations, but... retired again :)
I don't know too much about details, but some additional info can be found here:
http://www.motorsportforums.com/showthread.php?32128-Portuguese-Rally-News/page35

I dont know about second leg, but first retirement was because of broken cooler after really heavy landing after jump.

[Luis Pacheco]

Pepe Lopez was competing in Portugal in the Rally Serras de Fafe, but didn't even complete SS1. -

And he almost killed a stupid spectator.

https://www.facebook.com/allaboutrally/videos/1725319481111378/

[Rally Power]

I dont know about second leg, but first retirement was because of broken cooler after really heavy landing after jump.

According to spanish press, on 2nd leg early stages Lopez felt the engine wasn't running proprely and the team decided to pull out.

[dodge33cymru]

Seeing as I put the link in the BRC thread, here's a potential snippet about Josh Moffett targeting ERC.

http://www.irishexaminer.com/sport/other-sports/keith-cronin-and-marty-mccormack-on-collision-course-442589.html

[RS]

Any young Czechs going to come and join the JERC U28 party?

[Mirek]

I think that Černý may join.

Other tree (maybe more) drivers will do 2WD JERC - Mareš, Kupec and Brož.

[Jarek Z]

New livery for The Prince:
https://twitter.com/i/web/status/834829931217616896

[Jarek Z]

Russians Artur Muradian and Pavel Chelebaev are planning to compete in JERC driving Peugeot 208 R2 from Neiksans Rally Sport. Interesting name of their sponsor :)
https://www.facebook.com/FanpageRIslasC/photos/pcb.1894369917462287/1894368750795737/?type=3&theater

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Seeing as I put the link in the BRC thread, here's a potential snippet aibout Josh Moffett targeting ERC.

http://www.irishexaminer.com/sport/other-sports/keith-cronin-and-marty-mccormack-on-collision-course-442589.html

They have clearly not seen any benefit for entering the BRC again. Not a good sign for that series in 2017, but I can see why they want to go onto the European stage now.

[Jarek Z]

Marijan Griebel seems to be enjoying his success :)
https://www.rallye-magazin.de/drm/videos/2016/playmate-co-drive/

[mousti]

Griebel doing ERC with Fabia R5

https://www.rallye-magazin.de/int/artikel/d/2017/02/26/griebel-erst-rebenland-dann-europameisterschaft/

[Jarek Z]

Griebel doing ERC with Fabia R5

https://www.rallye-magazin.de/int/artikel/d/2017/02/26/griebel-erst-rebenland-dann-europameisterschaft/

So, 2015 Junior ERC winner, Emil Bergkvist, after winning the title decides to leave ERC and steps up to WRC2. One year later, after a series of bad results he disappears in mediocrity.

Meanwhile, 2016 Junior ERC winner, Marijan Griebel, after winning the title decides to stay in ERC and fight fot another title - “It’s better for me to drive an R5 car in the ERC and be a main player than go to WRC2 to drive for 16th overall" - says the young German at https://www.fiaerc.com/erc-junior-champion-griebel-steps-up-to-the-big-league/

It will be interesting to see who made a better decision.

[Sulland]

So, 2015 Junior ERC winner, Emil Bergkvist, after winning the title decides to leave ERC and steps up to WRC2. One year later, after a series of bad results he disappears in mediocrity.

Meanwhile, 2016 Junior ERC winner, Marijan Griebel, after winning the title decides to stay in ERC and fight fot another title - “It’s better for me to drive an R5 car in the ERC and be a main player than go to WRC2 to drive for 16th overall" - says the young German

It will be interesting to see who made a better decision.

As always it is all about sponsors and money. The DS3 is far off the Skoda and Fords when it comes to Gravel/snow. Put Bergkvist in a top R5 and he will probably shine again, in either RC2 or ERC.
ERC will keep sponsors more happy if the ERC org can get enough press in 17.

[liposh]

Of course it is all about sponsors and money, but Bergkvist did great job back in 2015 (IMHO he was shining much more than Griebel in 2016) so it is just fault of his management he is now driving in the middle of field in the WRC2. You can´t blame DS3 or even Serderidis for his kindness.

[dodge33cymru]

Isn't Bergkvist supposedly involved with developing the C3 R5? At least, that was my guess from the phrase "official Citroen test driver".

Whilst I agree it's not been ideal for him since winning ERCJ, I'm hoping he's not done just yet!

[pantealex]

So, 2015 Junior ERC winner, Emil Bergkvist, after winning the title decides to leave ERC and steps up to WRC2. One year later, after a series of bad results he disappears in mediocrity.

Meanwhile, 2016 Junior ERC winner, Marijan Griebel, after winning the title decides to stay in ERC and fight fot another title - “It’s better for me to drive an R5 car in the ERC and be a main player than go to WRC2 to drive for 16th overall" - says the young German at https://www.fiaerc.com/erc-junior-champion-griebel-steps-up-to-the-big-league/

It will be interesting to see who made a better decision.

If Griebel wants to be World Champion he must drive WRC events...
There is not so many drivers who have managed to go straight to WRC TOP5 without practicing events first. Or maybe none!

[Mirek]

If Griebel wants to be World Champion he must drive WRC events...
There is not so many drivers who have managed to go straight to WRC TOP5 without practicing events first. Or maybe none!

Mikkelsen or Neuville, arguably the best drivers of the younger generation both rose into complete drivers in IRC. Of course You need to drive WRC events but doing the first 4WD season ever in WRC is very expensive and it might be better to drive first more of shorter ERC events where You learn how to drive really fast. In WRC2 You need more consistency and reliability over the long and tough events.

[dodge33cymru]

Mikkelsen or Neuville, arguably the best drivers of the younger generation both rose into complete drivers in IRC. Of course You need to drive WRC events but doing the first 4WD season ever in WRC is very expensive and it might be better to drive first more of shorter ERC events where You learn how to drive really fast. In WRC2 You need more consistency and reliability over the long and tough events.
That's a very good point I'd never considered; as the old saying goes, it's easier to make a fast driver consistent than a consistent driver fast. Or something like that.

ERC events really do allow drivers to showcase their pace; it's hardly proven a bad place for Meeke, Neuville, Mikkelsen, Breen etc to show what they've got. Hopefully this U28 gong will bring back a bit more of that competition; sounds like it might be doing.

[PLuto]

If Griebel wants to be World Champion he must drive WRC events...
There is not so many drivers who have managed to go straight to WRC TOP5 without practicing events first. Or maybe none!

Of course you must know the roads. But first you need to show your speed, to gain experience with driving fast the rally car and be able to fight for wins. WRC2 should be the next step in ladder, not first one. Lot of good drivers went directly to WRC2, but they are nobody now...

[RS]

Not quite sure where to put this as it is mostly speculation on my part, but I noticed Fabian Kreim will do the DRM with a BRR Fabia, and that Skoda have not confirmed any APRC campaign yet. Could Kreim team up with Griebel in ERC and therefore enter BRR as 'Skoda Deutschland' team? He is also young enough to do JERC U28..

[PLuto]

Not quite sure where to put this as it is mostly speculation on my part, but I noticed Fabian Kreim will do the DRM with a BRR Fabia, and that Skoda have not confirmed any APRC campaign yet. Could Kreim team up with Griebel in ERC and therefore enter BRR as 'Skoda Deutschland' team? He is also young enough to do JERC U28..

I think this should be good for Fabian, but I havent heard anything about it...

[RS]

I think this should be good for Fabian, but I havent heard anything about it...

Have you heard anything about Skoda in APRC this year?

[PLuto]

Have you heard anything about Skoda in APRC this year?

They are still discussing, no decision made yet.

[Jarek Z]

Dutch driver Timo van der Marel announced his plans for the new season. After two years in the Netherlands, the driver of Opel Netherlands Team is going abroad at the wheel of Opel Adam R2. However, his rally program seems a little strange to me. Van der Marel is going to compete in 4 different championships, but none of them full:
- Rally Islas Canarias and Rally di Roma Capitale (ERC)
- Rally Deutschland and Rally Australia (WRC)
- ELE Rally and Vechtdal Rally (Dutch championship)
- Ypres (Belgian championship)

source:
http://rajdy.autoklub.pl/news/van-der-marel-w-oficjalnym-adamie,74172

[mousti]

Yes quite weird program for him, no commitment to any championship it seems. But it's good he's finally going back abroad, staying in Holland wasn't doing him any good. Seems that his program is filled with rallies that he knows quite well and the ones in ERC who has nice destinations. Australia is because his wife is an Australian native.

[MartijnS]

And he is living there now too.

[WUff1]

Not quite sure where to put this as it is mostly speculation on my part, but I noticed Fabian Kreim will do the DRM with a BRR Fabia, and that Skoda have not confirmed any APRC campaign yet. Could Kreim team up with Griebel in ERC and therefore enter BRR as 'Skoda Deutschland' team? He is also young enough to do JERC U28..

Griebel is supported by Armin Kremer, Kreim by Skoda Germany, so I suppose this won´t work. Btw there is also a third BRR Fabia R5 driver in German championship, Dominik Dinkel.

[Sulland]

It is expensive to get car and team to the 3 Islands they have in the calendar.
Are there any transport/ travel contribution involved to the far away rallies in ERC?

[RS]

But if Griebel's drive is already paid for I can't imagine Skoda Deutschland would mind having him under their banner, although that's not even necessary, was just an idea if they wanted to enter the teams championship.

I can't imagine just doing DRM will be enough for Kreim if he wants to develop his career. ERC would seem like a good place for him.

[RS]

It is expensive to get car and team to the 3 Islands they have in the calendar.
Are there any transport/ travel contribution involved to the far away rallies in ERC?

Yes: https://www.fiaerc.com/huge-logistics-support-package-for-erc-season-opener/

[Jarek Z]

Austrian driver Simon Wagner is going to drive 3 JERC events with Peugeot 208 R2 from Sparrow Racing:
http://www.motorline.cc/rallye/challenge/2017/Diverses/ARC-Schneerosen-Rallye-Wagners-vielbeschftigt-Schneerosen-Test-&-grosse-Disco-Party-209535.html

[Jarek Z]

Lukasz Habaj announced his plans to compete in the ERC. Polish rally champion from 2015 plans to drive 6 events at the wheel of Ford Fiesta R5. He will be co-driven by Daniel Dymurski, ex-codriver for Kuchar and Chuchala. Habaj's first two events will be Azores and Canary Islands. He will probably miss Cyprus and Acropolis. Good luck!

Source:
http://rajdy.autoklub.pl/news/habaj-z-dymurskim-w-erc,74421

http://www.autoklub.pl/news/foto/201703/news20170302_74421h.jpg

[Jarek Z]

More info about Habaj's participation in the ERC and an interview with the driver:
http://media.fiaerc.com/press-releases/erc-qa-lukasz-habaj/

[RS]

One thing I noticed.. JERC U28 has six rounds with Azores being one of them, four best scores count.. but you don't have to compete on all six (even though it puts you at a disadvantage)

My point is that we may not see all JERC U28 competitors on Azores and more may join later.

[PLuto]

One thing I noticed.. JERC U28 has six rounds with Azores being one of them, four best scores count.. but you don't have to compete on all six (even though it puts you at a disadvantage)

My point is that we may not see all JERC U28 competitors on Azores and more may join later.

Yes, you are correct ;)

[mousti]

Czech federation ACCR supports Cerny in JERC28 with his Fabia R5 and Mares-Broz both with 208 R2 in JERC.

Verstuurd vanaf mijn SM-G935F met Tapatalk

[RS]

More info: https://www.fiaerc.com/its-czech-mate-as-national-federation-backs-erc-team/

First event Azores.

[Mirek]

Complete program for ACCR junior team is

Acores
Canarias
Rzeszów
Barum
Roma Capitale
Liepaja

[Simmi]

Big thumbs up to the Czechs. Great programme!

[PLuto]

Big thumbs up to the Czechs. Great programme!

Thanks ;)

[mousti]

https://www.fiaerc.com/erc-and-estonian-autosport-union-join-forces-to-offer-career-boost-to-young-rallying-talents/

Verstuurd vanaf mijn SM-G935F met Tapatalk

[wildboar]

https://www.fiaerc.com/munnings-confirms-azores-erc-run-chases-extra-funds/

Catie Munnings, Tamara Molinaro and a 3rd lady driver in Azores.

[Reis Eduardo]

https://www.fiaerc.com/munnings-confirms-azores-erc-run-chases-extra-funds/

Catie Munnings, Tamara Molinaro and a 3rd lady driver in Azores.

Christine Giampaoli Zonca.

[RS]

https://www.fiaerc.com/moffett-announces-erc-junior-u28-prize-push/

[Fast Eddie WRC]

https://www.fiaerc.com/moffett-announces-erc-junior-u28-prize-push/

Excellent news !! :)

[Simmi]

https://www.fiaerc.com/munnings-confirms-azores-erc-run-chases-extra-funds/

Catie Munnings, Tamara Molinaro and a 3rd lady driver in Azores.

For a driver with such little experience it just seems like a giant waste of money? She could be out rallying every weekend in the UK to improve.

[itix]

For a driver with such little experience it just seems like a giant waste of money? She could be out rallying every weekend in the UK to improve.
Agreed!
It is not higher level events that shape you, it is the raw talent you have and level of professionalism you learn in lower categories that shape you into a world class driver.

Molinaro I know has done a lot of testing with various machinery but I don't know how many kms of testing.

She has contacts with various people in the sport including Mouton and her former co-driver (who's also Italian) so she must have picked up something.

Still, every world class driver today began small, Mouton included, so why they too don't begin at that level is beyind me.

[mousti]

For a driver with such little experience it just seems like a giant waste of money? She could be out rallying every weekend in the UK to improve.

And if you saw Munnings last year in Ypres, you know she doesn't belong on such level yet. My eyes were hurting when she passed by, never saw such slow action in Belgian Rallying.

[PLuto]

https://scontent.fprg1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/17155495_10212550152178468_663464452973810953_n.jp g?oh=620193484b3478adaafe8b038cbd99bd&oe=592C69D2

[Jarek Z]

Castrol Ford Team Turkey enters the championship with two cars:
- Ford Fiesta R5 for Murat Bostanci
- Ford Fiesta R2 for Bugra Banaz
More details at https://www.fiaerc.com/castrol-ford-team-turkey-set-for-major-erc-bid/

http://www.autoklub.pl/news/foto/201703/news20170313_74689h.jpg

[RS]

Looks like SRT are running Pirelli this year.

[dimviii]

Looks like SRT are running Pirelli this year.

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/C6yefHsWwAICyIo.jpg

[Jarek Z]

According to Autoklub.pl SRT are having test session in Italy this week. Sirmacis and Griazin are testing their Skodas somewhere in Tuscany:
http://rajdy.autoklub.pl/news/toskanskie-testy-srt,74653

[dimviii]

photo at my post is from this test at Tuscany

[RS]

Is Mr Gryazin Snr a rich man?.. this is not a criticsm at all as both Nikolay and Vasily Gryazin have a lot of talent imo, but I noticed Sirmacis car is covered in sponsors and so far he has only confirmed two rounds, and Grayzin's has none and he is doing the full championship.

Also, how is Vasily doing these days?

[sindroms]

Is Mr Gryazin Snr a rich man?.. this is not a criticsm at all as both Nikolay and Vasily Gryazin have a lot of talent imo, but I noticed Sirmacis car is covered in sponsors and so far he has only confirmed two rounds, and Grayzin's has none and he is doing the full championship.

Also, how is Vasily doing these days?

Yes he is.

Vasily has switched to rallycross, he was doing RallyX On Ice tour and has further plans in rallycross.

[RS]

Thanks. Did Vasily make a full recovery?

Interested to see how Nikolay will go this year.. he did a good job in Cyprus.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Great news... Lukyanuk returns ! :) https://www.fiaerc.com/lukyanuk-returns-to-fight-for-erc-glory/

[RS]

So what about Kajto? I read a Polish article which seemed to suggest he will continue in ERC, but will he be on the startline in Azores or does he start his season later?

[sindroms]

Great news... Lukyanuk returns ! :) https://www.fiaerc.com/lukyanuk-returns-to-fight-for-erc-glory/

"For the first two events we will start in unusual colors – we’ve got support from Rosgosstrakh" - imo this quote could be the key of whole season.
Rosgosstarkh - big insuarence company in Russia. Some serious backing for Lukyanuk finally. Seems like "first two events" could be decisive for further sponsorship.

[Mirek]

Tomasz Kaszperczyk is going to do complete JERC U28.

https://www.facebook.com/notes/tomasz-kasperczyk-rally-driver/juniorskie-mistrzostwa-prawdziwe-wyzwania-tomasz-kasperczyk-w-erc-junior-u28/1483881854956601

[PLuto]

So what about Kajto? I read a Polish article which seemed to suggest he will continue in ERC, but will he be on the startline in Azores or does he start his season later?

He will be on entry list to Azores...

[Jarek Z]

So what about Kajto? I read a Polish article which seemed to suggest he will continue in ERC, but will he be on the startline in Azores or does he start his season later?

There is no news yet. On March 8 Kajto was a guest on Polish national TV (together with Rafal Sonik). The host asked him about his plans. Kajto said that he cannot give an unambiguous answer yet, but made a suggestion that he is very close to some contract and that he is only interested in either ERC or WRC. They were also playing some footage from Azores in the background.

It starts at 7:00 of the following video, if you want to see it (I think that Adblock has to be deactivated to play it):
https://dziendobrypolsko.tvp.pl/29400514/uwaga-na-quady-to-nie-tylko-zabawka

[PLuto]

There is no news yet. On March 8 Kajto was a guest on Polish national TV (together with Rafal Sonik). The host asked him about his plans. Kajto said that he cannot give an unambiguous answer yet, but made a suggestion that he is very close to some contract and that he is only interested in either ERC or WRC. They were also playing some footage from Azores in the background.

It starts at 7:00 of the following video, if you want to see it (I think that Adblock has to be deactivated to play it):
https://dziendobrypolsko.tvp.pl/29400514/uwaga-na-quady-to-nie-tylko-zabawka

He will be on entry list to Azores ;)

[RS]

Video from Peugeot Sport introducing their drivers for 2017: https://twitter.com/FIAERC/status/842805085042348032

[dimviii]

RMC Motorsport has in its agenda update the Ford Fiesta R5 of the current national champion Cristian García, converting it to the specification Evo 2 that has been homologated during this month of March. The goal is to be ready for the Canarian tests of the National Asphalt, both the Rallye Canary Islands and the Rally Adeje.

Looking ahead to this year, M-Sport has upgraded its R5 engine - the most successful in the world with more than two hundred units sold to private pilots - focusing on the engine area. With this improvement, the Fiesta R5 is approaching in terms of performance to the current references in the market, the Hyundai i20 R5 and the Skoda Fabia R5.

El Cristian - winner of the Rallye Sierra Morena - will not be the first Fiesta R5 in Spain since Óscar Palacio asked for a new model that will arrive with the Evo 2 kit (when ordered in January). With this improvement, the team of Roberto Méndez (who confirmed the news to this media during the celebration of the Rallye Sierra Morena) raises the level of face to the title of this year, which seems fought with fights like the one experienced in the Cordoban test between García and the Hyundai of Surhayén Pernía and Ivan Ares.

http://revistascratch.com/nacional-asfalto/noticia/cristian-garcia-podria-llevar-el-fiesta-r5-evo-2-en-canarias-37106?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter

[PLuto]

RMC Motorsport has in its agenda update the Ford Fiesta R5 of the current national champion Cristian García, converting it to the specification Evo 2 that has been homologated during this month of March. The goal is to be ready for the Canarian tests of the National Asphalt, both the Rallye Canary Islands and the Rally Adeje.

Looking ahead to this year, M-Sport has upgraded its R5 engine - the most successful in the world with more than two hundred units sold to private pilots - focusing on the engine area. With this improvement, the Fiesta R5 is approaching in terms of performance to the current references in the market, the Hyundai i20 R5 and the Skoda Fabia R5.

El Cristian - winner of the Rallye Sierra Morena - will not be the first Fiesta R5 in Spain since Óscar Palacio asked for a new model that will arrive with the Evo 2 kit (when ordered in January). With this improvement, the team of Roberto Méndez (who confirmed the news to this media during the celebration of the Rallye Sierra Morena) raises the level of face to the title of this year, which seems fought with fights like the one experienced in the Cordoban test between García and the Hyundai of Surhayén Pernía and Ivan Ares.

http://revistascratch.com/nacional-asfalto/noticia/cristian-garcia-podria-llevar-el-fiesta-r5-evo-2-en-canarias-37106?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter

That is not true. New homologated parts are not ready yet ;)

[RS]

https://www.fiaerc.com/spanish-motorsport-federation-joins-forces-with-erc/

[dimviii]

That is not true. New homologated parts are not ready yet ;)

Pluto Canarias are at 4-6 May,and they said that ''the goal will be to have evo2 at Canarias''
Maybe till May these parts are ready?

[PLuto]

Pluto Canarias are at 4-6 May,and they said that ''the goal will be to have evo2 at Canarias''
Maybe till May these parts are ready?

That should be correct, beginning of May should sounds realistic.

[Coach 2]

That should be correct, beginning of May should sounds realistic.

It has relatively recently (possibly the start of the year) been homologated longer fixed arms on the rear wing (adds more pressure / grip) something mechanical inn the engine (can not remember what it was) and new mapping. There is also something new regarding dashboard (I remember neither what it was). But all this is already in operation on many cars. Engine upgrade and mapping has meant that most (at least in Scandinavia) drivers now choose to run with high gear ratio. Think most people who drove in Swedish Rally had this installed.

So I ask: Contains "EVO 2" these upgrades (plus possibly a few more "little things") or believes one it's coming yet another engine upgrade?

[PLuto]

It has relatively recently (possibly the start of the year) been homologated longer fixed arms on the rear wing (adds more pressure / grip) something mechanical inn the engine (can not remember what it was) and new mapping. There is also something new regarding dashboard (I remember neither what it was). But all this is already in operation on many cars. Engine upgrade and mapping has meant that most (at least in Scandinavia) drivers now choose to run with high gear ratio. Think most people who drove in Swedish Rally had this installed.

So I ask: Contains "EVO 2" these upgrades (plus possibly a few more "little things") or believes one it's coming yet another engine upgrade?

Like I am talking always, this "Evo 2" story is nonsense for me, it is only business model. Teams has time windows where they can make some upgrades when normal spectators has no chance to recognize it...

[Coach 2]

It is possible some of this is not homologated details, but changes that are are possible within the existing rules.

[Coach 2]

Checking what EVO 2 essentially contains. I think (repeat think) they employ a Joker and comes with a new cylinder head, exhaust manifold and then of course a new mapping. Homologated April 1, delivered in these days (weeks). This along with previous upgrades as shock absorber and other things I have mentioned previously is EVO 2 (I think).

[106 sport]

Yeray Lemes is going to participate rally Islas Canarias with a Fabia R5.

It is expected about 30 R5 in Gran Canaria next May.

[Atob WRC]

Hello guys!

Here our video from the 1st rally in the ERC Historic Championship, the Rally Costa Brava.

Hope you enjoy!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RFOfguOJaW4

[Jarek Z]

Yeray Lemes is going to participate rally Islas Canarias with a Fabia R5.
It is expected about 30 R5 in Gran Canaria next May.

Thanks for the info. I have no idea who Yeray Lemes is, but 30 R5 cars sounds great!
Do the Spaniards have the same rules as in the ERC now? Or all they still going to have 3 different entry lists for Rally Islas Canarias?

[EightGear]

Lemes did a WRC event in a Fabia S2000 run by VW Motorsport back in 2011 when they were testing young drivers I believe.

[106 sport]

Thanks for the info. I have no idea who Yeray Lemes is, but 30 R5 cars sounds great!
Do the Spaniards have the same rules as in the ERC now? Or all they still going to have 3 different entry lists for Rally Islas Canarias?

For what I know, the spaniards will have the same rules that ERC drivers. Therefore, it will be only one entry list.


Regards.

[Jarek Z]

Good God, Catie Munnings has become the official Peugeot UK brand ambassador!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=itl7770VUb0

https://scontent-frt3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/17457991_399477100409700_1642144072478193072_n.jpg ?oh=fbf472e388522454d761e63d4882b87d&oe=5968D8DE

[RS]

Following in the footsteps of Kris Meeke and Craig Breen..

[Fly]

Thanks for the info. I have no idea who Yeray Lemes is, but 30 R5 cars sounds great!
Do the Spaniards have the same rules as in the ERC now? Or all they still going to have 3 different entry lists for Rally Islas Canarias?


Lemes did a WRC event in a Fabia S2000 run by VW Motorsport back in 2011 when they were testing young drivers I believe.

Correct. And he was a top contender in Fiesta JWRC/DMack trophy.

[N.O.T]

Good God, Catie Munnings has become the official Peugeot UK brand ambassador!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=itl7770VUb0

https://scontent-frt3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/17457991_399477100409700_1642144072478193072_n.jpg ?oh=fbf472e388522454d761e63d4882b87d&oe=5968D8DE

Its GB so its ok... none takes them seriously.

[Jarek Z]

Some Polish driver wants to join the championship. Do you think he has a chance to win something? ;)
http://kajto.pl/en/news/champions-campaign-for-kajetanowicz-lotos-rally-team-ahead-of-the-battle-for-record-breaking-title/

[itix]

Some Polish driver wants to join the championship. Do you think he has a chance to win something? ;)
http://kajto.pl/en/news/champions-campaign-for-kajetanowicz-lotos-rally-team-ahead-of-the-battle-for-record-breaking-title/
Haven't even heard of him... Probably not ;)

[RS]

Some Polish driver wants to join the championship. Do you think he has a chance to win something? ;)
http://kajto.pl/en/news/champions-campaign-for-kajetanowicz-lotos-rally-team-ahead-of-the-battle-for-record-breaking-title/

Great news to have Kajto's campaign confirmed. Livery looks good too.

[Jarek Z]

Romain Dumas and his Porsche are going to compete in FIA RGT Cup, which means they is going to be present in two ERC events - Barum Rally (August 25-27) and Rally di Roma (September 16-17).

Details at:
http://www.romaindumas.com/en/romain-dumas-with-michelin-at-pikes-peak-and-in-the-fia-rgt-cup/

[RS]

In hindsight it looks like a stupid decision by Ypres to divorce from ERC just as it is getting good again, but I suppose they didn't know this when they made the decision.

[Mirek]

If Ypres wasn't in TER there would be more crews on Acores either...

[mousti]

In hindsight it looks like a stupid decision by Ypres to divorce from ERC just as it is getting good again, but I suppose they didn't know this when they made the decision.
Penasse hopes to get 40 R5 crews at the start even without ERC..

Verstuurd vanaf mijn ONE E1003 met Tapatalk

[liposh]

In my opinion 40 pcs R5 is too much, but maybe I am wrong. I did very short counting about Barum Czech rally and if all the Polish ERC guys would come (sometimes they skip it (and not only polish guys) because it is quite difficult to score the points here) we would have around 32-34pcs R5 and cca 4-5 pcs S2000 cars which is the most optimistic foresee. Realistic middle is 30 x R5 and 3x S2000 (plus 3x WRC at the end of the field. ) for Barum Czech rally Zlin. IMHO it should be +- same for Ypres.

[Mirek]

It is possible in Ypres because there is also British championship.

[mousti]

They expect 20 Belgian R5's that's achievable I think. Tielt has 11 R5's on the list, Demaerschalk not there also no Dilley. Those 2 will be present in Ypres, the first one sure the second almost. Then some one shot's like Duquesne, Delplace, De Mevius, Casier (mainly TER) etc. (not really a one shot but will do WRC2 mostly). And 20 foreign ones, (around 10 - 12 of BRC, 3-5 TER, 3-5 other like maybe Michel, Bouffier, Lefebvre). It's all possible.. My target is 30-40 they will get eventually.

[dupanton]

Penasse hopes to get 40 R5 crews at the start even without ERC..

Verstuurd vanaf mijn ONE E1003 met Tapatalk

He even said 50...

[106 sport]

Any news about Sylvain Michel?

[Mirek]

I thought I would do TER instead.

[WUff1]

Bryan Bouffier is entering ERC and doing Canaries, Cyprus, Poland, Barum, Roma di Capitale and Latvia with Fiesta R5.

https://www.rallye-magazin.de/int/artikel/d/2017/04/12/bouffier-steigt-in-rallye-em-ein/

[PLuto]

Bryan Bouffier is entering ERC and doing Canaries, Cyprus, Poland, Barum, Roma di Capitale and Latvia with Fiesta R5.

https://www.rallye-magazin.de/int/artikel/d/2017/04/12/bouffier-steigt-in-rallye-em-ein/

This programme is not sure yet...

[RS]

So now that Skoda chose Veiby for APRC, will they send Kreim to JERC U28 or have they given up on him?

[RS]

Bryan Bouffier is entering ERC and doing Canaries, Cyprus, Poland, Barum, Roma di Capitale and Latvia with Fiesta R5.

https://www.rallye-magazin.de/int/artikel/d/2017/04/12/bouffier-steigt-in-rallye-em-ein/

Great news for Bryan and ERC. I think he will be more likely to be able to compete with ERC privateers than Skoda and Ford works teams in WRC2.

[mousti]

Sebastien Bedoret will do JERC starting from Canarias with a 208 R2

[mousti]

Bryan Bouffier is entering ERC and doing Canaries, Cyprus, Poland, Barum, Roma di Capitale and Latvia with Fiesta R5.

https://www.rallye-magazin.de/int/artikel/d/2017/04/12/bouffier-steigt-in-rallye-em-ein/
So no Ypres probably :-/

[PLuto]

Great news for Bryan and ERC. I think he will be more likely to be able to compete with ERC privateers than Skoda and Ford works teams in WRC2.

It is not only one reason. Main problem is that in WRC2 they are focused mainly to manufacturer drivers... Organisers, media...

[PLuto]

So no Ypres probably :-/

As Ypres is out of ERC, most probably no Ypres for Bryan this year.

[Rallytourist]

Quantity is not the goal for spectators. Quality must be the goal for them. By organisers its otherwise

[Jarek Z]

Sebastien Bedoret will do JERC starting from Canarias with a 208 R2

Good to see some Belgian driver in the ERC again.

In the meantime we have another Polish driver in the championship. It is Dariusz Poloński who is going to drive Peugeot 208 R2 in the ERC3 category. I am personally very happy that this driver finally gets such a chance. Polonski is 40 years old, but it is going to be his first ever international season.

Interesting fact - in 2005 Polonski won the Polish Peugeot Trophy, where he managed to beat such drivers as Kajetan Kajetanowicz and Łukasz Habaj (see classification here: http://www.pzm.com.pl/rajdy2005/narastajacoRsmp/RPP.pdf). As a result of this win he became the official driver of Peugeot Sport Polska Team and was driving Peugeot 206 Super 1600 in the following season.

https://www.fiaerc.com/erc-life-begins-at-40-for-polonski/

[Mirek]

Quantity is not the goal for spectators. Quality must be the goal for them. By organisers its otherwise

That's not always true. There are also places and quite many of them which the good drivers just take carefully because they know that there is nothing to win and a lot to loose there (such as for example one icy patch on a dry stage). On the other hand on such places You can usually enjoy great show from the legion of nameless drivers in small cars. So it really depends. If You leave each stage after top 20 drivers of course You don't care but there are also many spectators who don't and who keep searching for their "worst corner ever" spot.

[mousti]

Sylvain Michel with Fabia R5 doing JERC 28, starting at Canaries

http://os50.mj.am/img/os50/1uzvk/xxuus.png

[RS]

^^^^^ Great news, great livery.

[PLuto]

Pity he was not able to start from Azores.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Mads Ostberg announced he will enter Rally Rzeszow & Rally di Roma in the ERC this year.

[Jarek Z]

Bryan Bouffier confirms a six-event programme in the ERC with Ford Fiesta R5, starting with Rally Islas Canarias:
https://www.fiaerc.com/bouffier-is-back-for-erc-title-push/

[RS]

Mads Ostberg announced he will enter Rally Rzeszow & Rally di Roma in the ERC this year.

Never been the biggest Mads fan but as a WRC driver he will be a great addition to these two events and good that he doesn't shy away from some proper competition whilst trying to develop his asphalt skills.

[sindroms]

Ralfs Sirmacis has signed agreement with "V&V Sport Management" (Kim Vatanen) management company.
https://translate.google.lv/translate?sl=lv&tl=en&js=y&prev=_t&hl=lv&ie=UTF-8&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.go4speed.lv%2Flv%2Fnews%2Fralli js%2F6819-ralfs-sirmacis-paraksta-menedzmenta-ligumu-ar-kimu-vatanenu%2F&edit-text=&act=url

[RS]

Ralfs Sirmacis has signed agreement with "V&V Sport Management" (Kim Vatanen) management company.
https://translate.google.lv/translate?sl=lv&tl=en&js=y&prev=_t&hl=lv&ie=UTF-8&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.go4speed.lv%2Flv%2Fnews%2Fralli js%2F6819-ralfs-sirmacis-paraksta-menedzmenta-ligumu-ar-kimu-vatanenu%2F&edit-text=&act=url

I hope it will mean they find him some sponsors and we see him in ERC again soon. Next JERC round isn't until August, so they have some time.

[garais22]

After frontal crash in tests in Russia one co-driver died, three other are in reanimation... :(
One of them Alexey Lukyanuk :(
http://www.go4speed.lv/lv/news/rallijs/6863-pec-frontalas-sadursmes-testos-krievija-boja-iet-viens-cilveks-cies-ari-lukjanuks/

[rage82]

Terrible news, let's hope that Luky and the other two guys will recover at least. Sad for the co-driver and his family.

Sent from my X17 using Tapatalk

[N.O.T]

wow... new levels of incompetency and stupidity achieved... how can you have a head on collision between two rally cars on a stage ?

the driver who did recce the stage backwards should be put in jail.

[Sub_Skoda]

wow... new levels of incompetency and stupidity achieved... how can you have a head on collision between two rally cars on a stage ?

the driver who did recce the stage backwards should be put in jail.

So true!
Terrible news!

For french speakers : http://www.lemagsportauto.com/rallye-alexey-lukyanuk-hospitalise-apres-grave-accident/23710/

[Mirek]

It was a test, not a recce. It's normal to drive test tracks in both directions. The tragedy comes when coordination fails. Sadly it happened already second time in last year or so and several other cases ended well purelly because of luck.

Let's hope all the injured can recover.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Shocking news... what a terrible and unnecessary accident. :disturb:

Report on Twitter saying Lukyanuk in hospital with a broken leg and back pain.

Best wishes to Alexei and all involved.

[BigWorm]

Incredibly sad news, terrible that these things can happen.

Non-life threatening injuries for Alexey: https://www.fiaerc.com/erc-winner-lukyanuk-injured-in-crash/

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Karlip ��‏ @Karlip1 o

Arnautov visited Lukyanuk at the hospital. "Alexey is ok in general. Frustrated and worried about others. Doesn't remember the accident."

[106 sport]

From Gran Canaria I want to give Lukyanuv a lot of encouragement.

Best wishes to Luky and all involved.

[Andre Oliveira]

https://www.fiaerc.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/01317003_15827-800x533.jpg

Nasser Al-Attiyah’s SEAJETS Acropolis Rally appearance won’t be his last in this year’s FIA European Rally Championship after the motorsport all-rounder revealed plans to tackle at least three more ERC events in 2017.

Ahead of the Greek gravel classic, Al-Attiyah confirmed he would also contest the ERC-counting Cyprus Rally, Rally Rzeszow and Barum Czech Rally Zlín in his Autotek Motorsport-run Ford Fiesta R5.

“This is really a nice series and to see all the top drivers and compete with them is feeling really good,” said the Qatari. “Our plan is to do Acropolis, Cyprus, Poland and Barum. We [do these four] races for us in ERC and we try to have a new experience on Tarmac.”

https://www.fiaerc.com/al-attiyah-set-for-more-erc-action/

[RS]

Is there any prognosis on when we may see Lukyanuk back in action? Can he be back for Rzewow or is his championship bid pretty much over?

[Jarek Z]

A meeting of two great rally champions - World Champion and European Champion on... a tennis court! ;)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OsNQZ0dyKhQ

[electroliquid]

A meeting of two great rally champions - World Champion and European Champion on... a tennis court! ;)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OsNQZ0dyKhQ

And which one is World rally champion?

[Mirek]

Al Attiyah is 2006 PWRC champion.

[electroliquid]

Al Attiyah is 2006 PWRC champion.

Also WRC2 champion twice, but is it fair call him World champion, i mean from this point of view Prokop and Sordo also World champions in JWRC and and Paddon in SWRC and many others, basically nearly everyone in WRC is World champion from various tier championships...

[Mirek]

He was officially awarded the title so why it is a problem to call him what he is?

Do You suggest to ignore Moto 2 and 3 titles as well?

[electroliquid]

there is no problem at all, just "WRC2 champion" ("PWRC champion") is much more clear in this case than "World champion".

I know almost nothing about Moto2 and Moto3, so no opinion there

[TWRC]

I always thought it was strange when even the WRC themselves referred to Loeb as a 9 times World Champion, when in fact he is 10. I think they somewhat devalue the support categories and their champions with this, but oh well...

[TWRC]

Botka has bought a Fabia R5, and plans to do at least the three tarmac rounds after Cyprus.

[electroliquid]

Is there any plans of Bruno Magalhães to start more ERC events this season?

[PLuto]

Is there any plans of Bruno Magalhães to start more ERC events this season?

Plans yes, of course. But everything depends on budget...

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Plans yes, of course. But everything depends on budget...

Seajets did him and the ERC proud sponsoring him to do Acropolis & Cyprus. I hope maybe the main sponsors of the next events can do the same.

[Mirek]

Acropolis and Cyprus are both held on Greek territory. I don't expect Seajets to be interested in advertisement in Poland or Czech republic (where there is even no sea at all).

[Jarek Z]

Acropolis and Cyprus are both held on Greek territory. I don't expect Seajets to be interested in advertisement in Poland or Czech republic (where there is even no sea at all).

We do have sea so why not? ;)

[Andre Oliveira]

Hugo said on facebook today that today is day 1 mission Poland

https://www.facebook.com/magalhaesrallycodriver/

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Acropolis and Cyprus are both held on Greek territory. I don't expect Seajets to be interested in advertisement in Poland or Czech republic (where there is even no sea at all).

I didnt say Seajets should continue, I said the sponsors of the next events could step in.

[RS]

I would be surprised if Bruno wasn't on Barum at least.

[Jarek Z]

According to https://www.fiaerc.com/gryazin-hopes-erc-practice-will-make-perfect/ Nikolay Gryazin will contest practice events in France and Austria this month in order to be ready for tarmac Rally Rzeszow.

The first rally will be Rallye Aveyron Rouergue-Occitanie in France on 7-8 July. Entry list looks quite interesting. Apart from Gryazin also Hayden Paddon, Quentin Giordano and Yoann Bonato are prestent:
https://ewrc-results.com/entries/37017-rallye-aveyron-rouergue-occitanie-2017/

[RS]

Great weekend in Finland for former and current ERC drivers with the win for Lappi, podium for Hänninen and WRC2 win for Huttunen.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

And Craig Breen in that dodgy C3 beating Neuville... ;)

[dimviii]

And Craig Breen in that dodgy C3 beating Neuville... ;)
Neuville collected 1 point more from Breen.(11 vs 10)

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Neuville collected 1 point more from Breen.(11 vs 10)

Grow up, Breen beat him on time. END OF.

[dimviii]

Grow up, Breen beat him on time. END OF.


we were talking about being clever not who is fastest,and Neuville was clever collecting more points while being slower from Breen.
I didn't said that Neuville was faster.
Hope I will haven't got to come again to explain the obvious.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

we were talking about being clever not who is fastest,and Neuville was clever collecting more points while being slower from Breen.
I didn't said that Neuville was faster.
Hope I will haven't got to come again to explain the obvious.

Ha ha.. wrong again. This thread is in the ERC section and the discussion about how well former-ERC drivers had done in Finland.

[dimviii]

Ha ha.. wrong again. This thread is in the ERC section and the discussion about how well former-ERC drivers had done in Finland.

that's exactly I answered.Neuville is a former erc driver too.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

You said:
we were talking about being clever

No, we weren't.

My post was was a comment after this:


Great weekend in Finland for former and current ERC drivers with the win for Lappi...

Neuville has been in WRC cars for 6 years now, he hasn't just stepped up like Lappi (and Breen).

[dimviii]

No, we weren't.


of course you was talking about Breen been faster from Neuville,at wrong topic.


And Craig Breen in that dodgy C3 beating Neuville... ;)

[Fast Eddie WRC]

of course you was talking about Breen been faster from Neuville,at wrong topic.

The topic here was former-ERC drivers doing well in Finland, which Breen did, as did Lappi... (and Neuville did not as he was beaten by them).

Your 'subject' of Neuville being clever was in the WRC section, 'Rally Finland 2017'.

Apology accepted.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Acropolis and Cyprus are both held on Greek territory. I don't expect Seajets to be interested in advertisement in Poland or Czech republic (where there is even no sea at all).

So Seajets did continue to sponsor Magalhaes, even in Poland ! :p

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4440/36189720632_4c3500acb7_b.jpg

[RS]

So Seajets did continue to sponsor Magalhaes, even in Poland ! :p

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4440/36189720632_4c3500acb7_b.jpg

And Czech Republic, and it looks like they became an ERC partner too as their logo was on everyone's windscreen.

[RS]

So with two events to go the championship is not over. Looks like the maximum score available is 39 points per event with six out of eight events counting.

Kajto has already done six events so will need to score more than six points on both remaining events to improve his score of 120 points.

Magalhaes only has five scores so is going to have to count one of his 2 pointers, however his strong early season means he could still be in with a shout if he has a good final two events.

Lukyanuk has only three scores so all his points will count and he will need a very strong final two events to be in contention.

Griebel only has four scores so both final events could count for him too but he would need two great results with other guys not scoring well.

Bouffier and Al-Attiyah have theoretical but almost impossible chances too.

Way I see it is it should be Kajto's with two reliable runs but Magalhaes could do it if he can make a significant improvement on his last two events or even Lukyanuk if he manages to keep it on the road at the same time as delivering his undoubted speed.

[Jarek Z]

Also the situation in Junior ERC U27 is very interesting:
https://www.fiaerc.com/championship/erc-junior-u27/

[RS]

Also the situation in Junior ERC U27 is very interesting:
https://www.fiaerc.com/championship/erc-junior-u27/

Yes, pretty much any of the top four could take that title. The dropped score system helps Huttunen although it means he needs to score well on both remaining rounds.

Particularly interesting as it pretty much means they will be running in an R5 in ERC next year too.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

@FIAERC
OK, STOP EVERYTHING!
@ChrisIngramGB is looking for a co-driver for the remaining two rounds of the #FIAERC. You're the one? Get in touch!

This isnt going to help his chances having to get used to a new co-driver. I wonder what happened with Elliott Edmondson ?

[Fast Eddie WRC]

@ChrisIngramGB 5m5 minutes ago

Delighted that Ross Whittock will join the team as my new co-driver for the ERC U27 title battle... Passion, talent and 'rally pedigree'.

[Jarek Z]

Delighted that Ross Whittock will join the team as my new co-driver for the ERC U27 title battle... Passion, talent and 'rally pedigree'.

Wow! That didn't take him long to find a new co-driver, did it? :)
Good luck to the new crew!

[Jarek Z]

I don't know if it is interesting for you, but Lotos have just made a new TV advert. It features Polish national football team and a short shot of Kajto. It is now shown on all the main Polish TVs in prime time:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4pCgmOz4o2I

[Essaj]

Wow! That didn't take him long to find a new co-driver, did it? :)
Good luck to the new crew!

It's not like he had long time to look for it, Rally di rome is already next week.

[CWJ]

Griebel finished 2017 season prematurely

https://forum.rallye-magazin.de/rallye-news/31665-marijan-griebel-beendet-saison-vorzeitig.html

[RS]

Griebel finished 2017 season prematurely

https://forum.rallye-magazin.de/rallye-news/31665-marijan-griebel-beendet-saison-vorzeitig.html

Interesting.. he may not take the WRC prize drive and instead may accept something else from Eurosport Events (perhaps funding for a full ERC title bid next year?)

IMO this would be a better prize for career progression and for ERC. Always seemed a bit weird too that JERC U28 winner got a WRC drive and overall ERC winner nothing.

[Jarek Z]

So Seajets did continue to sponsor Magalhaes, even in Poland ! :p

And in Italy too! :p
https://www.facebook.com/RallydiRomaCapitale/photos/pcb.1621043034584379/1621034777918538/?type=3&theater

[Jarek Z]

Jeeez, before you ever complain about the quality of entry lists in ERC, have look at the entries in Shiraz International Rally 2017, the 5th round of Middle East Rally Championship...
http://www.shirazrally.ir/en/mashe1.asp?id=3009

[Andre Oliveira]

Iran have no rally history.

[Jarek Z]

So with two events to go the championship is not over. Looks like the maximum score available is 39 points per event with six out of eight events counting.

Kajto has already done six events so will need to score more than six points on both remaining events to improve his score of 120 points.

Magalhaes only has five scores so is going to have to count one of his 2 pointers, however his strong early season means he could still be in with a shout if he has a good final two events.

Lukyanuk has only three scores so all his points will count and he will need a very strong final two events to be in contention.

Griebel only has four scores so both final events could count for him too but he would need two great results with other guys not scoring well.

Bouffier and Al-Attiyah have theoretical but almost impossible chances too.

Way I see it is it should be Kajto's with two reliable runs but Magalhaes could do it if he can make a significant improvement on his last two events or even Lukyanuk if he manages to keep it on the road at the same time as delivering his undoubted speed.

So with one event to go the championship is still not over. But thanks to Kajto's second place in Rome two drivers can be crossed out of the equation. Both Bouffier and Lukyanuk lost their chances for the title. It's all between Kajetanowicz and Magalhaes now. Latvia will decide.

[RS]

Why did Lukyanuk not restart in Rome? Was there other damage to his car?

[mousti]

Saving money probably. Title is gone

Verstuurd vanaf mijn SM-G935F met Tapatalk

[RS]

Huttunen won Hyundai's shoot out and will compete in WRC2 next year. I don't know how that would impact his ERC prize if he wins the U27 title this year but presumably he would at least have to drive a Hyundai on ERC events which do not interfere with his WRC schedule.

[Jarek Z]

Yes, so it's Huttunen who gets the Hyundai deal. I didn't expect it, but good luck to him!

Here's more info about it:
https://www.fiaerc.com/erc-junior-star-huttunen-gets-hyundai-chance/

And here:
https://motorsport.hyundai.com/jari-huttunen-joins-hmdp-2018/

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Interesting ... I wonder if Hyundai picked Huttunen hoping he will win the JERC and bring the €100k prize with him ? ;)

[dupanton]

Interesting ... I wonder if Hyundai picked Huttunen hoping he will win the JERC and bring the €100k prize with him ? ;)

I don't think he will get the €100k in cash. It will be ERC paying his entry fees, tyres etc. For sure he will not be allowed to use it in WRC2.
Beside that, insinuating that he has won because he would have some money, doesn't do his talent any justice. He was very impressive in jERC and in WRC2 Finland. He is certainly a big talent for the future!

[Fast Eddie WRC]

No, I didnt mean to criticise his talent. But the prize could be a nice bonus for Hyundai...

Unless the ERC see he already has a 'factory drive' for 2018 and award the money to another driver (assuming Huttunen wins JERC) ?

[PLuto]

It is very simple, this prize for winning in ERC Junior U27 is for starts with R5 in ERC in 2018. He cannot spent any euro of it in WRC2.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Is it possible to do a full WRC2 season and some ERC rounds as well ?

[PLuto]

Is it possible to do a full WRC2 season and some ERC rounds as well ?

For sure, why not. You can also do a full ERC and some WRC2 rounds as well :)
But you cannot use this ERC prize to do WRC2.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

It's going to be a bit of a shame if the same driver gets both the Hyundai prize drive and the JERC prize.

Nothing against Huttunen, but I hope one of the other contender's wins the JERC and gets the €100k to help their career.

[electroliquid]

It's going to be a bit of a shame if the same driver gets both the Hyundai prize drive and the JERC prize.

Nothing against Huttunen, but I hope one of the other contender's wins the JERC and gets the €100k to help their career.

If Huttunen wins JERC - he deserves it, and it'll be fair. He need experience, he's still pretty raw (according Ewrc-results he done 37 rallies, only 2 of them in R5). It's not lottery - he win, so he is better than others.

[tommeke_B]

+1 It's not "a bit of a shame" if Huttunen wins both. It's because he deserves it. Ingram has been doing the JERC for too many years now, and hasn't shown any improvement this year. I don't even think a title and 100K will help him that much. 100K is 2 ERC events at best, with a rented car in good conditions with proper PET etc.

[pantealex]

Who ever wins JERC this year deserves it. Many good fights.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Not saying its unfair to win both, he's a quick driver... but Huttunen already has Marcus Gronholm behind him and now the Hyundai deal. He's in line to be a future WRC driver for them too.

Many other young driver's, not just Ingram, are in need of the prize money to progress their careers. Zawada for example who struggled just to buy tyres on the last round.

Many ERC guys have already dropped out in recent years due to lack of finance. I dont want it to become just the preserve of the slow wealthy older driver.

[Jarek Z]

100K is 2 ERC events at best, with a rented car in good conditions with proper PET etc.

Yes, the 100 000 E provided by Eurosport Events will fund two ERC Junior Under 28 appearances next season in a ŠKODA Fabia R5. More details here:
https://www.fiaerc.com/four-battle-for-erc-junior-prize-drive/

[RS]

Yes, the 100 000 E provided by Eurosport Events will fund two ERC Junior Under 28 appearances next season in a ŠKODA Fabia R5. More details here:
https://www.fiaerc.com/four-battle-for-erc-junior-prize-drive/

Good that they've been more specific about the prize, but I wonder whether this might cause problems for Huttunen if he wins, given that he is now a Hyundai driver.. or will he have to drive a Fabia once again wearing the overalls of a different manufacturer?

And does one ERC event in an R5 car really cost 'only' 50,000 euros?

[Mirek]

Yes, I think that 50 thousand is an average ERC event with good R5 car including some testing.

[RS]

Yes, I think that 50 thousand is an average ERC event with good R5 car including some testing.

That's not bad at all.. a lot of money to the average joe but that means one can run a full ERC programme in an R5 car with testing for less than 500,000 Euros, providing the calendar does not grow.

[Jarek Z]

:)

https://www.facebook.com/FiaEuropeanRallyChampionship/photos/a.236514779808452.56751.236514103141853/1381808758612376/?type=3&theater

[Jarek Z]

Guys, what is this? Does Jolly Club still exist?
https://www.jollyclub.net/

[Andre Oliveira]

I know Bisaha team was Jolly Club now, but never realize that they bought the make of historical italian team.

[er88]

Yes, I think that 50 thousand is an average ERC event with good R5 car including some testing.Could anyone give me a rough breakdown of all the costs that add up? Not that I'm thinking of entering an ERC event (unfortunately), it just interests me to see where the money gets spent.

Sent from my SM-G920F using Tapatalk

[Mirek]

I know Bisaha team was Jolly Club now, but never realize that they bought the make of historical italian team.

It's not Bisaha's team. He was driving as a guest in Jolly Club. Bisaha's own team is CERS Performance.

[Andre Oliveira]

Ah, sorry. Just heard that he wanted rent a portuguese R5 and who told me sent that team fb link.

[Jarek Z]

Guys, did you see how Kalle Rovanpera got his driving license last week?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7mtuCYaacac

[pantealex]

Already a Ford driver...

He did recce in Latvia with Skoda...

[Jarek Z]

ERC standings have just been updated on the official website, so all the champions can now look at them and enjoy their success while drinking champagne :)
https://www.fiaerc.com/standings/

[Mirek]

Interesting to compare U27 and ERC3 where there are basically same top contenders but U27 counts less events. In U27 it's Ingram-Huttunen-Mareš, in ERC3 it's Ingram-Mareš-Huttunen.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Interesting to compare U27 and ERC3 where there are basically same top contenders but U27 counts less events. In U27 it's Ingram-Huttunen-Mareš, in ERC3 it's Ingram-Mareš-Huttunen.

So Ingram was the champion in both and in ERC3 for the second successive year. :)

[RS]

So a little season review from me:

I think ERC made real progress this year with quite full campaigns for a number of good drivers and the successful U28 and U27 championship concepts.

But overall the championship battle turned out a little disappointing, partly because of Lukyanuk's testing accident and partly his own mistakes on the stages.. However it is clear he has the pace to be at the front absolutely everywhere now. I hope he comes back next year and finally can reduce the errors and lift the title.

Bouffier could have had a chance too had he run more events and/or had he not been so slow on Canarias. Again I hope he returns and that Gemini will buy him a gravel kit.

It was great to see Magalhaes win his home event and ultimately complete a full campaign but unfortunately he was just too slow on the events he hadn't done for a while (or ever)

So taking all that into account, Kajto definitely deserved the title again. But if he comes back next year I hope the other guys give him a tougher workout!

[pantealex]

Was referring to the video

I know ;)

[Jarek Z]

Sometimes a picture is worth a thousand words...

https://www.facebook.com/FiaEuropeanRallyChampionship/photos/a.236514779808452.56751.236514103141853/1390515227741729/?type=3&theater

[Rally Power]

It was great to see Magalhaes win his home event and ultimately complete a full campaign but unfortunately he was just too slow on the events he hadn't done for a while (or ever)


It’s true that Bruno struggled in Poland, Czech and Latvia, but he wasn’t that slow on the others. Without the stupid mistake in Cyprus, it would be possible to put more pressure into Kajto and risk a bit more in Italy. Anyway, he did ok considering Kajto superior budget and experience. On Lukyanuk you’re totally right: he’s the fastest man around and deserves to get the title.

[dupanton]

It’s true that Bruno struggled in Poland, Czech and Latvia, but he wasn’t that slow on the others. Without the stupid mistake in Cyprus, it would be possible to put more pressure into Kajto and risk a bit more in Italy. Anyway, he did ok considering Kajto superior budget and experience. On Lukyanuk you’re totally right: he’s the fastest man around and deserves to get the title.

Do you deserve the title when you crash 4 out of your 6 starts? Nothing against Lukyanuk, he is fast and spectacular for sure. But that alone doesn't mean you deserve the title...

[electroliquid]

It’s true that Bruno struggled in Poland, Czech and Latvia, but he wasn’t that slow on the others. Without the stupid mistake in Cyprus, it would be possible to put more pressure into Kajto and risk a bit more in Italy. Anyway, he did ok considering Kajto superior budget and experience. On Lukyanuk you’re totally right: he’s the fastest man around and deserves to get the title.

About Lukyanuk - well he IS fast, he IS spectacular to watch, he has personality, thing that lacks nowadays among rally drivers, but crashes way too much. You can deserve chance or opportunity, but title deserves who has most points in end of season, that's how it works.
I still secretly hoped that Bruno win title in Latvia. Kajto great, but he has experience, financial backing, semi-works team behind him, and Bruno is like local hero goes international (once again). It's kinda inspiring not only thinking about rally, but about life from some point of view, like David and Goliath...Maybe next year Bruno and Hugo will win, maybe next year...

[Jarek Z]

Do you deserve the title when you crash 4 out of your 6 starts? Nothing against Lukyanuk, he is fast and spectacular for sure. But that alone doesn't mean you deserve the title...

Exactly. People seem to forget that famous racing quotation:

To finish first, first you have to finish.
-Juan Manuel Fangio

http://www.jujuyalmomento.com/upload/img/1374060351_juan_manuel_fangio_2.jpg