2017 News and results

[RS]

With the 2016 season drawing to a close, time to start thinking about next year..

We know already that the six best scores will count in 2017, and that there will be a teams championship where each team can enter up to three cars across ERC, ERC2 and ERC3 with the top two scoring.

Any news on how many rounds next year and where? We already know Ireland is out.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Isn't Ypres also out for next year and gone to the BRC ?

[Mirek]

No, it's not.

[mousti]

Isn't Ypres also out for next year and gone to the BRC ?

They will combine it, BRC, BRC and ERC. If British stays like it was this year, it could have one of the biggest entries that Ypres had since long.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

No, it's not.

This from their website re Ypres 2017:

Does this decision have any influence on the position of the Kenotek Ypres Rally in the FIA European Rally Championship?

"The arrival of the British Championship is entirely detached from the ERC," Alain Penasse, Rally Director of the Superstage organisers, clarified. "Quite clearly we as organisers are strengthening our position and our event will be even more attractive, but we hope to keep our position in the European Rally Championship."

[Jarek Z]

Sirmacis wants the title. But is it possible?
https://www.fiaerc.com/sirmacis-wants-erc-return-and-the-title/

[tolx]

If he grows up and will improve his pace on tarmac, then why not. Skoda should be competitive nex year, his experience from this year will also come into account. And I'm not sure about other contenders... Kajto may have enough, Luky don't know what will happen next year, others were on part time season or on lower level. Maybe some of 2wd stars will step up, but we will see.

[RS]

Sirmacis wants the title. But is it possible?
https://www.fiaerc.com/sirmacis-wants-erc-return-and-the-title/

He maybe could have done it this year with a bigger programme, so yes.

[Essaj]

Sirmacis should easily be able to win championship next season if he manages to find a budget for the whole season. His only real contender from the guys who competed this season is Lukyanuk, Kajto in my papers can't challenge for it if there is any "potential" driver/s racing for the whole season. only reason he won this year is the fact that he drove every round and Lukyanuk being dumb at few races.
We will see who manages to drive the whole season next year but im pretty sure we're going to get a new champion.
Wouldnt even be surprised if Sirmacis would start to race in WRC 2, maybe even with factory Skoda since they are going to need someone to replace Lappi.

[Mirek]

Mikkelsen, Lappi, Tidemand have something common - Even Management. There is only Veiby jr. left who hasn't yet driven for Škoda works team and there goes my guess who is going to replace Lappi.

[Mariusz]

Sirmacis should easily be able to win championship next season if he manages to find a budget for the whole season. His only real contender from the guys who competed this season is Lukyanuk, Kajto in my papers can't challenge for it if there is any "potential" driver/s racing for the whole season. only reason he won this year is the fact that he drove every round and Lukyanuk being dumb at few races.
We will see who manages to drive the whole season next year but im pretty sure we're going to get a new champion.
Wouldnt even be surprised if Sirmacis would start to race in WRC 2, maybe even with factory Skoda since they are going to need someone to replace Lappi.
I wouldn't be so sure that Sirmacis can win ERC so easily. Being fast on gravel is not enough and on tarmac he's probably quite a lot slower than Lukyanuk and Kajto.

[liposh]

In my opinion Veiby jr. is not same level as Lappi was in 2012. Not yet ...but I like the way You think ;)

[Essaj]

Wouldnt mind seeing Veiby on Skoda, but imo he needs atleast year more of something else. Sirmacis could be great addition for Skoda if he learns to drive tarmac also. okay saying Sirmacis would win ERC easily is bit much but me and I bet many others would rank him favourite for 2017 season.

[WUff1]

Suninen would be great in Skoda works team.

About Sirmacis and his potential rivals in ERC 2017, I don´t bet for Kajto doing another ERC campaign. He got 2 titles and as I remember, Lotos funding only was extended to 2016.

[Essaj]

Pretty sure Jouhki has other plans for Suninen but we will see.

[RS]

I wouldn't be so sure that Sirmacis can win ERC so easily. Being fast on gravel is not enough and on tarmac he's probably quite a lot slower than Lukyanuk and Kajto.

Yes, he was slower on tarmac, but he would have only needed 38 more points across two rounds to win the title this year, so it is quite possible. Plus of course he will only get better on tarmac.

[RS]

Mikkelsen, Lappi, Tidemand have something common - Even Management. There is only Veiby jr. left who hasn't yet driven for Škoda works team and there goes my guess who is going to replace Lappi.

I note he is entered for Spain and GB in a Fabia R5 so it will be interesting to see how he does there.

I don't see any obligation for Skoda to take him though, unless Even are paying?

Personally I would rather see Sunninen or Sirmacis in the works Skoda next year.

[Mirek]

What's the point for Suninen to stay in WRC2? He pretty much defeated all works drivers this year (not yet but he is very close to the final goal). If there is a chance and I hope there is he shall go straight to WRC.

[RS]

What's the point for Suninen to stay in WRC2? He pretty much defeated all works drivers this year (not yet but he is very close to the final goal). If there is a chance and I hope there is he shall go straight to WRC.

He might not have that choice.. if not then works Skoda seems like a good place to be, and like I said, from a Skoda point of view I would rather see him in the car than Veiby.

[Andre Oliveira]

Suninen in M-Sport sounds very logycal now.

[Mariusz]

Yes, he was slower on tarmac, but he would have only needed 38 more points across two rounds to win the title this year, so it is quite possible. Plus of course he will only get better on tarmac.

In which 2 of the remaining 4 rallies he could be 4th or higher?

[Jarek Z]

Sirmacis should easily be able to win championship next season if he manages to find a budget for the whole season. His only real contender from the guys who competed this season is Lukyanuk, Kajto in my papers can't challenge for it if there is any "potential" driver/s racing for the whole season. only reason he won this year is the fact that he drove every round and Lukyanuk being dumb at few races.

I'm sorry, but that's not true. Kajto didn't compete in every round of the ERC. He drove 8 rallies out of 10. It's Lukyanuk who competed in the most rounds of all (9 out of 10) even though he constantly complains about his budget.
https://www.fiaerc.com/standings/

[Hartusvuori]

I see Veiby Jr. going to Skoda Motorsport very strongly. He's learning curve is very steep in 4WD and we don't know much yet how he could progress, except he will progress. He did initial starts with Fabia R5 in Finnish championship this season, two on snow and one on gravel. He was fast out of the box. His style is very aggressive and flamboyant, but the clock liked it. Veiby lost his first start in Finland by less than 3s and dominated the other two winning those. Of course Finnish championship as of now is no measure for 4WD pace, but it's something. All point to him joining Skoda.

As for Suninen, I agree he should step up to WRC. Staying in WRC2 would not be the end of the world, but I see no point why he should join Skoda Motorsport and hang himself to the contract when he has access to just as competitive car as a privateer.

[RS]

Thanks for the insight Hartusvuori.

Points for Sunninen to join SM if he doesn't get a WRC seat.. Experience of working with a works team to develop a car, possible extra rallies on tarmac in Europe (like Tidemand got this year), possibly more competitive car (I recall he claimed once or twice this year works guys had a stronger engine)

Anyway sounds like it could be irrelevant if he has some money for Malcolm.

[Essaj]

I'm sorry, but that's not true. Kajto didn't compete in every round of the ERC. He drove 8 rallies out of 10. It's Lukyanuk who competed in the most rounds of all (9 out of 10) even though he constantly complains about his budget.
https://www.fiaerc.com/standings/

Yeah sorry, thought Cyprus was the only event that Kajto didnt participate, that was my bad. Still I think that his pure speed is lacking and he is not able to match or beat Alexseys or Ralfs true speed, when they actually manage to stay on the road or don't break their cars.
Don't get me wrong, I do think that he totally deserved this years victory with his consistent drive but next year is going to be tough for him if they all stay in ERC.

[PLuto]

Yeah sorry, thought Cyprus was the only event that Kajto didnt participate, that was my bad. Still I think that his pure speed is lacking and he is not able to match or beat Alexseys or Ralfs true speed, when they actually manage to stay on the road or don't break their cars.
Don't get me wrong, I do think that he totally deserved this years victory with his consistent drive but next year is going to be tough for him if they all stay in ERC.

Before problems for Kajto and Ralfs, in first leg of Azores Kajto was clearly faster than Sirmacis. Also on Acropolis was Kajto on same speed or faster than Sirmacis (but Kajto made a mistake). Only Liepaja is the event where Ralfs was faster than Kajto.

[RS]

And Estonia.. but we should also remember Kajto had some technical problems this year and was probably driving with the title in mind a lot of the time.

[itix]

I'm going to assume that we will have no manufacturers in the championship next year either... Which is a bit sad.

[PLuto]

I'm going to assume that we will have no manufacturers in the championship next year either... Which is a bit sad.

For me it is better. Only real manufacturer having own team is Skoda Motorsport. Before leaving ERC, they were dominating as nobody was able to catch their speed. And look in WRC2 - only who are really able to be on their speed are Evans with factory Ford and Suninen with almost factory Skoda. M-Sport has only one factory car Evans as promotion for Fiesta R5 Evo and Hyundai has Abbring to show the speed. Citroen has no factory team and Peugeot factory team is one big joke.

[Rally Power]

I see Veiby Jr. going to Skoda Motorsport very strongly. He's learning curve is very steep in 4WD and we don't know much yet how he could progress, except he will progress. He did initial starts with Fabia R5 in Finnish championship this season, two on snow and one on gravel. He was fast out of the box. His style is very aggressive and flamboyant, but the clock liked it. Veiby lost his first start in Finland by less than 3s and dominated the other two winning those. Of course Finnish championship as of now is no measure for 4WD pace, but it's something. All point to him joining Skoda.
As for Suninen, I agree he should step up to WRC. Staying in WRC2 would not be the end of the world, but I see no point why he should join Skoda Motorsport and hang himself to the contract when he has access to just as competitive car as a privateer.

Veiby did well in Finish rallies but he lost WRC3 to Tempestini. No doubt he’s a good driver and surely has a nice future ahead of him (also thanks to Even) but Sirmacis job in ERC was simply outstanding. Sirmacis may need to improve tarmac driving but a seat in Skoda WRC2 team would be totally deserved.

Totally agree on Suninen: he got WRC level already and Jouhki investment will probably start to pay very soon.

[RS]

Mikkelsen, Lappi, Tidemand have something common - Even Management. There is only Veiby jr. left who hasn't yet driven for Škoda works team and there goes my guess who is going to replace Lappi.

Given how much official Skoda accounts were re-tweeting Veiby over the weekend i'd say it looks almost certain now that the drive is his.

He set some decent times in Spain to be fair.

[Simmi]

Would be fantastic if Lappi, Suninen and Tidemand could have found seats, then Skoda could promote Sirmacis and Veiby. That would be a very exciting team. Unfortunately I fear Pontus will not land anywhere. Another year in WRC2 feels like a backwards step. He's been in that championship as long as anyone.

Finland crash really hurt his chances I think.

[RS]

Tidemand hinted in Spain he would stay with Skoda.

He's a good driver, but maybe not quite as fast as Lappi on gravel and not quite as fast as Kopecky on tarmac.

[RS]

Bostanci hoping to be back in ERC next year in an R5 car: https://www.fiaerc.com/bostanci-aims-high-in-the-erc/

[Moriarty]

Nikolay Gryazin/Yaroslav Fedorov will drive full FIA ERC season with Škoda Fabia R5 next year. Car by Sports Racing Technologies of course

[RS]

Nikolay Gryazin/Yaroslav Fedorov will drive full FIA ERC season with Škoda Fabia R5 next year. Car by Sports Racing Technologies of course

Excellent news. He set some promising times in Cyprus.

[Sub_Skoda]

I'm going to assume that we will have no manufacturers in the championship next year either... Which is a bit sad.

I agree! I hope a more competitive ERC in 2017 than 2016...
Lotos & Rally, it's over!? :(

[PLuto]

And also bad news for ERC, Ypres will be part of Tour European Rally next year - http://www.autosport.cz/clanek.php?cl=18537

[dupanton]

And also bad news for ERC, Ypres will be part of Tour European Rally next year - http://www.autosport.cz/clanek.php?cl=18537

Bad news for Ypres Rally too... I don't believe in TER. There has been multiple attempts to create something similar, none was successful...

[RS]

When will the 2017 ERC Calendar be released?

[PLuto]

When will the 2017 ERC Calendar be released?

Beginning of November, after FIA approval of WRC calendar.

[RS]

Beginning of November, after FIA approval of WRC calendar.

Thanks.

Any ideas how many rounds?

[Rally Power]

Bad news for Ypres Rally too... I don't believe in TER. There has been multiple attempts to create something similar, none was successful...

Who knows…just like IRC has profited from WRC stagnation in the mid 00’s, TER may take advantage from Eurosport current lack of interest on ERC.

Ypres (and the other former IRC/ERC events) strategy looks like the one MC adopted during IRC years, but having in mind the limitations of the European rally market we’ll probably end having two average series instead of a great one.

Honestly, it’d be much better to see Eurosport and TER promoter getting a deal in order to revamp ERC together.

[Mirek]

Taking something out of WRC in troubles meant that You actually took something (and quite alot in that time) but what do You want to take from ERC in crisis?

[RS]

I don't see TER bringing anything to Ypres, but dropping ERC will save Ypres quite a bit of money.

Still, it's a shame for Eurosport to lose one of their biggest events.

[Reis Eduardo]

Thanks.

Any ideas how many rounds?

10 rounds for sure, Azores, Estónia, Letónia and more seven :D

[PLuto]

10 rounds for sure, Azores, Estónia, Letónia and more seven :D

I dont think you are correct...

[RS]

...but what do You want to take from ERC in crisis?

By what comparison is ERC in crisis? Compared to IRC heyday yes, but go and look at championship standings for ERC for the five years prior to Eurosport takeover...

[Reis Eduardo]

I dont think you are correct...

I'll be happy if I'm wrong :D

[Mirek]

By what comparison is ERC in crisis? Compared to IRC heyday yes, but go and look at championship standings for ERC for the five years prior to Eurosport takeover...

I don't want to do that as todays ERC was made of merged ERC and IRC under IRC promoter. By all means it went down gradually in last couple of years and the trend continues because now one of the most important event Ypres is leaving (and it's not alone).

[mousti]

Superstage denies it's done with ERC, and there are still negotiations going on.

[Andre Oliveira]

10 rounds for sure, Azores, Estónia, Letónia and more seven :D

Great Eduardo ;) as portuguese you wrote two names in portuguese and 1 in english, your land :P ahah

[itix]

If TER is aiming to be a force it should either try to aim for some big name broadcaster or broadcast it themselves live/semi live on the internet. If not I have a hard time seeing them making it out of the crib.

They have managed to attract some big names like Valais and Ypres so I would definitely say that ERC is in crisis. Now only Barum remain as a "classic" event (and azores, forgot about that one).

[liposh]

In my opinion it would be quite paradox. People from TER don´t need to even try too hard to overcome ERC. They will do their own job without trying to compete with ERC but success will come somehow obviously within next 2 years. I am not talking about season 2017, but about 2018 or 2019.

[Andre Oliveira]

Mainly Motors TV: http://www.terseries.com/about/tv-coverage-2

[itix]

Mainly Motors TV: http://www.terseries.com/about/tv-coverage-2
That's good, I have motors TV. It, and some documentary channels, is the only TV I ever watch...

[Fast Eddie WRC]

MotorsTV is a decent rally channel and now has daily WRC highlights back. Plus Eurosport seems to have given up on rally so I'm glad MotorsTV has recovered and is going strong again. TER shoulf be given a decent slot on it.

[pantealex]

Event can not be in both ERC and TER sametime ?

If not, why ?

[PLuto]

Event can not be in both ERC and TER sametime ?

If not, why ?

Media rights, I think. Both organisers are building their business on media rights and media promotion...

[CWJ]

10 rounds for sure, Azores, Estónia, Letónia and more seven :D

If gravel rounds stay and you replace ireland with lets say a former ERC rally in the south at that weekend you will end at 9 and enough tome to come back from Azores ;)

[dodge33cymru]

Bit OT, but this was on the homepage of The Guardian and seemed worth sharing:

https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2016/oct/22/rallying-motor-sport


By the way, was Ypres as part of BRC confirmed also, or did I dream that?

[tommeke_B]

I think it's one big joke with Catie Munnings. She should learn to drive an R1 car on national events first. What she did in Ypres... I think many people can be quicker with their own road car without pacenotes... No point of making the newspapers when you have no talent at all. And yes, Ypres will be part of BRC.

[dupanton]

I think it's one big joke with Catie Munnings. She should learn to drive an R1 car on national events first. What she did in Ypres... I think many people can be quicker with their own road car without pacenotes... No point of making the newspapers when you have no talent at all. And yes, Ypres will be part of BRC.

Agree, with brake problems in our grN Fiesta we catched her on some stages... Having started 2 minutes behind her!

[AndyRAC]

Bit OT, but this was on the homepage of The Guardian and seemed worth sharing:

https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2016/oct/22/rallying-motor-sport


By the way, was Ypres as part of BRC confirmed also, or did I dream that?

I read that article this morning - and it fits the Guardian's agenda. There are plenty of other stories in rallying that would be more newsworthy, especially as its Rally of GB week. But no.....

The sad thing is, she's got more column inches, than Kris Meeke has for winning 2 WRC events, including 1,000 Lakes.

[EightGear]

Bit OT, but this was on the homepage of The Guardian and seemed worth sharing:

https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2016/oct/22/rallying-motor-sport


By the way, was Ypres as part of BRC confirmed also, or did I dream that?
Is this even serious?

She's hopeless.

[WUff1]

Bit OT, but this was on the homepage of The Guardian and seemed worth sharing:

https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2016/oct/22/rallying-motor-sport


By the way, was Ypres as part of BRC confirmed also, or did I dream that?

No, you didn´t dream - it´s true.

[JUF]

Catie is a nice person, but yes, it's true that she doesn't deserve a seat in Junior ERC (or whatever...). Even I would be definitely faster than her while not taking a 208 R2, but a Group N-Swift.

[Jarek Z]

22-year-old Finnish driver Jari Huttunen has got a contract with Opel works team and is going to compete in Junior ERC 2017 with Adam R2. It is a main prize for winning ADAC Opel Rallye Cup 2016. Congratulations!

[Rallyper]

22-year-old Finnish driver Jari Huttunen has got a contract with Opel works team and is going to compete in Junior ERC 2017 with Adam R2. It is a main prize for winning ADAC Opel Rallye Cup 2016. Congratulations!

One certain swede did the same. Even won ERC. Where is he now? Shame!

[EightGear]

One certain swede did the same. Even won ERC. Where is he now? Shame!
Who is he?

[Mirek]

22-year-old Finnish driver Jari Huttunen has got a contract with Opel works team and is going to compete in Junior ERC 2017 with Adam R2. It is a main prize for winning ADAC Opel Rallye Cup 2016. Congratulations!

There was very nice battle with Matěj Kamenec yesterday on 3-Städte Rallye. Kamenec was leading most of the rally but lost the victory to Huttunen in the last stages. Kamenec is for me after a long time some really good talent in here. Hopefully he gets somewhere one day too.

[mousti]

One certain swede did the same. Even won ERC. Where is he now? Shame!

He is still not forgotten like many other talents otherwise he would have not been at the start in Condroz with an R5 car, though it's a shitty car :p

[Hartusvuori]

There was very nice battle with Matěj Kamenec yesterday on 3-Städte Rallye. Kamenec was leading most of the rally but lost the victory to Huttunen in the last stages. Kamenec is for me after a long time some really good talent in here. Hopefully he gets somewhere one day too.

I heard they ran on different tyre rules, supposedly on Kamenec's favor. Do you know more about the rule? This is the first time I heard of him. Always nice to hear about new Czech drivers.

[Andre Oliveira]

Who is he?


Bergkvist

[EightGear]

Bergkvist
I know, just tried to get Per to insert his broken record again. :D

[Mirek]

I heard they ran on different tyre rules, supposedly on Kamenec's favor. Do you know more about the rule? This is the first time I heard of him. Always nice to hear about new Czech drivers.

Maybe, I actually don't know about the tyres but thanks for the point.

Kamenec is winner of this years Adam cup in Czech Republic. He was fighting most of the time with Polish driver Jerzy Tomaszcyk but in the end Kamenec won. Let's see what will be with him next year but I have really good feeling about his driving.

Check his onboard from Vsetín: https://www.mediasport.cz/rally/ceske-rally/onboardy/9793.html

It's funny cause they had no intercom and the co-driver was giving some basic info by hand. Anyway most of the stage is well know Troják of Barum and the best part is downhill to the finish - second half of the stage.

[PLuto]

I heard they ran on different tyre rules, supposedly on Kamenec's favor. Do you know more about the rule? This is the first time I heard of him. Always nice to hear about new Czech drivers.

I think I know more about it. If I am correct, german Adam Cup is on Michelin, czech Adam Cup is on Pirelli.

[CWJ]

22-year-old Finnish driver Jari Huttunen has got a contract with Opel works team and is going to compete in Junior ERC 2017 with Adam R2. It is a main prize for winning ADAC Opel Rallye Cup 2016. Congratulations!

Congrats! If they all could afford the copay it would be still interesting to see him against Tannert and Ingram.

[SVrally]

What do you think about the 2017 ERC Calendar? Which events could replace Ypres and Ireland?

[WRCKE]

And also bad news for ERC, Ypres will be part of Tour European Rally next year - http://www.autosport.cz/clanek.php?cl=18537

Not sure if we are out of ERC it's up to Europort now.....

[PLuto]

Not sure if we are out of ERC it's up to Europort now.....

I am afraid it is. I dont think there is a chance to be part of TER and also ERC...

[Franky]

This isn't news as there's no official word on it but there seems to be a chance that Rally Estonia might not run in 2017. There is an Estonian championship event on the next weekend after the typical Rally Estonia week. This year there was no other rally besides Rally Estonia in July.

[sindroms]

This isn't news as there's no official word on it but there seems to be a chance that Rally Estonia might not run in 2017. There is an Estonian championship event on the next weekend after the typical Rally Estonia week. This year there was no other rally besides Rally Estonia in July.

Taking a look at the Estonian championship 2017 calendar draft - only winter rally in championship is "Rally Alūksne" (14.-15.01.2017) which is running in Latvia...
So if we start put together facts - no winter rally in Estonian this year (there always has been winter rallies in Estonia), no winter rally for ERC (Rally Liepaja has turned to gravel event), could Rally Estonia be a winter event? I doubt it. More likely no ERC in Estonia...

[PLuto]

Yes, it looks like there will be no winter in ERC and no Rally Estonia in ERC...

[mousti]

Maybe not classic but a great Rally that will also leave ERC..

Verstuurd vanaf mijn ONE E1003 met Tapatalk

[PLuto]

Maybe not classic but a great Rally that will also leave ERC..

Maybe replaced by Condroz?

[dupanton]

Maybe replaced by Condroz?

I do think that is a big possibility, giving the fact that they wanted to be in ERC for years at the beginning of the 2000s, but couldn't get in because Ypres was...

[Oliverk]

Official, no Rally Estonia 2017
http://sport.delfi.ee/news/auto/eesti/jargmisel-aastal-auto24-rally-estoniat-ei-toimu?id=76143675 (Estonian news story. Info from organizers.)

[mousti]

I do think that is a big possibility, giving the fact that they wanted to be in ERC for years at the beginning of the 2000s, but couldn't get in because Ypres was...

And after first year they will get a big negative report on safety. MotorClub de Huy is definately not on the level of Superstage to organise a rally on that level. They can try though :D

[PLuto]

If I understand well, that officially means not only there will not be Rally Estonia in ERC, but there will not be Rally Estonia at all.

[Oliverk]

If I understand well, that officially means not only there will not be Rally Estonia in ERC, but there will not be Rally Estonia at all.

Yes. No rally at all next year.

[focus206]

I do think that is a big possibility, giving the fact that they wanted to be in ERC for years at the beginning of the 2000s, but couldn't get in because Ypres was...

I was just thinking about that, it'd be great to see Condroz in ERC. But I remember someone talking on this forum about problems with crowds at Condroz which would become an even bigger problem in ERC...?

[dupanton]

I was just thinking about that, it'd be great to see Condroz in ERC. But I remember someone talking on this forum about problems with crowds at Condroz which would become an even bigger problem in ERC...?

Crowd control is an issue yes. There is always a lot of public, a lack of stewards on most places and a lot of (drunk) spectator who can't take care of themselves. Just watch some images of the rally and you will see plenty of examples, unfortunatly...

[Franky]

If I understand well, that officially means not only there will not be Rally Estonia in ERC, but there will not be Rally Estonia at all.

Just read the full press release and there will be no Rally Estonia in 2017. The next one will be in 2018. The gap year is used to find more ways how to make the event better and also to decide in what championship/series it will be in.

[Oliverk]

Painful truth is that, ERC drivers with few exeptions, are just too slow for estonian rally fans. And participation was joke even comparing to national events. I know plenty of friends who went to see 2-3 WRC rallies this year and not to Rally Estonia in it's current state. But what other rally series to attract here besides WRC is a bit of mystery.

[Sub_Skoda]

Official, no Rally Estonia 2017
http://sport.delfi.ee/news/auto/eesti/jargmisel-aastal-auto24-rally-estoniat-ei-toimu?id=76143675 (Estonian news story. Info from organizers.)


Very sad news... :(

No Ypres, No Rally Estonia, No Winter rally, no Jänner, no Circuit of Ireland... no ERC in 2017???! Where are you going ERC?!

[SVrally]

What a shame! Anyway, maybe Rally di Roma Capitale will be a new entry of the 2017 FIA ERC Calendar!

[focus206]

Crowd control is an issue yes. There is always a lot of public, a lack of stewards on most places and a lot of (drunk) spectator who can't take care of themselves. Just watch some images of the rally and you will see plenty of examples, unfortunatly...

Shame, I hope they'll be able to fix that, I see Condroz as a great last round of ERC, much better than Cyprus for that.

[dupanton]

Shame, I hope they'll be able to fix that, I see Condroz as a great last round of ERC, much better than Cyprus for that.

I don't think so, it has been going on for years and years, they get a lot of complaints about it, but they just can't handle it...
Anyway, with Lefebvre, Breen, Duval, Bergkvist, Matton, Princen, De Mevius etc at the start, they have a great entrylist even without ERC!

[PLuto]

What a shame! Anyway, maybe Rally di Roma Capitale will be a new entry of the 2017 FIA ERC Calendar!

I hoped for Sanremo...

[PLuto]

Shame, I hope they'll be able to fix that, I see Condroz as a great last round of ERC, much better than Cyprus for that.

I agree. Condroz will be good replace for Ypres and good event for the end of the season.

[SVrally]

I hoped for Sanremo...
No... Sanremo not for sure!

[Lousada]

Very sad news... :(

No Ypres, No Rally Estonia, No Winter rally, no Jänner, no Circuit of Ireland... no ERC in 2017???! Where are you going ERC?!

Malta, Mallorca, Iceland, Gotland, Nova Zembla... or any other Island that does not have an ERC rally at the moment??

[PLuto]

Of course I will prefer less island events in ERC. But next year calendar will not be bad. And to say the truth, with some events leaving calendar for next year I am not unhappy and their leaving is not so big disaster...

[Reis Eduardo]

Pluto - Ten or twelve events ? New countries ? :D

[Jarek Z]

Crowd control is an issue yes. There is always a lot of public, a lack of stewards on most places and a lot of (drunk) spectator who can't take care of themselves. Just watch some images of the rally and you will see plenty of examples, unfortunatly...

What are you talking about? I was spectating Condroz in 2010, it was cold and rainy, but Belgian spectators took care of themselves perfectly! :D

http://foto.rallyonline.pl/GALERIA/jarekz/condroz2010/condroz2010_jzagorny20.jpg

[Jarek Z]

No Ypres, No Rally Estonia, No Winter rally, no Jänner, no Circuit of Ireland... no ERC in 2017???! Where are you going ERC?!

The list goes on... No Mille Miglia, no Madeira, no Antibes, no Valais...

See... that's the strategy of the ERC / FIA / Eurosport / whatever idiot that runs this championship - drop all beautiful classic events and replace them with some anonymous rallies that nobody wants to see...

[Jarek Z]

Malta, Mallorca, Iceland, Gotland, Nova Zembla... or any other Island that does not have an ERC rally at the moment??

How about Greenland? As far as I know it depends on Denmark, that counts as Europe, so it fits the new ERC perfectly - it is far away, it is on an island, and nobody wants to see it!

http://downwindsports.com/mainSite/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/7426563028_762983ee1d.jpg

[PLuto]

Pluto - Ten or twelve events ? New countries ? :D

8-10, also new countries (or better to say older countries which were in ERC in the past)

[RS]

See... that's the strategy of the ERC / FIA / Eurosport / whatever idiot that runs this championship - drop all beautiful classic events and replace them with some anonymous rallies that nobody wants to see...

I am sure that is not what they want but I suppose Eurosport at least want them to break even.

Six scoring from eight events would sound like a step forward at this current time.

[tolx]

Greenland at least could have some proper snow :D

[Jarek Z]

Opel Ascona and Opel Adam, which one do you prefer? :)
https://www.fiaerc.com/when-griebel-met-rohrl-two-erc-champions-with-opel/

[Andre Oliveira]

http://www.areacorse.com/roma-capitale-nellerc/

[RS]

Good to have a round back in Italy. Is this also a round of the Italian Championship?

[WUff1]

Maybe Madeira back in. Most important, situated on an island.

[Mirek]

Is this also a round of the Italian Championship?

This year it was.

[Andre Oliveira]

Madeira no for sure.

[bomber21]

Any info about Acropolis rally? Will it be in the calendar?

[Rally Power]

Great move to get an Italian event. A French rally also should be nice, if R5's are finally promoted as top category on French series.

[WRCKE]

Maybe Madeira back in. Most important, situated on an island.

Madeira is in the TER championship

Tour European Rally 2017.

The 2017 calendar is as follows:

1. ........................... (Tarmac) April or May
2. Kenotek Ypres Rally (Belgium-tarmac) 23/24 June
3. Rali Vinho da Madeira (Portugal-tarmac) 3/5 August
4. Skoda Rallye Liezen (Austria-95% tarmac) 29/30 September
5. Rallye Int. du Valais (Switzerland-95% tarmac) 26/28 October
6. Rally Tuscan Rewind (Italy-Gravel) 24/26 November

We will announce the 1st event of TER 2017 in next 10 days.

[AndyRAC]

The list goes on... No Mille Miglia, no Madeira, no Antibes, no Valais...

See... that's the strategy of the ERC / FIA / Eurosport / whatever idiot that runs this championship - drop all beautiful classic events and replace them with some anonymous rallies that nobody wants to see...

Their only strategy seems to be who can pay the most £$£$£$£$ gets a round. And you end up with what they've got. A pretty uninspiring series. Serves them right.

[PLuto]

Any info about Acropolis rally? Will it be in the calendar?

Acropolis wanted to go to WRC and hoped for it, but no chance for next year against Poland and Turkey. So yes, they will stay in ERC.

[Jarek Z]

I am sure that is not what they want but I suppose Eurosport at least want them to break even.

But how do they want to break even when they make two rallies go bankrupt (Ireland and Austria) and another one gets canceled (Estonia)?

[PLuto]

But how do they want to break even when they make two rallies go bankrupt (Ireland and Austria) and another one gets canceled (Estonia)?

It is not only because of Eurosport. Reasons for finish of Janner and Estonia are mainly about problems in organisation team...

[Mirek]

But how do they want to break even when they make two rallies go bankrupt (Ireland and Austria) and another one gets canceled (Estonia)?

They broke themselves. They knew what is going on when they overpaid other events to take the place in the calendar.

[PLuto]

Draft version of ERC calendar 2017 - http://www.autosport.cz/clanek.php?cl=18582

[RS]

Condroz looks like a shoe-in for the final slot on the calendar.

How likely is it we will end with 9/10 events PLuto?

[Luis Pacheco]

Draft version of ERC calendar 2017 - http://www.autosport.cz/clanek.php?cl=18582

The Azorean press has told this night FIA released the ERC calendar today but reading Autosport.cz I see this is not true.

Some continue to make use of news without mentioning the source like always...

[Reis Eduardo]

In Autosport.pt
http://www.autosport.pt/ralis/erc/erc-azores-airlines-rallye-abre-europeu-de-ralis-de-2017/

[PLuto]

During today morning should be published draft version of ERC calendar 2017. But I think there will be no big news comparing to calendar published previous week. We will still need to wait until approval from WMSC at the end of November.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

2017 ERC calendar so far with 4 gravel & 4 asphalt events, and Eurosport Events will consider adding a maximum of two more events. https://t.co/x2RX1s6ZGk

[PLuto]

2017 ERC calendar so far with 4 gravel & 4 asphalt events, and Eurosport Events will consider adding a maximum of two more events. https://t.co/x2RX1s6ZGk

So nothing new, we are in same situation like last week ;)

[TWRC]

2017 ERC calendar so far with 4 gravel & 4 asphalt events, and Eurosport Events will consider adding a maximum of two more events. https://t.co/x2RX1s6ZGk
That Central European tarmac event as last round could be Waldviertel Rally (or Mecsek Rally, but they don't have enough money for ERC as far as I know)?

[WUff1]

That Central European tarmac event as last round could be Waldviertel Rally (or Mecsek Rally, but they don't have enough money for ERC as far as I know)?

But Waldviertel Rallye is on mixed surface.

[PLuto]

No Waldviertel or Mecsek. "Central Europe" means in mainland. As it was told many times, it should be Condroz...

[dupanton]

Curious what the 2nd event will be?
Could it be Terre de Causses? French gravel rally that always runs the first weekend of April. I hope so, because normally I will go there!

[PLuto]

Curious what the 2nd event will be?
Could it be Terre de Causses? French gravel rally that always runs the first weekend of April. I hope so, because normally I will go there!

Like I wrote last week, unfortunatelly I am afraid that it will be not so interesting event...

[bomber21]

Nice to see Acropolis in June (last year took place in October) and Cyprus Rally also in June (this year was the last event)! I think Cyprus rally this year produced some exciting rally photos. I believe it is a beautiful location with great special stages and it should be promoted more effectively.

[tommeke_B]

Curious what the 2nd event will be?
Could it be Terre de Causses? French gravel rally that always runs the first weekend of April. I hope so, because normally I will go there!

Impossible to have a French gravel event (counting for French championship) in ERC, there are too much differences in terms of regulations, impossible to make a compromise I think.

[RICARDO75]

New step in ERC Junior format
https://www.fiaerc.com/new-step-in-erc-junior-format-targets-career-progression/

[RS]

New step in ERC Junior format
https://www.fiaerc.com/new-step-in-erc-junior-format-targets-career-progression/

Good move, although I think the 100,000 Euro prize would only buy one or two ERC events with an R5 car?

[RICARDO75]

Grzegorz Grzyb on ERC 2017. Azores not included because is to early for him
http://rajdy.autoklub.pl/news/grzyb-z-trzyletnim-planem-w-erc,72437

[RICARDO75]

FIA European Rally Championship

A second title has been created within the ERC Junior Championship for drivers under the age of 28 competing in R5 cars. The winner will be awarded a drive in a WRC car by the Promoter for one FIA World Rally Championship event the following season.

The 2017 FIA European Rally Championship calendar is:

31 March – 2 April Rallye Açores*

4-6 May Rally Islas Canarias*

2-4 June Acropolis Rally */***

16-18 June Cyprus Rally

3-5 August Rally Rzeszow, Poland

25-27 August Barum Czech Rally Zlin

15-17 September Rally di Roma Capitale

6-8 October Liepaja* (same date for WRC Rally Spain)

*Subject to ASN confirmation

***Subject to Event Promotion Agreement

[RS]

Some good changes for next year, including the smaller calendar with a proper 50/50 surface split.

The teams championship should be attractive to teams like SRT and Castrol Ford Turkey and the new prizes for the Junior Championships are a step forward too.

Now let's hope the drivers come..

[PLuto]

Calendar is not bad. I should only switch one (or two) island event for mainland rally.

[the sniper]

The winner will be awarded a drive in a WRC car by the Promoter for one FIA World Rally Championship event the following season.

Will that be in a pre-2017 WRC[ar] or...?

[RS]

Will that be in a pre-2017 WRC[ar] or...?

2016.

[RS]

So according to news in the R5 thread, Gemini have bought themselves a Fiesta R5.

Let's hope we see them in ERC 2017 with Bouffier again. They already did three rounds together this year so three more and they can mount a championship challenge..

[Jarek Z]

I don't know if it was posted here already or not. I found an interview with Alain Penasse, one of th organizers of Ypres Rally, in which he explains why they don't want to be in the ERC anymore.

Some important fragments:
"(...) there are too many rallies on the islands which make it very difficult for a privateer team to cope with because of the huge cost and workload of that."
(...)
“We have to get more centralised rallies, maybe one in England, one in France, one in Belgium and maybe one in Greece or one in Eastern Europe, but not like it is now."

“The championship is too much spread out. It is more complicated logistically to do European championship than to do European rounds in the World Championship, in fact. You have to go to Azores, to Grand Canarias, you have to go to Cyprus, as well as going to Greece.”

More details at http://www.rallysportmag.com.au/home/other-news/10688-ypres-rally-unhappy-with-erc

[Jack4688`]

Is that why for so many years the ERC was 11,000 rounds per season with different coefficients so that competitors could pick and choose the events that suited them?

Feel free to shoot me down as being ridiculous and unrealistic but would a dividing the ERC regionally - a la the European Rally Trophy (http://www.motorsportforums.com/showthread.php?36668-ERT-European-Rally-Trophy) but not with 8 different divisions, maybe 2 or 3?

[Mirek]

For God's sake not that.

[kure91]

Jack4688, who do you think would care about it? TBH, without checking result sites, I´m unable to quickly remember even ERT 2016 winner, not to speak about zones

[Reis Eduardo]

The ERT in recent years has been a major failure and the FIA with the ERT by zones that invented for 2016 only came to worsen.

[Jack4688`]

Jack4688, who do you think would care about it? TBH, without checking result sites, I´m unable to quickly remember even ERT 2016 winner, not to speak about zones

That isn't the point I was making. ERT is unknown because no one cares about a sub-ERC championship created for god knows what reason and with zero promotion

[WUff1]

I don't know if it was posted here already or not. I found an interview with Alain Penasse, one of th organizers of Ypres Rally, in which he explains why they don't want to be in the ERC anymore.

Some important fragments:
"(...) there are too many rallies on the islands which make it very difficult for a privateer team to cope with because of the huge cost and workload of that."
(...)
“We have to get more centralised rallies, maybe one in England, one in France, one in Belgium and maybe one in Greece or one in Eastern Europe, but not like it is now."

“The championship is too much spread out. It is more complicated logistically to do European championship than to do European rounds in the World Championship, in fact. You have to go to Azores, to Grand Canarias, you have to go to Cyprus, as well as going to Greece.”

More details at http://www.rallysportmag.com.au/home/other-news/10688-ypres-rally-unhappy-with-erc

Well, all this doesn´t really change in 2017. ERC comes to European mainland firstly after 4 rallies, 5 out of 8 are in the peripheral area of Europe, Western Europe is totally ignored.

[Mirek]

Czech driver Karel Kupec announced to do the complete JERC.

[Munkvy]

Czech driver Karel Kupec announced to do the complete JERC.

Is that a good or bad thing...?

[Mirek]

Is a new driver commited for full season a bad thing? He has very little experience but looks promissing.

[Rally Power]

Well, all this doesn´t really change in 2017. ERC comes to European mainland firstly after 4 rallies, 5 out of 8 are in the peripheral area of Europe, Western Europe is totally ignored.

Ok WUF, the geo distribution may not be the best one, but that doesn’t mean Penasse is right on blaming island events for ERC troubles. Açores has become the most iconic ERC rally (I imagine he got mad about it…) and Cyprus is an ERC classic. For sure we’ll miss Ireland (that can be back one of this days) and an event in France or Italy, but the calendar is not that bad and the cut to 8 events was a good move.

[Mirek]

The island events are a trouble for most of the teams. That is a fact.

[Rally Power]

A trouble that in Açores or Cyprus cases are worth it and can be mitigated with a sensible choice of dates; Açores as 1st event was a good move but Cyprus should continue to be the last one, IMO.

[PLuto]

All island events are big troubles for everyone, especially because of time. For example, I know about three crews with R5 which will not start in Azores (and maybe also in other rounds of ERC) because of movement from beginning of March to the end of March.

It can (and it will) also bring problems to the teams which are renting cars in more championships (not only ERC x WRC, but also ERC x national championships).

[Munkvy]

Açores has become the most iconic ERC rally (I imagine he got mad about it…)
As a foreigner who is watching from the other side of the world, I would argue Ypres and Barum are the most iconic ERC events. But that's purely looking in from outside of the continent as a spectator. So it's a shame Ypres is moving, but hopefully the challenge will be good for ERC and push them to do more to promote their event/make it more economically viable.

[Rally Power]

As a foreigner who is watching from the other side of the world, I would argue Ypres and Barum are the most iconic ERC events. But that's purely looking in from outside of the continent as a spectator.

Rally crews that managed to enter Açores Rally are the first ones saying marvels about the event. It’s hard not to get amazed by the island beauty, the fantastic roads and the friendly people, a bit like NZ, I guess.

https://youtu.be/s-MlkE4Wumw?t=50

[liposh]

Azores are really beautiful and the rally is great. I also like the surface. But it costs a lot of money. I agree to have Azores in ERC calendar, but if you do it so, you must throw away both Cyprus and Canarian isles and replace them with something on the mainland. (for example Principe Asturias rally back in IRC era was fine(just example) But it needs people from Eurosport to change their mind and stop that gold mining.

[skarderud]

It should been a reel winter rally, is it some rallies in Norway/sweden/finland that has been interested?

Sent fra min XP7700 via Tapatalk

[Mirek]

Azores are really beautiful and the rally is great. I also like the surface. But it costs a lot of money. I agree to have Azores in ERC calendar, but if you do it so, you must throw away both Cyprus and Canarian isles and replace them with something on the mainland. (for example Principe Asturias rally back in IRC era was fine(just example) But it needs people from Eurosport to change their mind and stop that gold mining.

The problem is not that much the money but time.

[PLuto]

To have ideal calendar, there must be maximum one rally so far away on island...

[Reis Eduardo]

To have ideal calendar, there must be maximum one rally so far away on island...

Rally Azores ;)

[Sub_Skoda]

Any news about drivers who compete ERC next year?

[TWRC]

Any news about drivers who compete ERC next year?
A far as Hungarians go, Botka is almost 100% sure, Érdi might switch to R5 and so some rounds, and I think Klausz will stay in JERC. Others may pop up for the odd round too.

[Mirek]

Scattolon with R5. Potentially quite many drivers/cars from CZ but not much sure yet.

[tolx]

Calendar looks fine, except the islands. At least, Liepaja will get some party at season end. :D
About ignoring the western europe - maybe it's other way around? Does germany/france/spain really need ERC round on mainland?
For now, seems that they don't.
Winter rallies in north of scandinavia are not intrested in ERC because of money and also, they can't accomodate such large events, I think.
Ok, maybe winter rally in Estonia could be possible, but winters now are a bit too much of a chance game thus far south. Don't think we need another rally like Liepaja was last year.
Someone proposed zone system again? Well, don't really think it's worth the hassle. Even some 15 years ago, all the top crews choose rallies with rate20, eventually making championship race consist of the same 8-10 rallies. Rate 2 or 5 rallies, were more of a prestige deal (look, we're ERC event!), not real attraction for competitors.

[Jarek Z]

Any news about drivers who compete ERC next year?

Do you remember Marco Cavigioli? :)
https://www.fiaerc.com/cavigioli-plans-erc2-campaign-for-2017/

I'm sure he will add some spice to the championship :D
http://www.ewrc.cz/ewrc/image_browse.php?id=313954&entry=

[Jarek Z]

Giacomo Scattolon is twice younger than Cavigioli so he can try his chance in the new ERC Junior Under-28 category:
http://www.automobilsport.com/erc-rallyes-giacomo-scattolon-2017---158897.html

[CWJ]

Opel R2 in JWRC with Jari Huttunen. Rumors about an 18 year old girl from Como too.

[br21]

Catie Munnings maybe in two cars team with another young driver should do ERC too

[TWRC]

Opel R2 in JWRC with Jari Huttunen. Rumors about an 18 year old girl from Como too.
The girl should be Tamara Molinaro, she has Opel, Red Bull and BRR backing, and I think she's talented too, so it seems a good deal.

[106 sport]

Azores are really beautiful and the rally is great. I also like the surface. But it costs a lot of money. I agree to have Azores in ERC calendar, but if you do it so, you must throw away both Cyprus and Canarian isles and replace them with something on the mainland. (for example Principe Asturias rally back in IRC era was fine(just example) But it needs people from Eurosport to change their mind and stop that gold mining.


I disagree with you. Rally Islas canarias (Gran Canaria), called some years ago Rally El Corte Inglés is a classic inside the European Rally Championship, in fact it had coefficient 20 since 90´s.

In its 40 editions disputed have participated many of the best pilots of the world.

[PLuto]

I disagree with you. Rally Islas canarias (Gran Canaria), called some years ago Rally El Corte Inglés is a classic inside the European Rally Championship, in fact it had coefficient 20 since 90´s.

In its 40 editions disputed have participated many of the best pilots of the world.

I like all three island events a lot, they are great events. But for ERC it is easily too expensive (time and money) to have so many island events...

[Mirek]

Filip Mareš another Czech driver in JERC (already third together with Karel Kupec and Dominik Brož).

[106 sport]

I like all three island events a lot, they are great events. But for ERC it is easily too expensive (time and money) to have so many island events...

I understand you, but Gran Canaria fans have right to enjoy ERC rally.

[Mirek]

Just like any other fans in any other place. Don't You agree?

[106 sport]

Just like any other fans in any other place. Don't You agree?

Obviously...

[tolx]

Rotation of island events would be great but it cant happen for obvious reasons.

[Luis Pacheco]

In its 40 editions disputed have participated many of the best pilots of the world.

For sure but at that time the support from tobacco companies helped a lot.

[PLuto]

For sure but at that time the support from tobacco companies helped a lot.

It is same with all island events - Azores, Madeira, Canarias, Cyprus... To bring drivers there they must spend more money and pay some costs for the teams as this events are easily more expensive for them than others. Thats why I am not telling that money and costs for running the event are the biggest problem. Biggest problem is time which must team, truck and rally car spend there...

[Jarek Z]

For the ones wondering if island events make sense and are good for the competing teams - a piece of information. The recently published official presentation about 2017 Junior ERC shows that the organizers have to offer logistic support for the teams. They have to offer free boat transportation and free air tickets in order to bring the drivers and team members to the rally. See page 6 of the following document for details:
https://www.fiaerc.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/2017_ERCJ_Presentation.pdf

[kure91]

Dominik Brož is changing car, next year in JERC he will compete with Peugeot 208 R2

[Simmi]

A couple of rallies in JERC for Sindre Furuseth next year (probably Latvia/Poland) as well as a couple in the British Championship.

He did a good job and certainly got noticed this year in the Twingo. Now he looks like he's trying to get as much tarmac experience as possible - https://www.msabrc.com/news/furuseth-joins-adam-family/

[CWJ]

Ingram should lead Opel again in 2017 for both titels

[mousti]

Ingram should lead Opel again in 2017 for both titels

BRC and JERC you mean then?

[br21]

Ingram should lead Opel again in 2017 for both titels

I was on Msport tests where he was driving R5 a little also, but looks like it didn't work out

[Mirek]

All three known Czech JERC drivers with Peugeot.

[Mirek]

Czech driver Ondřej Bisaha told in an interview that he would do some European events, presumably ERC, with Fiesta R5.

[PLuto]

Czech driver Ondřej Bisaha told in an interview that he would do some European events, presumably ERC, with Fiesta R5.

Problem is that ERC calendar is too bad this year comparing to calendar of czech championship...

[Mirek]

He said he would do only selected Czech events.

[RS]

Bouffier is with Gemini's Fiesta R5 on Monte. Any chance to see him later on in ERC this year?

He normally does Monte anyway so I don't think that means anything about his plans for the year.

[Mirek]

He is registered to WRC2 ;)

[PLuto]

Bouffier is with Gemini's Fiesta R5 on Monte. Any chance to see him later on in ERC this year?

He normally does Monte anyway so I don't think that means anything about his plans for the year.

We will see. For sure he will do Monte and Corse.

[sete]

Great,both event are on my plan to visit :-D

[Fiat-131-Abarth]

We will see. For sure he will do Monte and Corse.

What about the czech championship?

[Mirek]

Unlikely except Barum I think.

[TWRC]

Botka has confirmed that he plans to do the full 8 events with the DS3.

[mousti]

We will see. For sure he will do Monte and Corse.

Let's hope Ypres also and when Kalle is 18 he can take over as GSI Pilot :p

[WUff1]

Tarabus & Trunkat and Kresta Racing parted. Future of the drivers uncertain.

[106 sport]

Any news?

There are few news about ERC...

[mousti]

It's dying again, I guess..

Verstuurd vanaf mijn SM-G935F met Tapatalk

[106 sport]

Rumours in Gran Canaria about a possible new Otsberg´s participartion.

[106 sport]

https://www.fiaerc.com/polish-champion-grzyb-picks-erc-for-next-step/

Polish champion Grzegorz Grzyb will follow in the footsteps of ERC title holder Kajetan Kajetanowicz by mounting an FIA European Rally Championship campaign in 2017 after capturing his overall domestic title for the first time last season.

Grzyb, 40, is set to start his ERC programme on Rally Islas Canarias in early May in ERC1-specification R5 machinery having sampled a ŠKODA Fabia R5 and Ford Fiesta R5 in 2016.

He will link up with new co-driver Przemyslaw Zawada, who has experience of European and world championship events.

Grzyb is also a three-time winner of the Slovakian title and placed third on last season’s ERC-counting Rally Rzeszow. He follows Łukasz Habaj (2015), Wojciech Chuchała (2014) and Kajetanowicz (2010-2013) by stepping up to the ERC after winning the coveted Polish title.

[106 sport]

Another rumour:

The Lebanese pilot Gilbert Bannout has confirmed that he is working hard on a project that will make him return in 2017 to the Canary Islands Rally of the FIA ERC

[PLuto]

Armin Kremer finished in WRC2 (as he is not happy with situation in championship) and will support Marijan Griebel in his ERC Junior 28 campaign - http://www.autosport.cz/clanek.php?cl=18756

[RS]

Armin Kremer finished in WRC2 (as he is not happy with situation in championship) and will support Marijan Griebel in his ERC Junior 28 campaign - http://www.autosport.cz/clanek.php?cl=18756

Are the sponsors which appeared on Kremer's car his own companies?

Kremer is a capable driver but he's never going to challenge for the WRC2 title with Skoda and MSport works teams there. I think this is a good news story, to see him support an up and coming young driver instead.

[Jarek Z]

Are the sponsors which appeared on Kremer's car his own companies?

As far as I know his family company makes sausages, meat or something similar. I think it's the name that you see on the front of Kremer's car - Mecklemburger Landpute:

http://img.fotocommunity.com/die-rebellische-landpute-4c3728e8-ec93-4235-a778-9df059efba7c.jpg?width=1000

[Jarek Z]

I think this is a good news story, to see him support an up and coming young driver instead.

Yes, I think it's great from Kremer. Former ERC champion stops his career and brings up his own successor. It almost sounds like a Holywood movie ;)

https://www.rallye-magazin.de/int/artikel/d/2017/01/31/kremer-steigt-aus-und-verhilft-griebel-zum-em-aufstieg/

[RS]

As far as I know his family company makes sausages, meat or something similar. I think it's the name that you see on the front of Kremer's car - Mecklemburger Landpute:


Thanks, IIRC those logos already appeared on Griebel's Opel last year too.

Anyway, Griebel did a good job on his prize drive last year so if he can get a full(ish) season in ERC this year that is good news for him and the championship.

[CWJ]

As far as I know his family company makes sausages, meat or something similar. I think it's the name that you see on the front of Kremer's car - Mecklenburger Landpute:

Correct.

Mecklenburg -> north east Germany region
Land -> country side
Pute -> turkey

Online order deliveres to everywhere ;)

[RS]

Rallying has a lot to thank the poultry industry for it seems.

[dupanton]

Albert von Thurn und Taxis and Bjorn Degandt will compete in 8 ERC rounds, with a Wevers Skoda Fabia R5

[RS]

Albert von Thurn und Taxis and Bjorn Degandt will compete in 8 ERC rounds, with a Wevers Skoda Fabia R5

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

[EightGear]

Von Thurn und Taxis is a gentleman driver who started rallying not so long ago. Previously he raced GT cars on circuits.

Degandt is his codriver and mostly known for co-driving Hans Weijs Jr.

Do not expect anything.

[RS]

Von Thurn und Taxis is a gentleman driver who started rallying not so long ago. Previously he raced GT cars on circuits.

Degandt is his codriver and mostly known for co-driving Hans Weijs Jr.

Do not expect anything.

Thanks for the info.

[dupanton]

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

He is rich. And some kind of a prince. And he is rich. That's it.

[PLuto]

I have meet him last year on Lausitz Rallye. And I cannot say any bad words against him. He is friendly and not so bad driver. For sure not top driver, but he can make some good times.

[Mirek]

His family once owned even a large part of east Bohemia, also the now Unesco castle in my birth town Litomyšl. But that was more than a century a go :)

[Sulland]

Old aristocrat family. So has enough money, and a possibility most of us do not. Let him have fun!

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Albert,_12th_Prince_of_Thurn_and_Taxis

[dupanton]

To be clear, I have nothing against him. I never saw him drive, so can't say a thing about that.
I just know that he isn't some kind of young talent and that he's got the money to do a full ERC without any problem.

[electroliquid]

Saw him driving in 300 Lakes rally in Lithuania last year. Not the fastest, but was doing great job in such fast gravel rally. With more experience could be 6th-10th in ERC rallies. Also it's nice to see more regulars in ERC.

[JUF]

I'm rather sure that Albert ist able to match the times of other gentleman drivers like Tlusták. With some luck we could see him on the podium :).

[Reis Eduardo]

Good support and definite dates for boarding and return for Azores Airlines Rally 2017.

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

[RS]

Good support and definite dates for boarding and return for Azores Airlines Rally 2017.

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

We cannot say they are not trying to make it easier for people to do these island events..

I hope it works.

[Luis Pacheco]

https://scontent-lhr3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-0/p480x480/16387357_1370893176314466_2659724055284656925_n.jp g?oh=bc48bb3ec578c81a80a9a53bfc1c394a&oe=590A5B90

Kalle Rovanpera in Azores ?!?!?

[Luis Pacheco]

We cannot say they are not trying to make it easier for people to do these island events..


Being the first round of the championship they know is not very easy to have a entry list full of foreigners drivers.

[Essaj]

https://scontent-lhr3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-0/p480x480/16387357_1370893176314466_2659724055284656925_n.jp g?oh=bc48bb3ec578c81a80a9a53bfc1c394a&oe=590A5B90

Kalle Rovanpera in Azores ?!?!?

Could somebody translate this please?

[TheFlyingTuga]

Could somebody translate this please?

Kalle contacted the organization and one of the responsible guys for the rally it's trying to gather a special license so he can do the rally, since the legal driving age in Portugal is 18yo.

[CWJ]

Opel in JERC confirmed with Jari Huttunen, Tamara Molinaro and Chris Ingram

https://www.rallye-magazin.de/int/artikel/d/2017/02/06/opel-junior-team-ohne-deutschen-fahrer/

[dupanton]

I don't understand what Ingram is still doing in jERC...

[Fast Eddie WRC]

I don't understand what Ingram is still doing in jERC...

It can only be lack of funding for a (full-time) R5 drive...

But another paid drive with Opel isnt a bad 'second prize' and a chance to be JWRC Champion.

[RS]

It can only be lack of funding for a (full-time) R5 drive...

But another paid drive with Opel isnt a bad 'second prize' and a chance to be JWRC Champion.

Especially as the prize this year is 100,000 EUR towards an R5 programme in 2018.

[dupanton]

I understand the funding issues. But it's his fourth (?) season in jERC. That can't be any good for his career...

[Jarek Z]

I understand the funding issues. But it's his fourth (?) season in jERC. That can't be any good for his career...

Really? Is it not better than sitting at home, like most other British talents?

[Rally Power]

We cannot say they are not trying to make it easier for people to do these island events..
I hope it works.

It'll, most likely! One has to admit that Açores is much more than an island event. It has become the most iconic rally on the series and ERC regulars really want to do it. Last editions entry lists are the proof.

It’s a long and not cheap journey to the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, but the remarkable support from organizers and local authorities (more generous each year) makes it more easy and affordable for the crews. It’s also a fantastic, and not that expensive, rally for spectators.

Well done Açores!

[dupanton]

Really? Is it not better than sitting at home, like most other British talents?

Yes it is. But not good for his career.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Fast Eddie
Great to read you are in the JERC for 2017 with @Opel. Any news of an R5 car coming in the future ?

Chris Ingram GB
Thanks a lot !!
Not sure... Still hope :)

[CWJ]

But another paid drive with Opel isnt a bad 'second prize'

LOL

Ask him ... I guess they all need to pay Opel.

[mousti]

LOL

Ask him ... They all need to pay to Opel.

True only Huttunen not because it's his prize from Opel Cup in Germany. But Griebel and Ingram were paying drivers last year.

[Luis Pacheco]

It has become the most iconic rally on the series and ERC regulars really want to do it. Last editions entry lists are the proof.


2013 - 23 foreigner crews at the start
2014 - 23 " " " " "
2015 - 31 " " " " "
2016 - 22 " " " " "

[pucky54]

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

[JUF]

True only Huttunen not because it's his prize from Opel Cup in Germany. But Griebel and Ingram were paying drivers last year. I don't know about Huttunen, but the other winners of the Opel selection (Griebel, Bergkvist and Tannert) have been requested to pay for their drive. So I guess Huttunen has to bring some money aswell....

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Whatever... he's happy...

@ChrisIngramGB
Thrilled to announce I'll compete with @Opel for a 2nd season in @FIAERC w' @EAERallying😃welcome to the team @TamaraMolinaro @HuttunenRacing https://t.co/J1XfXCIkBy

The prize money may be the reason for another jERC season and then onto an R5 in 2018...