[WRC] News & Rumours 2019

[Portimao]

Looks like Japan is gonna be another Australia

[Rally Hokkaido]

You need to understand the Japanese culture... They don't just go an stand in the middle of a stage. That would be naughty. They go only to the designated spectator locations.

I was lucky enough to go one year to Obihiro, and I can assure you the whole city was right behind the event. One of the best ceremonial starts I've ever been to. Amazing crowds.

And don't forget, this time it will be on the main island, just a couple of hours from Tokyo...

Glad to hear you enjoyed your visit! IMHO, the move to Sapporo for the last two years was a disaster, crowd-wise - the rally shuffled off to the suburbs and nobody knew it was on. The new Rally Japan has different Organisers and strong backing from Toyota. It is not only a couple of hours from both Tokyo and Osaka by expressway, it is only 30 minutes from Nagoya (pop. 2.3 million) and centred in Toyota City (pop. half a million) so no shortage of rally fans. In fact, amongst the greater challenges the Organisers face will be controlling both spectator stage access and traffic congestion. I imagine the exclusive use of spectator buses will be implemented.

[the sniper]

You have probably hit the nail on the head within your question.... they aren’t bothered about people spectating on the events, they want online and TV ratings. This is what brings the dollars in.
Having the last round attracting a large online audience puts the promotors in a good position for generating higher profile sponsors going forward.
It’s shit, but that’s how it is.

They're making their money from event organisers. Having Japan or Australia last on the calendar is completely at odds with having a large online audience for the Championship finale, it's frankly a slap in the face for the core audience in Europe. Formula 1 learnt this lesson long ago, but sadly WRC promoter are obviously making too much money out of having the Championship concluded in the middle of the night for most WRC fans, far away from where many of these fans would be willing/able to attend...

[er88]

Would be too much tarmac to be WRC, in my world... ;(Really.., come on. You'd have Germany, Spain and Japan as the only 3 pure tarmac events in a 14 round championship (Monte can't be classed in the same group).

Even if Wales rally GB moves to NI, that's still only 4 tarmac events. That's how it should be.

[pantealex]

Really.., come on. You'd have Germany, Spain and Japan as the only 3 pure tarmac events in a 14 round championship (Monte can't be classed in the same group).

Even if Wales rally GB moves to NI, that's still only 4 tarmac events. That's how it should be.

No.

If there is only 1 snow event, why there should be more than 1 tarmac events ?

Each of us have our own "rally-world", in my world there is lot of snow events and gravel events. For me 1 tarmac is enough.

[the sniper]

Friends of mine who don't get rallying cant understand why the cars are driven "off road" at all.

I think it's fair to say those friends are a lost cause.

I've always found that tarmac rallying is a far harder sell to casuals. Particularly modern tarmac rallying, doesn't really work so well as a spectacle on television, especially the way they record it.

Saying that I think three tarmac events are fine. I can't see that you can have less than two. There are different types of tarmac events, the problem is that we'll probably end up with more than one smooth tarmac rally... You don't need more than one smooth tarmac rally, IMO.

[mknight]

One big issue with tarmac rallies is that they can look pretty boring. (so can very slow gravel rallies though). Thing is that there are a million different racing series that are on tarmac, while WRC is the most famous one on gravel (Dakar is famous in some countries but happens only once a year).

When adding more tarmac rallies I'd be all for a more Monte-like rally with either snowy or wet tarmac.

[cali]

Glad to hear you enjoyed your visit! IMHO, the move to Sapporo for the last two years was a disaster, crowd-wise - the rally shuffled off to the suburbs and nobody knew it was on. The new Rally Japan has different Organisers and strong backing from Toyota. It is not only a couple of hours from both Tokyo and Osaka by expressway, it is only 30 minutes from Nagoya (pop. 2.3 million) and centred in Toyota City (pop. half a million) so no shortage of rally fans. In fact, amongst the greater challenges the Organisers face will be controlling both spectator stage access and traffic congestion. I imagine the exclusive use of spectator buses will be implemented.Been to Nagoya about 19 years ago. Still want to go back there, maybe next year I will be there to spectate. Wonderful place, lots of fond memories.

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[Eli]

I think Northern Ireland would be a great addition to the Tarmac events as well as Japan. However, I wouldn't mind mixing it up and instead of Mexico, we'd have another snow rally in say.....Canada (yes I know they are planning to join the WRC in 2023/2024).

[Rallyper]

Really.., come on. You'd have Germany, Spain and Japan as the only 3 pure tarmac events in a 14 round championship (Monte can't be classed in the same group).

Even if Wales rally GB moves to NI, that's still only 4 tarmac events. That's how it should be.

Especially having three or four in a row at the end of season... Not good at all.

[deephouse]

One mixed tarmac-gravel must stay on calendar so it can be challenge for teams. And Germany is spectacular in those vineyards. Chile and Turkey isn't something special I must say. Pretty happy that Japan and Safari are joining. Wales needs to stay too, those mud/gravel stages are the only of those kind event on calendar and is legendary awesome.

[EstWRC]

Especially having three or four in a row at the end of season... Not good at all.

im doubting very much they would put 3 rounds of tarmac to the end of the season.

[janvanvurpa]

I think Northern Ireland would be a great addition to the Tarmac events as well as Japan. However, I wouldn't mind mixing it up and instead of Mexico, we'd have another snow rally in say.....Canada (yes I know they are planning to join the WRC in 2023/2024).

(sigh) Tarmac..(groan)...Ok some tarmac is 'ok' to watch..And I'm sure it is challenging to drive..But much ass-fault is incredibly boring...Maybe the cars are "too good"?? They work so well you don't see anything happening..

Some Irish tarmac, yeah its good, when its VERY narrow and very crappy tarmac...And some Czechish tarmac , again when its narrow and bumpy...you see the cars work. But simple wide smooth tarmac, it doesn't look much different that circuit racing, except more picturesque background sometimes...

And Canada...[IMG]https://i.imgur.com/8WsTL2t.jpg
I will be as polite as I possibly can.....The little fan-boi committee claiming to be "investigating the possibilities" are at absolute best dreaming...They collectively do not have the experience, the manpower, the accommodations, the local interest, the disciple, the moxy, and any "regular means of support" (employment) aside from talking.
There are plenty of fun roads for 3 seasons....but come winter time it is the Rocky Mountains....the narrow 2 lane roads here and there could become impossibly snarled for everybody...even with almost no local population...
The main protagonist has a grand total of maybe 5-7 events as a driver, (local events which in the area in question typically at that time got 11-17 cars) a handful of events as co-driver and some years as a "media person" for the Canadian Federation...Media person means he types and talks...Nobody has any idea how he pays the rent although he did say once that he had sold used cars for a while...

This is not a serious person or a serious chance of a WRC level event happening in Western Canada..

Hell we had WRC here where I am 1985---1988 and that was thanks to one obsessively driven man...a man willing to do and say anything to make sure it came off but whose clear motivation was to "hang with" "celebrities"....like WRC elite or TV stars... It did not end well....and we with a much higher local population to draw from (and a much more "worldly" and 'hip") could no way have the people, to organsie and pull off a WRC event...

[pantealex]

Ok some tarmac is 'ok' to watch..And I'm sure it is challenging to drive..But much ass-fault is incredibly boring...Maybe the cars are "too good"?? They work so well you don't see anything happening..

Some Irish tarmac, yeah its good, when its VERY narrow and very crappy tarmac...And some Czechish tarmac , again when its narrow and bumpy...you see the cars work. But simple wide smooth tarmac, it doesn't look much different that circuit racing, except more picturesque background sometimes...

I´m also feeling tarmac like that.
Good: narrow parts, hairpins, bumps, wet, crossings
Bad: wide and smooth

[Eli]

(sigh) Tarmac..(groan)...Ok some tarmac is 'ok' to watch..And I'm sure it is challenging to drive..But much ass-fault is incredibly boring...Maybe the cars are "too good"?? They work so well you don't see anything happening..

Some Irish tarmac, yeah its good, when its VERY narrow and very crappy tarmac...And some Czechish tarmac , again when its narrow and bumpy...you see the cars work. But simple wide smooth tarmac, it doesn't look much different that circuit racing, except more picturesque background sometimes...

And Canada...[IMG]https://i.imgur.com/8WsTL2t.jpg
I will be as polite as I possibly can.....The little fan-boi committee claiming to be "investigating the possibilities" are at absolute best dreaming...They collectively do not have the experience, the manpower, the accommodations, the local interest, the disciple, the moxy, and any "regular means of support" (employment) aside from talking.
There are plenty of fun roads for 3 seasons....but come winter time it is the Rocky Mountains....the narrow 2 lane roads here and there could become impossibly snarled for everybody...even with almost no local population...
The main protagonist has a grand total of maybe 5-7 events as a driver, (local events which in the area in question typically at that time got 11-17 cars) a handful of events as co-driver and some years as a "media person" for the Canadian Federation...Media person means he types and talks...Nobody has any idea how he pays the rent although he did say once that he had sold used cars for a while...

This is not a serious person or a serious chance of a WRC level event happening in Western Canada..

Hell we had WRC here where I am 1985---1988 and that was thanks to one obsessively driven man...a man willing to do and say anything to make sure it came off but whose clear motivation was to "hang with" "celebrities"....like WRC elite or TV stars... It did not end well....and we with a much higher local population to draw from (and a much more "worldly" and 'hip") could no way have the people, to organsie and pull off a WRC event...Thanks for the comprehensive reply, do appreciate it, as for the Tarmac events, I agree with you it should be tight, narrow (muddy) hence I pointed out Ireland. Although it would be nice to see both Ireland & Wales as it was back in 2007. As for Canada, tbh, I had do idea how's the situation is over there concerning rallying, however I still maintain it would be nice to see more than Sweden as a snow rally.. And before I forget, yes they should have kept Catalunya as a mixed event as it does add to the challenge.

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[Portimao]

According to Polish version of Motorsport.com:
- Turkey is off for 2020
- Corsica also out
- Germany stays as it used to be
- Rally Safari set for june
- Sardinias base back to Olbia
- Rally Spain full tarmac

https://pl.motorsport.com/wrc/news/turcja-pozegna-sie-z-wrc/4513215/

[mknight]

Full tarmac Spain sounds boring..

[the sniper]

Could Spain go back to the North West of Barcelona if it goes back to full tarmac, or is there money from the current region keeping them to the South?

[lluisva555]

AFAIK, it's not a question of money, but of an asphalt space big enough to host the service park, only currently available at Port Aventura in Salou. If it was because of money, it would have moved long ago. But if full tarmac, and with current restrictions in Priorat area, it may well be that one leg was run north of Barcelona, even though the distance from these stages to service park would be greater than 150 km...

[cali]

AFAIK, it's not a question of money, but of an asphalt space big enough to host the service park, only currently available at Port Aventura in Salou. If it was because of money, it would have moved long ago. But if full tarmac, and with current restrictions in Priorat area, it may well be that one leg was run north of Barcelona, even though the distance from these stages to service park would be greater than 150 km...Salou and the region close to it is very nice, no need to move this rally :)

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[Allez Andruet]

https://www.is.fi/ralli/art-2000006203153.html

Suninen "likely to stay with M-Sport" according to Jouhki. Citing the ever-reliable sources, the story also mentions that Citroen will continue with only two cars in 2020.

[mknight]

Citroën is bad news for multiple reasons. But it is a clear consequence of not fighting in the top on all rallies (yet?), so money goes to car development.

[EstWRC]

so Citroen still with 2 cars...

Mads to Hyundai or Toyota then?

[mknight]

More like Mads to nowhere.
Hyundai will either stay same or go for Breen (obvious why since he is already driving the car) or Evans (rumors).
For Toyota it's imo similar except the possible picks before Mads are (in no particular order) Suninen, Evans, Mikkelsen, Latvala.

[AnttiL]

Mads could still help Citroen win a championship even if only tested or drove only single events

[Entertainer]

Which are the confirmed lineups so far?
Neuville in Hyundai and Citroen Ogier/Lappi, is that it?

What are the chances, in 2020, of :

Hyundai - Neuville, Breen, Loeb/Sordo/Mikkelsen (shared)
Citroen: Ogier, Lappi
Toyota: Tanak, Rovanperä, Latvala
M-sport: Evans, Sunninen, Tidemand/Meeke/Paddon (shared)?

[AnttiL]

Which are the confirmed lineups so far?
Neuville in Hyundai and Citroen Ogier/Lappi, is that it?

And Loeb with Hyundai.

[Oliverk]

According to Polish version of Motorsport.com:
- Turkey is off for 2020
- Corsica also out
- Germany stays as it used to be
- Rally Safari set for june
- Sardinias base back to Olbia
- Rally Spain full tarmac

https://pl.motorsport.com/wrc/news/turcja-pozegna-sie-z-wrc/4513215/

Alghero was very good spot for Service and stage locations. Good for spectators also with old town and beach in 400 m from each other. They have to really change stages to have it in Olbia. My best WRC rally to spectate with little vacation combo.

[EstWRC]

Mads could still help Citroen win a championship even if only tested or drove only single events

i wasnt able to follow ALLLIVE at all during Rally Finland but we could watch Leustu 2 from the mobile and i remember Mads saying something like he is working on a deal to help a manufacturer to win the championship or smth like that.

If Citroen continues with 2 cars then it must be Toyota or Hyundai.

[AnttiL]

i wasnt able to follow ALLLIVE at all during Rally Finland but we could watch Leustu 2 from the mobile and i remember Mads saying something like he is working on a deal to help a manufacturer to win the championship or smth like that.

If Citroen continues with 2 cars then it must be Toyota or Hyundai.

Like I said, he could help Citroen with his testing work and single events with his own sponsors like in early 2018.

[Tarmop]

Suninen tested the Yaris before finland?

[AnttiL]

Suninen tested the Yaris before finland?

He did?

[wrc2017]

Full tarmac Spain sounds boring..

Ever been?

[tommeke_B]

I'll put Catalunya back on my calendar once it's full tarmac again. ;) Been to Catalunya 2 times, both times I enjoyed the tarmac stages more than the gravel ones.

[Tarmop]

He did?

There was a news abou "Suninen having secret tests with another manuf. in Finland, before Finland"...what else could it be...if it was.

[meh]

i wasnt able to follow ALLLIVE at all during Rally Finland but we could watch Leustu 2 from the mobile and i remember Mads saying something like he is working on a deal to help a manufacturer to win the championship or smth like that.

If Citroen continues with 2 cars then it must be Toyota or Hyundai.

I had AllFollow (Full time ALLLive) and noticed the same thing. Even posted about it here.


Ostberg in studio seemed confident with "I'm having meetings" "to help some team to win factory title". (edit: for 2020)

My prediction - Toyota - they need some points scorer.

Others:
Citroen - why to travel to Finland to have this kind of meeting with your current team
M-Sport - do they put their priority to factory title?
Hyundai - have already big list of drivers.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

I agree and can see Toyota following Hyundai's system next year by having a roster of driver's, swapping and changing them to suit particular rallies.

It seems pretty clear that these two big WRC Teams are the only serious contenders for the Manus championship for 2020.

Citroen and M-Sport dont have the money to run enough cars and drivers to compete. I can see maybe Citroen calling on Ostberg if they ever get near to the top, but that's unlikely. Therefore his best hope is to be one of the Toyota driver's supporting that team on his best events.

[tommeke_B]

Why would Ostberg's best chance be Toyota? IF Toyota needs some "expert" to add to their line-up, it would be a tarmac expert (in case Meeke and/or Latvala are replaced). They already have what they need for Ostberg's favorite events.

[Allez Andruet]

I agree and can see Toyota following Hyundai's system next year by having a roster of driver's, swapping and changing them to suit particular rallies.

Mäkinen has said that TGR won't do that.

[mknight]

Outside of Citroen that don't seem to be going for manu title I'd actually say Østberg's best chance is Hyundai.

If Mikkelsen leaves somewhere else they could certainly use a driver that is good on fast gravel and is willing to do a part time season.

However, both Breen's and Mikkelsen's pace in Finland are bad news for him in that regard. Mikkelsen's pace on his worst rally makes it more likely he will stay and Breen's pace makes it likely he gets part time drive if Mikkelsen leaves.

Early to say though. If Mikkelsen still struggles on tarmac in Germany it is less likely he stays and Breen needs at least one more start in Hyundai to confirm he can perform with it. So I'd say Østberg can still be under consideration.

[Fredouye]

From Lappi's Tweeter account...at least Valtteri isn't using an old Williams F1 suit https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190814/67f99f1d1312778e7d2357c76bd5b7a3.jpg

[Portimao]

Is this just a friendly meeting or is he testing C3 now?

[EstWRC]

What the hell is he planning? Moving to wrc ? Basically testing every car now.

[Allez Andruet]

What the hell is he planning?

My thoughts exactly. If I was Toto Wolff I'd be asking serious questions.

[rallyfiend]

My thoughts exactly. If I was Toto Wolff I'd be asking serious questions.

I suspect the questions Valteri has already asked Toto means that he knows ain't gonna be there next year....

[Allez Andruet]

I suspect the questions Valteri has already asked Toto means that he knows ain't gonna be there next year....

Maybe. And I have nothing against Bottas jumping across the street to WRC. Quite the contrary. Welcome onboard.

[T16]

I saw this Instagram post too.. has he actually tested a C3?

[pantealex]

There was a news abou "Suninen having secret tests with another manuf. in Finland, before Finland"...what else could it be...if it was.

M-Sport. He said "secret" he didn´t say "another manuf"

[Rally Power]

so Citroen still with 2 cars...

Yep, entering 2 cars will always feel a bit short; just hope it could mean Citroen is planning to save a part of the budget to prepare the future Hybrid car and stay in the WRC for a long time. Fingers crossed.

[Tarmop]

Yes, but he didn`t say M-Sport either. Or did he?
"Niin, se ensi kausi. Jyväskylän testien jälkeen Suninen paljasti suuntaavansa omien sanojensa mukaan "salaisiin testeihin", joista hän ei halunnut hiiskua mitään. Kauden aikana tehtäviä salatestejä tapahtuu, sillä esimerkiksi Sebastien Ogier myönsi viime kauden lopussa käyneensä kauden aikana salassa testaamassa Citroenia ennen kuin teki päätöksen siitä, että meni talliin."

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Mäkinen has said that TGR won't do that.

What did Makinen say, got the quote ?

And 2020 is still a way off. Things may change...

[wrc2017]

M-Sport. He said "secret" he didn´t say "another manuf"

Hybrid car

[masa90]

I also have a Kimi 2009 esque feeling from all this Bottas rallystuff. Would be interesting to see how he goes but I feel it would be hobbylevel more. I just can't see a way in how he could compete at all on rally. There are so many full-time rallydrivers these days on wrc too. I hope he stays in F1 and wins the wdc there. But let's see, I have a bad feeling about this.

[AnttiL]

Yes, but he didn`t say M-Sport either. Or did he?
"Niin, se ensi kausi. Jyväskylän testien jälkeen Suninen paljasti suuntaavansa omien sanojensa mukaan "salaisiin testeihin", joista hän ei halunnut hiiskua mitään. Kauden aikana tehtäviä salatestejä tapahtuu, sillä esimerkiksi Sebastien Ogier myönsi viime kauden lopussa käyneensä kauden aikana salassa testaamassa Citroenia ennen kuin teki päätöksen siitä, että meni talliin."

https://yle.fi/urheilu/3-10900090

Here he says it was at M-Sport.

[Allez Andruet]

What did Makinen say, got the quote ?

I can't find the quote now (will check later), but Mäkinen was asked about partial programs/driver rotation and his answer was something like "we won't do that at TGR, we'll have three drivers and they're doing all rallies".

[OHL]

What did Makinen say, got the quote ?

And 2020 is still a way off. Things may change...

Hyundai WRT have incredible pressure to secure a championship.
It seems they have a mandate from the home office and so they have to try everything to achieve this.
IMO what they are doing is not the best way to build a strong cohesive team.
Waiting until just a couple weeks before an event to announce a driver lineup does not project quiet confidence but no one on the outside knows the whole story.
Maybe these decisions are out of the team's hands and are being made at the big HQ, maybe there is some PR strategy and the decisions are actually made well in advance but only announced just before hand.

I don't think it would make sense for Toyota to follow Hyundai in this strategy as Toyota have a different problem to overcome than Hyundai in order to secure the championship. Rotating drivers during the season wouldn't do anything to help them.

[meh]

I can't find the quote now (will check later), but Mäkinen was asked about partial programs/driver rotation and his answer was something like "we won't do that at TGR, we'll have three drivers and they're doing all rallies".

This quote is matching more with Meeke topic. A'la, it was question: "Do you replace Meeke this year?"

[Allez Andruet]

This quote is matching more with Meeke topic. A'la, it was question: "Do you replace Meeke this year?"

Nope, wasn't about Meeke.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Makinen's comments refer to the current season. I was talking about next season and the prospects of other driver's (like Ostberg) getting some drives.

[rallyfiend]

https://yle.fi/urheilu/3-10900090

Here he says it was at M-Sport.

He had a secret test with the same company he works with now? That makes no sense.

That's called a 'test'. An counts towards the regulatory maximum number of days. It's not much of a secret when it has to be declared to the FIA!

[AnttiL]

He had a secret test with the same company he works with now? That makes no sense.

That's called a 'test'. An counts towards the regulatory maximum number of days. It's not much of a secret when it has to be declared to the FIA!

What if he was testing the R5 car or something? Or more likely something that's under the development in secrecy?

[rallyfiend]

What if he was testing the R5 car or something? Or more likely something that's under the development in secrecy?

He's driven the R5 car at Rally Estonia. In public... Not much secrecy there.

[racerx1979]

Teemu drove a Yaris from what I've heard, but maybe it's just a rumor...

[Vahula]

Hybrid car

This may be the correct answer.

Making a test mule for the hybrid era is not complicated if the gas engine stays the same. Testing the balance and effect of the extra weight.

[rallyfiend]

This may be the correct answer.

Making a test mule for the hybrid era is not complicated if the gas engine stays the same. Testing the balance and effect of the extra weight.

It is if the hybrid system comes from a single supplier and that single supplier deal hasn't even been put to tender yet!

[Andre Oliveira]

Or the R5 electric that they announced.

[AnttiL]

Teemu drove a Yaris from what I've heard, but maybe it's just a rumor...

Well at least someone on this forum assumed the "secret test" was in Puuppola before Teemu confirmed it was an M-Sport test.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

He had a secret test with the same company he works with now? That makes no sense.

That's called a 'test'. An counts towards the regulatory maximum number of days. It's not much of a secret when it has to be declared to the FIA!

But surely it doesnt count if he's testing another car not his WRC ?

[lnvs]

Maybe he tested Bentley. :D

[pantealex]

Every test day must be informed to FIA, even those "secret" ones. FIA just keep that info for them self.

Suninen has driven Yaris but it was not before NRF19, way earlier...

[Andre Oliveira]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/ECE59YSU4AA5JZD?format=jpg&name=large

[Entertainer]

Like we suspected :) Excellent news!

[BleAivano]

Tidemand in Fiesta for Turkey

Some links (in Swedish)
https://www.svt.se/sport/motorsport/tidemand-klar-for-ny-vm-start-i-wrc
https://www.emotorsport.se/nyheter.php?nyhets_id=17834
https://www.emotorsport.se/nyheter.php?nyhets_id=17835

[Rallyper]

What I don´t understand, is why he was on entrylist for Germany in the first place...?

[AnttiL]

What I don´t understand, is why he was on entrylist for Germany in the first place...?

Probably some last minute changes

[Allez Andruet]

https://twitter.com/SaariJarno/status/1162346978631659520

1833

So how about that then...? :eek:

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Sordo suggests he will "rent a car" for Rally Spain if he is not picked by Hyundai's WRC squad to contest his home event...

https://t.co/AxiCRCOjbT

[EstWRC]

https://twitter.com/SaariJarno/status/1162346978631659520

1833

So how about that then...? :eek:

that would be amazing if true!

[mknight]

Sordo suggests he will "rent a car" for Rally Spain if he is not picked by Hyundai's WRC squad to contest his home event...

https://t.co/AxiCRCOjbT

Loeb is just about 100% sure to start in Spain. He won it last year and has now driven 2 extra tarmac rallies since Corsica.

However, I think it's very unlikely that Mikkelsen drives instead of Sordo. For that he would have to do better than Sordo in Germany and prove to have decent speed with i20 on tarmac. Sure they did some changes to the car but so far nothing indicates how they helped (and if) for tarmac.
Basically the only indicator that Mikkelsen might drive is Adamo saying before Finland that Mikkelsen is planned to do all remaining rounds.

[AnttiL]

https://www.is.fi/ralli/art-2000006206698.html

A rumor that Rally Finland could have a super special on a new motor track which is in the making and should be ready soon. It's located near Kouvola, 200 km from Jyväskylä.

I don't know what to say.

[Allez Andruet]

I don't know what to say.

You don't know what to say about Rally Finland route?! I think now we've seen it all...

[Rally Power]

What I don´t understand, is why he was on entrylist for Germany in the first place...?

Apparently he got a better deal; maybe MSport asked him money for the R5 Germany drive (they’re always looking for it) and later his partners found it’d make more sense to invest on a new WRC outing. Anyway, it’s great having Tidemand back on the top class; hope he’ll manage to impress.



Sordo suggests he will "rent a car" for Rally Spain if he is not picked by Hyundai's WRC squad to contest his home event...

Having Sordo alongside Loeb and Neuville in Spain should be a no-brainer, but Adamo sometimes odd choices have been working surprisingly well. Btw, Loeb explained on his FB page why he didn’t ask for a Germany entry: he’d have to start at the back on usually polluted roads. https://facebook.com/SebLoebOfficiel/

[mknight]

Neuville took pole position in the Germany TCR race.

[HaCo]

Neuville just won a German ADAC TCR race heat, a TCR touring car race in Germany.

[EstWRC]

Amazing Thierry ! Show em what wrc drivers are made of!

[deephouse]

And Breen just take the Irish Tarmac Championship title 2019

[AnttiL]

And Breen just take the Irish Tarmac Championship title 2019

Has now wins with every R5 car (except Proton, new Fabia and Fiesta)

[the sniper]

https://www.is.fi/ralli/art-2000006206698.html

A rumor that Rally Finland could have a super special on a new motor track which is in the making and should be ready soon. It's located near Kouvola, 200 km from Jyväskylä.

I don't know what to say.

Indicative of the rally having a more southerly Leg though? I know you've predicted considerable changes for the anniversary year.

[AnttiL]

Indicative of the rally having a more southerly Leg though? I know you've predicted considerable changes for the anniversary year.

Well right now it’s just a rumor. But should it happen, I think it would just be the Thursday night super special in a different location.

[Allez Andruet]

Well right now it’s just a rumor. But should it happen, I think it would just be the Thursday night super special in a different location.

And that would be a major let down if it ends up being that kind of a one-off, with no additional stages in south/south-east of Jyväskylä.

[pantealex]

https://www.is.fi/ralli/art-2000006208088.html?ref=rss

And Mäkinen is now interested in Sordo :)

[mknight]

https://www.is.fi/ralli/art-2000006208088.html?ref=rss

And Mäkinen is now interested in Sordo :)

Sordo would make perfect sense as a part time driver, for example sharing car with Rovanpera (or just being nominate for points instead of him on some rounds)

However, Mäkinen did say he doesn't do part time drivers. Probably changed his mind.

As a full time driver there are those rallies where Sordo just never did perform(SWE, FIN, GB prbly Chile looking at the stages/surface) and I cant see that's going to change.

Or maybe this is just tactics to make it more costly for Hyundai to keep him, just like Hyundai is doing with "interest" in Tänak.

[TypeR]

https://www.is.fi/ralli/art-2000006208088.html?ref=rss

And Mäkinen is now interested in Sordo :)

I think it's not Tommi, but Ott, who wants Sordo as a teammate next year..

[skarderud]

From hayden paddons facebook:

Tomorrow is a big day! Two announcements that we are set to share from our PRG base in Cromwell, with a live web stream starting from 12pm NZT. Stay tuned

#20August #PRG #paddonspack

Sent fra min SM-G950F via Tapatalk

[erikli2]

Pontus Tidemand might do Rally Catalunya and Wales Rally GB this year according to a local Swedish newspaper. I'm guessing in a WRC Fiesta.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Sordo is still a sought-after driver despite being around for years. He is as reliable as most 2nd- tier driver's; plus massively popular in Spanish-speaking countries and so a great brand ambassador.

Hyundai would be foolish to let him go.

[the sniper]

Pontus Tidemand might do Rally Catalunya and Wales Rally GB this year according to a local Swedish newspaper. I'm guessing in a WRC Fiesta.

Looking like a chance of four Fiestas in GB then, as surely Gus will be in one too.

[EstWRC]

https://www.is.fi/ralli/art-2000006206698.html

A rumor that Rally Finland could have a super special on a new motor track which is in the making and should be ready soon. It's located near Kouvola, 200 km from Jyväskylä.

I don't know what to say.

case closed with this tweet https://twitter.com/KaiTarkiainen/status/1163511461907447808

[Allez Andruet]

Looking like a chance of four Fiestas in GB then, as surely Gus will be in one too.

M-Sport can easily run four. Just wondering where does this all leave Paddon?

[Tarmop]

No difference as long as the pay... They have ran 4 cars even in AUS.

[erikli2]

Looking like a chance of four Fiestas in GB then, as surely Gus will be in one too.

Most likely, Tidemand will take part in a Rally Magazine on Swedish television later tonight, hopefully some more details will be relieved then. He´s getting support from a newly created Swedish investment project called RaceNetWork (http://racenetwork.se/) which tries to make companies to invest in a future rally star. According to the creator of the project, they´ve received "a fantastic response", so hopefully we´ll see Pontus doing more rallies in a WRC-car in the future.

[erikli2]

Most likely, Tidemand will take part in a Rally Magazine on Swedish television later tonight, hopefully some more details will be relieved then. He´s getting support from a newly created Swedish investment project called RaceNetWork (http://racenetwork.se/) which tries to make companies to invest in a future rally star. According to the creator of the project, they´ve received "a fantastic response", so hopefully we´ll see Pontus doing more rallies in a WRC-car in the future.

Just to clarify now after the TV rally magazine: Pontus will get a good amount of test before Rally Turkey on roads similar to the ones in the rally, the goal is to do Rally Catalunya and Wales Rally GB with M-Sport in a Fiesta WRC (but it's not confirmed yet). The goal for 2020 is to get a permanent seat in a WRC-team (no surprise there).

[EstWRC]

interview with Budar, mainly about Toyotas rear wing https://translate.google.ee/translate?hl=et&tab=wT&authuser=0&sl=auto&tl=en&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.rallye-sport.fr%2Fbudar-si-on-ne-peut-plus-faire-confiance-en-personne%2F

[Andre Oliveira]

WRC survey: https://www.wrc.com/en/wrc/news/august-2019/fan-survey/page/6598--12-12-.html

[dimviii]

RallyRACC
@RallyRACC
·
2h
⚠️
⚠️
⚠️
Breaking News!
��
@JASuarezOficial
anuncia que correrá el #RallyRACC con un Škoda Fabia R5

[EstWRC]

anything new here ?

https://www.motorsport.com/wrc/news/the-key-weapon-wrc-teams-are-scrambling-to-secure/4520500/

[AnttiL]

anything new here ?

https://www.motorsport.com/wrc/news/the-key-weapon-wrc-teams-are-scrambling-to-secure/4520500/

Again Wilson talking about needing Ford's backing and speculation whether the hybrid regulations would spark the interest.

Also Andrea Adamo claims they have other team people visiting their service park facilities because they have the best coffee :D

[Andre Oliveira]

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

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Hyundai:
We are excited to announce @thierryneuville and @nicolasgilsoul will compete in @Rallylegend while @SebastienLoeb and @DanosElena will battle it out at Rallye Ciudad de Granada in October!

👉https://t.co/ye8Ni4Cwjt

#HMSGOfficial #GameOn https://t.co/vIyYgaW7mY

[mknight]

Basically Neuville goes testing on tarmac while Loeb goes testing on gravel before Spain.

Most likely explanation for Loeb is that since he didn't feel well in the changed car (diff) in Portugal they want to let him test it in rally.
Since it's only friday on gravel and he will have good starting position anyway it would look more logical to let him do another tarmac rally. Yes he already did 2 testing tarmac rallies, but the question is whether they actually made some (big?) changes that will help him relative to Corsica. Mikkelsen's pace in Germany didn't look like they did, but there is still almost 2 months to go.

[dimviii]

Lappi interview at thecheckeredflag

https://www.thecheckeredflag.co.uk/2019/09/vanishing-point-an-interview-with-esapekka-lappi/

[T16]

Lappi interview at thecheckeredflag

https://www.thecheckeredflag.co.uk/2019/09/vanishing-point-an-interview-with-esapekka-lappi/

Good interview, thanks.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

#WRC Mikkelsen & Breen joins Neuville at next Rally Legend this October ► https://t.co/mK8gDu4AMP
#i20WRC https://t.co/k0HFEy5e5u

[mknight]

#WRC Mikkelsen & Breen joins Neuville at next Rally Legend this October ► https://t.co/mK8gDu4AMP
#i20WRC https://t.co/k0HFEy5e5u

That is really weird.

The one possible theory I can come up with is that they want to either try something radical for tarmac before homologating it and want as many people as possible to try it, or that they want to try 2-3 different things at once before deciding.

EDIT: Another possibility is to try a direct comparison of Mikkelsen and Breen on tarmac in the car as it is. However, that sounds a bit strange since if they keep Sordo for next year they will still have Loeb and Sordo which should be just about the best possible combo for tarmac there is. Yes Loeb stuggles so far, but sounds like better idea to make the car work for Loeb than to try to make it work for Mikkelsen or Breen.

[pantealex]

That is really weird.

The one possible theory I can come up with is that they want to either try something radical for tarmac before homologating it and want as many people as possible to try it, or that they want to try 2-3 different things at once before deciding.

EDIT: Another possibility is to try a direct comparison of Mikkelsen and Breen on tarmac in the car as it is. However, that sounds a bit strange since if they keep Sordo for next year they will still have Loeb and Sordo which should be just about the best possible combo for tarmac there is. Yes Loeb stuggles so far, but sounds like better idea to make the car work for Loeb than to try to make it work for Mikkelsen or Breen.

Seems like all or some are using those old model HMI cars, so any of your theorys doesn´t work...

[tommeke_B]

Neuville and Breen with official cars, Mikkelsen with HMI.

[mknight]

We will see who shows with what car when the event comes. Neither Breen nor Mikkelsen are entering there on their own will (or money), like Paddon does with (definitely) an older (2016) car.

So far Adamo does not seem to be doing anything that is not focused on improving performance.

[the sniper]

It's probably as simple as Adamo, being Italian, wanting to support a nice event in/near his homeland. Maybe he has friends on the rally organising team...? Rather like Malcolm Wilson taking Elfyn Evans and the WRC '17 to run at the UK 'Rallyday' at Castle Combe in 2017. There was no great purpose to that either, other than supporting a nice event.

[dimviii]

https://www.skoda-motorsport.com/en/toni-gardemeister-my-favourite-car-was-the-octavia-wrc/

[Eli]

https://www.autosport.com/wrc/news/146228/todt-regrets-wrc-delay-to-embrace-hybrid-power

Just saying, that they should have some idea of the 2022 hybrid regulations by October 1st. Besides that, saying it should have come sooner (the hybrid technology).

'FIA president Jean Todt is disappointed the World Rally Championship has not embraced hybrid technology sooner and admits the governing body should have pushed harder for the move.

Key aspects of the hybrid future of the World Rally Championship are being discussed by the FIA's technical working group this week with decisions set to be announced on the specification of the 2022 World Rally Cars on October 1.

Todt said the manufacturers involved in the series had to shoulder some of the blame for the delay after 'resisting the introduction of new technologies earlier'.

Todt said: "We are very late, and this is a frustration for me.

"I was in Frankfurt [for the motor show] two days ago and all cars which were not electric were kind of hidden, it's caricatured.

"So, we are in a world where we cannot escape climate change.

"I am very proud we introduced Formula E and new regulations for the powertrain in Formula 1 and endurance, but unfortunately [for rallying], with cars very similar [to the ones we see] on the normal road, [in a sport] happening on the roads, we are still with a combustion engine.

"Maybe we have not been strong enough to enforce regulations which include new technologies, but better late than never.

"It is going to happen." '
However, the teams believe a 2022 move to hybrid power could be too soon.

One team insider told Motorsport: "What about Mexico? I'm not sure we're looking forward to going to Mexico, with the heat and the altitude in the mountains, and running with a 50-kilogramme battery for the first time when we start the rally.

"There are still a few questions we need answering and we need them answering quickly.

"The teams are doing a lot of preparation and investigation work for the FIA on this, but the time is moving very quickly. 2022 will be here very soon."



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FIA president Jean Todt is disappointed the World Rally Championship has not embraced hybrid technology sooner and admits the governing body should have pushed harder for the move.

Key aspects of the hybrid future of the World Rally Championship are being discussed by the FIA's technical working group this week with decisions set to be announced on the specification of the 2022 World Rally Cars on October 1.

Todt said the manufacturers involved in the series had to shoulder some of the blame for the delay after 'resisting the introduction of new technologies earlier'.

Todt said: "We are very late, and this is a frustration for me.

"I was in Frankfurt [for the motor show] two days ago and all cars which were not electric were kind of hidden, it's caricatured.

"So, we are in a world where we cannot escape climate change.

"I am very proud we introduced Formula E and new regulations for the powertrain in Formula 1 and endurance, but unfortunately [for rallying], with cars very similar [to the ones we see] on the normal road, [in a sport] happening on the roads, we are still with a combustion engine.

"Maybe we have not been strong enough to enforce regulations which include new technologies, but better late than never.

"It is going to happen."

However, the teams believe a 2022 move to hybrid power could be too soon.

One team insider told Autosport: "What about Mexico? I'm not sure we're looking forward to going to Mexico, with the heat and the altitude in the mountains, and running with a 50-kilogramme battery for the first time when we start the rally.

"There are still a few questions we need answering and we need them answering quickly.

"The teams are doing a lot of preparation and investigation work for the FIA on this, but the time is moving very quickly. 2022 will be here very soon."

The push for hybrid WRC
Hybrid cars announced for 2022
Teams demand more info
And what about costs?

FIA rally director Yves Matton confirmed new manufacturers were looking at 2022 regulations, with one brand following them closely.

"Because they are following, it doesn't mean they [will] come," said Matton.

"It's a long process to bring a new manufacturer, but the main thing is that we know they don't come without hybrid [power]."

Matton confirmed the target was to keep costs at a similar level to the current regulations with the hope of attracting the new manufacturer(s) into the championship.

"With the manufacturers, we are working to see what we can do with the cars and not to spend any money on engineering, which is not giving back any return on investment in terms of marketing," said Matton.

On the subject of a move away from petrol, Todt added: "Our team is talking with the teams to see if we can introduce [2022 regulations] directly with biofuel.

"This would be a game-changer. This is the direction in which we are searching."

The current single-make WRC fuel supplier's contract runs out at the end of 2021.

[Francis44]

https://www.autosport.com/wrc/news/146228/todt-regrets-wrc-delay-to-embrace-hybrid-power

On the subject of a move away from petrol, Todt added: "Our team is talking with the teams to see if we can introduce [2022 regulations] directly with biofuel.

"This would be a game-changer. This is the direction in which we are searching."

The current single-make WRC fuel supplier's contract runs out at the end of 2021.

In the midst of a lot of BS I am glad to see Todt speak some sense.

[Mirek]

Promoting biofuel is downright criminal.

[T16]

FIA rally director Yves Matton confirmed new manufacturers were looking at 2022 regulations, with one brand following them closely.

"Because they are following, it doesn't mean they [will] come," said Matton.


Anyone got any ideas who this is likely to be?

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Primoting biofuel is downright criminal.

Worse than sticking with fossil fuel - petrol - when the WRC goes hybrid, which is the current likelihood ?

I'm no expert but some biofuels do sound ok, like that made from non-edible sources such as agricultural waste...

[Francis44]

Primoting biofuel is downright criminal.

So is mining lithium according to those who live close to the mines, many of those who are suffering from cancer. You just cant see to win those days.

Lets just agree there is so much space to develop every technology, bio-fuels could be a interesting solution to the sport.

[Mirek]

Lets just agree there is so much space to develop every technology, bio-fuels could be a interesting solution to the sport.

Even in not so much agricultural land like Czechia the massive production of oilseed rape (by our prime minister's business mainly) caused massive soil errosion, loss of underground water, massive loss of insect species and subsequent loss of some other species which depend on the insect. This must be condemned and not further promoted.

[bluuford]

Even in not so much agricultural land like Czechia the massive production of oilseed rape (by our prime minister's business mainly) caused massive soil errosion, loss of underground water, massive loss of insect species and subsequent loss of some other species which depend on the insect. This must be condemned and not further promoted.

Mirek is right, this is the worst thing that could happen. I have PhD in Ecology and I have worked around one year in agriculture field (I was the head of the department that was dealing with envrionmental impact of agriculture) and I can tell you that biofuels is the worst "crime" against nature that has ever done by humans. in paper, it might look nice and in the city, it might be slightly less pollution but all those effects related to biofuel production are massive. Mirek just mentioned a few of them. Starting from the loss of soil fertility, loss of insects, loss of birds, effect on grounwater, and ending with shortened lifecycles of engines and need to replace your car more frequently is just the top of iceberg.. Hopefully common sense wins and biofules will be banned from fulestations and allowed/used as local fuel (for heating plants etc. )only.

[Francis44]

Im not an expert such as yourself, but I believe 100% in what you have explained. We see it with many types of agriculture.

But surely there must be other alternarive options in the horizon then. Synthetic?!

[Coach 2]

Worse than sticking with fossil fuel - petrol - when the WRC goes hybrid, which is the current likelihood ?

I'm no expert but some biofuels do sound ok, like that made from non-edible sources such as agricultural waste...

Fully agree with Mirek, biofuels are a disaster. Grain has doubled in price for developing countries. This is primarily due to increased use of biofuels.
In a US Senate hearing where environmental organizations made suggestions on doubling the organic content of biofuels, they were asked, do you plan to continue eating, if so what. Because you should be aware that 45% of the current maize production is already used for biofuels. So I repeat, do you plan to continue eating, or do you still want to double the content of biofuels.

[GravelBen]

Rich pseudo-liberals won't care about that, while regular people struggle and the poor starve they can keep spending daddy's money on vegan soy lattes and kale smoothies from their overpriced inner-city cafe while tweeting about equality on the latest iphone.

Not that I'm cynical or anything...

[AnttiL]

Yeah, biofuels are a not good for the environment in the big picture. You can read more here https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Issues_relating_to_biofuels

The only exceptions that I know of are something like Neste MY bio diesel which is made 100% from waste, but I doubt that could power WRC cars...

[Tarmop]

And biogas.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Biofuels if they happen arent going to be long-term in WRC anyway. Hybrid power will only be for a few years until going fully-electric. Biofuel will just sound more 'eco' for the manufacturers to use on their ads.

[AnttiL]

https://www.wrc.com/en/wrc/news/september-2019/matton-hybrid/page/6689--12-12-.html


FIA rally director Yves Matton (above) said the timeline to the new regulations laid out earlier this season remains in place. The supplier of much of the equipment to be used in the 2022 specification cars will be revealed soon.

Matton said: “We made a study with the companies able to provide the kind of hybrid equipment we need. We have their feedback and now the manufacturers will receive a complete study to decide which kind of hybrid we will use. The formal decision will be made in October.

“We are following the plan. At the end of December we will have technical regulations fixed and announced at that month’s World Motor Sport Council meeting. We are 100 per cent following the timeline we introduced nine months ago.”

One of the concerns for the current teams is the need for additional in-season testing to prepare the cars through 2021. Matton said the FIA would address that.

He said: “We didn’t work on the sporting regulations yet. From what we did in the past, we will allow extra days to work on the car.”

Matton also confirmed his intention to maintain the current cost of the cars in an effort to bring new manufacturers to the sport.

“We are working to keep the cost of the car at the current level. With the manufacturers we are working to see what we can do with the cars and not to spend any money on engineering which is not giving back a return on investment in terms of marketing,” he said.

The next generation World Rally Cars will run with the same 1600cc turbocharged engines in use today.

[T16]

Another interesting piece regarding EVs.
Written by the natural History museum's Head of Earth Sciences and from a neutral point-of-view.

I can't help feel that we are going into a dead end regarding EVs, unless there is some sort of incredible increase in battery or motor efficiency. Anyway, interesting, if it's your thing.....


https://www.nhm.ac.uk/press-office/press-releases/leading-scientists-set-out-resource-challenge-of-meeting-net-zer.html

[Rally Power]

Promoting biofuel is downright criminal.

Todt seems also happy with Formula E, which is mainly run in coal burning or oil producing countries…

Honestly I don’t give a zhit if they’ll use biofuel in the WRC, as long the FIA avoids imposing expensive high tech hybrid systems that only 1 or 2 manus can pay.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Dani Sordo is expected to remain with Hyundai in the #WRC for a seventh season in 2020, despite speculation about a move to Toyota... https://t.co/c0qTcJLj79

Brought to you by Subscribe today
Dani Sordo is expected to remain with Hyundai in the World Rally Championship for a seventh season in 2020, despite speculation about a move to Toyota.

The 36-year-old took his first win since 2012 earlier this season in Sardinia and has been in contention for podiums on most events he has contested this year.

His strong form led to speculation that Toyota and its team principal Tommi Makinen - a known admirer of Sordo - would attempt to sign him for 2020.

But Sordo has played down such a move.

"I'm very close with Hyundai," Sordo said. "For me, it's close [with the team] because I feel really good with the people, they respect me a lot, they consider me in everything.

"I am happy with [Hyundai Motorsport director Andrea] Adamo, everything is upfront with him.

"If I have a problem, I can tell him, 'Hey, you are a fucking bastard.' But after that, we have a coffee and it's fixed."

Sordo dismissed talk of a move to Toyota, adding: "If Tommi really wants me then he needs to talk.



"Adamo comes to me and he says 'I want you'.

"I have no problem with Tommi - he's nice, but I never had a chat face-to-face with him [about next season]."

Adamo described Sordo as a strong option for next season.

With Sebastien Loeb under contract for a further six rallies next year, Adamo needs to find a driver ready to run a part-programme - something that suits Sordo.

Asked how likely Sordo was to remain, Adamo replied: "Let me say the other way around - I cannot see somebody better.

"That doesn't mean that he remains here because I have no alternatives, I don't want to be misunderstood.

"I grab him because he's a team-builder, he's reliable, somebody with a good mood and, when there's a problem, there's no finger-pointing.

"When he has something to say he comes to me and we talk - he doesn't make the show around the world.

"This is why I say I don't see somebody better."

Sordo will not take part in next weekend's Wales Rally GB as Hyundai will field Craig Breen, Andreas Mikkelsen and Thierry Neuville.

[Grundo Farb]

Dani Sordo is expected to remain with Hyundai in the #WRC for a seventh season in 2020, despite speculation about a move to Toyota... https://t.co/c0qTcJLj79


With Sebastien Loeb under contract for a further six rallies next year, Adamo needs to find a driver ready to run a part-programme - something that suits Sordo.

Asked how likely Sordo was to remain, Adamo replied: "Let me say the other way around - I cannot see somebody better.

"That doesn't mean that he remains here because I have no alternatives, I don't want to be misunderstood.

"I grab him because he's a team-builder, he's reliable, somebody with a good mood and, when there's a problem, there's no finger-pointing.

"When he has something to say he comes to me and we talk - he doesn't make the show around the world.

"This is why I say I don't see somebody better."

Sordo will not take part in next weekend's Wales Rally GB as Hyundai will field Craig Breen, Andreas Mikkelsen and Thierry Neuville.


If that's not a reference to why Paddon is not considered by Adamo I don't know what it is. The friction with Neuville from years gone by has really hurt him. Somewhat unfair given Adamo doesn't have a relationship with him, but that's life.

[Eli]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AsRGn30JZdg

Cyprus Rally 2019 - FIA rally director, Yves Matton, talks ERC, Juniors and 2020 WRC calendar

As we wait for the action in Wales to continue...

[Andre Oliveira]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EGDrKPLWoAApU9N?format=jpg&name=large

[Andre Oliveira]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EGDrKPKXkAU9rxb?format=jpg&name=large
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EGDrKPFXYAAoz_9?format=jpg&name=large

[Andre Oliveira]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EGDrKPMWkAEIP7N?format=jpg&name=medium

[Katvala]

So the new regional rally point system not for WRC, right?

Sent from my F8331 using Tapatalk

[Andre Oliveira]

Only to ERC, APRC, MERC, CODASUR, Africa

[AnttiL]

I'm so annyoyed when Becs calls WRC2Pro as just "Pro". As if the WRC drivers weren't professional. For me, that's enough of a reason to change the names to WRC2 and WRC3.

[Allez Andruet]

https://yle.fi/urheilu/3-11007146

If anyone runs into this piece of news, don't bother translating or reading it any further. According to the headline Tommi "answers hot questions regarding Toyota's plans for 2020", but as anyone familiar with Mäkinen might have guessed already, there's absolutely no content. "The plans are still under evaluation". Ok... thank you very much.

[skarderud]

Ref the grumpy Adamo, some thoughs.
If Hyundai can get Tänak, has Neuville really any future there? Got the feeling thay his time is up?

Sent fra min SM-G950F via Tapatalk

[Allez Andruet]

What did Adamo say?

[Rally Power]

Ref the grumpy Adamo, some thoughs.
If Hyundai can get Tänak, has Neuville really any future there? Got the feeling thay his time is up?

Sent fra min SM-G950F via Tapatalk


Hard to believe Tanak will leave Toyota and Neuville is still under Hyundai contract for two more years. The i20 and the C3 are now closer to the Yaris and even the Focus can win; 2020 can be even more exciting than 2019 or the previous years!

[cali]

Hard to believe Tanak will leave Toyota and Neuville is still under Hyundai contract for two more years. The i20 and the C3 are now closer to the Yaris and even the Focus can win; 2020 can be even more exciting than 2019 or the previous years!It's a Fiesta mate!

Sent from my ONEPLUS A5010 using Tapatalk

[mknight]

Ref the grumpy Adamo, some thoughs.
If Hyundai can get Tänak, has Neuville really any future there? Got the feeling thay his time is up?

Sent fra min SM-G950F via Tapatalk

If he could get Tanak it might be possible (from 2021), but he won't get him in nearest future imo.

Will be interesting to see how Neuville approaches Spain and later Australia. Adamo will want him to take it steady instead of all-out maximum risk push, not sure how much Neuville agrees on that.
Note that so far this year Neuville took 154 points for the team, Tanak did 201, yet Hyundai leads the championship.

[Rally Power]

(...) Will be interesting to see how Neuville approaches Spain and later Australia. Adamo will want him to take it steady instead of all-out maximum risk push, not sure how much Neuville agrees on that.
Note that so far this year Neuville took 154 points for the team, Tanak did 201, yet Hyundai leads the championship.

Who knows, maybe Neuville is already feeling that his WDC chances are gone and it’s now time to play for the team.

[er88]

What did Adamo say?He made a point of making it absolutely clear he wasn't happy with Mikkelsen and especially Breen - in an Adamo type of way.

[meh]

Who knows, maybe Neuville is already feeling that his WDC chances are gone and it’s now time to play for the team.

In this world, they are not gone before they are GONE. Mathematically gone. Till that, there is fight for it.

[mknight]

He made a point of making it absolutely clear he wasn't happy with Mikkelsen and especially Breen - in an Adamo type of way.

Question1:"What do you think of Andreas's performance this weekend?"
Answer:"(a few secs of "meh" grin ) Let, me say it this way, thanks to his points we are still leading the championship"

Question2:"Did you enjoy Craig beeing an addition to your team?"
Answer: "No, cause if someone crash I hardly enjoy".

[meh]

Question1:"What do you think of Andreas's performance this weekend?"
Answer:"(a few secs of "meh" grin ) Let, me say it this way, thanks to his points we are still leading the championship"

Question2:"Did you enjoy Craig beeing an addition to your team?"
Answer: "No, cause if someone crash I hardly enjoy".

Video: https://sport.err.ee/989188/sapine-hyundai-boss-neuville-i-voimalustest-enne-oli-raske-nuud-veel-raskem (site is in estonian, but for video it does not matter). Hopefully it's not geo(b)locked

[monsieur moustache]

If Hyundai's '3rd' driver was all the same guy they would be 3rd, 4th and 5th in the standings.

[Katvala]

If Hyundai's '3rd' driver was all the same guy they would be 3rd, 4th and 5th in the standings.What?

Sent from my F8331 using Tapatalk

[Myrvold]

What?

Sent from my F8331 using Tapatalk
I guess if he means if you add the points that the 3rd car have taken regardless of the drivers, then Hyundai would've had 3rd, 4th and 5th in WDC.

[steve.mandzij]

Ref the grumpy Adamo, some thoughs.
If Hyundai can get Tänak, has Neuville really any future there? Got the feeling thay his time is up?

Sent fra min SM-G950F via TapatalkNeuville's time is far from up, but what's for sure is that he blew his biggest chance at becoming champion in 2017, and I don't think he'll get that close, that easily, ever again.

[RS]

Unless Ogier or Tanak become free i don't see a way in which Adamo can make a vast improvement to his driver lineup. Perhaps he should concentrate his wrath at the car/engineers.

[meh]

Did anyone else picked up phrase from Ostberg in ALL Live (rephrased as I remember them):
Molly: do you have changes next year for seat-time?
Ostberg: of course, let's say not all drivers have had the best season.

In Finland I picked up from interview something like "I can help manufacturers to help winning title" and then I linked him with Toyota (only by this phrase).

[EstWRC]

Yep, i wrote this already after Finland, maybe getting some partial outings with Citroen? and it wouldnt be surprise at all if Adamo would hire him to Hyundai. Time will tell.

Mäkinen says to estonian media that contract is ready for Tänak and the pen in Otts hands. Goes on saying that Ott wants to be sure that the Toyota is fast and reliable for winning titles. Everything was fine after Finland but after Turkey some mismatches were created.

Then these same questions about Rovanpera again, and same answers again. He thinks Rovanpera is ready and etc.

In the end he says his opinion about Meeke has changed a lot after the Finland. Saying that Meeke finally isnt thinking about winning rallies and title anymore, and understand his value as the second driver. Even goes on comparing him to Sordo.

and in the end reporter asks: "So the line up next year will be Tänak, Meeke and Rovanpera?

Mäkinen: "That would be the dream yes"

[Allez Andruet]

It will be interesting to see how many Toyotas there are in 2020. There will be a fourth car for Katsuta, but could they run a so-called junior team (Katsuta/Rovanperä?) alongside the main squad?

Meeke's position should be quite strong now - opposite to Latvala's. Even with the Jouhki connection, JML could very well be out. Tänak-Meeke-Mikkelsen anyone?

[meh]

https://www.facebook.com/PostimeesSport/videos/2524714214310126/?t=3

check from 20:18+ how Tänak and Ogier are smiling when Mäkinen is talking about signing Tänak's contract. Any body-language experts here?

[EstWRC]

i believe the contract has been signed some time ago already, they are just bullshitting

E: watched it now, haha that was funny, Ogier even shaking his head and holding laugh back when Tommi is speaking :D

[steve.mandzij]

So where does Latvala go? I'm afraid another year at Toyota will drive him further into the ground with how little Tommi cares to keep him onboard. He's got arguably the best car, sure, but I think the time is right to hop on over to M-Sport, inject some funds into the private team and lead Evans and Suninen into 2020.

[dimviii]

any more news?
https://twitter.com/planetemarcus/status/1181153903406174208

[mknight]

any more news?
https://twitter.com/planetemarcus/status/1181153903406174208

3 main options that I see:

1. It's nothing (very) important, either political issues related (current South Korea-Japan) or something else

2. Hyundai don't have a (tarmac) driver to send there, Loeb does not want to go and Sordo will likely do Australia shortly after so they don't want to send him there (could mean Breen is not going to drive in Australia)

3. Hyundai doesn't plan to run in 2020

[spiderem]

Anyone out there is thinking that Hyundai may pull out at the end of 2019?
Rational would say : it depends if they can get a manufacturer / driver title.
However those decisions are made earlier and irrespective of the final result and / or irrationally to the common poeple (VW being an example in my opinion).

Anyway, I wouldn't be so confident in the future if I were Neuville.

[deephouse]

If that theory will really happen about Hyundai leaving I think that Neuville will find a drive straight away. He is although the one of the best three drivers out there.

[mknight]

Find it very hard to predict anything about that as Korean culture is not really something I understand. VW was pretty much completely unrelated to rallying. Subaru at the end of 2008 was due to a long string of really bad results and no improvement with new car.

The decision does not necessarily have to be made earlier (ref. Subaru) though.

Anyway while Neuville is further away from the title this year than the two years before, in manu standings Hyundai are much better off than before. In 2017 two rallies before the end they were trailing by 83 points!, in 2018 by 20 and this year they are 8 points ahead.

So there is some progress in the right direction.

[Katvala]

Hyundai pulling out after this year would be awful for the championship. There's not enough seats as is. I really hope it won't come to that yet

Sent from my F8331 using Tapatalk

[Entertainer]

Hyundai pulling out after this year would be awful for the championship. There's not enough seats as is. I really hope it won't come to that yet

Sent from my F8331 using Tapatalk

Agree. We need at least one more manufacturer, not fewer, f.ex. Skoda + Subaru, to bring in 5-6 more seats. Imagine getting seats for todays squads + Rovanperä, Breen, Paddon, Tidemand, Loeb and Östberg. :D

[Allez Andruet]

Tommi Mäkinen huolestui: Yksityiselämän kohut haittaavat Jari-Matti Latvalan ajoa – ”En itsekään olisi pystynyt keskittymään” https://www.is.fi/ralli/art-2000006265268.html

Mäkinen cooling down talks about Toyota's line-up for 2020. He says the story published yesterday by delfi.ee was "something they just wanted to write" and (jokingly) adds that his actual dream line-up would be Tänak-Ogier-Neuville (instead of Tänak-Meeke-Rovanperä like delfi's story claimed). No updates about Latvala or Meeke either. Tommi says all decisions will be made with Toyota HQ and discussions about the future are likely to start this week.

Tommi also goes to defend JML by saying that he would not have been able to focus on the driving part himself if his private life was in headlines (like JML's just before and during Wales).

edit. And Mäkinen once again states how pleased he's been with Meeke ever since rally Finland.

[mknight]

While I understand Mäkinens dilemma, specially lately when it's not so easy to pick one of them, it's only Tänaks by all means great results this season that are keeping Toyota in the fight for manu championship. (and the fact that Citroen and Ford don't regularly run 3rd cars which would take further points of Toyotas that loose lot of time or superrally).

Sordo with 5! rallies less has almost same points as Latvala. Evans with 3 less and Mikkelsen with 2 less have similar or more points than Meeke. Looking at team points by driver the differences are even bigger as both Toyota drivers have a lot of PS points.

[EstWRC]

man this Tommi cant make his mind up what he wants to say, lol

talking one thing to finnish media, another to estonian media

[meh]

man this Tommi cant make his mind up what he wants to say, lol

talking one thing to finnish media, another to estonian media

If you can not say the truth, then you just need to generate some BS. It could be boring for yourself if it is the same all the time.

Another point - it would be really stupid and dangerous in this state of championship situation and calendar to start criticize (and demotivate) Meeke and JML. It makes more sense to say some good words and keep the motivation up (and possibility to next year for their point of view).

[RS]

I can’t see Toyota wanting to rely on Rovanpera next year for manufacturers points. My guess would be the lineup stays the same with Rovanpera in a 4th car. Katsuta to continue in R5 plus a handful of events in the WRCar.

[GigiGalliNo1]

What happened with JML's private life during and before GB in the news?

[rallyfiend]

What happened with JML's private life during and before GB in the news?

His fiance all over the tabloids shacking up with another bloke while he was away....

[spyros]

His fiance all over the tabloids shacking up with another bloke while he was away....

Any link?

[Allez Andruet]

Any link?

Pick one.

https://www.seiska.fi/Uutiset/Maisa-Torpan-salarakkaan-ex-puoliso-haluaa-ottaa-yhteytta-Jari-Matti-Latvalaan-Hanen-tulisi
https://www.seiska.fi/Uutiset/Salasuhteen-paljastavat-paparazzikuvat-Maisa-Torppa-hipsi-silminnakijoita-varoen
https://www.seiska.fi/Uutiset/Kuva-Salarakkaansa-luona-yopynyt-Maisa-Torppa-kipaisi-tiukoissa-legginsseissa-kaupassa
https://www.seiska.fi/Uutiset/Maisa-Torpalta-ontuva-selitys-salasuhteelle-Han-on-minun-ja-Jari-Matin-hyva-ystava-yhteisia
https://www.seiska.fi/Uutiset/Maisa-Torpan-salarakkaan-ex-puoliso-kavi-suhdesotkua-lapi-kohukaunottaren-kanssa-Laitoin
https://www.seiska.fi/Uutiset/Kuulin-taustalta-Maisan-aanen-Nain-Maisa-Torpan-salasuhde-selvisi-it-rakkaan-avopuolisolle
https://www.seiska.fi/Uutiset/Maisa-Torpan-salasuhde-roihahti-alkuvuonna-Lapissa-kihlattu-Jari-Matti-Latvala-taysin

[AnttiL]

Pick one.

https://www.seiska.fi/Uutiset/Maisa-Torpan-salarakkaan-ex-puoliso-haluaa-ottaa-yhteytta-Jari-Matti-Latvalaan-Hanen-tulisi
https://www.seiska.fi/Uutiset/Salasuhteen-paljastavat-paparazzikuvat-Maisa-Torppa-hipsi-silminnakijoita-varoen
https://www.seiska.fi/Uutiset/Kuva-Salarakkaansa-luona-yopynyt-Maisa-Torppa-kipaisi-tiukoissa-legginsseissa-kaupassa
https://www.seiska.fi/Uutiset/Maisa-Torpalta-ontuva-selitys-salasuhteelle-Han-on-minun-ja-Jari-Matin-hyva-ystava-yhteisia
https://www.seiska.fi/Uutiset/Maisa-Torpan-salarakkaan-ex-puoliso-kavi-suhdesotkua-lapi-kohukaunottaren-kanssa-Laitoin
https://www.seiska.fi/Uutiset/Kuulin-taustalta-Maisan-aanen-Nain-Maisa-Torpan-salasuhde-selvisi-it-rakkaan-avopuolisolle
https://www.seiska.fi/Uutiset/Maisa-Torpan-salasuhde-roihahti-alkuvuonna-Lapissa-kihlattu-Jari-Matti-Latvala-taysin

Personally, I completely refuse to click links to these crap magazines.

[Allez Andruet]

Personally, I completely refuse to click links to these crap magazines.

You call that a magazine? No but in all seriousness, I should have added a disclaimer not to click on the links. The point was just to show the amount of s*** all parties involved have had to tolerate lately.

[Rallyper]

To me it´s likely Ott already has contract with Toyota. Meeke stays. Makinen will hire new 3rd driver (not Katsuta).

Suninen, Ostberg could be possible 3rd driver at Toyota.

JML goes to Ford, where Evans stays and Kalle makes his first outings over the year.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Anyone out there is thinking that Hyundai may pull out at the end of 2019?
Rational would say : it depends if they can get a manufacturer / driver title.
However those decisions are made earlier and irrespective of the final result and / or irrationally to the common poeple (VW being an example in my opinion).

Anyway, I wouldn't be so confident in the future if I were Neuville.

Quite possible.

And maybe why Adamo is coming across as really desperate for the Manus title, if he knows they will pull out if he doesnt deliver it...

[Fast Eddie WRC]

His fiance all over the tabloids shacking up with another bloke while he was away....

What a horrible weekend for the poor guy.

[mknight]

Another point - it would be really stupid and dangerous in this state of championship situation and calendar to start criticize (and demotivate) Meeke and JML. It make more sense to say some good words and keep the motivation up (and possibility to next year for their point of view).


Completely agree, even if he does not count with one or both of them he should not say anything until end of the season.


I can’t see Toyota wanting to rely on Rovanpera next year for manufacturers points. My guess would be the lineup stays the same with Rovanpera in a 4th car. Katsuta to continue in R5 plus a handful of events in the WRCar.

I can't seem them relying on Rovanpera for manu points either, but I can totally see them switching one of Latvala/Meeke for a reliable points scorer, with Evans being the most likely candidate.

[Rallyper]

Yeah. Could also be a swop between JML and Evans...

[Katvala]

I'd be really curious to see how Latvala would fare in the Fiesta. Since Tänak joined the team he's been on a decline

Sent from my F8331 using Tapatalk

[AnttiL]

Latvala-Suninen-Rovanperä Buagsports Flying Finn M-Sport World Rally Team :D

[er88]

Landscape will be different for Latvala now. He will probably need to bring some budget to Msport, but he no longer can bring a return on any investment like a younger driver with potential could, and Jouhki's other drivers are Kalle (who will be at Toyota), and Suninen entering another season with Msport. They are his future concerns.

Maybe he could find some sponsorship from somewhere, but I doubt Jouhki will be stumping up cash for him like if he was one of his up and coming drivers. Would love to see Jari back at Msport alongside Evans and Suninen in a 3 car team, but I can imagine Greensmith will be bringing budget to run more events in the wrc next year as well (and who knows what Paddon is going to do on top of that).

So things could look tough for Jari's fulltime WRC future if Toyota are running Kalle in the main 3 car team next year, and Tommi isn't extending his stay there.

[meh]

JML is like crap relationship (sorry for that metaphore at the moment). On good days, he is really good and does not feel good idea to let him go. But results show, that you can not relay on him. If you ask - bring it home, as fast as you can but priority - bring it home, then speed drops a lot. Which means he drives over his limits and that's why all the mistakes and crashes. A lot of bad luck / technical problems haven't been helping him also.

[steve.mandzij]

JML is like crap relationship (sorry for that metaphore at the moment). On good days, he is really good and does not feel good idea to let him go. But results show, that you can not relay on him. If you ask - bring it home, as fast as you can but priority - bring it home, then speed drops a lot. Which means he drives over his limits and that's why all the mistakes and crashes. A lot of bad luck / technical problems haven't been helping him also.What Jari can't deal with is being slower than his teammates. It doesn't matter if someone else in a different car beats him, but when he's in equal machinery with the guy trouncing over him he collapses.

In 2017 as the clear team leader he had his best season, arguably, ever, never putting a single foot wrong (save for his illness provoked roll in Portugal), but 2018 and Tanak's rise hurt him greatly. The first half of this season has also been pitiful. However, in Finland, in Turkey and for a hot minute in Wales, forgetting his status in the team, he was actually really quick.

[RS]

Suninen, Ostberg could be possible 3rd driver at Toyota.


I would struggle to see either as an improvement over Latvala personally.

What about Mikelssen? He’s not had a great year but he’s still top of the pile of ‘tier 2’ drivers.

[AnttiL]

What about Mikelssen? He’s not had a great year but he’s still top of the pile of ‘tier 2’ drivers.

Depends on how many rallies he has with no pace. Would he be better on tarmac in another car?

[mknight]

Since being dropped for Portugal he has been the definition of a reliable points scorer. I still think Tommi would prefer Evans over him but that's just a feeling. Clearly he should be the first choice after Evans.

[mknight]

Depends on how many rallies he has with no pace. Would he be better on tarmac in another car?

Looking at Loeb's tarmac pace in Hyundai and comparatively Mikkelsen's in C3 and Fabia R5 there is no doubt he would have normal pace in a normal tarmac car.

[wrc2017]

Since being dropped for Portugal he has been the definition of a reliable points scorer. I still think Tommi would prefer Evans over him but that's just a feeling. Clearly he should be the first choice after Evans.

Shut up.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Sordo's new contract for 7 events in 2020 must confirm Hyundai will be there whatever happens this year. Good news.

[rallyfiend]

Sordo's new contract for 7 events in 2020 must confirm Hyundai will be there whatever happens this year. Good news.

Driver contracts have NEVER stopped a manufacturer from leaving. Paying out contracts is peanuts compared to the cost of actually competing...

[AnttiL]

Driver contracts have NEVER stopped a manufacturer from leaving. Paying out contracts is peanuts compared to the cost of actually competing...

Right, as long as the team is given the green light from the manufacturer, they must ensure they can continue working, and that includes contracts with drivers on the following season. Meanwhile, the manufacturer can pull the plug whenever they want. But I would still assume Hyundai has given them strong green light to start planning 2020.

[mknight]

Yes, it just means they haven't decided to leave yet. Doesn't mean they can't change their mind in 2 months after Australia.

[Allez Andruet]

I think we can use the old saying here: a WRC team is committed to WRC till it pulls the plug.

[deephouse]

I think that leaving now right before three new events comes to WRC is a stupid idea. Especially since they hve grown their bussiness a lot. Look how Hyundai have become one of the biggest concerns of automotive industry in the world. And I'm sure competing in WRC plays a huge role in it. It's understandable that they need results with so any vice champion titles already, But they will achieve it, if not this year then in coming. It would be stupid to stop now when they are closer and closer each year with experience and that. And if they would stop and then come back they need to start all over again from the beginning. Look Citroen and ''their'' experience and sitting out. It doesn't pay off at all. Except Ogier ill now turn toSuper Saiyan and will beat them all haha a little joke aside

[dimviii]

Merci Jeannot

https://www.diariomotor.com/competicion/noticia/jean-ragnotti-anuncia-su-retirada-definitiva-del-automovilismo-merci-jeannot/

[Zeakiwi2]

and companion video to that renault r5 turbo - tour de corse - 8 minutes 2019
https://youtu.be/t6KJDY71ils

[AnttiL]

Latvala announced today that his wedding is canceled and he would like the gossip to end in order to concentrate to the end of the season

https://www.rallit.fi/jari-matti-latvala-pisti-pisteen-kohulle-kuluneet-viikot-ovat-olleet-erityisen-vaikeita/

[Rallyper]

Latvala announced today that his wedding is canceled and he would like the gossip to end in order to concentrate to the end of the season

https://www.rallit.fi/jari-matti-latvala-pisti-pisteen-kohulle-kuluneet-viikot-ovat-olleet-erityisen-vaikeita/

Poor boy. Hope him the best.

[Allez Andruet]

https://www.is.fi/ralli/art-2000006269210.html

Timo Jouhki saying it's basically "Toyota or nothing" for Latvala. It can be read that Wilson doesn't want Latvala back at M-Sport, though it's always possible to get a Fiesta WRC with proper backing. Sounds like Jouhki doesn't want do that (to fund JML's driving) anymore (my interpretation).

[AnttiL]

Another thing that Jouhki says is that Rovanperä's next year deal is announced between Catalunya and Australia.

They also talk about Latvala becoming Toyota's test driver. I don't see that happening, because they have Hänninen who can use the guest driver quota.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Merci Jeannot

https://www.diariomotor.com/competicion/noticia/jean-ragnotti-anuncia-su-retirada-definitiva-del-automovilismo-merci-jeannot/

A true rally legend and one of my heroes from when I started driving my first hot-hatchback, a Renault 11 Turbo.

Watching him compete on tarmac in a fwd hatch against the Integrales, Cosworths & BMW M3's was amazing.

[steve.mandzij]

https://www.is.fi/ralli/art-2000006269210.html

Timo Jouhki saying it's basically "Toyota or nothing" for Latvala. It can be read that Wilson doesn't want Latvala back at M-Sport, though it's always possible to get a Fiesta WRC with proper backing. Sounds like Jouhki doesn't want do that (to fund JML's driving) anymore (my interpretation).It'd be very unfortunate and borderline disgraceful for Latvala's career to end off so abruptly and unceremoniously :(

[Rallyper]

https://www.is.fi/ralli/art-2000006269210.html

Timo Jouhki saying it's basically "Toyota or nothing" for Latvala. It can be read that Wilson doesn't want Latvala back at M-Sport, though it's always possible to get a Fiesta WRC with proper backing. Sounds like Jouhki doesn't want do that (to fund JML's driving) anymore (my interpretation).

I don´t think he is funding Latvala since many many years. He had brought home his investments on JML, ROI, since late 00´I strongly believe. He would collect his share also if Latvala goes to Ford. He won´t be for free.

[Rally Power]

Right, as long as the team is given the green light from the manufacturer, they must ensure they can continue working, and that includes contracts with drivers on the following season. Meanwhile, the manufacturer can pull the plug whenever they want. But I would still assume Hyundai has given them strong green light to start planning 2020.

+1. More than the risk of a short term pull-out, failing this year manus title may be decisive for Hyundai long term WRC commitment; they can always run the current car and drivers one season more but avoid to start the 2022 car development, having in mind a future series switch. Let's hope not.

[mknight]

https://www.is.fi/ralli/art-2000006269210.html

Timo Jouhki saying it's basically "Toyota or nothing" for Latvala. It can be read that Wilson doesn't want Latvala back at M-Sport, though it's always possible to get a Fiesta WRC with proper backing. Sounds like Jouhki doesn't want do that (to fund JML's driving) anymore (my interpretation).

Two points:

- Wilson "doesn't want" Latvala (thought it's not clear to me if Joukhi says that or the authors of the article claim that)
- He says the place held by Mikkelsen "can go to just about anyone", yet at start he says Toyota or nothing? So just about anyone but not Latvala?

[RS]

It'd be very unfortunate and borderline disgraceful for Latvala's career to end off so abruptly and unceremoniously :(

I have nothing against him because he seems a nice guy but some might say he has been quite lucky to have had such a long and unbroken career in WRC already.

Personally think he probably has a year or two left in him but choosing when one’s career in motorsport ends is a bit of a luxury.

[er88]

Not sure what the facts/ numbers are in terms of numbers of full seasons by every driver currently in the wrc (and the likes of Breen/ Paddon/ Ostberg), but Jari has without a doubt had more full seasons than anyone.

The problem is we are in an era where the driver pool needs/deserves an extra manufacturer. Kalle, Paddon, Ostberg, Breen arguably all deserve seats in the top class, but you could say so do drivers like Latvala who are still well ahead of the next tier down like Tidemand/ Greensmith etc.

[T16]

Not WRC, but the Mull rally have some decent coverage on their Facebook page. They have another couple of stages to go this evening.
Mainly stage end and service park interviews with Colin Clarke and David Evans, but it’s worth a watch.

[racerx1979]

It's a good thing in the end that JML's trophy turd is gone. Rumor has it the b!tch was toxic as all hell and JML was having a tough time. People who knew, knew! It will take time, but one can say she has caused him a lot of stress... And she issues a statement to the media while he was rallying in GB. What a selfish lil piece of ....

[AnttiL]

Mikkelsen has split with Even Management

https://www.evenmanagement.no/news/driver-line-up-change-for-even-management

EDIT: Could this mean Mikkelsen would go to M-Sport (Erik Veiby is against paying for driving)

[meh]

Mikkelsen has split with Even Management

https://www.evenmanagement.no/news/driver-line-up-change-for-even-management

EDIT: Could this mean Mikkelsen would go to M-Sport (Erik Veiby is against paying for driving)

It probably means some polarized solution: either Mikkelsen is now fckd up or he has some better options available.

[rallyfiend]

Mikkelsen has split with Even Management

https://www.evenmanagement.no/news/driver-line-up-change-for-even-management

EDIT: Could this mean Mikkelsen would go to M-Sport (Erik Veiby is against paying for driving)

I think it probably means that Andreas has paid off the investment Veiby made in him and reckons he can avoid paying commission in the future...

I wouldn't want to be managed by someone who has his own son in pursuit of his own professional career, as I'd be worried he would take all the best options....

[er88]

He wouldn't be making a change if he was currently happy with how things are/ are looking. Will be interesting to see what happens with Andreas next year

[wrc2017]

I think it probably means that Andreas has paid off the investment Veiby made in him and reckons he can avoid paying commission in the future...

I wouldn't want to be managed by someone who has his own son in pursuit of his own professional career, as I'd be worried he would take all the best options....

.. That sounds like a great business plan from EVEN happy to get your money back.. then release the driver?? More like Andreas was offered a few rallys from Hyundai for peanuts, but would rather drive full season for Msport, and pay a few quid. EVEN wouldn't like that.. as money is flowing wrong way.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Tidemand also left EVEN Management last year...

I hope Mikkelsen has better luck getting events in 2020.

[er88]

Tidemand had to, he was going nowhere with Even. At least he's had 4 events this year, it's his own fault he's performed horribly.

[mknight]

Mikkelsen has split with Even Management

https://www.evenmanagement.no/news/driver-line-up-change-for-even-management

EDIT: Could this mean Mikkelsen would go to M-Sport (Erik Veiby is against paying for driving)
Different reasons are possible, but quite surely a common denominator would be that Even wasn't able to secure a deal he would want.

Could be that Even doesn't want to bring any sponsorship money. Wants too high commision for themselves, or simply can't negotiate with some specific managers.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Citroen happy with test of new aero...
https://www.wrc.com/en/wrc/news/october-2019/citroen-test/page/6749--12-12-.html

[EstWRC]

Citroen happy with test of new aero...
https://www.wrc.com/en/wrc/news/october-2019/citroen-test/page/6749--12-12-.html

also on autosport now with little bit longer text https://www.autosport.com/wrc/news/146597/citroen-tests-wrc-most-radical-aero-yet


“It’s also the first time that we use on Tarmac the new front geometry introduced in Finland. We also worked on the dampers side. Everything combined, we solved the understeering issue, which was our main issue on the last Tarmac rounds. We clearly improved the balance of the car and the drivers’ feeling confirms it.

“But nothing replaces the race itself. What we don’t know yet is if it will be enough or not in terms of performance. But we will keep working flat out till the rally to be as competitive as possible.”


THIS....i remember they were also quite pleased after Germany tests, and even after shakedown....but later on the stages things turned out totally different.

[mknight]

Extremely weird that D. Evans writes about C3 performance on tarmac and mentions Meeke "almost winning" Corsica as the only indicator of how good it was ignoring that Meeke won in Spain and Mikkelsen was 2nd in Germany. Both of these is something I'd certainly rate higher than Meeke leading a rally by 16s with half stages to go.

This kind of thing happens in just about every article by him. Starting to feel he does these kind of small "mistakes" on purpose.

[AnttiL]

Extremely weird that D. Evans writes about C3 performance on tarmac and mentions Meeke "almost winning" Corsica as the only indicator of how good it was ignoring that Meeke won in Spain and Mikkelsen was 2nd in Germany. Both of these is something I'd certainly rate higher than Meeke leading a rally by 16s with half stages to go.

This kind of thing happens in just about every article by him. Starting to feel he does these kind of small "mistakes" on purpose.

He seems to have a bad memory. In a recent podcast he says "Tänak was leading in Sweden...I think he was leading in Sweden?" then Edd Straw, an F1 guy, probably looks up the result and says "he won in Sweden". Same for Colin Clark, who rarely remembers in which rally a certain incident happened. But it's normal at their age. ;) It's also difficult to listen to the latest Gravel Notes podcast with these two guys together trying to remember which of the Solans brothers won JWRC this year and who two years ago...

[mknight]

Interesting things from Kitchen table with Adamo, not many of them....filled with a lot of "pub talk" in between:

- It was Alain Penasse who pointed out Breen for him before Finland. Quite surprising to me, thought that Breen's starts in Italy got him interested.
- He said he either thrusts a driver or not, nothing in between (in an interview this should have been followed with questions on who he trusts atm, Mikkelsen? Breen? Loeb on tarmac?)
(Note that this talk was done before Rally GB! Wonder how things changed now)

- likes how FIA works with him ( this year ), reacting to Toyota rear wing story. From the context you could read it as not being happy with the "mistake" (he calls it) that FIA did in 2017 in the first place

- agrees the need to follow "the times" with hybrid/electric, but then talks a lot about how hybrid should be used to drive electric on the road sections so comes out a bit confusing

[AnttiL]

https://www.wrc.com/en/wrc-2/news/2019/october-2019/wrc-pyramid/page/6754--51-51-.html


In a nutshell, WRC 2 is for manufacturer-backed teams and FIA-sanctioned independent teams.

To qualify, you need a manufacturer name in the title of the team (Škoda Motorsport, for example) or you must have significant experience and ability as well as the necessary finances to tackle a full season for the governing body to sign you off for WRC 2.

For WRC 2 crews, a full season means seven of the eight European rounds and one of two designated rallies outside Europe. Titles will be awarded for drivers, co-drivers and teams.

The aim of the WRC 2 changes is to ensure the leading crews meet regularly through the season. Too often in the past, by accident or design, the second tier’s finest talents have avoided each other and scooped big points, even when restarting after a retirement.

Seems already better than WRC 2 Pro


WRC 3 is designed for privateers, with only a drivers’ title on offer and far less stringent regulations about where and when you have to compete.

[meh]

https://www.wrc.com/en/wrc-2/news/2019/october-2019/wrc-pyramid/page/6754--51-51-.html



Seems already better than WRC 2 Pro

(Belongs more to WRC+ topic) Just a hypothetical question: how much more interest could potential manufacturers show when WRC+/ALLLive could have separate program to cover only WRC 2 (as a fan I mean here WRC 2 Pro and WRC 2 by current naming policy)?

At the moment WRC2 (Pro) don't have enough coverage, but there are also really interesting battles.

[AnttiL]

(Belongs more to WRC+ topic) Just a hypothetical question: how much more interest could potential manufacturers show when WRC+/ALLLive could have separate program to cover only WRC 2 (as a fan I mean here WRC 2 Pro and WRC 2 by current naming policy)?

At the moment WRC2 (Pro) don't have enough coverage, but there are also really interesting battles.

I repeat the same as always - they don't have enough onboard camera kits to fully cover WRC2 in All Live, and often the schedule is too tight to extend the live broadcast.

As for a longer daily recap or even half-day recaps, they should definitely do it.

[Eli]

https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/industry/linda-jackson-be-replaced-citroen-ceo-reports-say

Yes I know it's not WRC news, but she did have some impact on their WRC campaign....should be interesting to see what happens next...

[dimviii]

just yesterday i had mentioned Cowan for his amazing job with ralliart.

Today just opened my twitter and read that he passed.


RIP.

https://twitter.com/TolmanMsport/status/1184811201219481600

[Fast Eddie WRC]

RIP Andrew Cowan - what a career in rallying before success with Mitsubishi Ralliart Europe.

https://www.ewrc-results.com/profile/19103-andrew-cowan/

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EHFyZ9ZX4AUwDuM?format=jpg&name=small

[Allez Andruet]

Tremendous career in rallying and a man who's forever linked to Finnish rally history as well due to believing in one Tommi Mäkinen when no-one else did. RIP.

[Fredouye]

CITROËN RACING WILL SEND MADS ØSTBERG TO THE WRC’S AUSTRALIAN FINALE IN A THIRD C3 WORLD RALLY CAR IF SÉBASTIEN OGIER KEEPS ALIVE HIS HOPES OF A SEVENTH TITLE IN SPAIN NEXT WEEK.


https://www.wrc.com/en/wrc/news/october-2019/citroen-australia/page/6756--12-12-.html

[mknight]

I don't get why it says Østberg couldn't score manu points. Is it because Citroen choose not to nominate him?

The other news in the article is that Hyundai is sending Sordo and not Breen.

This imo explains why Hyundai withdrew the entry in rally Japan WRC preparatory rally. Loeb didn't want to go and they had no other "tarmac" driver with i20 WRC experience.

[AnttiL]

I don't get why it says Østberg couldn't score manu points. Is it because Citroen choose not to nominate him?



So he can use the guest driver test days next year

[mknight]

So he can use the guest driver test days next year

Huh, didn't know it was tied to manu nomination.

That also means Tideman, Paddon and Greemsmith can't do that next year. Not sure MSport or the drivers thought of that when MSport nominated them.

[Rallyper]

CITROËN RACING WILL SEND MADS ØSTBERG TO THE WRC’S AUSTRALIAN FINALE IN A THIRD C3 WORLD RALLY CAR IF SÉBASTIEN OGIER KEEPS ALIVE HIS HOPES OF A SEVENTH TITLE IN SPAIN NEXT WEEK.


https://www.wrc.com/en/wrc/news/october-2019/citroen-australia/page/6756--12-12-.html

Why they didn´t enter him to Spain as well?

[AnttiL]

Huh, didn't know it was tied to manu nomination.


66.4.4 For Manufacturers, 7 additional test days may be allocated to each team in addition to Art. 66.4.2.
These additional days will only be applicable to guest drivers who have not been nominated to score points
up to the requested testing date in the Manufacturers Championship in the previous or current year. Teams
should advise the FIA of any guest drivers’ test, by email, five days in advance, with copy to all other
registered teams (no test form required). The test must comply with articles 66.1 and 66.2

This wasn't really a thing before the test days were reduced for 2019. Originally it was meant for actual guests like, say, Petter Solberg or Marcus Grönholm to do some development on the car.


That also means Tideman, Paddon and Greemsmith can't do that next year. Not sure MSport or the drivers thought of that when MSport nominated them.

It's OK, they've got Matthew Wilson. :)

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Why they didn´t enter him to Spain as well?

Because he's less likely to take points off the top driver's there. Plus they probably dont have the budget.

[Rallyper]

Because he's less likely to take points off the top driver's there. Plus they probably dont have the budget.

Does budget count? So he has to pay if going to Aus and give points to Ogier? Nope. Don´t believe you.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Does budget count? So he has to pay if going to Aus and give points to Ogier? Nope. Don´t believe you.

I'm saying Citroen dont have the budget to run 3 cars, as Budar confirmed recently. They need that money to develop the car.