[WRC] News & Rumours 2019

[rallyfiend]

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

But he's only going to AUS as a final contingency.

If the championship is lost, there's no cost, because there's no third car....

[er88]

Fiesta WRC was shipped out and arrived in New Zealand this week...

[Grundo Farb]

Fiesta WRC was shipped out and arrived in New Zealand this week...

That is a very interesting rumour indeed!! More testing before Australia? Testing for NZ next year? Who will be the driver?

[AnttiL]

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

Of course not like that. But two rallies is more expensive than one, and Østberg is less likely to do better than Tänak on the tarmac of Spain.

[AnttiL]

That is a very interesting rumour indeed!! More testing before Australia? Testing for NZ next year? Who will be the driver?

WRC teams are not allowed to test outside Europe, so it must be a private customer.

[pantealex]

WRC teams are not allowed to test outside Europe, so it must be a private customer.

or real Rally/Sprint/Show. Competing outside Europe is allowed

[AnttiL]

or real Rally/Sprint/Show. Competing outside Europe is allowed

Would still probably be a private customer ;) Paddon?

[KiwiWRCfan]

Fiesta WRC was shipped out and arrived in New Zealand this week...

Says who ? Have not heard of this in NZ. A Fiesta Proto recently arrived in NZ

[Fast Eddie WRC]

One has appeared in Italy too...

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EHOIjNJW4AEh0-F?format=jpg&name=medium

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EHOIjNCWsAUICk8?format=jpg&name=medium

[Portimao]

One has appeared in Italy too...


https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EHOIjNJW4AEh0-F?format=jpg&name=medium

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EHOIjNCWsAUICk8?format=jpg&name=medium

Bertelli's?

[TypeR]

According to FB comments, it should be Bertellis ex yup

[Andre Oliveira]

NO. New one. It looks Bertelli one cause it is grey (body kit is allways like that without decals). It should be chassis 12.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Ogier interview:
https://as.com/motor/2019/10/19/mas_motor/1571504142_675143.amp.html?__twitter_impression=tr ue

Do you think the Toyota is above ?

- Everyone knows that Toyota are in another category. Unfortunately that is so, but I think that now, although they are still ahead, it is a little less than before. We have to continue working, and in fact we have things for the future, with a new aerodynamics, but unfortunately we will not be able to use it until next year because the federation does not allow it.

Next year will be his last season. How do you see the changes in the calendar?

- I am 100% sure that it will be my last year

[EstWRC]

Ogier interview:
https://as.com/motor/2019/10/19/mas_motor/1571504142_675143.amp.html?__twitter_impression=tr ue

Do you think the Toyota is above ?

- Everyone knows that Toyota are in another category. Unfortunately that is so, but I think that now, although they are still ahead, it is a little less than before. We have to continue working, and in fact we have things for the future, with a new aerodynamics, but unfortunately we will not be able to use it until next year because the federation does not allow it.

Next year will be his last season. How do you see the changes in the calendar?

- I am 100% sure that it will be my last year

strange how quickly he has forgotten that the VW he drove, was not in another category but from another planet back in the day.:p

[Fast Eddie WRC]

with a new aerodynamics, but unfortunately we will not be able to use it until next year because the federation does not allow it.


From his comments on the future and the new aero, it seems that although in the recent tests the C3's understeer was fixed...
but he states the aero cant be used until 2020 ?


A source told Autosport: "That's a lot of work all around the car.

"It's going to be interesting to see how much of that comes, but if they're not using it then you would ask the question of why Ogier would be driving the car with it on - especially at such a crucial time of the season."

During the Rally Spain test the C3 WRC showed off a complete aerodynamic makeover, with a new splitter and additional wings above the front wheels, remiscent of the vanes seen on Formula 1 sidepods.

Citroen's technical director Olivier Maroselli wouldn't be drawn on the aero updates and which of them would be seen in time for next week's event.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

strange how quickly he has forgotten that the VW he drove, was not in another category but from another planet back in the day.:p

But the Fiesta wasnt in which he won his 5th & 6th Titles...

[mknight]

For me it's also strange that Citroen would use so much time on testing the new aero just before one of the two rallies where it matters most (together with Finland) and then not run anything. But stranger things have happened before.

[EstWRC]

But the Fiesta wasnt in which he won his 5th & 6th Titles...

yes, i know this Eddie, i was watching WRC then :D...and those years are the most impressive ones for me because the cars are quite equal now, and he still showed that he is the best.

But those 4 years with VW, there was just no competition for them, especially 2014 and 2015, thats what i call dominating.

But thats past, thats it from me about this topic.

[er88]

Because Citroen and Ogier have half an eye on next year now, his final year in the WRC. They know this championship is very nearly over, its sensible to test this aero package as much as possible when they can, as we saw how Ogier/Msport struggled with the rear aero developments last year. Citroen HAVE to get it right for Seb.

[pantealex]

So does anyone really know are Citroen even allowed to use it 2019?
Or have they used all their "Jokers"for 2019?

[AMSS]

For me it's also strange that Citroen would use so much time on testing the new aero just before one of the two rallies where it matters most (together with Finland) and then not run anything. But stranger things have happened before.

What`s strange? Their test days are limited on a yearly bases and they need to test it on high speed roads for next season. In November-December it would be too late for several reasons, test road availibility, limited time to make changes to the aero if needed etc.

[Kaspark]

So does anyone really know are Citroen even allowed to use it 2019?
Or have they used all their "Jokers"for 2019?

Ogier said in this spanish article few days ago, that new aero was coming next year

article: https://as.com/motor/2019/10/19/mas_motor/1571504142_675143.amp.html

[T16]

https://www.autosport.com/wrc/news/146698/citroen-holds-off-on-introducing-radical-new-aero

[dimviii]

Hybridization is not enough. At least for Volkswagen. The last great rider of the World Rally Championship left the contest by surprise and with a car under the 2017 regulation already developed as an indirect consequence of the 'dieselgate'. The same scandal that caused the entire VAG strategy to be rethought, including the competition areas of all its brands. Therefore it should not surprise us that François-Xavier Demaison was so categorical when asked by AUTOhebdo.

In a brief interview granted to the weekly Gallo the head of Volkswagen Motorsport ensures that they are not attracted to the step towards the hybrids intended by the World Rally Championship since 2022, as it is not consistent with the current positioning of the German brand: "The day when there are rallies with electric cars, there we will be ... but there may not be many to run with us. The brand is moving towards the electric and therefore sports programs must follow the same line. Hybrids are not enough. "

Even so, it is obvious that the combustion engine continues to have an important weight with regard to the customer-racing section, as it demonstrates that the Polo GTI R5 project is still going well. As Demaison explains in the same interview, for the time being the developments are focused on improving its reliability, although they do not rule out a greater evolution in two years.

https://www.diariomotor.com/competicion/noticia/volkswagen-solo-regresara-al-wrc-si-se-convierte-en-100-electrico/

[Andre Oliveira]

https://scontent.flis8-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/fr/cp0/e15/q65/73057491_3000896899939717_6869103589206261760_o.jp g?_nc_cat=104&efg=eyJpIjoidCJ9&_nc_oc=AQkvArAf9Intes-HAEaXchP-0DJHesp-lreGWyKuqOu3bt333Z5mDRETLqRYgdJG30c&_nc_ht=scontent.flis8-1.fna&oh=2574b977fcec1de46a16e6a54a465a35&oe=5E598484

[HaCo]

I really hope Citroen does not quit rallying at the end of the season!
https://www.rallye-magazin.de/wrc/artikel/toyota-wrc-2020-ogier-wechsel-durch-citroen-ausstieg-moeglich-42463/

[wrc2017]

I really hope Citroen does not quit rallying at the end of the season!
https://www.rallye-magazin.de/wrc/artikel/toyota-wrc-2020-ogier-wechsel-durch-citroen-ausstieg-moeglich-42463/

As I said a week ago... I'd be worried if I was Lappi just now.

[Rally Power]

I really hope Citroen does not quit rallying at the end of the season!
https://www.rallye-magazin.de/wrc/artikel/toyota-wrc-2020-ogier-wechsel-durch-citroen-ausstieg-moeglich-42463/

The piece sounds a bit silly; we all know Citroen wasn’t allowed to homologate more jokers this year.

[EstWRC]

ive been thinking all the time what the championship would look like without the top3

this is my maths before australia

1. Meeke 173
2. Latvala 170
3. Evans 164
4. Suninen 149
5. Mikkelsen 147
6. Lappi 139
7. Sordo 137
8. Loeb 98
9. Breen 26
10 Tidemand 23

keep in mind that Evans missed three rounds, Hyundai guys also with partial programs.

[pantealex]

ive been thinking all the time what the championship would look like without the top3

this is my maths before australia

1. Meeke 173
2. Latvala 170
3. Evans 164
4. Suninen 149
5. Mikkelsen 147
6. Lappi 139
7. Sordo 137
8. Loeb 98
9. Breen 26
10 Tidemand 23

keep in mind that Evans missed three rounds, Hyundai guys also with partial programs.

You left R5 drivers out also...
Rovanperä would be ahead of Breen and Tidemand.

[mknight]

ive been thinking all the time what the championship would look like without the top3

this is my maths before australia

1. Meeke 173
2. Latvala 170
3. Evans 164
4. Suninen 149
5. Mikkelsen 147
6. Lappi 139
7. Sordo 137
8. Loeb 98
9. Breen 26
10 Tidemand 23

keep in mind that Evans missed three rounds, Hyundai guys also with partial programs.

I didn't count power stage as they are highly affected by who is allowed to push (ex. Meeke in Spain, Mikkelsen in Turkey etc..), without them I get very different results:
(obviously there can be errors)

Monte Sw Mex Cors Arg Chile Port Sard Fin Ger Tur GB Sp
Mikkelsen 0 18 4 0 25 10 0 15 15 12 18 15 0 132
Meeke 15 12 18 8 18 4 0 8 0 25 10 25 0 143
Evans 0 15 25 25 0 18 18 12 0 0 0 18 12 143
Latvala 18 0 10 6 15 2 15 0 18 18 10 0 15 127
Suninen 4 0 0 15 10 15 25 18 10 0 15 0 10 122
Lappi 0 25 0 12 0 12 0 10 25 10 25 0 0 119
Sordo 0 0 8 18 12 0 0 25 0 15 12 0 25 115


Or listed by points:
Evans 143 (first because of more 2nd places than Meeke), missed 3 rounds
Meeke 143
Mikkelsen 132, missed 3 rounds
Latvala 127
Suninen 122
Lappi 119
Sordo 115, missed 5 rounds

There are also some properly ridiculous results in there, like Latvala finishing 5th in Mexico 18 mins behind. That's highly unlikely to happen cause there would be other WRC cars. All the overseas events are really sensitive to this so all the drivers that did superrally or lost huge chunks of time but still made it to finish at those benefit a lot in this comparison.

[AL14]

I don't want to be the guy that spoil the parties but there are a lot of variable we are not taking into account like the road order and the pressure of being the leader of the championship.

[dnb]

Yes, instead of the all the sobbing with support categories, they should make a throphy for the fourth place.

[EstWRC]

You left R5 drivers out also...
Rovanperä would be ahead of Breen and Tidemand.

i know, i only counted WRC category and this was just for fun. E: to be clear i counted the R5 cars in rally results, not in the points table.

How i did was, that i just took Tänak, Ogier, Neuville out of the results. In my calculation i have also included power stage points.

Like mknight says some results were quite ridiculous, the same Mexico were Latvala was 5th with 18 minutes down but thats all because there arent many competitors on oversea rallies and a lot of guys in super rally.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

It's pretty clear that Elfyn Evans is the 'best of the rest'.

And hence the interest from Toyota for 2020.

[mknight]

It's pretty clear that Elfyn Evans is the 'best of the rest'.

And hence the interest from Toyota for 2020.

What's pretty clear is that Evans and Mikkelsen are clearly better than Latvala and Meeke (similar or better points with 3 rounds less) and much better than Suninen and Lappi. Note that they have an average of 10 points per round, so they could theoretically be on above 130 points with Meeke being next on 98.

Judging between them is rather hard. As some indicators are slightly better for one and some for the other.
Anyway I was very vocal already in April that Toyota should get Evans if they want to get much better chances in manu champ.

[AnttiL]

Average points per rally.

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EIhrb9gXkAEljjC?format=png&name=small

[OnlyRally]

Average points per rally.

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EIhrb9gXkAEljjC?format=png&name=small
Like i always thought, it takes 3 Finns to do the job of 1 Estonian 😁

[dimviii]

also Suninen has to up his pace.Second full year,and not promising at all.

[sinepikohv]

also Suninen has to up his pace.Second full year,and not promising at all.

I think he's been pretty OK. There have been rallies where he's been excellent, although he couldn't finish them in one piece. But as Oleg Gross (one of the biggest supporters behind Tänak) said: in order to learn your limits and become a good driver, you must drive on the edge. In order to feel your limit, you must experience crashes etc to know how to avoid them next time. Rallying isn't like going to the forest to pick up mushrooms.

Teemu is just 25 and is doing pretty much his second (last year he was in a R5 in Monte) full season in WRC. Give him time. Clearly he has promise.

[dimviii]

I think he's been pretty OK. There have been rallies where he's been excellent, although he couldn't finish them in one piece. But as Oleg Gross (one of the biggest supporters behind Tänak) said: in order to learn your limits and become a good driver, you must drive on the edge. In order to feel your limit, you must experience crashes etc to know how to avoid them next time. Rallying isn't like going to the forest to pick up mushrooms.

Teemu is just 25 and is doing pretty much his second (last year he was in a R5 in Monte) full season in WRC. Give him time. Clearly he has promise.

if Malcolm has patience for some more years,is fine by me.

[mknight]

Suninen had epically bad start of the season with 4 crashes in 3 rallies, 2 of them in very first stage.

Points per rally confirm what we talked about. Sordo looks even better, but 6 out of 8 rallies he drove were with start on dry gravel with one of the best road positions.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Average points per rally.

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EIhrb9gXkAEljjC?format=png&name=small

This is misleading as some (Hyundai) driver's are only entering the rallies they like and are good on.

[Mirek]

This is misleading as some (Hyundai) driver's are only entering the rallies they like and are good on.

You can very easily turn that argument around. The part time drivers spend much less time in the cars on stages an have therefore disadvantage of being somewhat rusty.

For me it's not misleading. It's factual statement.

[AnttiL]

also Suninen has to up his pace.Second full year,and not promising at all.

Take the three first rallies off and suddenly Suninen is better than Loeb at 8.8 points average.

[er88]

You can very easily turn that argument around. The part time drivers spend much less time in the cars on stages an have therefore disadvantage of being somewhat rusty.

For me it's not misleading. It's factual statement.Yeah it is factual, but you can't blindly look at that though without taking other factors into account. Hyundai drivers rotated and miss their weakest events ( sometimes for better starting position in their stronger events). For example, Mikkelsen has missed Spain and Corsica where he would've been slowest WRC car if we base it on all of his previous form in a Hyundai. Sordo missing Sweden, Finland and GB etc is the same case, doing those events would only have lowered the average pts per rally.

We've seen in past drivers like Meeke doing part season and winning events due to running at the back. Breen comes in cold in Finland and is instantly on the pace in an i20 at Hyundais weakest rally, Meeke comes back after 6/7months out and is 2nd fastest in the first stage in Monte in a new car, Evans after a bad injury wins the first real stage of rally GB and has top speed all weekend. So looking at that, rust isn't that much of a factor for WRC drivers compared to good road position/ doing only favoured events.

[dimviii]

Take the three first rallies off and suddenly Suninen is better than Loeb at 8.8 points average.

that you exlude his worst rallies out to compare him with a retired 45 year old driver with partial program,shows how big he has failed.
Loeb at his first 2 years had 1 world championship,and the previous year was runner up to Solberg after citroen asked him to hold for the points for the constructors championship.

There is nothing to compare mate,totally useless comparison...

[AnttiL]

that you exlude his worst rallies out to compare him with a retired 45 year old driver with partial program,shows how big he has failed.
Loeb at his first 2 years had 1 world championship,and the previous year was runner up to Solberg after citroen asked him to hold for the points for the constructors championship.

There is nothing to compare mate,totally useless comparison...

I didn't mean to compare him particularly with Loeb...let's then say with those rallies he's better than Meeke and the other Finns and closer to the level of Evans and Mikkelsen.

[RS]

If you count only Sardinia, then Sordo is World Champion..

[wrc2017]

I didn't mean to compare him particularly with Loeb...let's then say with those rallies he's better than Meeke and the other Finns and closer to the level of Evans and Mikkelsen.
Meeke had rally winning pace on.., those that I can remember
Finland
Portugal
Germany
Spain
RallyGb
Sunninen.. Had he any event where he was actually in the hunt?

[meh]

Meeke had rally winning pace on.., those that I can remember
Finland
Portugal
Germany
Spain
RallyGb
Sunninen.. Had he any event where he was actually in the hunt?

I have feeling, that people are too often getting over-excited when Suninen was showing good times from good road position on first days of some rally. Next day "speed" disappers or can not handle the pressure. All you have is "what if".

A bit the same with Meeke - I'm not sure his "rally winning pace" is not the "If I win lottery" pace - too many risks and then some mistake comes. Last one in Spain. But maybe this "all or nothing" was team-order, we never know.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

It's factual statement.

And so is mine.

Sordo for example was pulled into the team for the events where he is best and the team expect him to score well. If he was 'rusty' and wouldnt do well, they wouldnt use him.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Yeah it is factual, but you can't blindly look at that though without taking other factors into account. Hyundai drivers rotated and miss their weakest events ( sometimes for better starting position in their stronger events). For example, Mikkelsen has missed Spain and Corsica where he would've been slowest WRC car if we base it on all of his previous form in a Hyundai. Sordo missing Sweden, Finland and GB etc is the same case, doing those events would only have lowered the average pts per rally.

We've seen in past drivers like Meeke doing part season and winning events due to running at the back. Breen comes in cold in Finland and is instantly on the pace in an i20 at Hyundais weakest rally, Meeke comes back after 6/7months out and is 2nd fastest in the first stage in Monte in a new car, Evans after a bad injury wins the first real stage of rally GB and has top speed all weekend. So looking at that, rust isn't that much of a factor for WRC drivers compared to good road position/ doing only favoured events.

Great post, very well put.

[dimviii]

Yeah it is factual, but you can't blindly look at that though without taking other factors into account. Hyundai drivers rotated and miss their weakest events ( sometimes for better starting position in their stronger events). For example, Mikkelsen has missed Spain and Corsica where he would've been slowest WRC car if we base it on all of his previous form in a Hyundai. Sordo missing Sweden, Finland and GB etc is the same case, doing those events would only have lowered the average pts per rally.

We've seen in past drivers like Meeke doing part season and winning events due to running at the back. Breen comes in cold in Finland and is instantly on the pace in an i20 at Hyundais weakest rally, Meeke comes back after 6/7months out and is 2nd fastest in the first stage in Monte in a new car, Evans after a bad injury wins the first real stage of rally GB and has top speed all weekend. So looking at that, rust isn't that much of a factor for WRC drivers compared to good road position/ doing only favoured events.

lets make the Mireks statement a bit different...
if these partial program drivers,they run all rallies of the calendar.At the rallies they are specialized,they would be the same/worst/better?

My answer is they would be better.

[dimviii]

https://www.autox.com/interviews/interview-with-six-time-wrc-champion-sebastien-ogier-106770/

[wrc2017]

https://www.autox.com/interviews/interview-with-six-time-wrc-champion-sebastien-ogier-106770/
Did he just confirm he was staying with Citröen in 2020??

[EstWRC]

whats Belgian press writing about Tänak coming to Neuvilles team?

anything?

[meh]

whats Belgian press writing about Tänak coming to Neuvilles team?

anything?

Maybe mr Martinson run out of ideas and used this one: https://www.rtbf.be/sport/moteurs/rallye/wrc/detail_neuville-et-hyundai-accueillent-tanak-a-bras-ouverts?id=10355543 ?

[denkimi]

whats Belgian press writing about Tänak coming to Neuvilles team?

anything?
The mainstream flemish press does not know or care who neuville is, let alone tanak. Only football and a little bit of cycling counts here.

[EstWRC]

i didnt mean mainstream press

rally sites or smth like that.

[MartijnS]

There are no real news websites in Belgium. Just press release websites.
No big fuss about the news anyway as far as I've seen.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

lets make the Mireks statement a bit different...
if these partial program drivers,they run all rallies of the calendar.At the rallies they are specialized,they would be the same/worst/better?

My answer is they would be better.

But if they drove in all the rallies they would do badly in they ones they dislike.

Therefore their points average would be lower than when just doing their favourite events.

[denkimi]

But if they drove in all the rallies they would do badly in they ones they dislike.

Therefore their points average would be lower than when just doing their favourite events.
Liking something and being good at it are 2 completely different things.

Loeb doesn't like rally finland, yet with 8 podiums including 3 wins out of his last 8 participations, you can't claim he would do bad there.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Liking something and being good at it are 2 completely different things.

Loeb doesn't like rally finland, yet with 8 podiums including 3 wins out of his last 8 participations, you can't claim he would do bad there.

Loeb is an exception though isnt he...

[denkimi]

Loeb is an exception though isnt he...
Yes. But loeb is just as well one of those partial hyundai drivers that we're talking about here.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Yes. But loeb is just as well one of those partial hyundai drivers that we're talking about here.

So are Sordo & Mikkelsen... who dont happen to be 9x world champions.

[Mirek]

So are Sordo & Mikkelsen... who dont happen to be 9x world champions.

Eddie, the average points per event simply tell You how good job each driver did and it isn't really important how they would maybe score in the events where they didn't start. Nobody sent them to take points from there and therefore it's pointless to speak about it.

[denkimi]

So are Sordo & Mikkelsen... who dont happen to be 9x world champions.
so 1 out of 3 drivers is an exception that we should not take into account?

and as you know, results of the past are in no way a guarantee for the future. who would have believed last year that loeb would be beaten by sordo in corsica and spain?
perhaps mikkelsen would have won in spain, perhaps sordo would have won in finland. nobody can tell for sure.

[robertr]

Another story of Tänak-Toyota relationship was published in the Estonian media today:
https://ekspress.delfi.ee/kuum/rallisahinad-toyotas-valitseb-sama-optimistlik-meeleolu-nagu-postimehe-toimetuses-martinile-pandi-inetu-huudnimi?id=87963009

Nothing new really, except that according to this story, Markko Märtin was called "isovittu" ("big cu*t") by some Finns in Toyota, due to his hard negotiations.

[Franky]

Another story of Tänak-Toyota relationship was published in the Estonian media today:
https://ekspress.delfi.ee/kuum/rallisahinad-toyotas-valitseb-sama-optimistlik-meeleolu-nagu-postimehe-toimetuses-martinile-pandi-inetu-huudnimi?id=87963009

Nothing new really, except that according to this story, Markko Märtin was called "isovittu" ("big cu*t") by some Finns in Toyota, due to his hard negotiations.

I wouldn't say that the "nickname" is anything special, when it comes to difficult negotiations. Only thing is that it has got out of the inner circle.

[Allez Andruet]

Having been involved in quite a few negotiations in Finland, I must admit I've never heard anyone being called "isovittu" before. One does not get that title just because of tough negotiations. I'd say it tells more about losing respect than just being tough.

[Hartusvuori]

Another story of Tänak-Toyota relationship was published in the Estonian media today:
https://ekspress.delfi.ee/kuum/rallisahinad-toyotas-valitseb-sama-optimistlik-meeleolu-nagu-postimehe-toimetuses-martinile-pandi-inetu-huudnimi?id=87963009

Nothing new really, except that according to this story, Markko Märtin was called "isovittu" ("big cu*t") by some Finns in Toyota, due to his hard negotiations.

What I love the most about this, is how Finnish Ilta-Sanomat tried to get hold of Tommi to confirm did they actually called Märtin with this name. I would love to hear the wording of the journalist when asking this from Tommi :-)

[the sniper]

Season to launch at the Autosport show again: https://www.autosport.com/asi/news/147016/autosport-show-to-host-wrc-season-launch

[Allez Andruet]

What I love the most about this, is how Finnish Ilta-Sanomat tried to get hold of Tommi to confirm did they actually called Märtin with this name. I would love to hear the wording of the journalist when asking this from Tommi :-)

Maybe something along the lines of

Tommi: Mitäääää?

Journalist: Se on Mauri Mopo Ilta-Sanomista tässä terve! Tommi, kuultiin luotettavasta lähteestä että annoitte Märtinille hellittelynimen "Iso Vittu" kun Tänakin sopimusneuvottelut alkoivat mennä päin persettä. Vahvistatko?

Tommi: *ends the call*

Journalist: *writes that he couldn't get hold of Tommi*

[pantealex]

https://www.wrc.com/en/wrc/news/november-2019/central-rally-aichi-preview/page/6819--12-12-.html
Rally Japan 2019
Katsuta, Hiroki Arai, Heikki Kovalainen and PETTER.

[skarderud]

Nice, Petter in a subaru in Japan, the audience going to be nuts :)

Sent fra min SM-G950F via Tapatalk

[Norm75]

Nice, Petter in a subaru in Japan, the audience going to be nuts :)

Sent fra min SM-G950F via Tapatalk
Is he actually driving, or just a guest of Subaru.

[SubaruNorway]

Just a guest, Arai in Østberg's car from this year
https://www.ewrc-results.com/entries/60804-central-rally-aichigifu-2019/

[EstWRC]

season in numbers http://planetemarcus.com/saison-wrc/ and https://www.ewrc-results.com/season/

Champions

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EH4m9pmWwAEnrHj.jpg
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EJK_VOoWwAAQosQ.png

[doubled1978]

Peugeot just announced WEC/Hypercar entry from 2022...wonder if that will have any impact on Citroen in WRC..

[pantealex]

Peugeot just announced WEC/Hypercar entry from 2022...wonder if that will have any impact on Citroen in WRC..

TGR has both now

Hyundai has TCR + WRC

MSport has GT3 + rally

PSA could handle both also.

[deephouse]

Ahh, I don't believe. They are acting like extreme cheapstakes lately so it wouldn't be surprise if they pull out. And right just when new regs apply in WRC.

[doubled1978]

TGR has both now

Hyundai has TCR + WRC

MSport has GT3 + rally

PSA could handle both also.


Physically yes of course, they have done it before....financially another matter. Develop both a new Hybrid WRC and the Hypercar at the same time...big costs.

[Tarmop]

Could share some or much development.

[Rally Power]

Peugeot just announced WEC/Hypercar entry from 2022...wonder if that will have any impact on Citroen in WRC..

Honestly, it’s hard to guess. Untill last year, all PSA brands were runing major motorsport programs but after Peugeot WRX pull out and in face of Opel limited return (through Corsa eRally Cup) it seems things have changed and no one can be sure if they’ll improve after PSA/FCA fusion.

On the other hand, Peugeot WEC participation is rumoured to be a venture with Oreca and Rebellion, making one believe it won’t be a full scale PSA investement. Nevertheless, bringing back Abu-Dhabi or getting a new Hybrid tech partner would certainly boost Citroen long-term chances. Fingers crossed.

[er88]

Citroen were one of the biggest pushers of this new tech, it was a must for them or they are gone.

However I suppose if they see little chance of being successful post-Ogier against Toyota and Hyundai, maybe they'll decide the WRC isn't worth it financially regardless...

[Rally Power]

Citroen were one of the biggest pushers of this new tech, it was a must for them or they are gone.

However I suppose if they see little chance of being successful post-Ogier against Toyota and Hyundai, maybe they'll decide the WRC isn't worth it financially regardless...

Yep, next year C3 upgrades and Lappi’s evolution are probably vital for Citroen future but I mostly fear they can make their long-term plans to depend on new partnerships. DS is in FE alongside a Chinese team (Techeetah) and this WEC program is rumoured to be a joint venture with Oreca (chassis) and Rebellion (runing team), with Peugeot mainly providing the engine/power train. If so, PSA seems to be leaving behind their full in-house programs and it’s hard to see outside partners able to run (and pay) a WRC venture with them. Hope to be wrong.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Hyundai Manu Champions 2019...

That's three different winners (M-Sport 2017, Toyota 2018) since the new 2017 Cars arrived.

[lluisva555]

Our review of 2019 aero modifications, test days and jokers. Hope you enjoy it!

https://www.wrcwings.tech/2019/11/14/2019-balance-of-wrc-aero-modifications-test-days-and-jokers/

[AnttiL]

And here's my review of the 2019 stages

http://itgetsfasternow.com/2019/11/15/wrc-season-2019-review/

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Citroen won't stay in WRC beyond 2021, PSA confirms
https://www.motorsport.com/wrc/news/citroen-2022-hybrid-world-rally/4597532/

[Neige]

What do manufacters do with all cars they produced? On ewrc info, each have produced more or less 20-22 '17 spec cars.

1. So some of them are racing and rotating
2. Few for testing
3. Few are sold (only M-sport)
4. Few are crashed/burned

And what about others?
Maybe they are used for sponsor exibitions, dealer centres and etc. ?

[Tarmop]

Yes, or standing in the garage. Not anything irregular amongst factories. Toyota has a few in museums, including Japan i believe. If you look at previous generations, VW for example, then you see that apart from a few (2?) converted into WRX, all are standing somewhere....like their Dakar Touaregs.

[Tarmop]

Yes, or standing in the garage. Not anything irregular amongst factories. Toyota has a few in museums, including Japan i believe. If you look at previous generations, VW for example, then you see that apart from a few (2?) converted into WRX, all are standing somewhere....like their Dakar Touaregs.

[KiwiWRCfan]

Redbull TV have posted a season review which includes some driver and team principal interviews filmed in Coffs Harbour. Very interesting answer from Seb Ogier when asked about what he is doing next year
https://www.redbull.com/int-en/events/fia-world-rally-championship-australia/live/fia-wrc-2019-australia-saturday-highlights-video

[Portimao]

Redbull TV have posted a season review which includes some driver and team principal interviews filmed in Coffs Harbour. Very interesting answer from Seb Ogier when asked about what he is doing next year
https://www.redbull.com/int-en/events/fia-world-rally-championship-australia/live/fia-wrc-2019-australia-saturday-highlights-video

"Nothing I can tell you right now"

[EstWRC]

i just love the redbull tv show, so much better than ALLLIVE IMO, i wish they were instead of ALLLIVE or they should join forces or smth like that.

[mknight]

"Nothing I can tell you right now"

Yes but right before that he was saying about Citroën that "we will be stronger next year". So could be playing either way.

D. Evans is actually very precise in distinguishing between "certain" and "likely" news in his articles.
Ex. when talking about Tänak earlier in the summer he wrote "set to" sign for Toyota..
Also right now he is saying that Evans will be announced at Toyota "potentially" with Ogier.

So there is still hope that we won't be down to effectively 2 team championship.

Btw. Milener basically confirms that Evans is going to Toyota, then talks about lots of others drivers now available and moves on to talk about young talents... like Gus Greensmith... uhh. Also kind of confirms Suninen.
I mean ok for Greensmith to pay for 3rd car and keep the team running, but MSport with only Suninen and Greensmith would be a disaster imo.

[EstWRC]

Yes but right before that he was saying about Citroën that "we will be stronger next year". So could be playing either way.



Btw. Milener basically confirms that Evans is going to Toyota, then talks about lots of others drivers now available and moves on to talk og about young talents... like Gus Greensmith... uhh. Also kind of confirms Suninen.
I mean ok for Greensmith to pay for 3rd car and keep the team running, but MSport with only Suninen and Greensmith would be a disaster imo.

THIS.

that was a clear confirmation for me there

and Ogier so cheeky with his answer, seems its Toyota after all then but cant be sure from that answer

[AnttiL]

MSport with only Suninen and Greensmith would be a disaster imo.

But also many unemployed drivers

[Zeakiwi2]

Can Mikkelsen bring enough money to buy a drive at M-Sport?

[racerx1979]

Can Mikkelsen bring enough money to buy a drive at M-Sport?

I doubt Andreas can bring enough money to pay for gas and food.

[skarderud]

I doubt Andreas can bring enough money to pay for gas and food.He is a Red Bull athlete, so some sponsorship is possible i would pressume.

Sent fra min SM-G950F via Tapatalk

[RS]

I doubt Andreas can bring enough money to pay for gas and food.

Are Evans and Suninen paying much or anything? I can’t imagine Malcolm would pay them, but would be disappointed if drivers of the calibre of Latvala, Mikelssen etc would have to bring much money.

[AnttiL]

I think Evans and Suninen are a part of the investment program where a share of their future salaries will go to M-Sport. It was said in an interview that they ”are supported financially”.

[dnb]

Not sure if it's good for the championship if Ogier goes to Toyota. Maybe if he drives atleast 2 more years. But he said the contract with Citroen would be his last one. I will lose some respect for the man if it was a lie.

[mousti]

http://www.speed-magazine.be/ogier-rejoint-toyota-citroen-racing-tire-prise/

Verstuurd vanaf mijn ONEPLUS A6013 met Tapatalk

[mknight]

http://www.speed-magazine.be/ogier-rejoint-toyota-citroen-racing-tire-prise/

Verstuurd vanaf mijn ONEPLUS A6013 met Tapatalk

Already starting to frame it as "having no choice" but to leave cause Ogier left them....

Also says that Lappi will very quickly be announced at MSport, that's somewhat surprising, both since he had terrible year being the last WRC and especially because of who his manager is.

[RS]

Lappi is much better than he showed in the Citroen this year, if he ends up in a Fiesta I think it could be good for both parties.

[Eli]

https://www.rallyssimo.it/2019/11/20/ora-e-ufficiale-citroen-lascia-il-mondiale-wrc/ This site (at least) confirms what we've feared...

[Rallyper]

Lappi, Latvala and Paddon in MSport would be great. Even for manufacturers title.

[deephouse]

Already starting to frame it as "having no choice" but to leave cause Ogier left them....

Also says that Lappi will very quickly be announced at MSport, that's somewhat surprising, both since he had terrible year being the last WRC and especially because of who his manager is.

So that means M-Sport could get out too this year already because they don't have a top caliber driver. What a bullshit. A true team could make a title contender from anyone, not in a year but a few and it could pay off, If they would stick with Meeke and actually do something (not just talk) on the car he would be in the mix. Or Ogier could actually win again this year. And If Ogier can't change their thinking then it's good they are leaving.

[Rallyper]

Only thing MW has to do is pay for the three cars. don´t think he needs to pay salary to those drivers. And think Meeke should be MW´s 4th choice.

[Indreq]

Just dreaming - what would it take to prompt vw to join with some half-committed program? Current situation on drivers market is such that they get decent drivers who dont expect to be paid. Some might even bring money into team. They already have car... So they need to put out some money to hire support people , do some updating/developing of car and bear some participation costs. Nobody expects them to win anything, if they can be competitive with MSport then this is already good result. 😋

[deephouse]

Just dreaming - what would it take to prompt vw to join with some half-committed program? Current situation on drivers market is such that they get decent drivers who dont expect to be paid. Some might even bring money into team. They already have car... So they need to put out some money to hire support people , do some updating/developing of car and bear some participation costs. Nobody expects them to win anything, if they can be competitive with MSport then this is already good result. ��

As long as I remember one car was saved for museum, I think that two was donated to the PSRX team and others destroyed. And they have no intentions of joining at least for a while.

[SubaruNorway]

As long as I remember one car was saved for museum, I think that two was donated to the PSRX team and others destroyed. And they have no intentions of joining at least for a while.

PSRX cars were of the old generation

[pantealex]

As long as I remember one car was saved for museum, I think that two was donated to the PSRX team and others destroyed. And they have no intentions of joining at least for a while.

NO.
Polo WRC17 is 5-door.
All RX cars are older generations 3-door models.

[mknight]

Polo 2017 would be hopelessly outdated today.

I do believe if it drove in 2017 it would have been one of the fastest if not the fastest car on most rallies, however the pace of development has also been huge since.

Just check the stagetimes on same or similar stages between 2017 and 2019 and by all accounts it looks like dramatic improvements. Most of the improvement is from new parts but a lot is actually from perfecting the setups of the cars.



Anyway this is off topic here and since this thread is about News and Rumours 2019 and 2019 season is over I think it's time to move to the 2020 thread.
https://www.motorsportforums.com/showthread.php?40411-WRC-News-amp-Rumours-2020

[Tarmop]

Not that dramatic, you can compare. There is that, ofc, but there is different weather, different drivers, different chicanes, different problems, different standings, different itinerary ( so different wear in tyres, level of fuel, exhaustion)...etc. Way too many variables.

[mknight]

I did compare, typically more than 0.2 s/km from 2018 to 2019, from 2017 to 2019 it's from 0.5 s/km upwards.

Being 0.5 s/km slower would mean you finish around 7th place on most rallies this year.

[Andre Oliveira]

RIP Joaquim Moutinho, winner of 1986 Rally de Portugal

[Tauri_J]

Just dreaming - what would it take to prompt vw to join with some half-committed program? Current situation on drivers market is such that they get decent drivers who dont expect to be paid. Some might even bring money into team. They already have car... So they need to put out some money to hire support people , do some updating/developing of car and bear some participation costs. Nobody expects them to win anything, if they can be competitive with MSport then this is already good result. 😋

Nothing, VW is done with internal combustion engines in all motorsport.

https://www.autosport.com/other/news/147305/vw-to-stop-backing-combustion-engine-programmes

[Rally Power]

RIP Joaquim Moutinho, winner of 1986 Rally de Portugal

One of Portugal's finest rally and racing drivers. R.I.P.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Just dreaming - what would it take to prompt vw to join with some half-committed program? Current situation on drivers market is such that they get decent drivers who dont expect to be paid. Some might even bring money into team. They already have car... So they need to put out some money to hire support people , do some updating/developing of car and bear some participation costs. Nobody expects them to win anything, if they can be competitive with MSport then this is already good result. 😋

Best possible hope is someone to take the C3WRC's (with their new jokers and aero) off Citroen's hands.

[TypeR]

What would it take? :D not much.. only 30-50mil euros

[Fast Eddie WRC]

What will Citroen do with them ?

Should give them away - would be a great goodbye gesture and good publicity.

[AnttiL]

Even if you got a car like that for free, running it competitively would be expensive.

[Fredouye]

Budar said they were open to sell/rent the C3s.

[Oops!]

Won't be much of a market for them....

[reff92]

Won't be much of a market for them....
Why not?
There is one private company who was intrested earlier on that year about c3 wrc.

[Tarmop]

It was Citroens partner PHsport and i don`t think there was a problem from their or Citroen`s side to run that car...just that nobody had the money to pay for such a thing, especially when you could go for a 3X title winning car, probably for the same or less (which also didn`t have much interest, apart from one outing in Finland and Tidemand/ Paddon/Greensmith, if you could even count those one-offs ).

[Japé]

What would it take? :D not much.. only 30-50mil euros

It would be interesting to see the actual costs split of this 30-50M€

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Best chance would be Abu Dhabi taking the cars and setting up a team. They did promise to come back in 2020 as a sponsor.

There are so many driver's going to be out of a seat next year it would be brilliant if there was some kind of partnership between their sponsors and AD.

[Norm75]

I don't think Abu Dhabi promised anything Eddie. In any case, any 'promise' that could be related to Citroen I would take with a pinch of salt.

[deephouse]

I think Qassimi put all their resources back to crosscountry rallies, although he kind of shine there. He is participating every year with PH-Sport's prepared Peugeot. Next year's edition is first time in middle east, kinda like home run.

[denkimi]

Nobody is going to buy the c3's to use them internationally.
Unless they can buy the entire team including the development department, there's just no point running them. Where are you going to buy spare parts if citroen doesn't produce them?

[TypeR]

Nobody is going to buy the c3's to use them internationally.
Unless they can buy the entire team including the development department, there's just no point running them. Where are you going to buy spare parts if citroen doesn't produce them?
I think the same.. Potential client would rather go to Wilson and get proper service from him + knowing that the can be very fast if driven right :D

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Of course the chances of this are slim to none. It's just wishful thinking seeking a way to make use of this resource with so many driver's seeking seats.

It's such a waste of the cars to leave them to just gather dust, when we all want as many WRC's to watch as possible.

I wonder if M-Sport could handle it if another 3 driver's came along wanting to run Fiesta WRC's, making it 6 in total ? And assuming all would want the latest spec car, plus spare parts/aero.

[deephouse]

I'm wondering how can PH-Sport kinda run old spec DKR cars? (They are now 3, 4 years old). So maybe could run one or two C3's for a year only, it' not like that the car would be that bad in a couple of months.

[RS]

I wonder if M-Sport could handle it if another 3 driver's came along wanting to run Fiesta WRC's, making it 6 in total ? And assuming all would want the latest spec car, plus spare parts/aero.

That’s a good question but the most likely outcome of the loss of two works seats is probably that we permanently lose a couple of drivers from WRC, ie. they retire.

Does Greensmith have the means to fund a full season? Maybe a few drivers could share the third car?

[Tarmop]

Nobody is going to buy the c3's to use them internationally.
Unless they can buy the entire team including the development department, there's just no point running them. Where are you going to buy spare parts if citroen doesn't produce them?

If you need them, if you pay for them, why wouldn`t they produce them? It`s not like Citroen racing closed its operations, R5 project is going on...

[TWRC]

If you need them, if you pay for them, why wouldn`t they produce them? It`s not like Citroen racing closed its operations, R5 project is going on...
Exactly, with the right amount of money you can still buy parts or even complete kits from Citroën/Peugeot for cars like the 106 Maxi, Saxo Kit Car, C4 WRC, etc...

[AnttiL]

For sure those parts would be more expensive to an external team.

[Tarmop]

Ofc, like your average roadcar and its parts, manufacturing one specific car or its part doesn`t cost the same you pay in a shop/dealership for it...that`s the business part. So if they don`t get some sort of a beneficial deal, then the the price goes up quite a bit.

[EstWRC]

very interesting stats again from Gary

Codriver statistics comparisons for
@sebmarshall after 27 starts in #WRC cars in #WRC events

Driver Kris Meeke
13 Starts
01 Podiums
17 Stage Wins
98 Points

Driver Hayden Paddon
14 Starts
04 Podiums
18 Stage Wins
147 Points

https://twitter.com/KiwiWRCfan/status/1198850465036824576?s=20

[pantealex]

Exactly, with the right amount of money you can still buy parts or even complete kits from Citroën/Peugeot for cars like the 106 Maxi, Saxo Kit Car, C4 WRC, etc...

in fact no, they don´t even sell C2-R2 parts anymore. (there was DQ in Finnish championship because brakes of C2-R2 are not available anymore)

[Fast Eddie WRC]

https://www.ph-sport.com/en/2019/06/ph-sport-launches-its-spare-parts-activity/

[Oops!]

It's the same with the Corolla and the Fabia WRC, Wevers in Holland is the place to go.

[Oops!]

in fact no, they don´t even sell C2-R2 parts anymore. (there was DQ in Finnish championship because brakes of C2-R2 are not available anymore)

The brakes are available, at a price. I remember when we ran a few C2 R2's here in their championship, everything and i mean everything had to be bought through the local agent for them down to a litre of oil/brake fluid ect...

[denkimi]

https://www.ph-sport.com/en/2019/06/ph-sport-launches-its-spare-parts-activity/
Are those parts homogated?

[go mads]

very interesting stats again from Gary

Codriver statistics comparisons for
@sebmarshall after 27 starts in #WRC cars in #WRC events

Driver Kris Meeke
13 Starts
01 Podiums
17 Stage Wins
98 Points

Driver Hayden Paddon
14 Starts
04 Podiums
18 Stage Wins
147 Points

https://twitter.com/KiwiWRCfan/status/1198850465036824576?s=20

Pointless stats, let's not forget when seb took over from kennard that paddon had been driving a hyundai for years, people cant ignore this was meekes first year in a toyota.

[EstWRC]

Pointless stats, let's not forget when seb took over from kennard that paddon had been driving a hyundai for years, people cant ignore this was meekes first year in a toyota.

im so sorry man that i upset you

i guess we should give Meeke couple more years again to prove himself.

[abcrally]

Pointless stats, let's not forget when seb took over from kennard that paddon had been driving a hyundai for years, people cant ignore this was meekes first year in a toyota.

I have a feeling we won't see a lot of Paddon or Meeke in the future WRC events.

[go mads]

im so sorry man that i upset you

i guess we should give Meeke couple more years again to prove himself.

😂😂 not upset me, I would give him an extra year yes, as he has, unlike others regularly shown rally winning pace. I also get the argument he makes to many mistakes, so we'll see what happens, think a part programme is the best he can hope for though. We will see

[EstWRC]

���� not upset me, I would give him an extra year yes, as he has, unlike others regularly shown rally winning pace. I also get the argument he makes to many mistakes, so we'll see what happens, think a part programme is the best he can hope for though. We will see

That’s why I said couple of years because next year you will also say we should give him another year ;)

[wrc2017]

That’s why I said couple of years because next year you will also say we should give him another year ;)
Yea, if he wasn't so quick and 'nearly' there, you could laugh.

Did somebody do that stat? Take top 3 out of championship and Meeke wins title? Even with all the issues he had...and he should have could easily had 3 to 4 more podiums.

Maybe he'll be there in 2020, maybe he will not, but it's one less driver cabable of winning rallys.. and that will be everyones loss.

[Tarmop]

Then only because some did partial seasons...

[cali]

If I'm not mistaken Mikkelsen did better anyway than Meeke.

Sent from my ONEPLUS A5010 using Tapatalk

[AnttiL]

If I'm not mistaken Mikkelsen did better anyway than Meeke.

Sent from my ONEPLUS A5010 using Tapatalk

And Evans, both with partial seasons

[go mads]

And Evans, both with partial seasons
Whilst never looking like winning an event on pace, if your happy to have guys drive for points then Evans,mikkelsen,paddon,ostberg etc are the way to go, if you want someone to challenge the big 3 on pace then meeke needs a seat.

[cali]

Whilst never looking like winning an event on pace, if your happy to have guys drive for points then Evans,mikkelsen,paddon,ostberg etc are the way to go, if you want someone to challenge the big 3 on pace then meeke needs a seat.What are you blabbering about? The only one out of these drivers was Evans who seriously contended for a victory but he was brutally robbed by a puncture and early trouble in Wales kept him out of podium. Meeke was not even close to win an event in 2019 let alone was he consistent enough. Like Märtin said the best Hyundai drivers were those 2 other guys driving a Toyota.


Sent from my ONEPLUS A5010 using Tapatalk

[EstWRC]

Whilst never looking like winning an event on pace, if your happy to have guys drive for points then Evans,mikkelsen,paddon,ostberg etc are the way to go, if you want someone to challenge the big 3 on pace then meeke needs a seat.


tell me where did he do that this season?

if he tries he crashes. (best example for this is finland this year, crashed even two times)

[wrc2017]

What are you blabbering about? The only one out of these drivers was Evans who seriously contended for a victory but he was brutally robbed by a puncture and early trouble in Wales kept him out of podium. Meeke was not even close to win an event in 2019 let alone was he consistent enough. Like Märtin said the best Hyundai drivers were those 2 other guys driving a Toyota.


Sent from my ONEPLUS A5010 using Tapatalk

Close?
Portugal?
Finland?
Germany?
GB?

[wrc2017]

tell me where did he do that this season?

if he tries he crashes. (best example for this is finland this year, crashed even two times)

Ogier crashed 3 times in one rally?

[cali]

Close?
Portugal?
Finland?
Germany?
GB?Really, have you followed WRC this season at all? Do I need to answer or are you just playing dumb with me?

Sent from my ONEPLUS A5010 using Tapatalk

[go mads]

Close?
Portugal?
Finland?
Germany?
GB?

Not interested in silly arguments over drivers, I like them all, but fact remains meeke brings speed and entertainment to the championship and I for one would miss him if he got left out.

[cali]

Not interested in silly arguments over drivers, I like them all, but fact remains meeke brings speed and entertainment to the championship and I for one would miss him if he got left out.

Definitely I agree and I have always liked him and supported as well. It would be pity if he is not around anymore but If I was a team boss he would not be my pick.

[EstWRC]

Definitely I agree and I have always liked him and supported as well. It would be pity if he is not around anymore but If I was a team boss he would not be my pick.

i have always been a fan of the those drivers who have natural raw speed, like Meeke, Latvala, Tänak etc.

But for me, Meeke has had enough chances. This year was his year to prove that he has changed but unfortunately its the same.

Like i said if he pushes then he makes mistakes, if he doesnt push and drives with his head then his pace is around 4-6th.

im not against the idea that he drives next year, but like you say, if you were a team boss you wouldnt pick him and i think the bosses in wrc think the same atm.

[EstWRC]

https://www.goodwood.com/grr/race/modern/2019/11/the-10-best-wrc-drivers-of-2019/

Im sure this will cause a debate here.

[mknight]

https://www.goodwood.com/grr/race/modern/2019/11/the-10-best-wrc-drivers-of-2019/

Im sure this will cause a debate here.
First 6 are ok, even in the given order.
After that it's like he went crazy..

Rovanpera is not a WRC driver and even if you would count him he (barely) delivered an obligatory title in a category with close to no cars. Being slower that a few other drivers surprisingly often.

4th driver in the WRC with highest (shared) number of podiums not on the list while all the 4 drivers that drove 3 extra rallies and still delivered worse results both in total and single rallies are there.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

The Italians are claiming the news first:

"The contract Ogier has signed with Toyota is for only one season, since the Frenchman maintains his decision to retire after the 2020 World Cup. Evans and Rovanpera have signed for two years.

After this operation and the withdrawal of Citroën there are many pilots who have been unemployed. Esapekka Lappi is the one harmed by the end of the French team, and Jari-Matti Latvala and Kris Meeke discards Toyota. All of them have set sail for Ford M-Sport, their only salvation for next year."

https://as.com/motor/2019/11/27/mas_motor/1574851148_041894.html?id_externo_rsoc=comp_tw

[Fast Eddie WRC]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EKPTLckXkAQFdo4?format=jpg&name=4096x4096

[Fast Eddie WRC]

The first to come out is Thierry Neuville who admits that the new combination, at least on paper, hides (but not too much) great potential:
"Sébastien Ogier at Toyota is a big problem! The Yaris has repeatedly proved to be the car to beat with as many as three cars unattainable from the first day of the race. I'm not afraid of Ott Tänak's arrival in our stable, he will be able to bring information about the Japanese car and added value. But with Ogier starting with the Yaris everything becomes more complicated."

[Andre Oliveira]

The Italians are claiming the news first:

"The contract Ogier has signed with Toyota is for only one season, since the Frenchman maintains his decision to retire after the 2020 World Cup. Evans and Rovanpera have signed for two years.

After this operation and the withdrawal of Citroën there are many pilots who have been unemployed. Esapekka Lappi is the one harmed by the end of the French team, and Jari-Matti Latvala and Kris Meeke discards Toyota. All of them have set sail for Ford M-Sport, their only salvation for next year."

https://as.com/motor/2019/11/27/mas_motor/1574851148_041894.html?id_externo_rsoc=comp_tw

Spanish

[Frostmourne]

edited: wrong thread.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Spanish

It was actually the French who were first by a few minutes and the same text was copied by AS...

https://www.fr24news.com/fr/2019/11/toyota-complete-la-signature-de-sebastien-ogier.html

[pantealex]

Rovanpera is not a WRC driver and even if you would count him he (barely) delivered an obligatory title in a category with close to no cars. Being slower that a few other drivers surprisingly often.



He wasn´t WRC-car driver but he for sure was WRC driver :)

and he did win 5/8 of his counted events...

but yes, he had some bad events also.

[EstWRC]

good read IMO https://pushingpace.com/wrc/analysis/2019/12/08/2019-wrc-stage-results-analysis-part-1/

[EstWRC]

this vid is just awesome https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6uuWuos5Itw

[EstWRC]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EMEoQGZWkAsuHf3?format=jpg&name=medium

[mknight]

Picking Sordo above Neuville is controversial but arguably could be justified, but picking Greensmith as 8th is quite special.

Also might call it strange to pick Ogier as 2nd, since he did struggle also on two rallies where Lappi got 2nd (Sweden, Finland).

[cali]

Picking Sordo above Neuville is controversial but arguably could be justified, but picking Greensmith as 8th is quite special.

Also might call it strange to pick Ogier as 2nd, since he did struggle also on two rallies where Lappi got 2nd (Sweden, Finland).Well it's Colin Clark and his opinion. Difference between me and you is that his subjective opinion is always being published.

Greensmith at #8 is an insult towards many drivers.

Sent from my ONEPLUS A5010 using Tapatalk

[Franky]

Well it's Colin Clark and his opinion. Difference between me and you is that his subjective opinion is always being published.

Greensmith at #8 is a insult towards many drivers.


I've had the feeling that they've been wearing some special pink sunglasses since Portugal.

[deephouse]

They are both British. He praise them as the gods. Simple.

[Duvel]

this vid is just awesome https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6uuWuos5Itw

Agree, great compilation!
Anyone know the very first spot in the clip? The Citroen Monte part?

[KiwiWRCfan]

long article in Finnish about Miikka Antilla published on 31 December 2019
lots of insight into the JML & MA partnership
https://yle.fi/urheilu/3-11131817

[pantealex]

no more 2019.

Please!