[WRC] News & Rumours 2019

[Googol]

Basically agree except I don't believe that making R5 more expensive for all privateers is worth making them the top class.

I personally don't believe a top level of motorsport can be made cheap no matter the rules. The teams will alwas spend how much is worth the title - and that's the more the more audience is watching, i.e. with more expensive and more spectacular cars the teams can spend more than with boring cars nobody really likes to watch (i.e. British championship few years back).

Maybe I wasn't too clear, but I mostly meant that while it might spice up the top class a bit now in terms of amount of competing manufacturers and privateers, it probably wouldn't last as the costs would go up and most would disappear. And of course, we would lose a good secondary class.

[RS]

I wouldn’t like to see R5 as top class of WRC but I would love to see Mone Carlo dropped from WRC and run as a stand-alone season opener with R5 as the top class.

Still miss the IRC Monte days with entry list comprising of best IRC drivers, guest WRC drivers and some old retired guys like Auriol, Delecour etc all competing on a level playing field.

Also without the constraints of the WRC schedule and with proper full live tv coverage.

[Gregor-y]

I get the argument, everyone reminisces about group B, and the current regs are probably the closest we've got since. Trouble is, with such specialised cars and few works teams, there aren't enough seats to go round.

With these regs, it can be a career killer, or even non starter.

Even if one could get their hands on a group B car they could run it in other series.

[Rally Power]

The Breen update is so sad. The guy loves rally so much. Hope he gets something sorted soon. The WRC needs characters like him. :(

He sounded optimistic about getting a WRC deal later in the season: “there’s a very good chance of being back before too long”. Fingers crossed for him! Btw, nice T Shirt.

[deephouse]

How much does WTCR cost now after making TCR cars the top. Well probably a way less since this season was quite awesome and next one all manus will run 4 cars and one coming back (volvo). So don't say that making R5 the top would not be cheap. I mean it's exciting now, we must enjoy but I think that Citroen could be gone after their plan (we see that they are not after the manufacturer championship) and M-Sport literally run on fumes year by year. I really hope that no one will leave but even Hyundai could pull out if they will not bring titles any tine soon. And promoter pushing for more events and that kind that are out of Europe. That's really not helping the sport and bring new names into it.

Simply they could (if wrc would die) that they make R5 top class and at the same time made privateer cup so even if some Guerra would be 12th overall and best of privateers (I know bad example) he would win it. If all manus with their R5 machines would run each 3 cars then they could even change scoring system so it would be fair to guys that would be placed after tenth positions.

[Tarmop]

That is the difference you know...World Rally Championship.
WTCR is quite a poor example when talking about a pinacle of one series, which i would say, is WEC in circuit racing (leaving the formula cars beside).

[Fast Eddie WRC]

He sounded optimistic about getting a WRC deal later in the season: “there’s a very good chance of being back before too long”. Fingers crossed for him! Btw, nice T Shirt.

I hope so, but he said he was very confident of a factory drive before...

And even if he does get something it will just be another part-season with no continuity, and pressure to get results for the next contract.

[deephouse]

He could try WRC2. It's better than sitting and waiting for a call.

[AnttiL]

I’m hoping for some M-Sport third car outings for Breen.

[Allez Andruet]

I’m hoping for some M-Sport third car outings for Breen.

I think that's a somewhat safe bet.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

I think that's a somewhat safe bet.

Not necessarily. I dont see a lot of point in him switching to a Fiesta, either for him or M-Sport.

It's possible that he might either hire a C3 WRC (a car he knows best), or even get a drive later in the season in a 3rd factory Citroen (if they're looking for Manu points, or as back-up for Ogier...)

[able1]

Not necessarily. I dont see a lot of point in him switching to a Fiesta, either for him or M-Sport.

It's possible that he might either hire a C3 WRC (a car he knows best), or even get a drive later in the season in a 3rd factory Citroen (if they're looking for Manu points, or as back-up for Ogier...)

If driver has to change a car then Msport fiesta is the safest bet. And Breen did not look very comfortable in C3 anyway.

[deephouse]

And Breen did not look very comfortable in C3 anyway.

Can you say that for a 2017 season also? He was always happy for being where he was and that he was always prasing them.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

@TeemuSuninenRac
Our season launch in Helsinki today was a success. Lots of domestic media present, so it was exciting to show my partners for WRC season 2019 and tell about my feelings going to my first full season with a WRC car. https://t.co/nzT8HHVeNX

Very happy that @iLOQ_Group is continuing to support my rally career. Both parties are aiming high - that is one of the combining factors between us. https://t.co/fwUnFR4ULB

[rp]

@TeemuSuninenRac
Our season launch in Helsinki today was a success. Lots of domestic media present, so it was exciting to show my partners for WRC season 2019 and tell about my feelings going to my first full season with a WRC car. https://t.co/nzT8HHVeNX



Teemu´s aim is to be in the top six in the WRC 2019 Final Standings, so he must find some more speed also, but it´s possible...

[AnttiL]

People on twitter noted that Teemu doesn't have anymore Red Bull decals on his shirt or cap.

[rallyfiend]

People on twitter noted that Teemu doesn't have anymore Red Bull decals on his shirt or cap.

He was only ever branded as Red Bull because of the deal M-Sport had with Red Bull.

Much like Camilli's car had Red Bull branding but he was not personally branded. It was just part of the broader deal.

[mknight]

Teemu´s aim is to be in the top six in the WRC 2019 Final Standings, so he must find some more speed also, but it´s possible...

So far he has been doing ok. Showed speed (with risky driving) in 2017.Did learning in 2018 with occaisonal good speed moments, but also some really bad moments (Spain gravel speed).

Now he has a real challenge. He needs to show close to podium - speed in at least 2-3 rallies and improvement on others. At the same time his most direct competition will drive in the same team.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Looks like Suninen is really after giving his sponsors coverage and gratitude. Probably hoping they can help him do more rounds. No other drivers have done a press conference ahead of the WRC launch.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

He was only ever branded as Red Bull because of the deal M-Sport had with Red Bull.

Much like Camilli's car had Red Bull branding but he was not personally branded. It was just part of the broader deal.

https://www.redbull.com/gb-en/athlete/teemu-suninen-rally

[the sniper]

https://www.redbull.com/gb-en/athlete/teemu-suninen-rally

Unlike Evans though I don't think his tie up with Red Bull preceded the Ogier/Red Bull era at M-Sport?

[Allez Andruet]

Looks like Suninen is really after giving his sponsors coverage and gratitude. Probably hoping they can help him do more rounds. No other drivers have done a press conference ahead of the WRC launch.

It's a common practice for drivers managed by Timo Jouhki to hold their own press conferences before the start of the season.

Btw, Suninen will drive full season, so no additional rounds needed ;)

[Fast Eddie WRC]

It's a common practice for drivers managed by Timo Jouhki to hold their own press conferences before the start of the season.

Btw, Suninen will drive full season, so no additional rounds needed ;)

Of course, I was thinking of Tidemand.

[RS]

@TeemuSuninenRac
Our season launch in Helsinki today was a success. Lots of domestic media present, so it was exciting to show my partners for WRC season 2019 and tell about my feelings going to my first full season with a WRC car. https://t.co/nzT8HHVeNX

Very happy that @iLOQ_Group is continuing to support my rally career. Both parties are aiming high - that is one of the combining factors between us. https://t.co/fwUnFR4ULB

Teemu did not write this. Teemu does not do ‘excited’ or ‘happy’

I wish him a better 2019 though, probably the biggest disappointment of 2018.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Teemu did not write this. Teemu does not do ‘excited’ or ‘happy’

I wish him a better 2019 though, probably the biggest disappointment of 2018.

I'm sure he does. He just doesnt show it in the way others do. Like Breen for instance, where a stage is either the greatest or the worst he's ever done.

Plus I think Evans with all his experience was more disappointing.

[jbmarcus21]

first news of Deutschland Rallye road program include new stage on thursday will be also new Power Stage ► http://bit.ly/2AFMWZI

[AnttiL]

first news of Deutschland Rallye road program include new stage on thursday will be also new Power Stage ► http://bit.ly/2AFMWZI

So this means they couldn't come up with a worse super special than the two previous ones and decided to use a proper stage instead. *claps hands*

[AnttiL]

- at least one European #WRC round to be dropped or 2020
- Most likely Japan/Kenya comes in
- Other European countries such as Croatia and Poland are interested also in hosting a round

https://www.rallit.fi/rallin-mm-kalenteriin-muutoksia-2020-ainakin-yksi-euroopan-kisa-putoaa-pois/

[tigerlily]

2019 liveries at Autosport Show
But all look same as 2018 liveries except from M Sport

https://twitter.com/portF_/status/1083291580264603648

[T16]

2019 liveries at Autosport Show
But all look same as 2018 liveries except from M Sport

https://twitter.com/portF_/status/1083291580264603648


Anyone else noticed Abu-Dhabi on the Citroen? what's going on there?

[dodge33cymru]

and no Red Bull, think Citroen forgot to send the new livery...

[T16]

this clears it up a little...

https://www.autosport.com/wrc/news/140953/msport-unveils-2019-wrc-livery

[AnttiL]

Toyota car still has 2019 drivers on the window. Maybe the other cars are just placeholder cars for planning lighting etc. and the final new liveried cars arrive at the last moment?

[T16]

Toyota car still has 2019 drivers on the window. Maybe the other cars are just placeholder cars for planning lighting etc. and the final new liveried cars arrive at the last moment?

You're correct... The Autosport article says that M-Sport are the only ones who have revealed so far, the others will do so on Saturday... It's a little confusing I say.

[tigerlily]

You're correct... The Autosport article says that M-Sport are the only ones who have revealed so far, the others will do so on Saturday... It's a little confusing I say.

Thx. I see. I was wondering why other cars(not only the colorings, aero parts also) were same as the last year's ones.

[N.O.T]

Toyota car still has 2019 drivers on the window. Maybe the other cars are just placeholder cars for planning lighting etc. and the final new liveried cars arrive at the last moment?

so they sent both the old livery cars and the new livery cars ?? i really doubt it... why would they do that ?? plus we have last years example where the liveries were identical almost to the 2017 ones.

[EstWRC]

I think they will just oversticker ( I invented a new word ?) the cars with new livery.

Or it was just a hype and we won’t see anything new.

[dimviii]

msport choosed to show their livery earlier
other teams probably want to show the liveries at Autosport
if they had their new liveries,photos would appear at net before the planning day

[T16]

Or it was just a hype and we won’t see anything new.[/QUOTE]

No, the AS article clearly states that they the other three will reveal on Saturday. I still can't get my head around why the Citroen has Abu-Dhabi logos on it..

[tomhlord]

2019 liveries at Autosport Show
But all look same as 2018 liveries except from M Sport

https://twitter.com/portF_/status/1083291580264603648

The Toyota dive plane with 'Panasonic' on it is now fully white, so maybe this is the final 2019 livery with only a small improvement?

[Neil Shanks]

Surely Citroen & Hyundai will just have their graphic guys re-wrap the cars overnight on Friday??

[Got Mail]

Surely Citroen & Hyundai will just have their graphic guys re-wrap the cars overnight on Friday??

That would be my guess too.

They have done that previously.

[EstWRC]

Toyota has made it even worse with its white diveplane :laugh:

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DwivJhYX0AAg2yB.jpg
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Dwif9RRXgAAVGcx.jpg
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Dwif9SnWoAAy8Hs.jpg
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Dwif9TQWsAAqU-h.jpg
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Dwif9ViWkAA9fbM.jpg

[er88]

Yeah Saturday is the WRC launch day and the day Citroen and Hyundai unveil their new livery. Toyota probably no real change. Citroen will feature no Abu Dhabi.

[T16]

Do any of the experts know if the Citroen pictured has the new aero? (I think we are expecting a new rear wing, light front splitter changes and front wing deflectors?)

[steve.mandzij]

Toyota has made it even worse with its white diveplane :laugh:

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DwivJhYX0AAg2yB.jpg
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Dwif9RRXgAAVGcx.jpg
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Dwif9SnWoAAy8Hs.jpg
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Dwif9TQWsAAqU-h.jpg
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Dwif9ViWkAA9fbM.jpgMeh, I think it looks a little better (and less tacked on, at least!)

One thing I notice is that the diveplanes have lips on their outer edges now. Havw they always been like that or is it a new aero element?

[the sniper]

Meh, I think it looks a little better (and less tacked on, at least!)

Yeah I agree, I prefer it, doesn't look like an afterthought now.

I reckon that is their 2019 livery.

[N.O.T]

Do any of the experts know if the Citroen pictured has the new aero? (I think we are expecting a new rear wing, light front splitter changes and front wing deflectors?)

you want the same experts that believe.... the liveries are going to be different for 2019 and they just had the old cars up on ramps at the show just to test the light conditions.... to answer ??

[Andre Oliveira]

https://scontent.fopo3-2.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/49347989_10156136561615678_3846017418270867456_n.p ng?_nc_cat=1&_nc_ht=scontent.fopo3-2.fna&oh=d7944bfe943aabc5fcfefd51da7b2229&oe=5C8CD6A0

[Simmi]

I thought it was weird that M-Sport revealed their livery today. But I reckon contractually they probably couldn't put an old Red Bull liveried show car up on a stand in 2019. It probably put them in a tricky situation. So as soon as they knew there would be that requirement they just launched the press photos.

Just my guess anyway.

[EstWRC]

https://scontent.fopo3-2.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/49347989_10156136561615678_3846017418270867456_n.p ng?_nc_cat=1&_nc_ht=scontent.fopo3-2.fna&oh=d7944bfe943aabc5fcfefd51da7b2229&oe=5C8CD6A0

Bertelli? And I guess the names are in that order because of their numbers? I guess that Because ogier is nr.1 and suninen nr.3 and Evans being so far back with his nr.33. I think Tänak will keep his nr.8 because he has had it on his merch from last year. Latvala is nr.10 is my guess

Neuville is nr.11 as we know

[Andre Oliveira]

1. Ogier
3. Suninen
11. Neuville
33. Evans
41. Sordo (my guess, his JWRC title season number)

[er88]

you want the same experts that believe.... the liveries are going to be different for 2019 and they just had the old cars up on ramps at the show just to test the light conditions.... to answer ??They are going to be different on Citroen and Hyundai at least. Citroen have already confirmed theirs will feature no big Abu Dhabi backing and their livery will tie in with their 100th anniversary.

"...will feature brand-new livery. The new look will also celebrate the brand’s 100th*anniversary. The end of 2018 marks a temporary conclusion for the working relationship between Citroën Racing and Abu Dhabi Racing"
"...A new chapter then, the first instalment of which will be the unveiling of the 2019 livery of the C3 WRC at the WRC season presentation, which will be held on 12 January 2019 at Birmingham’s Autosport International Show"

-from Citroen's own press release.

And hyundai have already teased the rear of their new livery as well with a pic. They will be different on the Saturday WRC launch than they are now, if the current plans stay the same as they were originally.

[Andre Oliveira]

Tidemand 7, confirmed by Gerard Quinn

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Sėbastien Loeb lost a lot of time on the Dakar today after 3 punctures and then running in others dust.

Could lead to him pulling out early and testing new i20 more for Monte ?

[T16]

you want the same experts that believe.... the liveries are going to be different for 2019 and they just had the old cars up on ramps at the show just to test the light conditions.... to answer ??

you need to read the Autosport article, which says the other three, apart from M-Sport, will launch their new liveries on Saturday... I'm assuming you know Citroen no longer have Abu-Dhabi as a sponsor too?

[T16]

Sėbastien Loeb lost a lot of time on the Dakar today after 3 punctures and then running in others dust.

Could lead to him pulling out early and testing new i20 more for Monte ?


I had the same thought a while ago. It probably depends on a few things, notably, if Hyundai can accommodate a test between when that may be and when his original test is planned for and more likely, just how far off the lead he is. Even if he's running fourth, what's to say the others in front won't have the same issues he has had.

[logic]

The Hyundai will be different for sure.

[Tarmop]

Sėbastien Loeb lost a lot of time on the Dakar today after 3 punctures and then running in others dust.

Could lead to him pulling out early and testing new i20 more for Monte ?

I don't think his sponsors would agree in giving up after such investment and probably he himself also.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

I don't think his sponsors would agree in giving up after such investment and probably he himself also.

True but it depends how far back he falls. He wont get much coverage if he's not in with a chance to win. Plus he's not a Manu backed entry.

[T16]

I don't think his sponsors would agree in giving up after such investment and probably he himself also.

Come on man... you really don't think they can have a 'mechanical' failure ay any point they want?

[SubaruNorway]

Sėbastien Loeb lost a lot of time on the Dakar today after 3 punctures and then running in others dust.

Could lead to him pulling out early and testing new i20 more for Monte ?

He only lost 12min with it, even gained two places, not over yet

[Fast Eddie WRC]

70% sand dunes must advantage the Arab drivers this year, plus of course those with many years of experience. I dont see Loeb in contention for the win.

Monte Carlo is his area of expertise.

[EstWRC]

Citroen teasing with new livery https://twitter.com/citroenracing/status/1083682857342693376?s=21

[T16]

Citroen teasing with new livery https://twitter.com/citroenracing/status/1083682857342693376?s=21

Don't know if it's just that cover, but the rear spoiler looks insane..

[Barreis]

no sign of Red Bull ($hit) stickers on the car. i thought Ogier will bring them with him to the new team

[the sniper]

no sign of Red Bull ($hit) stickers on the car. i thought Ogier will bring them with him to the new team

The Red Bull blue is very clear in the second picture.

[er88]

Citroen teasing with new livery https://twitter.com/citroenracing/status/1083682857342693376?s=21I wonder if NOT is still in denial? ;)

[N.O.T]

I wonder if NOT is still in denial? ;)

so removing 4 stickers and painting a bumper red is different livery nowadays ??

your location checks out with your IQ...

[deephouse]

And Hyundai clearly add some graphic stickers, Toyota probably just shuffle their squares and triangles. M-Sport show to the world already and their looks quite awesome.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Teemu Suninen interviewed at Autosport International this morning:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9FcfatnyvWw starts at -3:57

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DwpKxcCX4AAR5pV.jpg

[Fast Eddie WRC]

WRC Promoter Oliver Ciesla interviewed at -18.47 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9FcfatnyvWw

[sonnybobiche]

Teemu Suninen interviewed at Autosport International this morning:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9FcfatnyvWw starts at -3:57

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DwpKxcCX4AAR5pV.jpg

Can't for the life of me find Teemu anywhere in that stream.

[Duvel]

[QUOTE=the sniper;1203997]The Red Bull blue is very clear in the second picture.[/QUOTE

I hope there wil be enough blue on the sides also, like someone mentiond here already, that would bring back memories of the "telefonica" Xsara times.

[er88]

so removing 4 stickers and painting a bumper red is different livery nowadays ??

your location checks out with your IQ...Keep digging fella, you know you were wrong ;)

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Can't for the life of me find Teemu anywhere in that stream.

Seems they've cut the morning part of the stream.

Teemu talked about his new co-driver, said his favourite rallies were Sweden and GB, and that his target for 2019 is a top 6 finish in the WDC.

[Zeakiwi]

Interview with M-Sport crew starts around 2 hours 42 minutes
https://youtu.be/9FcfatnyvWw?t=9817

[EstWRC]

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

[racerx1979]

Looks better than last year for sure.

[Mirek]

I don't like it at all.

[EstWRC]

same, it was much better the previous years.


the red is just too red. ok the lights are also doing their work, have to see it on stages.

[Allez Andruet]

I don't like it at all.
Usually I'm not the biggest fan of RB liveries, but this one I do like. Maybe it's the C3, don't know. But it looks like a winning car.

[EstWRC]

https://scontent-arn2-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/49950051_10156102064405668_6244361580520144896_n.j pg?_nc_cat=105&_nc_ht=scontent-arn2-1.xx&oh=80b59aa78da29c0101baec75a34f47ac&oe=5CBE474F

[seb_sh]

Looks good to me, pretty much what I expected from the Citroen Red Bull Total mix. They've had similar liveries on the C4 or Ds3.

[T16]

I quite like it, but I still have a feeling that rear spoiler is going to look horrific when seen from other angles.

[liposh]

Imho the Red Bull on the side should be little bit smaller...just check the Citroen 2011 livery and see the small but crucial differences I am talking about. Anyway Lappi´s racing overall (suit) looks really good.

[EstWRC]

link for the launch https://www.facebook.com/Autosport.International.Show/videos/1061840707338623/?notif_id=1547287823583002&notif_t=live_video_share

[tomhlord]

What kind of wobbly, lop-sided, camera work is this?


Seems like a strange set-up from a press and crowd point of view.

[Allez Andruet]

So Mikkelsen chose '89'? Geez...

[EstWRC]

liveries for me

M-sport






Toyota

Hyundai

Citroen


Hyundai and Citroen have made it so much worse

[EstWRC]

https://scontent-arn2-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/49245175_10156142689725678_2755196201551790080_o.j pg?_nc_cat=106&_nc_ht=scontent-arn2-1.xx&oh=29139058ef5c36526c3c8502bbd03304&oe=5CCD4B4C
https://scontent-arn2-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/50042791_10156142689885678_1969390346580262912_o.j pg?_nc_cat=103&_nc_ht=scontent-arn2-1.xx&oh=27f654b4e93c99cb466b7d2b4bfb190c&oe=5CCC6B57
https://scontent-arn2-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/49857707_10156142689700678_1123324369574035456_o.j pg?_nc_cat=106&_nc_ht=scontent-arn2-1.xx&oh=e90955a15e318c26a61ba02745e0e04a&oe=5CD2A8D7
https://scontent-arn2-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/49721888_10156142689705678_6337142370286436352_o.j pg?_nc_cat=100&_nc_ht=scontent-arn2-1.xx&oh=8d9384083590cd0c1138c5899b0ece09&oe=5CC926C8

[SubaruNorway]

That FB phone stream wasn't doing the colors much good.
Interviews on here in 5min
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xznDf5zRDK8

[N.O.T]

so only ford had a new livery and the rest half-arse it...

[BigWorm]

Yep, not quite sure what to make of Hyundai's and Citroën's new liveries, they both feel random.

M-Sport head & shoulders above the rest

[Norm75]

Yep, not quite sure what to make of Hyundai's and Citroën's new liveries, they both feel random.

M-Sport head & shoulders above the rest

Agree, the Hyundai looks a random, busy mess. Especially around the front quarter, below the headlights . . Looks like someone has just thrown a tin of red paint at it.
The Citroen looked much better the previous years. I know they had to add redbull livery, which imo looks cack, but don't think the red works. I like the livery of RB F1 cars and KTM MotoGP so think it would have been better like those, as changing the front from black to red has emphasized the fact the front looks like a bus.

[Mirek]

liveries for me

M-sport






Toyota

Hyundai

Citroen


Hyundai and Citroen have made it so much worse

+1

Moreover Hyundai again presented the car with different wheel colors in front and rear which is a combination feasible only for display but not onstages.

[bassist]

The Fiesta WRC looks really lovely!

[T16]

Opinions, opinions etc... but I think they all look shit. Hard to pick a winner, maybe the Ford, maybe the Citroen.

It’s hard to understand why the WRC teams seem to struggle to get this right and have done for a while now.

There are stacks of examples of well designed liveries out there, some in rallying and some in other fields (see a lot of the Le Mans Porsche GT cars as examples).

It speaks volumes that all of the WRC cars look better in their plain white test liveries.

Could do better.

[steve.mandzij]

https://scontent-arn2-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/49245175_10156142689725678_2755196201551790080_o.j pg?_nc_cat=106&_nc_ht=scontent-arn2-1.xx&oh=29139058ef5c36526c3c8502bbd03304&oe=5CCD4B4C
https://scontent-arn2-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/50042791_10156142689885678_1969390346580262912_o.j pg?_nc_cat=103&_nc_ht=scontent-arn2-1.xx&oh=27f654b4e93c99cb466b7d2b4bfb190c&oe=5CCC6B57
https://scontent-arn2-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/49857707_10156142689700678_1123324369574035456_o.j pg?_nc_cat=106&_nc_ht=scontent-arn2-1.xx&oh=e90955a15e318c26a61ba02745e0e04a&oe=5CD2A8D7
https://scontent-arn2-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/49721888_10156142689705678_6337142370286436352_o.j pg?_nc_cat=100&_nc_ht=scontent-arn2-1.xx&oh=8d9384083590cd0c1138c5899b0ece09&oe=5CC926C8Blegh, that Hyundai! The orange looks like the car has some sort of allergic reaction that gets worse every year...

I personally loooove the Citroen's livery! It's a bold change, nice colors too.

[doubled1978]

For me the Citroen one is ok, could do with a bit more Blue at the front as the Red makes it look huge. They didn't help themselves by presenting the car in gravel spec when the others were in Tarmac trim.
The Ford is reasonable, probably what I expected it to look like more or less if they weren't announcing a new sponsor.
The Hyundai they have tried to make the same basic livery a bit more exciting, which they sort of have...but the minute it gets on the stages all the changes will be lost anyway.
I never liked the Toyota Gazoo colours much, even on the LMP car...and this is the same. Changing the dive plane to white does as least make the Panasonic sticker look like it is meant to be there.

[AL14]

Hyundai's livery seems made by a kid

[Jarek Z]

Hyundai's livery seems made by a kid

Yes, and Citroen's too!

[Jarek Z]

It’s hard to understand why the WRC teams seem to struggle to get this right and have done for a while now.

There are stacks of examples of well designed liveries out there, some in rallying and some in other fields

Like the ones mentioned here!
https://www.motorsportforums.com/showthread.php?8709-Best-livery

[Jarek Z]

Red Bull livery looked better on Baumschlager's car 18 years ago.

https://www.ewrc.cz/images/2001/mcr/barum/dp_a_3_baumschlager_3.jpg

[PLuto]

Red Bull livery looked better on Baumschlager's car 18 years ago.

I remember when I have seen that car on my eyes for first time, it was amazing. Originally much nicer than on picture...

[Barreis]

i saw him in his escort cosworth with red bull stickers back in 1993 alive. that was beautiful car

[the sniper]

I was at Autosport International today. I feel incredibly lucky to have the WRC launch only 20 minutes drive away from my house! It was a bit manic for the launch, the area around the WRC stand wasn't very big so it was pretty crowded. I managed to stand on the side of a pick up truck to get something of a view... After that though it was a much more chilled out affair. The main Autosport stage (where they did the interviews) was a Hall away from the WRC area (where they did the launch and official signing sessions), so all the drivers and team members had to walk (or jog!) between the two, making them very accessible. Most of them were around until the mid afternoon, Elfyn and Teemu were there until the end, by which point they were just walking around casually not getting bothered by too many people. I got a picture with Seb Ogier, asked Malcom Wilson a couple of questions and got a Rally GB directional arrow signed by ALL the drivers on the front, and on the rear Malcolm Wilson, Mr Budar and Tommi Makinen, so all in a productive day!

As for the cars, I think the Hyundai and Citroen, particularly the latter, look much better in person than in many of the pictures posted here.

Here's some picture I took on my phone:

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Dwv5qrtX0AAHHJ4.jpg:large

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Dwv6IwkX4AI9gOO.jpg:large

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Dwv6WB2W0AEqRls.jpg:large

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Dwv6lD6WwAA9ccU.jpg:large

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Dwv6pqMWwAgJm7w.jpg:large

No notes required. ;)
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Dwv78l4X4AEBTpY.jpg:large

(EDIT: \/ Thanks Est, sorted now.)

[EstWRC]

cant see the pics man!

[Rally Power]

I was at Autosport International today. I feel incredibly lucky to have the WRC launch only 20 minutes drive away from my house!

Lucky man! What about the Proton? How does it look and what’s their actual program for this year? Btw, nice pics.

[the sniper]

Lucky man! What about the Proton? How does it look and what’s their actual program for this year? Btw, nice pics.

Better in person than in the images, the proportions don't look quite so odd and it is a bigger car than it looks in most images (the height of it is deceptive). It appears professionally designed/built too, rather than looking like it was cobbled together in a shed. As I think has been said, one of the Mellors went on the stage and said the intention is to do APRC and a couple of WRC2 rounds in 2019 before considering a bigger program in 2020. He said they had no news on Drivers because they'd been focused on testing/development up until now, which they've apparently done a lot of. According to Colin Clark (he was host) he'd asked Marcus Gronholm about his test in the Proton and Gronholm's feedback was positive. Mellors said the main market for the car was the Asia Pacific, with the right hand drive being a selling point. Apparently there's been interest from Ireland too. And thanks!

[RS]

WRC All Live on BT Sport red button this year: https://f1broadcasting.co/2019/01/13/bt-sport-to-show-every-wrc-stage-live-this-year/

[Fast Eddie WRC]

WRC All Live on BT Sport red button this year: https://f1broadcasting.co/2019/01/13/bt-sport-to-show-every-wrc-stage-live-this-year/

Great news !

[the sniper]

I have All Live and BT Sport on Cable, so it'll be interesting to see which has the better picture quality. Convenient either way as I haven't previously bothered loading up All Live on the TV, just watched on the computer and phone. That article suggests the All Live output is being taken in France and Greece too. Presumably Canal+ in France, with them providing their own commentary, as of all countries I can't see them broadcasting the English language version?

Didn't Canal+ essentially do a forerunner to 'All Live' back in 2013 or '14 for Rallye de France Alsace?

[Got Mail]

Lucky man! What about the Proton? How does it look and what’s their actual program for this year? Btw, nice pics.

Asia Pacific ids the focus for 2019 with the possibility of one or two WRC2 rounds only.

[Gregor-y]

I don't like it at all.

I agree. If the RedBull logo needs to be that large use those colors over the whole car. I do think it's better than all the black last year. That worked on a fifty year old Lotus cigarette box but it's not a very photogenic or appealing color for advertising.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

I have All Live and BT Sport on Cable, so it'll be interesting to see which has the better picture quality. Convenient either way as I haven't previously bothered loading up All Live on the TV, just watched on the computer and phone. That article suggests the All Live output is being taken in France and Greece too. Presumably Canal+ in France, with them providing their own commentary, as of all countries I can't see them broadcasting the English language version?

Didn't Canal+ essentially do a forerunner to 'All Live' back in 2013 or '14 for Rallye de France Alsace?

Yep the promoter said yesterday Canal+ was showing every stage with French comms.

[AndyRAC]

WRC All Live on BT Sport red button this year: https://f1broadcasting.co/2019/01/13/bt-sport-to-show-every-wrc-stage-live-this-year/

Will be interesting to see if that includes the BT Sport app.....

However, they still need to work on a few things; the 'free to air' coverage needs to be better, and the series visibility. Sponsors won't sign up to a series which has limited visibility.

[Eli]

https://www.rallye-magazin.de/wrc/artikel/d/2019/01/13/rallye-wm-2020-zwei-europaeische-laeufe-weniger/

Two European races less......in 2020

[er88]

Corsica has to go as France already has the Monte Carlo rally, and I guess Sardinia will go too? You can't lose Corisca and Germany as we need more tarmac events not less

[deephouse]

Haha say that again. For this year they want to drop them already.

[dodge33cymru]

Fear we're going to end up in the same situation as WRX here soon, where the calendar becomes global and more expensive, the works teams pull out and we're left with a calendar full of flyaway races no-one wants to go to. I'm sure Citroen will be delighted by losing a French and Italian event for two more markets they don't sell to. Chile seems a strange addition in this context. Ah well, no doubt they'll be threatening to drop the UK round again as usual.

But I'm sure it's all been well thought out......

[Tarmop]

They should start rotating events, so several organizers would have a chance, diversity with more new and unfamiliar routes.

[Rally Power]

https://www.rallye-magazin.de/wrc/artikel/d/2019/01/13/rallye-wm-2020-zwei-europaeische-laeufe-weniger/
Two European races less......in 2020

Autosport.pt wrote a similar piece last week, with one slight difference: Ciesla was looking to get 15 events, so only one European rally would have to leave. Besides, he also said that Poland could be back and Croatia could get in, as most events contracts seems to expire this year...
https://www.autosport.pt/ralis/wrc-oliver-ciesla-pelo-menos-um-rali-dos-europeus-tera-de-sair-do-calendario/

[dodge33cymru]

They should start rotating events, so several organizers would have a chance, diversity with more new and unfamiliar routes.

That worked well last time...

I seem to remember when this proposal came up previously, organisers (I think Australia's?) pointed out the problem that events need sponsors and to tie those sponsors to multi-year contracts - they can't do that if it alternates.

[deephouse]

Max 14 is the optimum. with 5 outside of europe. And 3 tarmac events. Two snowy. The rest gravel.

MCA, SWE, MEX, CHI, TDC, KEN, POR, FIN, DEU, TUR, GB, JAP, NZ, SPA

Mexico-Chile and Japan-New Zealand could be paired for cost savings. NZ also not last round just to make sure that attendance would be better. (I changed AUS for NZ and drop ARG, ITA because they are nothing special just some random gravel events).

[SubaruNorway]

70% sand dunes must advantage the Arab drivers this year, plus of course those with many years of experience. I dont see Loeb in contention for the win.

Monte Carlo is his area of expertise.

2nd after stage 6

[er88]

Max 14 is the optimum. with 5 outside of europe. And 3 tarmac events. Two snowy. The rest gravel.

MCA, SWE, MEX, CHI, TDC, KEN, POR, FIN, DEU, TUR, GB, JAP, NZ, SPA

Mexico-Chile and Japan-New Zealand could be paired for cost savings. NZ also not last round just to make sure that attendance would be better. (I changed AUS for NZ and drop ARG, ITA because they are nothing special just some random gravel events).You're chatting shite if you think Argentina is nothing special and just a random gravel event.

There should also be more than 3 tarmac events in a 14/15 round season imo.

[bomber21]

That article suggests the All Live output is being taken in France and Greece too.
Greece?? Anyone knows more about it? I am Greek and I have not heard anything about it.

[the sniper]

Greece?? Anyone knows more about it? I am Greek and I have not heard anything about it.

It's in that article and the writer had spoke to Ciesla. Seems too random to be made up or just incorrect. I was hoping someone from Greece could provide more info! :D

[steve.mandzij]

Max 14 is the optimum. with 5 outside of europe. And 3 tarmac events. Two snowy. The rest gravel.

MCA, SWE, MEX, CHI, TDC, KEN, POR, FIN, DEU, TUR, GB, JAP, NZ, SPA

Mexico-Chile and Japan-New Zealand could be paired for cost savings. NZ also not last round just to make sure that attendance would be better. (I changed AUS for NZ and drop ARG, ITA because they are nothing special just some random gravel events).Are you seriously suggesting Chile is more unique than Argentina?

[deephouse]

I think that Greece rally is no more since there ain't any real sponsor...

Will you all think that two events outside of europe will be in South America and Mexico? If Kenya and Japan really come the teams will push to drop one of them. And since this year tdc is right after mexico and then argentina the cost goes up...

[Tarmop]

Cost is the same. They move everything else via sea, apart from WRC cars and personnel and that costs the same no matter when you do two rounds.

[GravelBen]

As someone from outside Europe, I think it would be a good thing for the WRC to be less Eurocentric. Its supposed to be a world championship after all, but WRC seems to be quite controlled by European interests (whether financially or socially via the 'old boys club') so the rest of the world doesn't get that much of a look in.

[Negaiss]

Gronhom. Sweden 2019. Toyota Yaris WRC. Confirmed

[Fast Eddie WRC]

As someone from outside Europe, I think it would be a good thing for the WRC to be less Eurocentric. Its supposed to be a world championship after all, but WRC seems to be quite controlled by European interests (whether financially or socially via the 'old boys club') so the rest of the world doesn't get that much of a look in.

With the Teams all based in Europe the WRC is bound to be Eurocentric.

It is also where the main fanbase is. The reaction of the teams to the 2018 finale being held in Aus said a lot.

S. America has a good fanbase hence the extra rally (and WRC+ now with Spanish comms).

[AnttiL]

The non-European rallies' entrylists are also usually much weaker.

[N.O.T]

Rallying is a european sport... if you are ok with 40 car entry lists in some irrelevant countries just because you want a "world" championship then you are the problem.

[Jarek Z]

Or even 30!
https://rallyaustralia.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/RA18-WRC-ENTRY-LIST-FIA-Approved-23102018.pdf

[Andre Oliveira]

That search to WORLD championship will kill WRC, that and F1zation of rally :( FIA have to understand... Rally is a traditional sport, the most untouched... better.

[Allez Andruet]

Rallying is a european sport... if you are ok with 40 car entry lists in some irrelevant countries just because you want a "world" championship then you are the problem.


That search to WORLD championship will kill WRC, that and F1zation of rally :( FIA have to understand... Rally is a traditional sport, the most untouched... better.

In a way I do agree, but... the safest way to kill a sport is to keep it untouched. Rally, like any other sport, needs to be attractive, and to be attractive (towards manufacturers, sponsors etc.) means that you need to have a plan for growth. And to grow, you have to be Global. One way or another. And don't get it wrong, there are ways to do it. WRC going to Japan or Africa would be brilliant, totally different than F1 (which, just to clarify, I have zero interest for) going to Azerbaijan or Bahrain.

Like it or not, the masses (i.e. the majority of onsite WRC crowds) don't give that much about the supporting classes. They're there to see the best cars and the drivers they know by name. So for them it's irrelevant whether there's 40 or 120 cars on the entry list.

Ofcourse WRC has to understand that most of its fans are European, but that doesn't mean we can't go Global.

[Rallyper]

Growth also has to do with cost/benefitial matters.

So I do believe costs has to be overhauled.

[AL14]

I think that it is ok to try to reach new countries and public outside Europe but only if it shows growing opportunities. If after 10 years your entry list is 27 crews and in the stages there are more marshall than spectators then maybe that country is not a good choice no matter where it is.

[bomber21]

It's in that article and the writer had spoke to Ciesla. Seems too random to be made up or just incorrect. I was hoping someone from Greece could provide more info! :D
I will try to find some news about it but I am a bit sceptical.

[dimviii]

wtf!

http://autosprint.corrieredellosport.it/news/rally/2019/01/13-1890167/alonso_prover_la_toyota_wrc_plus/?cookieAccept

[dodge33cymru]

wtf!

http://autosprint.corrieredellosport.it/news/rally/2019/01/13-1890167/alonso_prover_la_toyota_wrc_plus/?cookieAccept

Makes sense, he's a Toyota contracted driver who likes having fun in other disciplines. I could imagine him giving it a go.

[dupanton]

It's only a test... for now.
Would be curious to see him at the wheel though :)

[Googol]

I wish FIA would think even remotely in the same way as they seem to think in darts:


“We choose our growth territories quite carefully, based on a number of factors,” he explains. “One is the amount of darts played in that country – does the general public have a base knowledge of what darts is, what a dartboard looks like, that you have to throw three darts at it. I know that sounds very basic but it is something of a prerequisite.

“The second thing is whether we feel that a sport culturally works there and the third thing is do we achieve any TV exposure there, which is our biggest advert for the product.

“The key thing under our expansion is that we go into the right places at the right time. We don’t just go into a country just for the sake of going into a country. We haven’t got a burning desire to have tournaments in 200 countries around the world.

http://www.sportspromedia.com/quick_fire_questions/darts-world-championship-pdc-matt-porter-rob-cross-van-gerwen-feature

[AndyRAC]

All sports want to grow and to be a true 'global' sport - that's normal. However, you have to be sensible in achieving that. Just going to the highest bidder is a recipe for disaster. Ideally, there will already be a decent local/national series, with interest from the local media, importers, etc

The sport of rallying, however, isn't a particularly big sport - and can it really achieve substantial and long lasting growth? We've had 16 rounds before - and it was massively expensive.
I'd prefer them to 'cut their cloth accordingly' - and improve current events to sell the sport more. I'm not convinced, despite all the backslapping, that we're seeing that.

Also, one of the biggest markets is proving to be a 'hard sell' for the sport; the USA. MotoGP, WEC, and F1 all have rounds there....but the WRC doesn't look it's any nearer to achieving this.

[Jarek Z]

Also, one of the biggest markets is proving to be a 'hard sell' for the sport; the USA. MotoGP, WEC, and F1 all have rounds there....but the WRC doesn't look it's any nearer to achieving this.

In its best years rallysport has never needed USA, has it?

[sollitt]

As someone from outside Europe, I think it would be a good thing for the WRC to be less Eurocentric. Its supposed to be a world championship after all, but WRC seems to be quite controlled by European interests (whether financially or socially via the 'old boys club') so the rest of the world doesn't get that much of a look in.World rallying is "Eurocentric" because that is where the teams are based, it's where the interest is and, as NOT correctly stated, it's a European sport and has always been so. A competition doesn't have to travel the world to qualify as a World Championship.
In times past staging events in vastly differing countries added interest to the contest as each production was part sport and part geographical documentary. But today, with events being of a sprint nature, each with a handful of repeated stages, they all look the same. You could probably run the entire series in one country and the viewing public would not notice ... or care.
And there are benefits in doing so.

[stefanvv]

But today, with events being of a sprint nature, each with a handful of repeated stages, they all look the same. You could probably run the entire series in one country and the viewing public would not notice ... or care.

I kind of agree with this in "sterile" sporting point of view where you count only the seconds, but.... rallies has still its unique characteristics - snow and ice on Monte Carlo, forest fast and flowing snow stages in Sweden, high altitude gravel stages in Mexico and so on. Even in Europe solely You can have various and unique events. It doesn't need to travel to each corner of the Earth to be "World Championship", but the more, the better, and surely the rest of the World has something to offer. True rally fans would recognize this, not so sure sure with "the general public".

[mArvAlcao17]

A competition doesn't have to travel the world to qualify as a World Championship.

There is no benefit to call it the world championship if they are just hovering around one continent.

[sollitt]

There is no benefit to call it the world championship if they are just hovering around one continent.

Not so. Every month of every year there is a world championship in some sport or pursuit playing out in a single venue event. And often it is the same venue each year. A world championship doesn't need to travel. What it needs is to be accessible to a proportionate number of world players, teams, manufacturers.
Rather than argue the benefits of staying on one continent it may be easier to argue the disadvantages of not doing so ... which are many.

[Mirek]

There is no benefit to call it the world championship if they are just hovering around one continent.

This is not very good argument either. There are countless world championships which don't take place all around the globe. All the sports take place only where there is interest in it. That's why You don't see an ice hockey championship being played in Africa. Winter sports are being held on less than half of the globe etc. It still doesn't make these championship any less world ones simply because the areas of no interest bring also no value to the sport (often have also no suitable conditions). Would it help to bring an ice hockey championship to let's say Egypt or to Australia? Of course not.

[Jarek Z]

There is no benefit to call it the world championship if they are just hovering around one continent.

Really? Ski jumping takes place mostly in Europe (Japan is the only exception) and nobody has a problem to call it the World Cup. Does everything have to be "global" these days?
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2018%E2%80%9319_FIS_Ski_Jumping_World_Cup#Calendar

[T16]

In a way I do agree, but... the safest way to kill a sport is to keep it untouched. Rally, like any other sport, needs to be attractive, and to be attractive (towards manufacturers, sponsors etc.) means that you need to have a plan for growth. And to grow, you have to be Global. One way or another. And don't get it wrong, there are ways to do it. WRC going to Japan or Africa would be brilliant, totally different than F1 (which, just to clarify, I have zero interest for) going to Azerbaijan or Bahrain.

Like it or not, the masses (i.e. the majority of onsite WRC crowds) don't give that much about the supporting classes. They're there to see the best cars and the drivers they know by name. So for them it's irrelevant whether there's 40 or 120 cars on the entry list.

Ofcourse WRC has to understand that most of its fans are European, but that doesn't mean we can't go Global.

Why do you say something HAS to be global to grow?

What interest do the manufacturers have in visiting countries they have no intention in selling in?

[KiwiWRCfan]

Or even 30!
https://rallyaustralia.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/RA18-WRC-ENTRY-LIST-FIA-Approved-23102018.pdf

or over 60 https://www.ewrc-results.com/entries/3493-brother-rally-new-zealand-2012/

[Tarmop]

In the time of all live, live tv and free borders many who can actually buy them spectate...
But i agree, there are many organizers in EU with everything necessary who want to have a go and would be probably quite successful.

[PLuto]

This is not very good argument either. There are countless world championships which don't take place all around the globe. All the sports take place only where there is interest in it. That's why You don't see an ice hockey championship being played in Africa. Winter sports are being held on less than half of the globe etc. It still doesn't make these championship any less world ones simply because the areas of no interest bring also no value to the sport (often have also no suitable conditions). Would it help to bring an ice hockey championship to let's say Egypt or to Australia? Of course not.

When you are talking about ice hockey, I have one strange memory connected to this. When I was returning from Rally Mexico, I was flying back together with national ice hockey of Ireland, who was playing world championship class C. And I remember well they told me that they have won only over Armenia, but they were beaten by Luxembourg, Mexico and South Africa :D

[dimviii]

https://twitter.com/HartusvuoriWRC/status/1085236019698548740

[Tarmop]

M-Sport has sold quite a few it appears...Block bought one in October, now this and somebody said Bertelli also ( i don``t believe that tbh). Anyway 2 Fiestas in the region, hopefully the other one has a go with someone also.

[deephouse]

Ostber bought it then sell it to Tanak.

[AnttiL]

According to ewrc-results, Bertelli has now bought the Fiesta Ogier used from Monte to Argentina 2017.

https://www.ewrc-results.com/carinfo/69-ford-fiesta-wrc-17/?car=1621

[pantealex]

Bertelli has chassis #2
Tänak #5
Tuohino #?

10x Fiesta WRC17 excist.

[Tarmop]

Östberg-Tänak`s car has been in private hands a long time now...Bertelli no.2 chassis was yesterday Block`s, according to ewrc...if i remember correctly. So the number of privatelly owned cars is 3 or 4.

[Barreis]

Janne Tuohino bought fiesta??? remember him as a super quick driver. what about Block's car??

[Sulland]

Ostber bought it then sell it to Tanak.

https://www.ewrc-results.com/carinfo/69-ford-fiesta-wrc-17/?car=1659
Thought Gross bought the Østberg car, has he sold it again?

[AnttiL]

https://www.ewrc-results.com/carinfo/69-ford-fiesta-wrc-17/?car=1659
Thought Gross bought the Østberg car, has he sold it again?

Technically OT Racing bought it from Mads and Georg Gross has driven it. OT=Ott Tänak

[Allez Andruet]

Janne Tuohino bought fiesta??? remember him as a super quick driver

In his day, he was really good. One of wasted talents in a way, even though he managed to get a factory deal. But surely he's one of the "what if" guys. Just look what he did in Sweden in 2004. Or even last year.

[Jarek Z]

In his day, he was really good. One of wasted talents in a way, even though he managed to get a factory deal. But surely he's one of the "what if" guys. Just look what he did in Sweden in 2004. Or even last year.

Yes, Tuohino was a great driver. I remember some rallies where he, driving a private car, was faster than many works crews.

[masa90]

Why didnt get more outings? Lack of money? I remember him being much more promising than Hirvonen for example

[RS]

As far as I remember Tuohino was only really competitive in Sweden and Finland.

He was quite decent in Sweden last year though in a Fabia R5.

[Barreis]

Hirvonen had backings and Touhino hadn't. i remember that he let some of the works drivers in front of him (that was in Sweden I think)

[Andre Oliveira]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Dw-IZgaWoAUTaaH?format=jpg&name=large
Janne Tuohino bought fiesta??? remember him as a super quick driver. what about Block's car??

Lets see what the future brings. “Munchi’s” style

[Allez Andruet]

Why didnt get more outings? Lack of money? I remember him being much more promising than Hirvonen for example

He did have quite a wealthy backer in Finland during early 00's, but ofcourse additional resources would not have hurt. I think the partial season he did with Skoda in 2005 didn't go that well, and after that he never got it going again (few outings in a Xsara in 2006 being the exception). But hey, he's younger than Loeb, so who knows - maybe Tuohino is the next one on Hyundai's wishlist.

[Zeakiwi]

He did have quite a wealthy backer in Finland during early 00's, but ofcourse additional resources would not have hurt. I think the partial season he did with Skoda in 2005 didn't go that well, and after that he never got it going again (few outings in a Xsara in 2006 being the exception). But hey, he's younger than Loeb, so who knows - maybe Tuohino is the next one on Hyundai's wishlist.

Go for a Senior Team instead with someone like Frigyes Turan (with Loeb and Tuohino) etc

[Fast Eddie WRC]

2nd after stage 6

DAKAR - After SS9 Loeb down to 3rd and over two hours behind the leader Al-Attiya.

[Mirek]

DAKAR - After SS9 Loeb down to 3rd and over two hours behind the leader Al-Attiya.

.. due to technical problems.

[gorganl2000]

it was quite an inspiring drive by Loeb given the challenges over the past few days (electrical and transmission)...really good effort by him

[Mk2 RS2000]

it was quite an inspiring drive by Loeb given the challenges over the past few days (electrical and transmission)...really good effort by him

And he will be race fit for the Monte.

[steve.mandzij]

Lets see what the future brings. “Munchi’s” styleAlways fun to read a reference to that team as an Argentine :D

[dimviii]

And he will be race fit for the Monte.

i saw that he is a bit injured at hand, trying to change the driveshafts today

[T16]

DAKAR - After SS9 Loeb down to 3rd and over two hours behind the leader Al-Attiya.

ha ha ha

[Fast Eddie WRC]

And he will be race fit for the Monte.

Exhausted more like and hardly any test time in the i20.

[sonnybobiche]

Exhausted more like and hardly any test time in the i20.

On the other hand, he's Sebastien Loeb.

[Sub_Skoda]

it was quite an inspiring drive by Loeb given the challenges over the past few days (electrical and transmission)...really good effort by him

Maybe he push too hard... It's Dakar not WRC.

[N.O.T]

Its the first year that Elena did not fuck up Loebs dakar...

Loeb was the fastest on previous dakars as well but seems Dakar is his cryptonite.

There is always next year.

[BobJones]

3:42 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZVY18zZZ9Lo&t=158s

Loeb: "I'm not going to say never is never, but there you go, I've had enough."

The Dakar is awful, but then months later the challenge sucks you back in.

[dimviii]

Maybe he push too hard... It's Dakar not WRC.
when you push hard you have electric problems .mistakes at organisation road book,and broken driveshafts?

[gorganl2000]

Maybe he push too hard... It's Dakar not WRC.

may be you are correct

however, i can sympathize with the desire to push for the win in this case as this is now his 4th attempt at the annual event and he already has a prior 2nd place. From the early technical glitch he was over 30 mins off the lead by stage 3. There are always risks in pushing so hard; sometimes it pays off, sometimes it doesn't. Dakar is a long rally and anything can happen to any competitor at any time and he needed to be in a position to capitalize on that opportunity if it arose---in this case, being in 2nd place and as close to N. Al-Attiyah as possible.


plus it makes the rally more exciting too

[dimviii]

may be you are correct

however, i can sympathize with the desire to push for the win in this case as this is now his 4th attempt at the annual event and he already has a prior 2nd place. From the early technical glitch he was over 30 mins off the lead by stage 3. There are always risks in pushing so hard; sometimes it pays off, sometimes it doesn't. Dakar is a long rally and anything can happen to any competitor at any time and he needed to be in a position to capitalize on that opportunity if it arose---in this case, being in 2nd place and as close to N. Al-Attiyah as possible.

plus it makes the rally more exciting too

actually at first stages he didnt pushed,but when problems appeared,he hadnt got to do something else but to push to regain the gap.
He managed to very few minutes to Nasser,but problems appeared again.
Thats rallying/racing.
Also we have to mention that he had old model peugeot and not the maxi peugeot from last year,which was a better/faster evolution


https://image.noelshack.com/fichiers/2019/03/3/1547676449-loeb.jpg

[T16]

Also we have to mention that he had old model peugeot and not the maxi peugeot from last year,which was a better/faster evolution

any ideas why he wasn't running the newer version?

[Tarmop]

Said in quite a few places, here also...
Organizers decide, who (privateers) can drive what evolution. Loeb was considered to be too good to have the best, so he wasn`t allowed.

[Kaps]

Organizers decide who can drive what!?

Now I've seen everything...

[T16]

[QUOTE=Tarmop;1204695]Said in quite a few places, here also...

Does that mean I'm not allowed to ask, if it's already been said somewhere?

[Tarmop]

You can, but i would search myself first and find the answer from the official topic, post no. 2.
https://www.motorsportforums.com/showthread.php?40015-Dakar-2019

[T16]

You can, but i would search myself first and find the answer from the official topic, post no. 2.
https://www.motorsportforums.com/showthread.php?40015-Dakar-2019

Thanks for the guidance. I guess this rule of not asking questions, which there may already be an answer to, will apply to you too.

[Tarmop]

No need to take it into heart...

[Fast Eddie WRC]

So Loeb finishes another Dakar and comes 3rd. I hope he thinks it was worth it come Monte Carlo.

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DxH7d7HX4AAIvov.jpg

[EstWRC]

lol, whats your problem with him? i dont get it.

weird comments from you regarding Loeb the past week or so.

[gorganl2000]

You can, but i would search myself first and find the answer from the official topic, post no. 2.
https://www.motorsportforums.com/showthread.php?40015-Dakar-2019

thanks for the link...quite interesting

[gorganl2000]

i think he did well and i appreciate his effort in the Dakar
now, i look forward to seeing him at Monte and i hope he's in the fight there as well though he won't have much time to test and get acquainted with the WRC Hyundai

[Jarek Z]

Organizers decide who can drive what!?

Now I've seen everything...

Yes, I was surprised too! :)

[AL14]

Organizers decided? Are you guys serious? What kind of BS is that? Is there a reason for this? Come on I can't believe this is a thing.

[er88]

So Loeb finishes another Dakar and comes 3rd. I hope he thinks it was worth it come Monte Carlo.

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DxH7d7HX4AAIvov.jpgYou struggling with heartache from all the years Loeb crushed Msport? The fact he didn't go to Msport despite talking about a deal with Malcolm for 06 and again this upcoming season? Do you hate the Dakar and think it's pointless? Or did Loeb just piss in your cereal?

Trying to work out some of your negativity towards the GOAT doing Dakar

[irish_tiger]

Its the first year that Elena did not fuck up Loebs dakar...

Loeb was the fastest on previous dakars as well but seems Dakar is his cryptonite.

There is always next year.

Was there not navigation issues on stage 3 or 4 ???? lost in for for 20 minutes ?

[Zeakiwi]

Loeb's time loss at Dakar was 'the organiser's error with the road book' supplied to the competitors?, 2 broken c.v joints on one stage, 3 punctures on one stage &?

[bomber21]

It's in that article and the writer had spoke to Ciesla. Seems too random to be made up or just incorrect. I was hoping someone from Greece could provide more info! :D

Well I just found out. Starting from Rally Monte Carlo 2019, Cosmote TV Greece will show more than 10 stages per rally!!! This is great news for greek fans.

[dimviii]

Loeb's time loss at Dakar was 'the organiser's error with the road book' supplied to the competitors?, 2 broken c.v joints on one stage, 3 punctures on one stage &?

and 40 minutes with electric glitch,they couldnt communicate due to no signal with their team.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

You struggling with heartache from all the years Loeb crushed Msport? The fact he didn't go to Msport despite talking about a deal with Malcolm for 06 and again this upcoming season? Do you hate the Dakar and think it's pointless? Or did Loeb just piss in your cereal?

Trying to work out some of your negativity towards the GOAT doing Dakar

On the contrary I have the greatest respect for Loeb.

My issue was with him doing the Dakar again this year - he has already done it a number of times, this year was 70% sand dunes, the arab drivers would be at an advantage... aaaand he has his wish to drive in the 2019 WRC.

His professionalism wouldnt let him quit but he should really have been testing his new car for Monte.

[TypeR]

On the contrary I have the greatest respect for Loeb.

My issue was with him doing the Dakar again this year - he has already done it a number of times, this year was 70% sand dunes, the arab drivers would be at an advantage... aaaand he has his wish to drive in the 2019 WRC.

His professionalism wouldnt let him quit but he should really have been testing his new car for Monte.

number of times?! this year was his fourth time.. if you have the chance to race and win dakar, then ofc you want to drive. he was veerryy fast this year, but nothing to do, he had to drive an old car and Toyota is more reliable.
seems like you bet on his win and now so disappointed or smth.
He got his seat and stuff right before Dakar and I bet if he gets 1 day PET, its enough.

[Eli]

https://www.rallye-magazin.de/wrc/artikel/d/2019/01/18/kroatien-weiterhin-im-rennen-um-wm-lauf/

Why Croatia why???? (A part for their will to pay lots of $$$)...Would take Ireland back any day.....

[deephouse]

Well I would be happy if Croatia will take place, but will never happen. I just know it. Ciesla will grab as much as money and then shut door.

[Barreis]

https://www.rallye-magazin.de/wrc/artikel/d/2019/01/18/kroatien-weiterhin-im-rennen-um-wm-lauf/

Why Croatia why???? (A part for their will to pay lots of $$$)...Would take Ireland back any day.....

don't $hit against my country :D

[Ifox95]

Yes I agree, Ireland has more heritage and fans, also the stages in places like Donegal and Antrim are some of the best in the world, I'm sure everyone here on this thread agrees 100%!!!!

Circuit of Ireland 2020/2021, bring it on!!!!1

[Fast Eddie WRC]

number of times?! this year was his fourth time.. if you have the chance to race and win dakar, then ofc you want to drive. he was veerryy fast this year, but nothing to do, he had to drive an old car and Toyota is more reliable.
seems like you bet on his win and now so disappointed or smth.
He got his seat and stuff right before Dakar and I bet if he gets 1 day PET, its enough.

Loeb's chances with this year's Dakar route were slim. Plus its not a race for the fastest, but the most experienced.

I hope you're right about just having 1 day PET in the i20, we'll see.

[dimviii]

“I don’t believe it is my year for a title challenge,” Lappi told wrc.com. “I still need a bit more experience on some rallies. This year is more about trying to learn and better understand the big picture.

https://www.wrc.com/en/wrc/news/january-2019/lappi-learning/page/6021--12-12-.html

[Jarek Z]

Organizers decided? Are you guys serious? What kind of BS is that? Is there a reason for this? Come on I can't believe this is a thing.

Yes, it's true. Loeb says about it here:

"In the end, I couldn't go with the 3008DKR Maxi from this year due to the latest regulations, so we go with the 2.20-metre wide car from the year before, maybe with a few small evolutions on the engine similar to this year."

source:
https://www.autosport.com/dakar/news/139776/loeb-gets-2019-dakar-shot-in-privateer-peugeot

[seb_sh]

I may be wrong but as far as I know: the organizers didn't decide specifically that Loeb couldn't drive the latest car. The rules changed to limit width to less then it was so the 2018 car is too wide. Also it was known already last year that the latest version of the car would not be permitted by the regulations this year.

[Tarmop]

https://www.dakar.com/en/competitor/312
Hunt used the Maxi for instance.

[AL14]

I may be wrong but as far as I know: the organizers didn't decide specifically that Loeb couldn't drive the latest car. The rules changed to limit width to less then it was so the 2018 car is too wide. Also it was known already last year that the latest version of the car would not be permitted by the regulations this year.

This makes sense.

[T16]

This makes sense.

So why can Hunt (above) use it (the maxi)? Or have I missed something obvious?

[seb_sh]

I looked at the rules, it's ambiguous indeed, seems they took quite some liberty when interpreting: https://www.dakar.com/en/the-competitors/practical-information/regulation

At T1P1 they say older wider cars are allowed if they are not in a team associated with a manufacturer. Then at T2P1 they have a list of elite drivers, including Loeb. Seems they considered Loeb as a "works" driver so they didn't allow him the wider Maxi spec.

[Jarek Z]

So it's true. Thank you for clearing that up.

[EstWRC]

nice interview with Loeb during the test comparing the i20 and C3 https://translate.google.ee/translate?hl=et&tab=wT&authuser=0&sl=auto&tl=en&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.rallye-sport.fr%2Floeb-une-voiture-assez-joueuse%2F

maybe some french guys can make a better translation? i dont understand some things what google translates.

[tommeke_B]

nice interview with Loeb during the test comparing the i20 and C3 https://translate.google.ee/translate?hl=et&tab=wT&authuser=0&sl=auto&tl=en&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.rallye-sport.fr%2Floeb-une-voiture-assez-joueuse%2F

maybe some french guys can make a better translation? i dont understand some things what google translates.

I just posted a translation in the WRC testing thread.

[MartijnS]

Not really rally offcourse but Benito Guerra won the Race of Champions :)

https://www.raceofchampions.com/news/latest-news/mexico-s-benito-guerra-crowned-roc-champion-of-champions/

[Fast Eddie WRC]

@Craig_Breen & @paulnagle1 will contest @GalwayIntRally in a Ford Fiesta R5 ! https://t.co/hqyXig1j4S

[N.O.T]

Not really rally offcourse but Benito Guerra won the Race of Champions :)

https://www.raceofchampions.com/news/latest-news/mexico-s-benito-guerra-crowned-roc-champion-of-champions/

nobody cares about roc anymore.. once it was moved from the canary islands to accommodate the feminine track boys it stopped being Roc.

[Norm75]

On the subject of roc, does anyone know what the event was called that pre dated roc? I remember as a lad going to brands hatch, where they had a similar event but can't for the life of me remember what they used to call it. I think they used to televise it and show it on grandstand, or world of sport. I think the event I went to was circa 1987 and they used Toyota Supra rally cars, and mr2's + others. Can't remember many drivers competing, but think Brundle was there, definitely Derek Warwick, Stig Blomquist, and Juha Kankunnen

[MartijnS]

Agree offcourse. It sucks but still fun that he beat some F1 guys etc.

[Zeakiwi]

Expensive task for Robby Gordon getting the stadium super trucks (SSTs and wildcat SXSs) to the ROC at Mexico City.
Robby Gordon Team Speed truck wreck
https://www.instagram.com/p/BsqOaobHVMr/


There were a few events in the 1980s between Formula 1 and the rally drivers. Donington/ Brands Hatch - Texaco Rallysprint? BBC/ Austin Rover, Toyota
https://youtu.be/fCOr_YWXnMQ 1983 Rovers and Maestros

The rally vs race drivers held in NZ at the same time was a classic. The rally stage was a fast section of forest road.
Similar tv program run a few years ago - the NZ drift driver after a few rally stage runs looked like he had missed his proper expression of his driving talent to be a rally driver instead of smoking tyres to destruction as a drift driver. After a few runs his times were getting close to the rally driver's with years on the stages.

[EstWRC]

https://www.autosport.com/wrc/news/141123/tanak-approach-prompts-latvala-style-changes


Sounds familiar from some years ago...

And to think he is the most experienced driver out there

[Allez Andruet]

https://www.autosport.com/wrc/news/141123/tanak-approach-prompts-latvala-style-changes


Sounds familiar from some years ago...

And to think he is the most experienced driver out there

Fast forward some six months and we'll be reading a story about how the strategy Latvala chose at the start of the season was wrong and how he has to do something else for the remaining rallies.

As much as I love JML, I have to admit I sometimes feel quite tired.

[Simmi]

https://www.autosport.com/wrc/news/141123/tanak-approach-prompts-latvala-style-changes


Sounds familiar from some years ago...

And to think he is the most experienced driver out there

Chasing shadows

[Fast Eddie WRC]

He's not changing again, he changed last season hence the better results at the end of the season. He's just saying he will carry on the same way.

[steve.mandzij]

He's not changing again, he changed last season hence the better results at the end of the season. He's just saying he will carry on the same way.He shouldn't have changed from 2017 in the first place.

[dimviii]

THIERRY NEUVILLE HAS WARNED RIVALS TO EXPECT A MORE AGGRESSIVE APPROACH FROM HYUNDAI IN 2019 AS IT STEPS UP EFFORTS TO SECURE A MAIDEN WRC TITLE.

https://www.wrc.com/en/wrc/news/january-2019/neuville-aggresive/page/6028--12-12-.html

[deephouse]

Then we could expect some heavy crashes again from him. Guess Ogier will win another title again because of Neuville handed to him.

[mknight]

Maybe you should actually read more than the title.

All he does is basically calling for more team orders at Hyundai.

[Rally Power]

All he does is basically calling for more team orders at Hyundai.

He actually mentioned Ogier card episode but he never talks about his own mistakes...excessive overconfidence can make one losing touch with reality. Anyway, fingers crossed for him and to all the others fighting for MC win; hopefully it’ll be an epic rally!

[AL14]

He actually mentioned Ogier card episode but he never talks about his own mistakes...excessive overconfidence can make one losing touch with reality. Anyway, fingers crossed for him and to all the others fighting for MC win; hopefully it’ll be an epic rally!

How many championship should he lose until he understand that the problems are not always the others?

[N.O.T]

THIERRY NEUVILLE HAS WARNED RIVALS TO EXPECT A MORE AGGRESSIVE APPROACH FROM HYUNDAI IN 2019 AS IT STEPS UP EFFORTS TO SECURE A MAIDEN WRC TITLE.

https://www.wrc.com/en/wrc/news/january-2019/neuville-aggresive/page/6028--12-12-.html

lol... what a potato loser... he lost a 20+ point lead to a slow driver with an inferior car...

potato dog.

[racerx1979]

Click bait title for an otherwise normal article...
The timecard incident if happened to Nueville would have been enforced by MSport in my opinion.... But anyways, on to 2019

[AL14]

Click bait title for an otherwise normal article...
The timecard incident if happened to Nueville would have been enforced by MSport in my opinion.... But anyways, on to 2019

The problem with that statement is that after he talked about it, he said "that's where we've lost the title".
He should think about the amount of points he got in the last 6 rallys and start improving that, instead of blaming other stuff.
First years in WRC and Hyundai he had an inferior car otherwise he would have been champion, then it was the bad engineer otherwise he would have been champion, with new superior car and new good engineer it's the turn of his team mates that didn't help him enough, now the team wasn't aggressive enough. Let's see what will be the reason next year.

[dimviii]

Meekes new sponsor
https://twitter.com/Palletforce/status/1088104949630803968

[AndyRAC]

https://twitter.com/f1broadcasting

No update as yet regarding any FTA TV deal for the UK....(was previously Channel five)

[deephouse]

Probably not in the right place but WRC 8 official game is happening.

[Eli]

Has anybody seen this/ has any idea what they're on about:
https://www.facebook.com/WorldRally/videos/315001435796358/?__tn__=kC-R&eid=ARAAkuUHtzesfjTs4FDsRXW2ZZBtJOFDycQMtMW3Qx0kP_ I2wpczC-vWqlUekixH_DjK87ic7geQB1JR&hc_ref=ARQn5m-wW30KuGEhMSR7F0P81LHEpZnq_EZUjzW_Ee6lPMvHOiXQ8O_yD vvB8xf4xKc&fref=nf&__xts__

[Allez Andruet]

Has anybody seen this/ has any idea what they're on about:
https://www.facebook.com/WorldRally/videos/315001435796358/?__tn__=kC-R&eid=ARAAkuUHtzesfjTs4FDsRXW2ZZBtJOFDycQMtMW3Qx0kP_ I2wpczC-vWqlUekixH_DjK87ic7geQB1JR&hc_ref=ARQn5m-wW30KuGEhMSR7F0P81LHEpZnq_EZUjzW_Ee6lPMvHOiXQ8O_yD vvB8xf4xKc&fref=nf&__xts__

Now this better be serious. You don't joke with these icons seen on the video.