2019 News and rumours

[RS]

A couple of bits of news we can post already:

- As Martins Sesks won the JERC U27 title, he will get 100,000 Euros towards an R5 programme in ERC 2019. Great news as he seems to have a lot of potential. Good chance to see him with SRT I guess.

- VW have said that Polo R5 will appear in ERC 2019 according to one of their customers (I guess BRR)
https://www.autosport.com/wrc/news/138962/vw-new-wrc2-car-undertaking-wrcstyle-tests

[Jarek Z]

Chris Ingram says that he is going to win the 2019 European Rally Championship overall:
https://www.carfinance247.co.uk/blogpost/425/chris-ingram--the-2018-european-rally-championship-slipped-through-my-fingers-but-i-ll-be-back-next-year

[Mirek]

If Lukyanuk and Gryazin are not starting he has a chance.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

VW MS boss Sven Smeets said in Spain they already have teams who will run their Polo R5 in the 2019 ERC.

[nafpaktos]

If Lukyanuk and Gryazin are not starting he has a chance.

Gryazin's co-driver wrote to insta that will not follow the whole erc.

[PLuto]

Gryazin's co-driver wrote to insta that will not follow the whole erc.

Codriver of Nikolay Gryazin ;)

[Mirek]

Is Vasiliy going to return?

[Jarek Z]

Lukasz Habaj wants to do full season of ERC 2019:
https://www.fiaerc.com/habaj-targets-2019-erc-return/

[JUF]

Is Vasiliy going to return?

I think he is quite happy in rallycross, isn't he?

[Mirek]

I think he is quite happy in rallycross, isn't he?

I have no idea. I don't follow rallycross at all.

[WUff1]

VW MS boss Sven Smeets said in Spain they already have teams who will run their Polo R5 in the 2019 ERC.

Of course BRR. They even keep some Fabias for Austrian championship (Julian Wagner, Knobloch).

[dupanton]

Maybe belgian team BMA. They are more and more active abroad. They have 3 Fabia's (I think) and are among the first to receive 2 Polo's.

[tc10a]

Of course BRR. They even keep some Fabias for Austrian championship (Julian Wagner, Knobloch).

Knobloch has nothing to do with BRR. But of course BRR will stay a big player in Fabia R5 operation.

[PLuto]

Today will be revealed ERC calendar for next season.

[PLuto]

ERC calendar is out - http://www.autosport.cz/clanek.php?cl=20168

[PLuto]

Also official article on FIA ERC pages is here - https://www.fiaerc.com/nyiregyhaza-hungary-for-erc-action-as-new-event-joins-2019-european-rally-calendar/

[Andre Oliveira]

2018 PRT - ESP - GRE - CYP - ITA - CZE - POL - LAT
2019 PRT - ESP - LAT - POL - ITA - CZE - CYP - HUN

Looks better to Latvia and Poland next season.

[sindroms]

2018 PRT - ESP - GRE - CYP - ITA - CZE - POL - LAT
2019 PRT - ESP - LAT - POL - ITA - CZE - CYP - HUN

Looks better to Latvia and Poland next season.

Next year is last one for Rally Liepāja (LAT), confirmed by rally organizers. There are bigger plans ahead for team (same team are organizers of Latvia RX leg too) - to bring WRC to Latvia starting from 2022.

[bomber21]

Acropolis rally organizers announced there will not be an Acropolis rally in 2019.

[atsiotras79]

Now they announced? We know now...

[bomber21]

Yeah. They said they are now focusing on 2020 but, to be honest, I do not see how Acropolis Rally can be profitable...

[scn]

Funds are not enough for Acropolis, even in ERC. For WRC there is no chance. First of all, the money promised from the state for previous years have not been given yet. This has caused a big deficit for the past 6 years. Also, the number of participants in local events is dropping continually, so the Greek Federation, which is the organizer of Acropolis, does not have adequate funds to cover the cost of Acropolis.

In my opinion, there will be no Acropolis for some years, to say the least. Acropolis can happen again only if Greek economy gets back on its feet (highly unlikely for the next decade) and only if at that time there will be people in the organizing body that will have the same ability and experience as the present ones.

In any case, I still consider very lucky all of us who have seen the real Acropolis of the WRC years and have participated even in just one Acropolis as drivers or co-drivers. It was the experience of a lifetime.

[PLuto]

There is also another problem with Acropolis - in current days teams are not so interested in so rough stages. We can see it in WRC Turkey. Current cars are made mainly for speed and they are not so strong to survive rough events. And, of course, after the race you must invest lot of money to get car back to good condition. So in final, there is very low interest of greek drivers to do Acropolis and also drivers from abroad are not so interested to go there...

[scn]

there is very low interest of greek drivers to do Acropolis and also drivers from abroad are not so interested to go there...

Acropolis has the highest number of greek participants than any other greek rally, although participation cost is much much higher. Don't look at greek participants counting for ERC. Most of Greeks participate only in the national event, which has fewer restrictions regarding car regulations, but it is completely identical with ERC.

Also, in ERC years, although Greece is very far from the center of Europe and logistics are very expensive, Acropolis has managed to get about 20 participants from abroad. This is an adequate number considering the aforementioned difficulty.

And finally, for heaven's sake, modern Acropolis has nothing to do with old ones. This is a walk in the park, compared with the true Acropolis of '80s, '90s or even the '00s. These were true rallies, not the modern ones. If a car breaks in a modern Acropolis, then its preparation is at a very low level and its mechanics should change profession. The body of a modern rally car should be totally unaffected by the roads of modern Acropolis. Surely, some parts may suffer some damage, but the cost for replacing a wishbone or a steering arm or a damper is a very small fraction of the actual costs of a rally and is not a reason for not participating.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

So Hungary comes to the party for 2019. Good for them, their rally fans and good for the driver's they have provided to the ERC in recent years.

It seems Eastern Europe is the best and biggest growth area and coming in to replace many of the traditional countries who dont have the mainstream interest or funding any more.

[PLuto]

Acropolis has the highest number of greek participants than any other greek rally, although participation cost is much much higher. Don't look at greek participants counting for ERC. Most of Greeks participate only in the national event, which has fewer restrictions regarding car regulations, but it is completely identical with ERC.

Also, in ERC years, although Greece is very far from the center of Europe and logistics are very expensive, Acropolis has managed to get about 20 participants from abroad. This is an adequate number considering the aforementioned difficulty.

And finally, for heaven's sake, modern Acropolis has nothing to do with old ones. This is a walk in the park, compared with the true Acropolis of '80s, '90s or even the '00s. These were true rallies, not the modern ones. If a car breaks in a modern Acropolis, then its preparation is at a very low level and its mechanics should change profession. The body of a modern rally car should be totally unaffected by the roads of modern Acropolis. Surely, some parts may suffer some damage, but the cost for replacing a wishbone or a steering arm or a damper is a very small fraction of the actual costs of a rally and is not a reason for not participating.

Most of national crews out of ERC field and starting in national one is different story and FIA is mainly resposible for this fault. But for ERC, crews starting only in national field are not important, they need them in ERC field. I think that another thing which is going against Acropolis is not interest of greek crews to start anywhere else. From all other ERC countries you can see crews doing the championship or at least few events abroad (also cypriot drivers tried at least to go to Acropolis or Rome), but I dont remember any greek driver doing any ERC round during last years (if I dont count multinational Serderidis, who did only "his" Acropolis or Ypres).

[PLuto]

To understand correctly, I have nothing against Rally Acropolis. I like that rally very much, I was there many times during the last years. Country is great, organisers also. I like the stages (as spectator). I am only trying to write points, which are against the rally in general terms and in the views of others (teams, promoter etc).

[scn]

I think that another thing which is going against Acropolis is not interest of greek crews to start anywhere else. From all other ERC countries you can see crews doing the championship or at least few events abroad (also cypriot drivers tried at least to go to Acropolis or Rome), but I dont remember any greek driver doing any ERC round during last years

In the present financial situation, very few Greeks have cars that are eligible for international events. And only one of them is actually doing the whole Greek championship. So participation in international events is a very distant dream in this country. I am afraid that there are not many chances that we will see Acropolis in near future. Anyway, a trip to Hungary seems to be a good idea for next November.

[Jarek Z]

It seems Eastern Europe is the best and biggest growth area and coming in to replace many of the traditional countries who dont have the mainstream interest or funding any more.

Yes, there are actually only 3 rallies still left in the calendar, that are held in western Europe - Portugal, Spain and Italy.

[bomber21]

Unfortunately rallying in Greece is dead. Greek championship is a joke. Rallies get cancelled very often and almost no drivers own an R5 car. So the few spectators watch EVO, Impreza and Escort old cars...
Rally Acropolis future is not so bright...

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Yes, there are actually only 3 rallies still left in the calendar, that are held in western Europe - Portugal, Spain and Italy.

And two of those are out on their islands (Azores & Canaries). Plus there's another island rally in Cyprus.

Seems the Eastern countries (and those islands) are the ones who want to use ERC & rallying as a new way of promotion.

[the sniper]

It seems Eastern Europe is the best and biggest growth area and coming in to replace many of the traditional countries who dont have the mainstream interest or funding any more.


Seems the Eastern countries (and those islands) are the ones who want to use ERC & rallying as a new way of promotion.

I think your second post is more accurate. The ERC goes primarily where there's money for the promoter, they're chasing that primarily over popularity. Look at Ypres. Just because the regional government there and/or sponsors don't wish to buy into the ERC/Eurosport as a promotional platform doesn't mean that rallying isn't popular in Belgium.

[PLuto]

It is not so easy. There is more reasons why it is going like this. One of the reasons is that FIA doesnt want to have WRC and ERC in same countries. They are making "excuses" only in case of island rallies (in WRC or ERC). With including the rally into ERC, it is not only about the money. Ypres is also little bit different story, it is not only about money, it is more deep...

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Of course rallying is still popular in much of W.Europe. They have WRC events and mostly good national series so often dont need/want ERC.

I was thinking more about the likes of Greece and Ireland where funding and/or logistics are making them stop involvement.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Fron Autosport:
MSA chairman David Richards was asked if he thought the Circuit of Ireland could secure a world championship slot, Willis said: "The Circuit hasn't run for the last two years and it's not going to happen next year, but we're targeting 2020 to bring the event back.

"I've never denied that my ultimate ambition would be to get the Circuit to the highest level of world rallying - that would be an incredible achievement for the team and it's a level at which I think our event would sit comfortably.

"But we're talking to the European Rally Championship, we're talking to lots of people right now. Collectively we're working towards getting the Circuit of Ireland back on the calendar."

[sindroms]

Rally Liepāja will be held in little bit different format in 2019. Base city still remains Liepāja when route will be more wider. First day will start around Talsi - another 'gold classic' roads in Latvian rally.
So no "Rally Talsi" this year as a national championship leg.

[tommeke_B]

Ypres is a bit like Monte, they think they are bigger than the championship. Maybe if a few egos were reeled back in we may see the Belgian event back in the ERC..
I don't think anyone from Ypres organizers thinks they're bigger than the championship... According to what I've heard, problem with Ypres is that they paid (a lot) to Eurosport to be in the ERC. But they didn't have the benefits, most drivers didn't visit Ypres because of the specific roads and the tough competition they would face. In the IRC years it probably also costed a lot but the return was much larger, with some (semi-)works teams and a lot of coverage on Eurosport. Now what do you get on Eurosport, and who is still watching it? So Ypres has chosen for the British championship, which probably costs far less, and gives a better return in the number of drivers that visit the rally. They were also in TER, but that championship has turned out to be a joke.

[Got Mail]

Ypres is a bit like Monte, they think they are bigger than the championship.

I'm thinking they are probably correct.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

@ChrisIngramGB
Replaced the race suit for the business suit. Gaining momentum on my ambition to do WRC2 2019 with current and potential partners. #WRC2019 https://t.co/8Ynf9ZZmEu

[Mirek]

According to Barum Rally director the event stay in ERC for next three years. He also hinted they wanted to make the 2020 event somewhat special as it would be the 50th edition (the aim is to bring back some old unused stages and increase the total stage length).

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Top team Baumschlager Rallye & Racing will continue to chase success in the FIA European Rally Championship in 2019, only this time with the all-new Volkswagen Polo GTI R5 added to its fleet.

https://www.fiaerc.com/brr-plans-two-car-erc-assault-with-all-new-volkswagen-polo-gti-r5/

[Fast Eddie WRC]

@ChrisIngramGB

What dreams are made of... Great to be here at Skoda's new factory and car launch for 2019 @MotorsportSkoda @SKODAUK.

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DtCgrU6W0AIXnwo.jpg

[Jarek Z]

Is it true that Peugeot end all their engagement in motosport all over the world - rallying, racing, rallycross, everything?

[Mirek]

For sure not completely. At least Peugeot 208 Cups stay supported by Peugeot (at least here and in France as far as I know). Otherwise I don't know.

[Co-driven]

Is it true that Peugeot end all their engagement in motosport all over the world - rallying, racing, rallycross, everything?

In Argentina they ended the "official" team in STC2000 (circuit racing). Annoucement was a bit unexpected, even the driver (Girolami) complained a bit about being left without a drive so late in the season, but understood that this was an order coming from France.

[WUff1]

Niki Mayr-Melnhof with BRR Polo R5 in ERC 2019.

[Mirek]

Great news!

[Jarek Z]

Niki Mayr-Melnhof with BRR Polo R5 in ERC 2019.

Great news indeed! I know nothing about this driver, but I wish him all the best of luck!

[hari]

Niki Mayr-Melnhof with BRR Polo R5 in ERC 2019.

Would be great news if true, but unfortunately its not. At least not the BRR part. Not every rumour spread without any proper source should be taken seriously...

[Mirek]

Would be great news if true, but unfortunately its not. At least not the BRR part. Not every rumour spread without any proper source should be taken seriously...

Pity...


Great news indeed! I know nothing about this driver, but I wish him all the best of luck!

It's 2018 Austrian champion.

[WUff1]

Ohh shit! Got it from rallye-magazin forum.

[Adler]

Niki Mayr-Melnhof with BRR Polo R5 in ERC 2019.

I also believe MM will do full ERC next year, but i would be really surprised if his money flows in Baumschlagers pockets, my bet is he stays with Beppo Harrachs team and Ford.

[Andre Oliveira]

FIA Regional Rally Championships

The format of the FIA Asia-Pacific Rally Championship will be changed in 2019 to help competitors with logistics and add value to the title. Two APRC Cups, organised into smaller territories, will be held as qualifiers for a final. The APRC Asia and Pacific Cups for Drivers and Co-drivers will be held over a minimum of three events and all results will be taken into account. After participation in two rallies in an APRC Cup, drivers will automatically qualify for the final, which will be alternately hosted in a different Asia or Pacific country each year. Based on the results of the final, the following titles will be awarded:

FIA Asia-Pacific Rally Championship for Drivers and Co-drivers

FIA Junior APRC Championship for Drivers (under the age of 28 years)

FIA Asia-Pacific Rally Championship for Manufacturers

APRC Nations Trophy

APRC Team Trophy

Competitors will also be permitted to enter categories of cars approved by ASNs holding APRC rounds.

In order to simplify the naming of titles in the FIA European Rally Championship, the FIA ERC Junior Championship U27 for Drivers will now be known as the FIA ERC 3 Junior Championship and the U28 series will become the FIA ERC 1 Junior Championship.

R4-Kit and R-GT cars will be eligible in the ERC 2 Championship from 2019.

https://www.fia.com/news/fia-announces-world-motor-sport-council-decisions-12

[Jarek Z]

I swear I saw this guy somewhere... :D
https://www.fiaerc.com/erc-recruits-petr-linhart/

[dimviii]

I swear I saw this guy somewhere... :D
https://www.fiaerc.com/erc-recruits-petr-linhart/

Congrats Pluto!

[Andre Oliveira]

In order to increase participation in FIA regional rallies, it was approved that cars in Groups A, N, R and RGT will be permitted to participate in international rallies other than those of the FIA World Rally Championship during a further period of eight years following the expiry of their homologation.

[mousti]

I swear I saw this guy somewhere... :D
https://www.fiaerc.com/erc-recruits-petr-linhart/Congratz Pluto!

Verstuurd vanaf mijn SM-G935F met Tapatalk

[dodge33cymru]

Wow, nice one Pluto!

What's R4-K ? Good idea to merge these classes together into one points class IMO; hopefully a few Porsches make their way onto stages next year.

[atsiotras79]

Well done Petr! Very important move from ERC!

[mArvAlcao17]

FIA Regional Rally Championships

The format of the FIA Asia-Pacific Rally Championship will be changed in 2019 to help competitors with logistics and add value to the title. Two APRC Cups, organised into smaller territories, will be held as qualifiers for a final. The APRC Asia and Pacific Cups for Drivers and Co-drivers will be held over a minimum of three events and all results will be taken into account. After participation in two rallies in an APRC Cup, drivers will automatically qualify for the final, which will be alternately hosted in a different Asia or Pacific country each year. Based on the results of the final, the following titles will be awarded:

FIA Asia-Pacific Rally Championship for Drivers and Co-drivers

FIA Junior APRC Championship for Drivers (under the age of 28 years)

FIA Asia-Pacific Rally Championship for Manufacturers

APRC Nations Trophy

APRC Team Trophy

Competitors will also be permitted to enter categories of cars approved by ASNs holding APRC rounds.

In order to simplify the naming of titles in the FIA European Rally Championship, the FIA ERC Junior Championship U27 for Drivers will now be known as the FIA ERC 3 Junior Championship and the U28 series will become the FIA ERC 1 Junior Championship.

R4-Kit and R-GT cars will be eligible in the ERC 2 Championship from 2019.

https://www.fia.com/news/fia-announces-world-motor-sport-council-decisions-12

I just think that APRC Finale in India do the same thing that NASCAR's season finale does.

[mArvAlcao17]

"No WRC 2 registration fee will be requested from competitors who hold a licence from the ASN of the organising country for the first event in which they participate."

Tbh i don't understand that bit.

[Mirek]

That means that locals who do only one ERC event don't need to pay ERC registration fee to have better starting position like it used to be in several last years. This is very good news.

[mArvAlcao17]

That means that locals who do only one ERC event don't need to pay ERC registration fee to have better starting position like it used to be in several last years. This is very good news.

perfect. Thank's a lot!

[Andre Oliveira]

that means that locals who do only one erc event don't need to pay erc registration fee to have better starting position like it used to be in several last years. This is very good news.

It’s WRC2 ;)

[Mirek]

Ups, why is that in ERC forum then?

[Rally Power]

R4-Kit and R-GT cars will be eligible in the ERC 2 Championship from 2019.

That means R4 won’t run in the same category than R5. Well done. Hope it’ll be the same in the other FIA series and especially on the national championships.

[Rally Power]

What's R4-K ?

It's the actual name of the new R4 cars built on Oreca's kit. I believe they use this name to make a difference from the previous R4 (FIA N4 upgraded cars), which is still allowed in some series.

[TWRC]

Herczig:

https://scontent-vie1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/47689329_2068251233233302_7128325399758503936_o.jp g?_nc_cat=105&_nc_ht=scontent-vie1-1.xx&oh=a7c8da031aec88a8af419b56df40e6bf&oe=5C978933

Edit: another one

https://scontent-vie1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/47682564_2068508726540886_6125749332722319360_o.jp g?_nc_cat=108&_nc_ht=scontent-vie1-1.xx&oh=6e081dfeafc9d52d127743814f467456&oe=5C9F1234

They announced that they will be doing 7 ERC rounds next year, no word on which they will skip, but I thibk it might be Italy as it is around Veszprém Rally's timeslot, and I think they will do that event again next year.

[Jarek Z]

So Norbert Herczig switches to Volkswagen after 9 years in a row spent in a Skoda:
https://www.fiaerc.com/mol-racing-team-polo-powered-for-erc-2019/

[Antreas]

Alex Tsouloftas-Skoda Fabia R5
Full ERC 2019

[Mirek]

Abarth 124 R-GT Challenge to be part of ERC2. Actually everyone who buys Abarth 124 has the ERC registration fee already included in the car price (€110,000).

Calendar:
Round 1: Rally Islas Canarias, 2-4 May (asphalt)
Round 2: Rally Liepāja (Latvia), 24-26 May (gravel)
Round 3: Rally Poland, 28-30 June (gravel)
Round 4: Rally di Roma Capitale (Italy), 19-21 July (asphalt)
Round 5: Barum Czech Rally Zlín, 16-18 August (asphalt)
Round 6: Rally Hungary, 8-10 November (asphalt)

Prize money for each event:
First position: €12,000
Second position: €10,000
Third position: €8,000
Fourth position: €4,000

Season winner: €30,000

It means that if someone manages to win all events his car will be nearly all paid by the prize money.

https://www.fiaerc.com/abarth-rally-cup-joins-forces-with-erc/

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Alex Tsouloftas-Skoda Fabia R5
Full ERC 2019

With Toksport.

[nafpaktos]

With Toksport.

i saw he tested in sweet lamb, the team is british?

[pantealex]

i saw he tested in sweet lamb, the team is british?

No, TokSport is from Turkey

[Andre Oliveira]

With subsidiary in Germany.

[Sub_Skoda]

With Toksport.
What about Chris Ingram? 2 cars for Toksport in 2019?

[Fast Eddie WRC]

What about Chris Ingram? 2 cars for Toksport in 2019?

It seems so - Ingram said welcome to Tsouloftas on ToksportWRT Instagram.

[pucky54]

What about Chris Ingram? 2 cars for Toksport in 2019?

Maybe two, or three...or four ;)

[Co-driven]

What about Chris Ingram? 2 cars for Toksport in 2019?

Also Avcioglu should be there.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

I believe Ingram is targeting WRC-2 rather than ERC in 2019.

[PLuto]

I believe Ingram is targeting WRC-2 rather than ERC in 2019.

I hope he will do both ;)

[Rally Power]

https://www.fiaerc.com/abarth-rally-cup-joins-forces-with-erc/

Great move from Abarth; this way they'll get a much wider promotion for their 124 costumers. This is what Oreca also should do in order to promote R4.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

I hope he will do both ;)

Me too. But he doesnt have the €100,000 prize money he had to spend last year.

[Got Mail]

Me too. But he doesnt have the €100,000 prize money he had to spend last year.

That would be nice but I understand that he still hasn't received the promised €100000 from last year....

Not sure why the FIA continues to authorise a Championship that behaves in this manner.

All promises. No cash.

[Mirek]

Griebel got his prize the year before. We don't know what's going on so it's better not to jump on conclusions without actually knowing.

[Got Mail]

Griebel got his prize the year before. We don't know what's going on so it's better not to jump on conclusions without actually knowing.

I can promise you 100% that I'm not jumping to any conclusions.

[Mirek]

Dan Girtofan plans to do some events in ERC, Bukar Cukurova aims for three ERC events too.
https://www.skoda-motorsport.com/en/we-ask-the-champions-what-are-your-plans-for-the-2019-season/

[Jarek Z]

Alex Tsouloftas from Cyprus is going to compete in ERC 2019 with Skoda Fabia R5. Do you think his shape is good enough to win the championship? :D

Source:
https://www.fiaerc.com/cyprus-power-tsouloftas-plots-erc-junior-title-bid/

https://scontent-sea1-1.cdninstagram.com/vp/bf095acb27b6d0b0941fbb12c46caec9/5C9AD3D4/t51.2885-15/e35/43985416_1935177536777570_5018265532016339908_n.jp g?_nc_ht=scontent-sea1-1.cdninstagram.com&se=7&ig_cache_key=MTg5NjYxNDAwNjk2MjEwNjM1Mg%3D%3D.2

[Sulland]

If pecks and biceps counts, yes.

If he fits in the car, lets see in 6 months :eek:

[Iraquiano]

Headline on local newspaper, looks like Azores Rally is looking for a new main sponsor, after Azores Airlines put an end to what could have been a 20 year long partnership this year.

According to the article, the rally itself is not a risk as most of the funding comes from the local government.

You can read the article here: (PT)
https://www.facebook.com/formularali/photos/a.351591864909305/1920490534686089/?type=3&theater

[Fast Eddie WRC]

News on the ERC U28 Champion...

Nikolay Gryazin will participate in #WRC2 2019! He will start in Sweden, Corsica, Portugal, Sardegna, Finland, Germany, Turkey, Wales & Catalunya.

#WRC #News https://t.co/OH6oGV3lCl

[Sub_Skoda]

News on the ERC U28 Champion...

Nikolay Gryazin will participate in #WRC2 2019! He will start in Sweden, Corsica, Portugal, Sardegna, Finland, Germany, Turkey, Wales & Catalunya.

#WRC #News https://t.co/OH6oGV3lCl

Not good for ERC, but awesome for him!

[Mirek]

Nasser Al Attiyah said in an interview that he would start in Barum Rally (maybe he will do more events, likely Cyprus, but he spoke about Barum because it was an interview for Czech newspaper).

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Not good for ERC, but awesome for him!

A bit strange to me as he would've had a great chance to be overall ERC Champion in 2019.

But if he thinks he can go right to the top then WRC2 is the way to go and start to learn all those new rallies.

[atsiotras79]

Why do you say that? In tarmac he is nowhere near the pace of the front runners...

[Mirek]

Near whom exactly?

[PLuto]

Why do you say that? In tarmac he is nowhere near the pace of the front runners...

During the last year he made a big progress on tarmac.

[atsiotras79]

I meant last year’s front runners Luki, Gryazin.
But yes this year without them, if they do not do ERC he will not be that far. But to be honest still I cannot see him win over Kreim, Ingram on tarmac.

[Mirek]

Sorry but the talk was about Gryazin and You compare him with himself? Huh? I guess You mixed names in context or?

Anyway where is written that Lukyanuk continues in ERC at all?

[atsiotras79]

My mistake. I thought he was talking for Al Attiyah...

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Bruno Magalhães will drive for the Hyundai Team in the 2019 Portugese Championship.

Will he drive in the ERC in an i20 also ?

[Andre Oliveira]

No

[Fast Eddie WRC]

No

Thats a bit of a shame as it would good to have some variety amongst all the Škodas.

[jacko]

Saintéloc Racing called on ERC champion Alexey Lukyanuk to test its Citroën C3 R5 as part of its ongoing preparations for the 2019 FIA European Rally Championship.

While Lukyanuk’s involvement was more in his capacity as a top-line driver rather than a potential candidate for Saintéloc’s ERC attack, neither party has ruled out a future collaboration.

“It was great to have an experienced and fast driver like Alexey for a ride in the C3 R5 and give us his feedback,” said Saintéloc’s Rally Manager Vincent Ducher following the test close to Valence last month. “Saintéloc want to be back at the top of the ranking in the ERC with this new car so we are looking for different possibilities.”

Of the test, Lukyanuk said: “The car feels very good and strong. We don’t have far-reaching plans with [Saintéloc] but who knows how everything can turn.”

[PLuto]

We will see... ;)

[Jarek Z]

Catie Munnings is a Red Bull driver now:
https://www.fiaerc.com/munnings-gets-red-bull-backing-for-erc-junior-bid/

[106 sport]

Interesting...


https://www.fiaerc.com/top-italian-campedelli-targets-erc-attack/


Simone Campedelli is working hard to secure the budget for an FIA European Rally Championship title attack in 2019.

A frontrunner in the Italian championship in recent seasons, Campedelli also has experience at world and European level.

He hopes to start his campaign on Rally Islas Canarias in May and contest the remaining six rounds of the all-action championship, which includes his home event, Rally di Roma Capitale, in July.

“It would be great to be back in an international contest,” said the highly-capable 32-year-old. “It’s an opportunity I would really appreciate but, at the moment, I am still waiting for the budget to be secured so the decision is not in my hands. I’m ready and it would be great if we can finalise the deal to start in the ERC.”

Driving a Ford Fiesta R5 alongside Swiss co-driver Tania Canton, Campedelli proved his talent against the ERC regulars last season with three stage wins and the leg two victory on Rally di Roma Capitale. And had it not been for a spate of punctures, he could have challenged eventual winner Alexey Lukyanuk for the overall victory.

ERC1 drivers count their best six scores from a possible eight, meaning Campedelli would not be disadvantaged by missing the planned season opener in the Azores in March.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

It would be good to see a new contender coming into ERC. :) I hope he gets his budget sorted.

[m-ast]

Efrén Llarena will repeat this season in the Juniors with the 208 R2
http://rfeda.es/web/guest/prensa-noticias/-/asset_publisher/jPBP876Yk7Eu/content/rallye-team-spain-wrc-erc

[N.O.T]

Alex Tsouloftas from Cyprus is going to compete in ERC 2019 with Skoda Fabia R5. Do you think his shape is good enough to win the championship? :D

Source:
https://www.fiaerc.com/cyprus-power-tsouloftas-plots-erc-junior-title-bid/

https://scontent-sea1-1.cdninstagram.com/vp/bf095acb27b6d0b0941fbb12c46caec9/5C9AD3D4/t51.2885-15/e35/43985416_1935177536777570_5018265532016339908_n.jp g?_nc_ht=scontent-sea1-1.cdninstagram.com&se=7&ig_cache_key=MTg5NjYxNDAwNjk2MjEwNjM1Mg%3D%3D.2

no, TRT does not do much in rallying competition.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

I understand that he still hasn't received the promised €100,000 from last year....

Not sure why the FIA continues to authorise a Championship that behaves in this manner.

All promises. No cash.

Seems this WAS correct. :disturb:

https://www.autosport.com/erc/news/140977/ingram-still-waiting-for-2017-u27-prize-money

Feel so sorry for Chris Ingram being left in this situation. :(

[Sulland]

https://sg.news.yahoo.com/chris-ingram-still-waiting-2017-133136151.html

ERC need to fix this ASAP!

[Antreas]

Why not confirmations so far for full ERC?

[Jarek Z]

A new short movie "Champion at Nineteen" shows short career of Martins Sesks, who became 2018 Junior European Rally Champion at the age of 19:
https://www.fiaerc.com/sesks-movie-celebrates-erc-junior-champions-impressive-rise/

[4Regioni]

Full ERC for the brazilian Paulo Nobre

https://www.rally.it/2019/01/nobre-torna-a-tempo-pieno

[peg306]

Mattias Adielsson with C3 from Sainteloc Racing for 2019
https://www.emotorsport.se/nyheter.php?in=2&nyhets_id=16672

[pantealex]

That would be nice but I understand that he still hasn't received the promised €100000 from last year....

Not sure why the FIA continues to authorise a Championship that behaves in this manner.

All promises. No cash.

Strange that people who knows ERC things haven´t commented Ingram situation ?

Is he paid or not ?

If not why ?

[Jarek Z]

Mattias Adielsson with C3 from Sainteloc Racing for 2019
https://www.emotorsport.se/nyheter.php?in=2&nyhets_id=16672

Good news! More about it in English:
https://www.fiaerc.com/adielsson-to-double-up-with-erc-junior-campaign/

[YerayEcoBoost]

The norwegian driver Sindre Furuseth, ERC 3 Junior with a 208 R2 of Sainteloc Racing. https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190123/5e7806bb008e8fad03f28a4f92a8c44e.jpg

Enviado desde mi WAS-LX1A mediante Tapatalk

[106 sport]

http://www.revistascratch.com/nacional-asfalto/noticia/emma-falcon-recibe-esta-semana-su-nuevo-citroen-c3-r5-48378

Emma Falcón with Citroen C3 R5, confirmed in Rally Islas Canarias (Gran Canaria), and likely Rally Rome.

[106 sport]

Rumours about Fredrik Åhlin full ERC 2019 program.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Rumours about Fredrik Åhlin full ERC 2019 program.

Thanks for that... I'd forgotten all about him.

[Jarek Z]

Norwegian driver Eyvind Brynildsen announced that he is going to drive 6 ERC rounds in 2019. I'm not sure if I understand Norwegian correctly, but it seems that he is going to hire Skoda Fabia R5 from Toksport.

source:
https://parcferme.no/rally/eyvind-klar-for-rally-sweden-planlegger-flere-nm-innhopp/?fbclid=IwAR3c9N-_ZFZ7nYX_I4qlcTQlOTHwlGjtrZ9wYL-0Hhnc6UU9XrC-ltgfC60

[TheFlyingTuga]

Norwegian driver Eyvind Brynildsen announced that he is going to drive 6 ERC rounds in 2019. I'm not sure if I understand Norwegian correctly, but it seems that he is going to hire Skoda Fabia R5 from Toksport.

source:
https://parcferme.no/rally/eyvind-klar-for-rally-sweden-planlegger-flere-nm-innhopp/?fbclid=IwAR3c9N-_ZFZ7nYX_I4qlcTQlOTHwlGjtrZ9wYL-0Hhnc6UU9XrC-ltgfC60

Yup, Skoda R5 and Vero Engan as his codriver ;)

[Jarek Z]

Łukasz Habaj revealed his plans for the new season. He has planned first 4 rallies:
Acores
Canarias
Liepaja
Poland
behind the wheel of ŠKODA Fabia R5 rented from Sports Racing Technologies. In the middle of the season Habaj will decide about remaining rallies depending on the results. More details about his program:
https://www.fiaerc.com/habaj-continues-erc-adventure-on-a-high/

[YerayEcoBoost]

The Italian driver Mattia Vita and Pietro Ometto will repeat another year in the ERC 3 Junior with 208 R2 of the Tagai Racing team.

(info TuttoRally +)

[106 sport]

Łukasz Habaj revealed his plans for the new season. He has planned first 4 rallies:
Acores
Canarias
Liepaja
Poland
behind the wheel of ŠKODA Fabia R5 rented from Sports Racing Technologies. In the middle of the season Habaj will decide about remaining rallies depending on the results. More details about his program:
https://www.fiaerc.com/habaj-continues-erc-adventure-on-a-high/

Good news.

He is a good driver.

If I'm not wrong, I think it could be his fourth participation in Gran Canaria.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Still no news from Chris Ingram. I'm getting concerned now... :(

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Seems like the ongoing legal battle over the €100,000 ERC prize has held up his future plans.

[YerayEcoBoost]

The young Czech driver Erik Cais starts FIA ERC at the Azores Rally with a 208 R2 from the Orsak Rally Sport team.

He has not revealed more date of the calendar.

[YerayEcoBoost]

The american team Sean Johnston & Alex Kihurani in JWRC (Fiesta R2T M-Sport) + ERC 3 with 208 R2 from Sainteloc Racing


1720

[Ralph-Mario]

Roman Schwedt/Lina Meter Peugeot 208 R2 ERC Junior from ROMO Motorsport

[Ralph-Mario]

Rumor : Marijan Griebel VW Polo GTi R5 from BRR

[YerayEcoBoost]

The young Belgian driver Achiel Boxoen will be in five rounds of the FIA ERC that will combine with three rounds of the BRC.

He will do it with a Ford Fiesta R5 from the JobFixers Motorsport team by Philip Cracco.

[mousti]

The young Belgian driver Achiel Boxoen will be in five rounds of the FIA ERC that will combine with three rounds of the BRC.

He will do it with a Ford Fiesta R5 from the JobFixers Motorsport team by Philip Cracco.Far from official

Verstuurd vanaf mijn ONEPLUS A6013 met Tapatalk

[dupanton]

Actually, I'm pretty sure he will not find the budget and it will not be with JobFixers team...

[106 sport]

Looks like this year, for these dates, there are less movement in ERC´s rumours than last year

[YerayEcoBoost]

N4 Class Champion from Hungary, Mátyás Nagy, four ERC events with Lancer EVO X: Rome, Barum, Cyprus and Hungary

[YerayEcoBoost]

Young Hungarian Kristóf Klausz, full ERC 3 Junior with Peugeot 208 R2

[Andre Oliveira]

Young Pedro Antunes will do some ERC rounds. Very fast here. Lets see how it looks out confort zone.

[Luis Pacheco]

https://www.facebook.com/notes/azores-rallye/change-in-opening-of-registrations/1968714820091396/

[Jarek Z]

Volkswagen Polo GTI R5 will most probably debut in the European Championship in Azores Rally. It will be driven by multiple Hungarian champion Norbert Herczig:
https://www.fiaerc.com/excited-and-curious-herczig-gets-set-for-erc-season/

[PLuto]

For sure Polo will debut in ERC in Azores. And not only one...

[Fast Eddie WRC]

@ChrisIngramGB
Hopefully we will have news soon on 2019 ! https://t.co/TRNBRzlUV1

[PLuto]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9poPcWeGgpE

[Reis Eduardo]

Azores Rally
https://www.fiaerc.com/iconic-sete-cidades-stage-to-star-as-azores-gets-set-to-host-erc-season-opener/
Rally gude
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1GHKY-yuklErgR-aWdVrmNlhq4vtp0QEX/view

[YerayEcoBoost]

Junior Champion of Great Britain 2018, Steve Røkland, works for a budget that allows him to be in the six rounds of the ERC 3 Junior.

Otherwise, he would start his season at Liepāja.

[YerayEcoBoost]

Canary Islands Rally opens registration period and publishes all the details of its exciting journey.

The teams have until April 17 to formalize their registration.

https://www.rallyislascanarias.com/index.php/es/noticias3/item/49-el-rally-islas-canarias-abre-periodo-de-inscripciones?fbclid=IwAR1F2uGTBL2-zuDaIMRZKfrbJ_0oPC4EUr2mbNFzDiC5WyskqkBYh7ank48

[CWJ]

Opel with Elias Lundberg and Grégoire Munster in ERC junior.

New Corsa R2 for 2021 to come.

https://www.rallye-magazin.de/index.php?id=340&tx_ttnews%5Btt_news%5D=94565&tx_ttnews%5Byear%5D=2019&tx_ttnews%5Bmonth%5D=02&tx_ttnews%5Bday%5D=19

[Mirek]

Some great news! Marian Griebel with Polo R5 from BRR in complete ERC!

https://www.fiaerc.com/double-erc-junior-champion-griebel-to-chase-outright-title-glory-in-all-new-volkswagen-polo/

[Ralph-Mario]

M.Griebel/S.Kopzyk ERC VW Polo R5

https://www.rallye-magazin.de/int/artikel/d/2019/02/19/marijan-griebel-geht-im-polo-r5-auf-em-titeljagd/

[RS]

Some great news! Marian Griebel with Polo R5 from BRR in complete ERC!

https://www.fiaerc.com/double-erc-junior-champion-griebel-to-chase-outright-title-glory-in-all-new-volkswagen-polo/

Great to see him back in ERC. I feared his international career was over when he went to DRM with Peugeot.

Now we need someone for him to compete against..

[106 sport]

Any news about Grzegorz Grzyb´s program?

He is a rapid driver, mainly on tarmac. I think he could to have a chance to get the championship

[106 sport]

For sure Polo will debut in ERC in Azores. And not only one...


Nowadays, we know two of them (Herczig and Griebel) , Perhaps anyone else?

[Mirek]

Von Thurn und Taxis I guess. Maybe Štajf will do something as well.

[dimviii]

no news about Luky?

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Just came across the Griebel news on the ERC website. It's a great surprise to have him back.

Praying we soon get some more strong entries to give him a good battle. Otherwise him and the Polo will have the title sewn-up in no time.

[Reis Eduardo]

Pierre Louis Loubet whit a program on ERC and WRC2 on a Skoda Fabia R5 from 2C Competion. ERC Azores and Canary Islands.

https://www.facebook.com/notes/2c-competition/pierre-louis-loubet-signe-chez-2c-competition-/2347107361989667/

[YerayEcoBoost]

no news about Luky?https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190219/05984c8cd713c0a6bd435952826d0b7b.jpg

Enviado desde mi WAS-LX1A mediante Tapatalk

[Mirek]

Here it's in English: https://cs-cz.facebook.com/pages/category/Sports-Team/Step-Five-Motorsport-1567245393496243/

In other words - Luky will not start with Step Five Motorsport in ERC.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Lukyanuk tested a C3 R5 at the start of January. He might come back to it now that Škoda deal hasnt happened.

[Mirek]

He tested many cars from many teams with different possible programs I believe.

[YerayEcoBoost]

Vojtěch Štajf at the FIA ERC 2019 with Veronika Havelková.

VW Polo GTI R5 of the Racing 21 team

[Jarek Z]

Pierre Louis Loubet whit a program on ERC and WRC2 on a Skoda Fabia R5 from 2C Competion. ERC Azores and Canary Islands.

https://www.facebook.com/notes/2c-competition/pierre-louis-loubet-signe-chez-2c-competition-/2347107361989667/

He is going to compete in European Championship 30 years after his father Yves won it :)
But only two rounds are confirmed:
https://www.fiaerc.com/loubet-confirms-erc-campaign-30-years-after-father-yves-won-european-title/

[Sub_Skoda]

He is going to compete in European Championship 30 years after his father Yves won it :)
But only two rounds are confirmed:
https://www.fiaerc.com/loubet-confirms-erc-campaign-30-years-after-father-yves-won-european-title/

Like last year...

[Mirek]

Filip Mareš will do selected ERC events in Fabia R5 with Czech ASN/Škoda/Michelin backing.

https://scontent.fprg2-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/52480986_833140783689019_5708567279382298624_o.jpg ?_nc_cat=104&_nc_ht=scontent.fprg2-1.fna&oh=dfa76c5a79f9beb484a2fb745599128e&oe=5D27C265
https://scontent.fprg2-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/52548536_833140773689020_870913853167239168_o.jpg? _nc_cat=104&_nc_ht=scontent.fprg2-1.fna&oh=aa808a5dbd75df5e981d8cf10c39773f&oe=5CE669DC

[106 sport]

Filip Mareš will do selected ERC events in Fabia R5 with Czech ASN/Škoda/Michelin backing.

https://scontent.fprg2-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/52480986_833140783689019_5708567279382298624_o.jpg ?_nc_cat=104&_nc_ht=scontent.fprg2-1.fna&oh=dfa76c5a79f9beb484a2fb745599128e&oe=5D27C265
https://scontent.fprg2-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/52548536_833140773689020_870913853167239168_o.jpg? _nc_cat=104&_nc_ht=scontent.fprg2-1.fna&oh=aa808a5dbd75df5e981d8cf10c39773f&oe=5CE669DC

Is he going to compete in Gran Canaria?

[Mirek]

I don't know. No particular events are named on his facebook.

[106 sport]

I don't know. No particular events are named on his facebook.

OK.Thanks.

[Reis Eduardo]

Is he going to compete in Gran Canaria?

No, The first event will be Liepaja

[106 sport]

No, The first event will be Liepaja

ohh it is a pity...

[Jarek Z]

They talk about 4 ERC events here:
https://www.fiaerc.com/czech-federation-continues-support-of-erc-junior-star-mares/

[PLuto]

https://scontent.fprg1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/52599011_1218379288321317_3977279736324816896_o.jp g?_nc_cat=111&_nc_ht=scontent.fprg1-1.fna&oh=6614ab11b8cc6c508736023f926ee92c&oe=5CDD2176

[YerayEcoBoost]

Roman Schwedt y Lina Meter test pre FIA ERC3 Junior.

208 R2 by Romo-Motorsporttechnik https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190225/021087c225c0aa3f2fd6384fb89cb6f0.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190225/c373ecb0205c5414db347124dc9e0809.jpg

Enviado desde mi WAS-LX1A mediante Tapatalk

[Antreas]

Most probably Alexey Lukyanuk with Citroen C3 R5

[Jarek Z]

Vojtěch Štajf at the FIA ERC 2019 with Veronika Havelková.

VW Polo GTI R5 of the Racing 21 team

Judging from this article Stajf isn't going to drive VW Polo, but Skoda Fabia:
https://www.fiaerc.com/stajf-prepares-to-write-latest-chapter-of-diverse-rallying-career-with-erc-return/

[dimviii]

Most probably Alexey Lukyanuk with Citroen C3 R5
??
https://twitter.com/TheSizSilent/status/1100098240085671939

[Sulland]

Still just a few that has signed up, and no one in ERC2.

https://www.fiaerc.com/drivers-teams/

[Mirek]

It's time. Most of them will appear after Acores scrutineering.

[Mirek]

Judging from this article Stajf isn't going to drive VW Polo, but Skoda Fabia:
https://www.fiaerc.com/stajf-prepares-to-write-latest-chapter-of-diverse-rallying-career-with-erc-return/

I think that it's because of gravel suspension and setups which he already has for Fabia. He doesn't need that in CZ.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Most probably Alexey Lukyanuk with Citroen C3 R5

I hope so for added variety. Plus it will be good promo for Citroen to have Lukyanuk choose their R5.

[PLuto]

I think that it's because of gravel suspension and setups which he already has for Fabia. He doesn't need that in CZ.

If he wants to do mixture of Czech championship and ERC, he cannot use one car for both due to the dates and logistics. So ERC for sure in Skoda and Czech we will see as he still doesnt have his own VW.

[Jarek Z]

Guys, would you like to play a game? The goal of the game is to match the driver with the right car and livery ;)
https://www.facebook.com/pg/Saint%C3%A9loc-Racing-213121952054126/posts/?ref=page_internal

[dodge33cymru]

Guys, would you like to play a game? The goal of the game is to match the driver with the right car and livery ;)
https://www.facebook.com/pg/Saint%C3%A9loc-Racing-213121952054126/posts/?ref=page_internal

Interesting, did Lukyanuk announce his plans yet?

[YerayEcoBoost]

Steve Røkland Azores Rally with Fiesta R2T of M-Sport.

Working hard for full season in ERC3 Junior

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[Andre Oliveira]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/D0ZqFeaX4AAwI0n?format=jpg&name=large

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Seems I was right...


Lukyanuk tested a C3 R5 at the start of January. He might come back to it now that Škoda deal hasnt happened.

[Andre Oliveira]

Why not a ERC All Live?

[Jarek Z]

Great to see him back in ERC. I feared his international career was over when he went to DRM with Peugeot.

Now we need someone for him to compete against..

Is this guy good enough? :)
https://www.rallye-sport.fr/lukyanuk-defend-son-titre-en-c3-r5/

[Jarek Z]

How about some heavy metal? :D
https://www.facebook.com/lukyanuk/videos/1150706111798447/

[dimviii]

Luky with michelin.

[stefanvv]

Is this guy good enough? :)
https://www.rallye-sport.fr/lukyanuk-defend-son-titre-en-c3-r5/

He isn't. More than enough.

[Mirek]

Why not a ERC All Live?

Because of economy.

[Andre Oliveira]

I remember good IRC Eurosport old days...

[Fast Eddie WRC]

I remember good IRC Eurosport old days...

Me too. They could at least show some live stages again...

[Mirek]

I remember good IRC Eurosport old days...


Me too. They could at least show some live stages again...

1) There were works teams involved that time.

2) Most of the live TV footage was paid by particular event organizations and local ASNs.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Didnt local TV show some live stages ln Azores and Canarias in recent years ? These could be used.

Plus Eurosport film the rallies anyway but only show highlights. We dont expect 'all live' but some could be...

[Jarek Z]

Didnt local TV show some live stages ln Azores and Canarias in recent years ? These could be used.

Plus Eurosport film the rallies anyway but only show highlights. We dont expect 'all live' but some could be...

Some stages will be broadcasted live this year too:
https://www.fiaerc.com/volcano-racing-erc-style-live-on-tv-and-online/

[Reis Eduardo]

Paulo Nobre confirms Azores Rally

https://www.facebook.com/MotorsportItaliaWRCTeam/posts/2135840336455222?__tn__=K-R

[Mirek]

Plus Eurosport film the rallies anyway but only show highlights. We dont expect 'all live' but some could be...

There is huge difference between filming and broadcasting live.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Some stages will be broadcasted live this year too:
https://www.fiaerc.com/volcano-racing-erc-style-live-on-tv-and-online/

Well done RTP Azores.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

https://www.fiaerc.com/lukyanuk-bids-to-join-illustrious-list-with-erc-title-defence/

[PLuto]

Some stages will be broadcasted live this year too:
https://www.fiaerc.com/volcano-racing-erc-style-live-on-tv-and-online/

There was live broadcast from some Azores stages also last year, but deal for international transmission was made so late, so there was not enough time to promote enough.

[RS]

Is this guy good enough? :)
https://www.rallye-sport.fr/lukyanuk-defend-son-titre-en-c3-r5/

Absolutely! A pleasant surprise and important for ERC that Luky is staying.

Actually against Griebel in a Polo I think this year could be tougher for him than last.

[YerayEcoBoost]

Finally, czech driver Erik Cais starts Azores Rallye and ERC 3 JUNIOR with Fiesta R2T https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190301/a92b473248f46e9771a58f86eef72837.jpg

Enviado desde mi WAS-LX1A mediante Tapatalk

[Rally Power]

Absolutely! A pleasant surprise and important for ERC that Luky is staying.
Actually against Griebel in a Polo I think this year could be tougher for him than last.

Yep, Luky in the C3 is great news! It adds a larger diversity to the ERC and helps Citroen on the car evolution. Fingers crossed!

[RS]

Yep, Luky in the C3 is great news! It adds a larger diversity to the ERC and helps Citroen on the car evolution. Fingers crossed!

Probably with less moaning than Mads too.

So why did Luky stay in ERC? WRC2 too expensive?

[PLuto]

Probably with less moaning than Mads too.

So why did Luky stay in ERC? WRC2 too expensive?

Usually it is mainly about money...

[Fast Eddie WRC]

WRC2/Pro is tougher too. Plus Luky doesnt have the experience of the rallies and its a bit late to start learning.

ERC in a different car is a good challenge.

[PLuto]

It is mainly about money. To do proper WRC2 it is more expensive that ERC. And for Lukas the budget was the biggest problem.

[dimviii]

risky choice for Lukas the c3.
risky because erc has so many different events=many different setups.
Not the same tarmac/gravel you can find at national champonships
lets see how it will work.
cross fingers for them.

[Antreas]

Big problem for M-Sport and Fiesta R5 in ERC...all drivers had changed the Fiesta with other cars
Alexey Lukyanuk->Citroen C3 R5
Naser al atiyah->Volkswagen polo R5
Habaj->Skoda Fabia R5
BRYNILDSEN->Skoda Fabia R5
Ricardo Moura->Skoda Fabia R5

[Jarek Z]

Big problem for M-Sport and Fiesta R5 in ERC...all drivers had changed the Fiesta with other cars

That's true. And it looks similar in many national championships.

[TheFlyingTuga]

Big problem for M-Sport and Fiesta R5 in ERC...all drivers had changed the Fiesta with other cars

M-Sport have a new car on the way. I don't think with all the sales they have made, they be worried. And, even if the car it's still competitive, it's the first and older R5

[Tarmop]

Meanwhile they probably have their hands full of R2 orders.
Last weekend around 20 starts for the Fiesta R5, quite sufficient still, i`d say.

[PLuto]

But you can see that Fiesta R5 is loosing top positions in many countries. And this cars are important for M-Sport for selling the spare parts. So I think it will be big problem, same like brexit. And new Fiesta is coming, but it is one year late according to previous plans. And in same time will be also new Skoda, so very difficult for M-Sport to make at least equal car...

[Zeakiwi2]

But you can see that Fiesta R5 is loosing top positions in many countries. And this cars are important for M-Sport for selling the spare parts. So I think it will be big problem, same like brexit. And new Fiesta is coming, but it is one year late according to previous plans. And in same time will be also new Skoda, so very difficult for M-Sport to make at least equal car...

Do you think slow rich drivers with Skoda R5 or VW R5 will easily beat the fast drivers with the latest Ford R5?

[PLuto]

Do you think slow rich drivers with Skoda R5 or VW R5 will easily beat the fast drivers with the latest Ford R5?

Nobody knows as nobody knows the quality of R5 cars. And there is also question which fast driver will drive the latest Ford R5. But for sure M-Sport has lost a lot of customers during the last 12 months...

[TheFlyingTuga]

Nobody knows as nobody knows the quality of R5 cars. And there is also question which fast driver will drive the latest Ford R5. But for sure M-Sport has lost a lot of customers during the last 12 months...

Yes, it has. Normally people go after what they think it's fast... so Skoda have put a great name for themselves. Anyways, I even heard that the Skoda it's easier to drive than the Fiesta, and not only for one person.

[PLuto]

Yes, it has. Normally people go after what they think it's fast... so Skoda have put a great name for themselves. Anyways, I even heard that the Skoda it's easier to drive than the Fiesta, and not only for one person.

If we talk to the current versions, it is exactly opposite. For most of the drivers Ford is easier to drive. But each of that cars has different philosophy and for some drivers Skoda is better and for others Ford is better. It also depends on driving style. Thats why I am curious what will Luky do with Citroen.

[TheFlyingTuga]

If we talk to the current versions, it is exactly opposite. For most of the drivers Ford is easier to drive. But each of that cars has different philosophy and for some drivers Skoda is better and for others Ford is better. It also depends on driving style. Thats why I am curious what will Luky do with Citroen.

Of course. But portuguese drivers that switched always say that the Fabia it's easier. For me, actually having a run in both of them (not driving unfortunatly), I think the Fiesta it's more forgiving than the Fabia. Fabia have more linear power tho.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

As someone said elsewhere, M-Sport wouldn't swap it's WRC Title successes for anything. A delay to the new Fiesta R5 was a price worth paying.

And if the new car is competitve on the stages and a good price it will sell.

[Mirek]

Jan Talaš with co-driver Ondřej Krajča is said to do ERC with Peugeot 208 R2.

[106 sport]

Jan Talaš with co-driver Ondřej Krajča is said to do ERC with Peugeot 208 R2.

Looks like this year there are a lot of R2´s projects and few R5´s projects...

[YerayEcoBoost]

Russian driver Dmitry Myachin & Alexander Gorlanov ERC 3 in Azores Rally with 208 R2 of Lithuanian Team Thomas Beton Racing

Enviado desde mi WAS-LX1A mediante Tapatalk

[YerayEcoBoost]

Six events for Aloisio Monteiro in FIA ERC 2019 with Fabia R5 of The Racing Factory.

Azores
Islas Canarias
Rome Capitale
Poland
Barum
Hungary

Enviado desde mi WAS-LX1A mediante Tapatalk

[Reis Eduardo]

http://www.go4speed.lv/lv/news/erc/8799-prospeed-komanda-dodas-talaja-cela-uz-pirmajiem-diviem-erc-posmiem-foto/

Sergei Remenņik in the Azores and the Canaries

[YerayEcoBoost]

7 events for Florian Bernardi in ERC3. Starts in Canarias with Clio R3T and Victor Belotto.

Enviado desde mi WAS-LX1A mediante Tapatalk

[Jarek Z]

7 events for Florian Bernardi in ERC3. Starts in Canarias with Clio R3T and Victor Belotto.

Good news. He is a very good driver and can be considered a top favourite to win FWD category (I'm not sure what is it called this year - ERC3?).

More about Florian Bernardi:
https://www.renaultsport.com/a-breakthrough-year-for-florian-bernardi.html
https://www.rallye-sport.fr/florian-bernardi-file-en-europe/

[PLuto]

7 events for Florian Bernardi in ERC3. Starts in Canarias with Clio R3T and Victor Belotto.

https://s3-eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/static.fiaerc.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/53454869_2219975888023768_1180539849422143488_n-800x533.jpg
https://s3-eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/static.fiaerc.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/53599083_2219975821357108_7626371645648666624_n-800x450.jpg
https://s3-eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/static.fiaerc.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/53823457_2219975831357107_949506755342106624_n-800x376.jpg

[Jarek Z]

Wow! He rented a cinema to announce his plans!
https://www.fiaerc.com/bernardi-goes-to-the-movies-to-confirm-renault-powered-erc3-entry/

[Andre Oliveira]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/D1h0Xl6WsAAHayI?format=jpg&name=large

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Bruno Magalhães will drive for the Hyundai Team in the 2019 Portugese Championship.

Will he drive in the ERC in an i20 also ?


No

Yes he will ! ;)

[Andre Oliveira]

Ahah

[RS]

Yes he will ! ;)

But only for Azores I presume?

[YerayEcoBoost]

Erik Cais ERC3 Junior 2019https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190315/df1379252c201c80f52b4ad4a366a899.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190315/3b9cdae1b440f3bf347b9c00e9b480f2.jpg

Enviado desde mi WAS-LX1A mediante Tapatalk

[YerayEcoBoost]

Alex Tsouloftas ERC 2019 Fabia R5 Toksport WRT https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190315/5d4780ff7ea8ab8544365bd0be76b977.jpg

Enviado desde mi WAS-LX1A mediante Tapatalk

[RS]

Great livery!

[Jarek Z]

It's such a freedom for the "painter" when you don't need sponsors on the car ;)

https://s3-eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/static.fiaerc.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/1552545202915_2.jpg

[the sniper]

It's such a freedom for the "painter" when you don't need sponsors on the car ;)

https://s3-eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/static.fiaerc.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/1552545202915_2.jpg

To be fair though, he's had broadly similar attractive liveries in the past with Eni sponsorship, presumably the local Cypriot division. Sadly it looks like he's lost that.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

I didnt hear this before...

"The winner of the FIA ERC1 Junior Championship for young stars in R5 cars, which will be decided on Barum Czech Rally Zlín from 16-18 August, gets 100,000 euros for their participation on the ERC season-closing events in Cyprus and Hungary in an R5 car and with a team they choose. By contesting these two rallies, the ERC1 Junior champion could also be in a position to challenge for the overall ERC title, won in the past by Kajetan Kajetanowicz, Jan Kopecký, Esapekka Lappi and Alexey Lukyanuk. The Cyprus Rally uses all-gravel stages from 27-29 September. The all-asphalt Rally Hungary is from 8-10 November."

[Jarek Z]

From 2019 on Abarth 124 Rally is eligible to score points in ERC2:
https://www.fiaerc.com/enhanced-abarth-124-rally-set-for-erc-action/

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Lukyanuk's 2018 engineer joins Ingram at Toksport:

https://www.fiaerc.com/title-winning-engineer-joins-ingrams-erc-bid/

[YerayEcoBoost]

Tibor Erdi Jr. starts FIA ERC 2019 in the Islas Canarias with Fabia R5https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190327/cb4affb3401e2a975de0576d5c3fdec1.jpg

Enviado desde mi WAS-LX1A mediante Tapatalk

[106 sport]

Tibor Erdi Jr. starts FIA ERC 2019 in the Islas Canarias with Fabia R5https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190327/cb4affb3401e2a975de0576d5c3fdec1.jpg

Enviado desde mi WAS-LX1A mediante Tapatalk

Good news.

[YerayEcoBoost]

Polish team Dariusz Polonski & Lukasz Sitek starts in Canarias the Abarth Rally Cup.


Enviado desde mi WAS-LX1A mediante Tapatalk

[106 sport]

Is David Botka going to drive in the ERC this year?

[YerayEcoBoost]

Is David Botka going to drive in the ERC this year?His plans for this are the Hungarian championship and three ERC events (Barum, Poland, Hungary). Next year I would return full time to the FIA ERC

Enviado desde mi WAS-LX1A mediante Tapatalk

[106 sport]

His plans for this are the Hungarian championship and three ERC events (Barum, Poland, Hungary). Next year I would return full time to the FIA ERC

Enviado desde mi WAS-LX1A mediante Tapatalk

Thanks for the info. It is a pity, he is a spectacular driver.

By the way, Whats about Brynildsen?

[Andre Oliveira]

Hiroki Arai in Liepaja, Poland, Roma and Barum. ERC1 Junior.

http://www.araimotorsport.com/news/images/hirokiarai_release_190403.pdf?fbclid=IwAR2EcjNormG F9vvLL55rkvd2PKsCR0-N1nbg6yKFggUaUk8lKaRPfjA2u3Q