WRC2 Pro & WRC2 2019 [Archive] - Page 2

AnttiL

16th January 2019, 07:42

Kalle was doing some snow testing yesterday. Kristian Sohlberg (Gus Greensmith's coach) comments

This is quite interesting. It was limited to one day testing for WRC Pro per rally. This is full snow test ie for sweden. Does this mean he wount do the monday test in sweden or FIA is not controlling testdays after all?

Maybe I was wrong in this, so it seems according to @JonneHalttunen. What a joke it is. What limited testing?

https://twitter.com/Krisse_Sohlberg/status/1085422545631875073

16th January 2019, 08:43

Kalle’s test was in the Czech Republic and with the new evo Fabia which hasn’t been homologated yet.. so maybe it doesn’t count?

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=oLzcyK-gI9o

Rallyper

16th January 2019, 10:44

https://twitter.com/AnttiL_WRC/status/1085160492929335296

I tweeted the same and Jonne Halttunen liked the tweet, so I take that as a confirmation for my theory :D

Clever solution. Using the system...

Jarek Z

16th January 2019, 19:47

Greensmith and Pieniazek confirmed for M-Sport’s WRC2Pro entry

https://www.m-sport.co.uk/single-post/2019/01/10/M-SPORT-FORD-CONFIRM-GREENSMITH-AND-PIENIAZEK-FOR-WRC-2-PRO

Pieniazek is a surprise. I dont remember him impressing in WRC2. Seems his sponsors money and maybe M-Sport Poland were the key to him getting this chance.

I think both are pay-drivers, both not bad but not what I would call ‘Pro’

Don’t think they’ll give Rovanpera and Kopecky much trouble.

Bit disappointed if those are the only 2 M-Sport drivers for the year. No complaints at either, the more the merrier, but I would have thought the new R5 car would be more important to the company than the WRC one this year, so was really hoping they'd have Tidemand, Camilli or another pro to advertise that car and put it in a good light.

I have just come across an interesting interview with Richard Millener from M-Sport. It's interesting that he says that M-Sport isn't funding any of the WRC2 Pro drivers and they actually hardly know Pieniazek:

Is M-Sport funding the WRC2 Pro drivers?

“We’re not funding anybody this year apart from Elfyn and Teemu, they’re the only two people we are supporting.

“We’ve worked with Gus for quite a while now, coming up through Juniors, but we are doing all we can to help him on as many events as possible. He’s shown that he’s got the ability to get good results, and once somebody has been committed into the WRC like him for that long, we try to help where we can.”

What do you know about the second M-Sport WRC2 driver Lukasz Pienazek?

“We saw him last year in WRC2 and he had some good performances. Getting more experience in the WRC is still going to be the biggest thing that he needs to work on.

“I think it’s his first real time in a big team. We’ve met him a few times, not much more than that. He is a nice guy and seems to fit in well and knows what he wants to achieve.

“Our idea is to help him with everything we can and get some good results.”

Full interview at
https://rallysportmag.com/feature-richard-millener-is-the-new-team-principal-at-m-sport/

deephouse

16th January 2019, 19:52

M-Sport Poland?

Tarmop

16th January 2019, 20:21

Which in the end is M-Sport and all in all has exactly the same budget?

Fast Eddie WRC

17th January 2019, 09:38

Lukyanuk tests Polo R5 but no plans confirmed yet...

https://www.fiaerc.com/erc-champion-lukyanuk-hints-at-polo-r5-run-after-fabia-test/

AL14

17th January 2019, 11:02

Andolfi confirmed wrc2 program with Skoda

Jarek Z

19th January 2019, 11:22

Greensmith and Pieniazek confirmed for M-Sport’s WRC2Pro entry

https://www.m-sport.co.uk/single-post/2019/01/10/M-SPORT-FORD-CONFIRM-GREENSMITH-AND-PIENIAZEK-FOR-WRC-2-PRO

I think both are pay-drivers, both not bad but not what I would call ‘Pro’

It seems the whole idea of WRC2 Pro turns into hidden pay driving. Not only M-Sport, look at Citroen now:

Citroen Racing

''Proud to support our Citroën customers: Mads Østberg & Co-driver Torstein Eriksen will race in WRC2 Pro & behind the wheel of the #C3R5 - from Rally Sweden.''

source:
https://www.facebook.com/citroenracing/

Fast Eddie WRC

19th January 2019, 11:35

Yep, they're really privateers but having their cars run by the works teams.

PLuto

19th January 2019, 11:42

Yep, they're really privateers but having their cars run by the works teams.

No. They are privateers and as competitor is written works team. Thats all... Car can be run (and will be) by privateers...

Essaj

19th January 2019, 11:46

It seems the whole idea of WRC2 Pro turns into hidden pay driving.

Are we really surprised? Not even Skoda is fully funding their driver/drivers since Kalle is doing atleast Monte in a privateer car and they have been hinted to atleast 1 more outing this season with a privateer car.

PLuto

19th January 2019, 11:47

Are we really surprised? Not even Skoda is fully funding their driver/drivers since Kalle is doing atleast Monte in a privateer car and they have been hinted to atleast 1 more outing this season with a privateer car.

I dont know how it was with Monte and Kalle, but we know from the past that sometimes Skoda paid for start of their drivers with private teams (Wevers, Kresta, Garde...).

19th January 2019, 13:50

It seems the whole idea of WRC2 Pro turns into hidden pay driving. Not only M-Sport, look at Citroen now:

Citroen Racing

''Proud to support our Citroën customers: Mads Østberg & Co-driver Torstein Eriksen will race in WRC2 Pro & behind the wheel of the #C3R5 - from Rally Sweden.''

source:
https://www.facebook.com/citroenracing/

Customer or not I think Mads is worthy of being called 'Pro', given his experience.

But yes, the whole thing feeels a bit like a missed opportunity. Perhaps they'll tweak it for next year.

mousti

19th January 2019, 14:04

I dont know how it was with Monte and Kalle, but we know from the past that sometimes Skoda paid for start of their drivers with private teams (Wevers, Kresta, Garde...).

And Kalle will have Skoda Motorsport engineers assisting him in MC for sure.

Fast Eddie WRC

19th January 2019, 15:50

No. They are privateers and as competitor is written works team. Thats all... Car can be run (and will be) by privateers...

So a works team just enters the privateer in WRC2 Pro to 'represent' them.

M-Sport will enter Gus Greensmith but wont run his car ?

I really dont see the point of WRC2 Pro at all.

Essaj

19th January 2019, 15:50

I really dont see the point of WRC2 Pro at all.

No one does.

wwbroe

19th January 2019, 16:14

No one does.

Just to bring some more extra cash to FIA;)

Got Mail

19th January 2019, 16:30

So a works team just enters the privateer in WRC2 Pro to 'represent' them.

M-Sport will enter Gus Greensmith but wont run his car ?

I really dont see the point of WRC2 Pro at all.

MSport will run Gus's car.

They just don't fund it.

stefanvv

19th January 2019, 17:13

Great "soup" by FIA

dodge33cymru

19th January 2019, 17:38

As someone who follows a lot of GT racing, I really don't get why people are upset at drivers bringing funding to works badged drives and 'customer' programmes. The factory supports the privateers who own the cars with drivers, funding and personnel - in turn, the car gets better results and the factory hopes to sell more cars. Pay driving isn't black or white; there are all sorts of levels of it.

Don't get me wrong, I hope WRC2 Pro becomes a proper second division with proper pay drivers and I'm disappointed that M-Sport won't have someone like Breen, Camilli or Evans to showcase the new car (at least on WRC events) from July, but reality is that we're still separating the teams with some works support from the drivers completely paying for their own programmes and I think that's the idea; to give the guys without factory backing something to compete for.

AnttiL

19th January 2019, 20:40

MSport will run Gus's car.

They just don't fund it.

Yes, this is nothing new for M-Sport, even on WRC level.

SubaruNorway

19th January 2019, 20:47

Yes, this is nothing new for M-Sport, even on WRC level.

No offense to him, but i think he's the last guy that needs funding from M-Sport as well

Got Mail

20th January 2019, 13:10

Just thinking that WRC2 Pro entrants are going to have a substantial advantage in Monte Carlo by being able to run their own ice crews.

Although I'm not sure how much 'note sharing' will go on with the privateers....

Essaj

20th January 2019, 13:14

Got Mail

20th January 2019, 14:18

Atleast to my knowledge everyone in Monte is allowed to use ice crew

You are correct.

I am an idiot.

22nd January 2019, 15:56

Skoda Motorsport Monte preview makes no mention that Kalle will drive with a private team. Do we know who will run his car in Sweden?

Perhaps they will continue with this strategy until the new car is ready.

https://www.skoda-storyboard.com/en/press-releases/rallye-monte-carlo-skodas-kalle-rovanpera-heads-31-crews-strong-entry-of-r5-cars/

deephouse

22nd January 2019, 18:55

Still stupid that ''Pro''. And will be in december 2019 too.

24th January 2019, 20:09

Anyone know why Citroen didn’t nominate Bonato for ‘pro’?

He is top R5 now.

mousti

24th January 2019, 20:59

It's weird because I thought he was entered by Citroën in WRC2 pro

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deephouse

24th January 2019, 21:07

That championship is joke. Worthless.. I hope it will be canceled after few rallies.

Essaj

24th January 2019, 21:19

That championship is joke. Worthless.. I hope it will be canceled after few rallies.

Kalle is still in a safe 2nd place in WRC2pro just 12mins behind, but still second. In a "main support" category for a WRC class :spin:

deephouse

24th January 2019, 21:27

Kalle is still in a safe 2nd place in WRC2pro just 12mins behind, but still second. In a "main support" category for a WRC class :spin:

I mean it would be good if it would be really made like a real proper championship. Not that the rules are strange and apparenty everyone could enter it and then Manus take it like pro entry. And lack of entries too.

I said it before. Two entry works team (that mean, M-Sport, Citroen, Hyundai, Skoda and even VW could join). And two entries is meaned by that they must enter each event with both drivers. And then like in top class they could score points for team championship. Rallies could be all 14 rounds. That way it could different from normal WRC2. Now with privateers mixed you don't know what is what and where is where. And you practically don't know that is there because only Kalle will probably be on live.

Just stupid

Myrvold

24th January 2019, 21:30

I had no issues with WRC Trophy being like that, as that class was always meant to be for drivers with more money than talent, that just wanted to drive WRC events with the fastest car they could get their hands on. It would always be like that.

But that WRC2-"Pro" gives you a guaranteed 18 points just for finishing, is idiotic.

Essaj

24th January 2019, 22:10

In a dream case we would have Skoda, Toyota, Hyundai, Msport, Proton and Citroen all with a 2 R5s going for a WRC2pro title with young drivers. Then it would actually make sense. But that's not going to happen in WRC.

If they want to split R5 make it like ERC u28 is in ERC. Everyone fights for the same title under the same rules, but then there is change for youngsters (privateers in WRC case) to fight a trophy for their own.

We have a good number of R5 drivers in the (most of the) events but not that many that we need to split them into Pro's and privateer's.

Is the WRC2pro win really a "accomplishment" for Kalle or Gus in Monte when there is just 2 drivers? well no.
Is the WRC2 win for someone (for example Huttunen, who is not a newbie) in Finland really a win when if there is 6 R5 drivers faster than him in the "pro" category, I would bet, No.
Yes, they maybe a factory drivers or most likely just entried by one but still driving in the equal machines.

AnttiL

25th January 2019, 05:18

Gus also said at the end of SS2 that he's going to up his pace tomorrow...can only ask why he would do it. Just a safe finish and points are in the bag, regardless of what the WRC2 guys do.

Also, we can ask why Kalle took it so fast on the first stage...or did he make a mistake because he was driving 'safe'?

But yeah, ridiculous this is now...

25th January 2019, 09:50

It seems the WRC2 Pro crews get coverage on AllLive, that's good at least.

Got Mail

25th January 2019, 15:53

It must be a long time since the first SKODA was only in 8th position in RC2 on a WRC round.

A really long time...

Barreis

25th January 2019, 16:18

It must be a long time since the first SKODA was only in 8th position in RC2 on a WRC round.

A really long time...

that's only for Monte

Got Mail

25th January 2019, 18:04

that's only for Monte

SKODA finished 1st, 2nd and 3rd last tear.

Rally Power

25th January 2019, 18:26

If they want to split R5 make it like ERC u28 is in ERC. Everyone fights for the same title under the same rules, but then there is change for youngsters (privateers in WRC case) to fight a trophy for their own.

I’ve been saying it since day 1: there was no real need for a split in WRC2. The FIA could easily run a Private Cup inside the WRC2 calendar, with only 5 or 6 European rallys. Besides they should also get back to mandatory events, just like in JWRC, in order to have the main competitors runing the same events.

AnttiL

25th January 2019, 19:45

Jarek Z

25th January 2019, 20:49

As if WRC2 and WRC2Pro weren't complicated enough...now the WRCPlus review shows the results in a combined list, which has no relation to the points that would be awarded for such results

I don't even understand who is in WRC2 Pro, normal WRC2 and completely outside of WRC2. Judging from https://rally-base.com/2019/rallye-monte-carlo-2019/?ssId=5115&cupId=302&ssGroupId=1 Bonato should be in WRC2 Pro?

AnttiL

25th January 2019, 20:53

I don't even understand who is in WRC2 Pro, normal WRC2 and completely outside of WRC2. Judging from https://rally-base.com/2019/rallye-monte-carlo-2019/?ssId=5115&cupId=302&ssGroupId=1 Bonato should be in WRC2 Pro?

Bonato was originally entered for WRC2Pro but changed at the last minute to WRC2

deephouse

26th January 2019, 08:05

They are newbies in this whole thing. Just give them time I'm sure they will ruin even more.

26th January 2019, 08:09

As if WRC2 and WRC2Pro weren't complicated enough...now the WRCPlus review shows the results in a combined list, which has no relation to the points that would be awarded for such results

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DxyF3a9XcAAuN5m.jpg

Maybe they were embarassed by the two car leaderboard separated by twelve minutes?

WRC2/Pro footage on the daily highlights programme was still apalling :(

AnttiL

26th January 2019, 17:25

Myrvold

26th January 2019, 18:40

Rally Power

26th January 2019, 19:01

If the rally ended in the current result, de Mevius would be the fastest WRC2 car, but slower than Greensmith, the fastest WRC2Pro car. Would de Mevius get 25 or 18 points? The way I have understood the rules, Rovanperä would get 18 WRC2Pro points and de Mevius 25 WRC2 points, but I have just started to question myself with everyone listing the results together and Greensmith keeping with high speed throughout the rally...

I believe Bonato is still leading WRC2, despite the puncture, and both winners get max points, as WRC2 and WRC2 Pro are separate series. The combined WRC2 classification is not official and was probably made up to avoid humiliations, like RS suggested. It only makes sense to gather all R5 crews under the RC2 classification, which must also include N4 cars (although there’s none in MC).

Btw, the confussion is so big that even on Greensmith FB page there’s a WRC2 top 10 chart including non WRC2 R5 drivers, like Sarrazin, Katsuta and Burri…

https://scontent.fopo1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/51031561_2149569165086123_6919261484304302080_n.jp g?_nc_cat=111&_nc_ht=scontent.fopo1-1.fna&oh=c013b2a884a9b5c2d78f15af0274effd&oe=5CBEC43D

Barreis

26th January 2019, 19:42

expected more from Katsuta

dimviii

26th January 2019, 19:52

I didnt expect more to be honest.
too many rallies,no budget problems,no progress.

Myrvold

26th January 2019, 19:55

I did too, but he is the 2nd Pirelli-driver, only Sarrazin ahead and it is his first ever Monte Carlo. Actually I think it is his first ever rally in such conditions. He hasn't done any kind of snowy/icy tarmac rallies before. So while it looks a tad disappointing at first sight, it is better than you get the impression of.

AnttiL

26th January 2019, 20:22

I believe Bonato is still leading WRC2, despite the puncture

Yeah, looked at the stage results and not overall results. Facepalm. But my point translated through anyway. I just don't see why Greensmith has risked so much trying to be the fastest R5 car when he's only against Rovanperä...

Morte66

26th January 2019, 22:29

I just don't see why Greensmith has risked so much trying to be the fastest R5 car when he's only against Rovanperä...

In one of the end of stage interviews, they asked Greensmith why he was pushing when he had the huge lead on Rovanpera in WRC2-Pro. He said something like "I can't just rely on that, I need to drive faster than him to be the real winner".

Judging by what he said in other interview comments, he obviously sees himself as competing with the WRC2-Regular entrants as well.

So, I guess he wants a "moral" victory as well as a technical victory.

dodge33cymru

26th January 2019, 23:46

Good lad, knowing that he'll be judged on pace, not the farce this championship is becoming. Seeing as the top 3 RC2 drivers are all in different 'classes', he must know we're interested in RC2 more than WRC2 Pro.

Morte66

27th January 2019, 08:15

In one of the end of stage interviews, they asked Greensmith why he was pushing when he had the huge lead on Rovanpera in WRC2-Pro. He said something like "I can't just rely on that, I need to drive faster than him to be the real winner".

Judging by what he said in other interview comments, he obviously sees himself as competing with the WRC2-Regular entrants as well.

So, I guess he wants a "moral" victory as well as a technical victory.

...and this morning he has changed his tune. Talking about taking no risks, getting the car home, not doing anything silly to lose the big lead, and so on.

I guess somebody had a word with him last night.

This rally is the first time I've seen him drive or talk, before he was just a name on the timings. I think I like this Greensmith well enough.

Munkvy

27th January 2019, 08:16

Fast Eddie WRC

27th January 2019, 11:26

@richmillener (M-Sport)

Incredible result and fully deserved. Great to show the Fiesta R5 has still got it.

First ever WRC2 Pro victory, ever, one that will forever last in the history books... Same again in Sweden lads...

@GreensmithGus @EAERallying @MSportLtd @OfficialWRC @FordPerformance

dodge33cymru

27th January 2019, 11:54

27th January 2019, 12:02

Yep, Greensmith did a great job here but the competition in Sweden will be much tougher.

Morte66

27th January 2019, 13:26

Well, I suppose Greensmith might now be called the top English (rather than British) driver, since Meeke and Evans are not English.

Not sure if that really means anything, but...

Fast Eddie WRC

27th January 2019, 13:43

Well, I suppose Greensmith might now be called the top English (rather than British) driver, since Meeke and Evans are not English.

Not sure if that really means anything, but...

No that's a fair point, we English have national pride too.

It would be great if GG can make it to the full WRC. We might get a higher profile for rally in the UK.

tommeke_B

27th January 2019, 13:50

We might get a higher profile for rally in the UK.

No you won't.

Jarek Z

27th January 2019, 17:12

Guillaume de Mevius' crash that ended his rally on SS14:
https://www.facebook.com/paulfraikinchampions/videos/vb.1728056220778313/611624309274670/?type=2&theater

Jarek Z

27th January 2019, 17:18

Actually I think it is his first ever rally in such conditions. He hasn't done any kind of snowy/icy tarmac rallies before. So while it looks a tad disappointing at first sight, it is better than you get the impression of.

It wasn't Katsuta's first rally on snow. He drives Rally Sweden, Arctic Lapland Rally and many events in Finland every year.

Have a look:
https://www.ewrc-results.com/image/339685/
https://www.ewrc-results.com/image/394250/
https://www.ewrc-results.com/image/394481/
https://www.ewrc-results.com/image/273465/

SubaruNorway

27th January 2019, 17:27

That's a completely different thing though

Myrvold

27th January 2019, 17:46

It wasn't Katsuta's first rally on snow. He drives Rally Sweden, Arctic Lapland Rally and many events in Finland every year.

Have a look:

"Snowy/icy tarmac rallies".

He has done snow rallies with proper snow tyres, he has done tarmac rallies. He have never done a rally where you use the Monte-style studded tyres, or any rally where you can go from dry tarmac to snow in 1km on the same stage.

Mirek

27th January 2019, 18:13

"Snowy/icy tarmac rallies".

He has done snow rallies with proper snow tyres, he has done tarmac rallies. He have never done a rally where you use the Monte-style studded tyres, or any rally where you can go from dry tarmac to snow in 1km on the same stage.

That amateur guy 3 minutes infront of him (Fourmaux) neither. He even did only his second 4WD rally ever (before he did only two national seasons with R2).

Katsuta's performance was poor for a guy who is supposed to drive a WRC car in a works team. That's simply a fact.

Essaj

27th January 2019, 18:45

That amateur guy 3 minutes infront of him (Fourmaux) neither. He even did only his second 4WD rally ever (before he did only two national seasons with R2).

I had never heard of him before, but he was super impressive. Maybe we're lucky his first name is Adrien and not Sebastien ;)

But I do agree that Katsuta was not really impressive, but neither were Veiby, well until today and he even has previous experience from Monte.

tommeke_B

27th January 2019, 18:51

The outcome could be similar... He's a "product" from the FFSA, will do a complete WRC2 program. The way he won the French junior championship last year was more than impressive. This was his second rally with the Fiesta R5, first 4WD car he ever drove in competition. Also Monte was his first rally with his new codriver (Renaud Jamoul). There's been a lot of talking about his sudden codriver switch, especially given that it's the French federation supporting a team with a Belgian codriver...

Sulland

27th January 2019, 18:52

Why just one car i 2Pro from Citroen. They need data on loose from more than Mads to develop.
Is the plan to keep only one car, or will we see 2 after Sweden?

Essaj

27th January 2019, 18:55

Also I'm super hyped for WRC2/pro for Sweden - I mean just look at that entry list!

This weekend Kristoffersson won swedish championship round, Emil Lindholm won in Finland, Nikolay Gryazin won the Finnskog by almost 7minutes and all of them will be driving in Sweden.
Then we have Rally Finland winner Pietarinen doing his 2nd WRC2 outing, Huttunen is back with Skoda, Ostberg in a C3, Kalle debuting there, Veiby who is always fast on snow, Katsuta who won last year etc.

Sweden is going to be a good one!

Essaj

27th January 2019, 19:00

Why just one car i 2Pro from Citroen. They need data on loose from more than Mads to develop.
Is the plan to keep only one car, or will we see 2 after Sweden?

Who knows, Bonato was first supposed (well atleast some entry lists had him as "pro") to do pro entry in Monte but last minute changed it to just regular WRC2.

But there is 2nd C3 in Sweden driven by Tamara Molinaro, guess they could get her data if needed :D

Mirek

27th January 2019, 19:49

Why just one car i 2Pro from Citroen. They need data on loose from more than Mads to develop.
Is the plan to keep only one car, or will we see 2 after Sweden?

If someone pays for that they can sure field more cars...

Rally Power

27th January 2019, 19:56

Superb performance indeed, but Sweden's competition will take it up another level for Gus - I didn't expect him to beat Sarrazin and Bonato for pace though, so fair play, he couldn't do more than that.

Actually Bonato was faster than Greensmith until SS8, when Gus took RC2 lead. They continue on a close fight untill the French got his puncture in SS12. Anyway, great job from Greensmith; in previous years he proved to be fast, now let’s hope he’ll manage to keep consistency after MC.

Btw, everybody has now checked Fourmaux eWRC profile and realized his achievement on this rally. It’s too early to say if he’ll be successful as Loeb and Ogier successor or if he’ll be another wasted French talent (like so many after Ogier), but it’s great to see that it’s still possible to show a huge talent on a WRC event without being a wonder teen or spend endless seasons to get noticed.

PS: it’d also be fair to mention De Mevius rally; he was doing surprisingly well (P10, ahead of Fourmaux) until today’s off. Better luck next time (Corsica?).

tc10a

27th January 2019, 20:09

Jarek Z

27th January 2019, 20:18

I had never heard of him before, but he was super impressive. Maybe we're lucky his first name is Adrien and not Sebastien ;)

Somebody please verify if Fourmaux's second name isn't Sebastien :D

dodge33cymru

27th January 2019, 20:54

Also young Nicolas Ciamin in the VW Polo GTI R5 was very impressive:

Especially on the Sunday leg - fastest R5 by far:
https://www.ewrc-results.com/leg/52398-rallye-automobile-de-monte-carlo-2019/?leg=4&ct=1018

serveral problems prevented a top result overall

He seemed to have hazard lights on every time he came past me...

Sweden WRC2 list looks great already, potential for some other really competitive ones in Portugal, Corsica, Finland etc.

28th January 2019, 09:22

Essaj

28th January 2019, 12:52

Definitely! Although only three of those in ‘pro’..

Yep... Fk that class, I will follow only R2 results :D

mousti

28th January 2019, 13:16

Seems Bonato wasn't WRC2 Pro because his main sponsor is Igol and that's conflicting for Total..

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28th January 2019, 18:29

It may also be the case for some drivers with money that they would be best off staying in WRC2 un-pro as they may have a better chance of winning that than facing up against Rovanpera and Ostberg.

Got Mail

28th January 2019, 21:54

pantealex

29th January 2019, 08:13

This will be a Rovenpera v Gryazin battle.

No.

AnttiL

29th January 2019, 08:20

SubaruNorway

29th January 2019, 09:47

Is it true that nobody has driven the C3 R5 on snow?

sindroms

29th January 2019, 09:50

I have all faith in Kalle. He hasn't done Rally Sweden before, but a lot of snow rallying. He was also unbeatable from the get-go in Finland although he hadn't competed on Mid-Finnish roads before. Østberg will be one to beat, but I have doubts in the C3 R5 snow setup and realiability. Other WRC2 contenders will be quick, but not on the same level.

I am very interested in Gryazin possible performance there. He will come there with tremendous mileage on snow this year - Sigdalsrally, Rally Finnskog, Rally Sarma and a lot of tests (no doubt about it). It's time for him to show what for his father has spent all this amount of money. He is quick and Sweden R5 line-up will be real benchmark for him.
Btw I suspect Gryazin could be rally driver which in rallies and tests in 2018 have done more km's than any other rally driver in the world. If my memory serves me well his co-driver in Instagram said something about ~7700 km's... But of course it needs to be checked.

Rallyper

29th January 2019, 09:53

Anyone for Emil B... :) :)

Seriously, it´s a pity he hasn´t done any winterrallies this season. His testing I don´t know. But should be able to push for a top 5 in Rally Sweden.

More news about him? Anyone?

AnttiL

29th January 2019, 10:19

I am very interested in Gryazin possible performance there. He will come there with tremendous mileage on snow this year - Sigdalsrally, Rally Finnskog, Rally Sarma and a lot of tests (no doubt about it). It's time for him to show what for his father has spent all this amount of money. He is quick and Sweden R5 line-up will be real benchmark for him.
Btw I suspect Gryazin could be rally driver which in rallies and tests in 2018 have done more km's than any other rally driver in the world. If my memory serves me well his co-driver in Instagram said something about ~7700 km's... But of course it needs to be checked.

Yes, huge potential, but it's also his first WRC2 rally.

Fast Eddie WRC

29th January 2019, 12:08

What are the chances of Pieniazek ... slim to none ?

PLuto

29th January 2019, 13:14

Yes, huge potential, but it's also his first WRC2 rally.

This means nothing...

AnttiL

29th January 2019, 13:24

This means nothing...

What I mean is that the level of competition is higher than where he usually drives and the rally is also longer than what he's used to. And he'll now be around 15-20th car on the road. Well, in Finland the small class cars started first anyway...

Got Mail

29th January 2019, 13:47

What I mean is that the level of competition is higher than where he usually drives and the rally is also longer than what he's used to. And he'll now be around 15-20th car on the road. Well, in Finland the small class cars started first anyway...

Road position may well go against him.

However, he isn't contracted on tyres so is free to chose whatever he wants.

He's also won 8 out of the last 11 rallies he's entered - there is nobody anywhere that is on that kind of form.

Rallyper

29th January 2019, 13:53

Yes Gryazin will be hard to beat.

Also, what can Kristoffersson do. He has loads of training Before RS.

AnttiL

29th January 2019, 13:54

Road position may well go against him.

However, he isn't contracted on tyres so is free to chose whatever he wants.

He's also won 8 out of the last 11 rallies he's entered - there is nobody anywhere that is on that kind of form.

Kopecky won last year Czech championship rallies and all his WRC2 starts except Catalunya.

Eerik Pietarinen won overall or his class last year in 6/11 of his starts, including Rally Estonia and Rally Finland. And in 2017 he won his class in everything he started in Finland (although all but one start were with Group N) with one technical retirement.

But still, I like Gryazin and I think he's very talented. I'm just not expecting too much yet.

pantealex

29th January 2019, 13:57

However, he isn't contracted on tyres so is free to chose whatever he wants.

No he can´t. WRC2 must use nominated tyre models and amounts are given, so only thing they choose is Michelin or Pirelli.
And in which order they use their tyres but every WRC2 driver has same amount of snow and ice tyres.

pantealex

29th January 2019, 14:02

Anyone for Emil B... :) :)

But should be able to push for a top 5 in Rally Sweden.

There are now 18 entries in WRC2 for Sweden. Emil B is not Top5 of those.

Faster than Emil B:
VW: Kristoffersson, Lindholm, Veiby
Skoda: Brynildsen (yes, he is WRC2 now), Flodin, Gryazin, Henning, Huttunen

I hope he can beat Takamoto ;)

Got Mail

29th January 2019, 14:19

No he can´t. WRC2 must use nominated tyre models and amounts are given, so only thing they choose is Michelin or Pirelli.
And in which order they use their tyres but every WRC2 driver has same amount of snow and ice tyres.

Yes - I meant he could choose Pirelli over Michelin if that is still regarded as the superior snow tyre - not a totally free choice.

Apologies.

Mirek

29th January 2019, 14:28

Kopecky won last year Czech championship rallies and all his WRC2 starts except Catalunya.

Kopecký won 11 rallies in a row on WRC2, ERC and national level combined including both of his gravel starts on Sardegna and Turkey. In fact everything between Catalunya 2017 (2nd after a puncture) and Catalunya 2018 (2nd after a wrong tyre choice). He started this year on a winning mood again despite only in a show event. He won GP Ice Race in Zell am See ahead of Romain Dumas in works Polo R5. But he is also 37 today...

Gryazin is very good especially on loose but he never competed in WRC2 which still makes a difference. Also he's much less impressive on asphalt.

Got Mail

29th January 2019, 14:47

Kopecký won 11 rallies in a row on WRC2, ERC and national level combined including both of his gravel starts on Sardegna and Turkey. In fact everything between Catalunya 2017 (2nd after a puncture) and Catalunya 2018 (2nd after a wrong tyre choice). He started this year on a winning mood again despite only in a show event. He won GP Ice Race in Zell am See ahead of Romain Dumas in works Polo R5.

Gryazin is very good especially on loose but he never competed in WRC2 which still makes a difference. Also he's much less impressive on asphalt.

Didn't think he did too badly on Barum and the Canaries last year.

Rallyper

29th January 2019, 14:48

Kopecký won 11 rallies in a row on WRC2, ERC and national level combined including both of his gravel starts on Sardegna and Turkey. In fact everything between Catalunya 2017 (2nd after a puncture) and Catalunya 2018 (2nd after a wrong tyre choice). He started this year on a winning mood again despite only in a show event. He won GP Ice Race in Zell am See ahead of Romain Dumas in works Polo R5. But he is also 37 today...

Gryazin is very good especially on loose but he never competed in WRC2 which still makes a difference. Also he's much less impressive on asphalt.

I thought we just talked about Rally sweden atm… ;)

Rallyper

29th January 2019, 14:49

There are now 18 entries in WRC2 for Sweden. Emil B is not Top5 of those.

Faster than Emil B:
VW: Kristoffersson, Lindholm, Veiby
Skoda: Brynildsen (yes, he is WRC2 now), Flodin, Gryazin, Henning, Huttunen

I hope he can beat Takamoto ;)

I should say only Three VW guys and Gryazin plus possibly Henning is faster. Let´s see. Finish in Rally sweden is what Counts...

Mirek

29th January 2019, 14:52

I thought we just talked about Rally sweden atm… ;)

Not doing too badly and winning are two different things. Gryazin has done plenty of asphalt events yet he rarely wins even on national level, I think he won only Rajd Rzeszowski last year in Poland out of six or so asphalt events. For sure he's getting better but there is still a way to go despite incredibly huge number of events he's been doing.

Rallyper

29th January 2019, 14:55

Not doing too badly and winning are two different things. Gryazin has done plenty of asphalt events yet he rarely wins even on national level, I think he won only Rajd Rzeszowski last year in Poland out of six or so asphalt events. For sure he's getting better but there is still a way to go despite incredibly huge number of events he's been doing.

For sure Rally Sweden will be exciting in WRC2.

Jarek Z

29th January 2019, 15:35

What are the chances of Pieniazek ... slim to none ?

Yes.

pantealex

29th January 2019, 18:45

I should say only Three VW guys and Gryazin plus possibly Henning is faster. Let´s see. Finish in Rally sweden is what Counts...

Bet is 1 beer. (en öl, yksi kalja)

Huttunen is faster than Emil B.

Rallyper

30th January 2019, 08:23

Bet is 1 beer. (en öl, yksi kalja)

Huttunen is faster than Emil B.

Bet is on, my friend. Will be exchanged in Jyväskylä this summer... :)

dimviii

30th January 2019, 08:28

eWRC-results
‏
3 days of testing with @MSportLtd @FordPerformance Fiesta R5 to @pieniazekrally with @MM_Motorsport before @RallySweden

https://twitter.com/eWRCresults/status/1090533130757378049

Allez Andruet

30th January 2019, 09:26

Bet is on, my friend. Will be exchanged in Jyväskylä this summer... :)

And remember, folköl doesn't count as beer ;)

BigWorm

30th January 2019, 11:59

What are the chances of Pieniazek ... slim to none ?

I guess he will not be so fast compared to the snow specialists, but if he finishes he will be at least top 5 ;)

Entertainer

30th January 2019, 12:19

I guess he will not be so fast compared to the snow specialists, but if he finishes he will be at least top 5 ;)

I assume he has become MUCH better on snow, compared to a year ago, given your guesses? Because last years Rally Sweden he wasn't even CLOSE to top 5, and this year the field is even quicker.. .

My guess for Top 5 WRC2 Rally Sweden:
- Veiby, Gryazin, Kristoffersson, E Lindholm, Henning Solberg

My guess for Top 5 R5-cars overall Rally Sweden:
- Östberg, Rovanperä, Pietarinen, Kristoffersson, Veiby

Mirek

30th January 2019, 12:54

I assume he has become MUCH better on snow, compared to a year ago, given your guesses? Because last years Rally Sweden he wasn't even CLOSE to top 5, and this year the field is even quicker.. .

My guess for Top 5 WRC2 Rally Sweden:
- Veiby, Gryazin, Kristoffersson, E Lindholm, Henning Solberg

My guess for Top 5 R5-cars overall Rally Sweden:
- Östberg, Rovanperä, Pietarinen, Kristoffersson, Veiby

Gryazin was way faster than Veiby on Veiby's home soil in Sigdasrally. You must be very optimistic to place Gryazin behind Veiby.

Also Your two lines contradict each other (Kristoffersson vs. Veiby).

AMSS

30th January 2019, 13:22

Just as a side note. There was a significant difference in choise of tires at Sigdalsrally, OC used tires with 7mm protrusion (both Michelin and Pirelli) as rally Sweden test (7mm will be used there by both tire manufactorers) whereas Gryazin was on 8mm only, in the right conditions on the first loop this can easily mean 1s/k difference. On the other hand on the second loop 7mm can be an advantage (OC had 1 fastest stage time on the second loop)

SubaruNorway

30th January 2019, 13:37

Veiby had a spin and hit a tree loosing 45 sek on one stage, so in total driving time it was around 20 sek behind Gryazin over 52min of driving, i think they will be close now that Veiby got the setup sorted

Entertainer

30th January 2019, 13:39

Gryazin was way faster than Veiby on Veiby's home soil in Sigdasrally. You must be very optimistic to place Gryazin behind Veiby.

Also Your two lines contradict each other (Kristoffersson vs. Veiby).

It was a GENERAL top 5, not in order.

BigWorm

30th January 2019, 16:09

I assume he has become MUCH better on snow, compared to a year ago, given your guesses? Because last years Rally Sweden he wasn't even CLOSE to top 5, and this year the field is even quicker.. .

My guess for Top 5 WRC2 Rally Sweden:
- Veiby, Gryazin, Kristoffersson, E Lindholm, Henning Solberg

My guess for Top 5 R5-cars overall Rally Sweden:
- Östberg, Rovanperä, Pietarinen, Kristoffersson, Veiby

Top 5 in WRC-2 pro (there are only 5 cars entered) but I guess that flew over.

Rallyper

30th January 2019, 16:24

RS 2019 WRC2+WRC2P

1 Ostberg 2 Rovanperä 3 Flodin 4 Kristoffersson 5 Bergkvist

Fast Eddie WRC

30th January 2019, 18:29

Top 5 in WRC-2 pro (there are only 5 cars entered) but I guess that flew over.

:D

Sulland

30th January 2019, 19:18

Could be a nice to start a pickems for WRC2.
Many times it`s much harder to predict WRC2 than WRC1!

Entertainer

30th January 2019, 23:26

Top 5 in WRC-2 pro (there are only 5 cars entered) but I guess that flew over.

Huh? Nope, I wrote Top 5 in WRC-2, NOT WRC-2Pro? What flew over? The whole point was that I believe Pieniazek will fall outside of top5 no matter which category or "competition" we speak of. (Except of course WRC2 Pro where there is only 5 cars yes...)

5 cars entered in WRC2-pro, and according to EWRC-results 15+ cars in "regular" WRC-2-category and some R5-cars outside WRC-point-eligibility altogether (Brynildsen f.ex.). That was what I indicated and made a quick top5 out of...maybe that flew over?

Essaj

30th January 2019, 23:43

Not one Fiesta driver will be in top-5 in RC2 and not because of the car, because there is way faster drivers in others.

Ross99

31st January 2019, 11:38

Apparently Brynildsen is registered in WRC2 now.

Fast Eddie WRC

1st February 2019, 11:53

Pieniazek:
Testing, analysing, improving... non-stop for three days! #wrc #rallysweden https://t.co/r0NK0x5hID

Fast Eddie WRC

1st February 2019, 17:54

Østberg on the C3 R5:
Had a mini-shakedown yesterday. The car has great potential, but it's no secret that we have big job ahead of us. We'll try to get max out of the car for now, but changes need to be done in the long run that we won’t be able to do in just a few weeks time #workhard #WRC2 #vgtv https://t.co/Z9RNUcClnw

Got Mail

1st February 2019, 22:05

N.O.T

1st February 2019, 22:49

Translates as " it's a big bag of shit"

i think its more like...

"My career is long over but i have to justify the bill of the car for the whole season to daddy at the age of 30"

Rally Power

1st February 2019, 23:54

Nil Solans confirmed WRC2 program: Corsica, Portugal, Italy, Turkey, Germany, Spain. He can also try to run GB. He’ll use again a Fiesta, serviced by MSport.

2nd February 2019, 09:28

Rallyper

2nd February 2019, 12:50

Couldn´t it just be that he´s a professional who, unlike you guys who never ever have driven a rallycar, have the feeling for how his new rallycar should perform?

TWRC

2nd February 2019, 13:35

He's not doing too bad with it, after SS3 he's in a 3 way fight for the lead with Brynildsen (Fabia) and Veiby (Polo).

Fast Eddie WRC

2nd February 2019, 15:40

@MadsOstberg

Ending the day with a stage win and 2nd overall. Result wise happy, considering our start position. Feeling uncomfortable in the car. We have a lot of work to do if we want to be competitive in @RallySweden 2 weeks feels like a very short time now. #RallyHadeland #fightingviking

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DyaU_5WWsAEFuuo.jpg

Rallyper

2nd February 2019, 15:41

henning first on the stage, Mads second. Handicap for them to Brynhildsen going around 10 th.

SubaruNorway

2nd February 2019, 15:50

No point in looking at the results from this rally, got so bored i left after one stage that took nearly 2hours to run 63 cars....
Police running 0 car went off and delayed SS2 by more than 1 hour so lots of snow on the road since they plowed 3 hours earlier.
Mads had the softest springs and dampers but it was still too hard and all international classes are using the wide tyre from this year.

2nd February 2019, 15:52

Couldn´t it just be that he´s a professional who, unlike you guys who never ever have driven a rallycar, have the feeling for how his new rallycar should perform?

Could be, but forum experts also told us there was nothing wrong with the C3 R5 and that it was just Lefebvre letting it down last year.

Perhaps I shouldn't be so mean to Mads, he wasn't so moany after Citroen gave him a redemption last year and he did a solid job for them. But on the other hand, shouldn't we expect an experienced WRC driver to be dominating in WRC2, unless the car is really that terrible?

Tarmop

2nd February 2019, 15:56

No, we should not, because WRC2 top level is often faster than WRC mediums. Question is the end result, where experience comes into play.

Rallyper

2nd February 2019, 16:17

Mads had the softest springs and dampers but it was still to hard and all international classes are using the wide tyre from this year.

Guess this says a lot. Suspension matters for handling. Let´s hope for a good result in Rally Sweden.

TWRC

2nd February 2019, 16:43

No point in looking at the results from this rally, got so bored i left after one stage that took nearly 3 hours to run 63 cars....
Police running 0 car went off and delayed SS2 by more than 1 hour so lots of snow on the road since they plowed 3 hours earlier.
Mads had the softest springs and dampers but it was still too hard and all international classes are using the wide tyre from this year.
Wasn't this the problem with the WRC last year as well when he first tested it on snow? I remember him developing a completely different setup that worked pretty well afterwards during the rally.

Rally Power

2nd February 2019, 17:38

Could be, but forum experts also told us there was nothing wrong with the C3 R5 and that it was just Lefebvre letting it down last year.
Perhaps I shouldn't be so mean to Mads, he wasn't so moany after Citroen gave him a redemption last year and he did a solid job for them. But on the other hand, shouldn't we expect an experienced WRC driver to be dominating in WRC2, unless the car is really that terrible?

After seeing Toyota being ridicularized even before start competing and Citroen asked to leave the WRC while living a troubled time, aparently the only expertise required on this forum to judge rally teams and the cars they make is to have a cynical mind and to know the meaning of the word crap.

The C3 R5 has already proved to be a winner on tarmac and to have a strong potencial on gravel, which can certainly be confirmed by experienced drivers like Ostberg. For the first time it was used in the snow and despite Ostberg remarks the overall result (and SS’s times) seems encouraging. Fingers crossed for Ostberg/Eriksen and DG Sport!

Fast Eddie WRC

4th February 2019, 18:46

After seeing Toyota being ridicularized even before start competing and Citroen asked to leave the WRC while living a troubled time, aparently the only expertise required on this forum to judge rally teams and the cars they make is to have a cynical mind and to know the meaning of the word crap.

The C3 R5 has already proved to be a winner on tarmac and to have a strong potencial on gravel, which can certainly be confirmed by experienced drivers like Ostberg. For the first time it was used in the snow and despite Ostberg remarks the overall result (and SS’s times) seems encouraging. Fingers crossed for Ostberg/Eriksen and DG Sport!

Well said.

dimviii

7th February 2019, 18:35

Eerik Pietarinen moves up to the next level

https://mailchi.mp/6dfd2bccf26c/eerik-pietarinen-moves-up-to-the-next-level

pantealex

7th February 2019, 19:02

Pietarinen with Pirelli
Rovanperä with Michelin
Official Skoda drivers have winning tyres :)

dimviii

7th February 2019, 20:00

Pietarinen with Pirelli
Rovanperä with Michelin
Official Skoda drivers have winning tyres :)

is it prooven that michelin are better?

Sulland

7th February 2019, 23:24

No, depends on snowconditions and temperature, and personal preference. Different sides of each brand are best.

steve.mandzij

8th February 2019, 03:10

No, depends on snowconditions and temperature, and personal preference. Different sides of each brand are best.Katsuta took the win last year in large part thanks to his tires.

AMSS

8th February 2019, 06:53

Katsuta took the win last year in large part thanks to his tires.

But Michelin have new tires this year for WRC 2.. And since Rovanperä is on Michelin and Pietarinen on Pirelli it`s 100% sure that Official Skoda drivers (they`re both WRC 2 Pro) are on winning tires as there are only these two tire brands available :)

Fast Eddie WRC

8th February 2019, 11:28

Østberg still doing lots of testing:
Working flat out from early morning to late night! The fighting viking is on a mission. Take a ride with me and @TorsteinEriksen through the dark Finnish forest. Great onboard footage of the @CitroenRacing #C3R5 @OfficialWRC https://t.co/2oGojhAYkf

Mirek

8th February 2019, 11:36

According to Hrabánek only Rovanperä will do full program with Škoda. Other drivers including Kopecký will have only occasional starts.

Jarek Z

8th February 2019, 13:33

New livery for Gryazin's car:
https://www.fiaerc.com/new-rally-refreshed-livery-same-talented-driver-erc-junior-champion-gryazin-ready-for-world-bid/

Rallyper

8th February 2019, 14:16

Fast Eddie WRC

11th February 2019, 18:34

WRC2's test in Sweden
https://youtu.be/wWKGJjSkHjM

Sulland

11th February 2019, 21:13

Will be interessting to see Gryazin in Sweden, he is in a good zone!

Fast Eddie WRC

12th February 2019, 20:54

Mads Østberg
‏
We had a good 3 day development test last week. We took some important steps in the right direction and I'm happy with our progress, but we still have a way to go. Thanks to my highly motivated team. I'm looking forward to seeing you in the @RallySweden service park #team

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DzJ-Jx2X4AAc16-.jpg

mousti

12th February 2019, 21:03

Livery for Mads Ostberg.https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190212/c3840459cd6fe186cb2e6e2e5859fc20.jpg

Verstuurd vanaf mijn ONEPLUS A6013 met Tapatalk

Fast Eddie WRC

13th February 2019, 18:11

@GusGreensmith after #RallySweden recce
“The stages are in mixed conditions, some great, some not so due to the plus temperatures. Either way, I feel in top form & I will try to use the momentum from our Rnd 1 ‘Monte’ win”.

#MSport #FordPerformance #WRC2Pro https://t.co/iKpZ28qiMW

Rallyper

14th February 2019, 10:58

Kristoffersson doing well. And many finns.
Difference from slower guys is that these have competedalmost every weeken... nah, but many many more K´s in rallycar last weeks, months...

Fast Eddie WRC

14th February 2019, 14:57

Mads
"Shakedown was good for us. We are not very surprised by the time, pretty much as expected. We have a lot of catching up to do and will work continuously to improve, step by step" #RallySweden #WRC2Pro https://t.co/y2dT0fVKRR

cosmin_sb

15th February 2019, 03:31

Simone Tempesti will return in WRC2 starting with Tour de Corse. No information about the car which will drive.

AnttiL

15th February 2019, 07:37

1727
1728
1729

Different ways that the drivers choose to post the WRC2/WRC2Pro results on social media. Very very confusing. Especially Greensmith, it seems like he still hasn't realized WRC2Pro awards its own points not depending on the WRC2 drivers.

Jarek Z

15th February 2019, 09:06

Entry list for Rally Mexico has just been published. Number of entries in WRC2 Pro: one.
https://www.rallymexico.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/EntriesMx19-V.3.pdf

AnttiL

15th February 2019, 09:08

Entry list for Rally Mexico has just been published. Number of entries in WRC2 Pro: one.
https://www.rallymexico.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/EntriesMx19-V.3.pdf

So, either Pieniazek wins, or then he doesn't.

Munkvy

15th February 2019, 09:15

AnttiL

15th February 2019, 09:18

Jarek Z

15th February 2019, 09:25

Pieniazek:
Testing, analysing, improving... non-stop for three days! #wrc #rallysweden https://t.co/r0NK0x5hID

...and all in vain. Pieniazek out already on SS2 after hitting a snowbank.

Sulland

15th February 2019, 15:00

...and all in vain. Pieniazek out already on SS2 after hitting a snowbank.

well, i would not call in in vain, the springs and dampers he needs need to be produced, and then more testing. They pinpointed the issues they found, and requested production of softer springs, dampers and anti-roll bars.
then they need to test more.

Mads was pretty clear that it is basically a tarmac car, same as C3 WRC and need major work to be competitive on loose surface.

Fast Eddie WRC

15th February 2019, 15:26

Mads:
⚠️ Loop 2 update - 💬 Having major brake issues. We're doing our best, but it's causing timeloss⚠️ @OfficialWRC @RallySweden https://t.co/Bs09PNB3W2

Jarek Z

15th February 2019, 19:42

They pinpointed the issues they found, and requested production of softer springs, dampers and anti-roll bars.

Now they have another issue:
https://www.ewrc-results.com/quickp/53052_dzcmb9oxqaav-pq.jpg

AnttiL

15th February 2019, 19:44

I think Sulland was talking about Mads's testing on the C3 R5

16th February 2019, 09:01

So, either Pieniazek wins, or then he doesn't.

He could retire on leg one and two and still ‘win’ I think?

scn

16th February 2019, 09:05

This separation of WRC2 and WRC2PRO starts to seem stupid. What's the purpose for it when the first WRC2PRO is behind three WRC2s?

16th February 2019, 09:05

Entry list for Rally Mexico has just been published. Number of entries in WRC2 Pro: one.
https://www.rallymexico.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/EntriesMx19-V.3.pdf

Good example as to why they should have had a fixed calendar for ‘Pro’

AnttiL

16th February 2019, 09:16

He could retire on leg one and two and still ‘win’ I think?

Sunday still has 60 km of tough stages to drive through

Fast Eddie WRC

16th February 2019, 10:44

Mads:
Service - 💬 We're struggling to find the right balance to make the car drivable on slippery conditions. The behaviour of the car is changing all the time. We're trying every option and fighting every corner. Testing is really the focus now. #WRC2Pro #C3R5 #citroenracing https://t.co/KPM9BuqsKZ

Fast Eddie WRC

16th February 2019, 10:55

It"s not Greensmith's rally... :(

ℹ️ Problem with rear differential from SS10 ⚠️

Sulland

16th February 2019, 12:30

Fast Eddie WRC

16th February 2019, 13:23

Bad to worse...

@GreensmithGus

SS13 Power steering failure ⚠️

16th February 2019, 15:03

It is sad to see that WRC Live totally ingores wrc2! They had a few words with Kalle yesterday on some stages.

After all RC1 cars are done, they swap back to studio to a blond non-rally woman and a guy that talk on stuff we already know, amd then the gps map.
Why not continue with live coverage of the fighting teams in RC2. Not even the pro class get any bang for their bucks.

Not good enough, we pay to see live rally, and not GPS maps!

I guess the problem is they don't have onboard cameras in many of the WRC2 cars, and here they don't appear to be using a helicopter either, and only live tv stages (not AllLive ones) appear to have more than two static cameras.

Fast Eddie WRC

17th February 2019, 15:19

PLuto

17th February 2019, 15:24

If I am correct, Mads is only one in WRC2 Pro who has finished the rally without crash...

KKS

17th February 2019, 16:10

it's easy to win in 4 cars class where 3 cars spent an 'hours' in snowbanks

Tarmop

17th February 2019, 16:26

No, because he could`ve spent time there as well...

Why all that negativity?:D

Fast Eddie WRC

17th February 2019, 16:29

Gus Greensmith @GreensmithGus

After #RallySweden:

“It’s been a really hard weekend. A weekend I’d never like to repeat, but the rule ‘points makes prizes’ remains true. We still lead the Driver’s Championship & @MSportLtd @Ford lead the manufacturers Championships”.

#MSport #FordPerformance #WRC2Pro

Mirek

17th February 2019, 16:42

If I am correct, Mads is only one in WRC2 Pro who has finished the rally without crash...

Yes, unfortunately the WRC Pro has turned into a bad joke. Pity.

scn

17th February 2019, 17:57

steve.mandzij

17th February 2019, 18:07

The worst joke is the false picture the official site of WRC gives. If someone sees the results, he knows that the so-called "winner" of PRO has lost by "not PROs" with cars of the same category. This is degrading, to say the least.Which is why it's awesome that Greensmith always compares his results to the RC2 class rather than his direct points rivals. It gives the whole picture and also shows Gus in a positive light, at least to me, like he wants to improve.

steve.mandzij

17th February 2019, 18:11

So the Ostberg results seem to fit with what he was saying that the car needs a lot of work? Although its maybe getting better?

And Kalle has started a bad habit of being rather hit or miss this year...It's been only two rallies so far, and he crashed on one that he'd never done and on one that everyone else ran into issues too. On pace he's still clearly a front runner, if not the quickest.

Rallyper

17th February 2019, 18:30

In Sweden we say "surt sa räven" but you guys (no names mentioned) seems not like to approve Mads as the winner in WRC2Pro. Now he did the job and won, bcs he didn´t crash. Ruling out his work done without crashes, intimating he won bcs the others crashed is just so low.

mousti

17th February 2019, 18:32

Morte66

17th February 2019, 19:03

Does anybody know what rounds Greensmith will do?

I've found articles saying 10 rounds in a R5 plus Portugal in a WRC. So he'd be missing 3. I'm guessing he'll skip the most distant 3, Argentina/Chile/Australia, but I wonder if it's known for sure?

PLuto

17th February 2019, 19:34

It's been only two rallies so far, and he crashed on one that he'd never done and on one that everyone else ran into issues too. On pace he's still clearly a front runner, if not the quickest.

There is plenty of drivers, who are able to set fast times. But to finish the rally on top places is not so easy. It is not only about driving skills, but also about mentality and mind. I have expected Kalle will have problems with this last year, but he surprised. But this year as he is number one in the team and everybody expect good result from him...

harriswrc

17th February 2019, 19:45

He will miss Mexico and Corsica for sure.

Kristian Sohlberg
‏

@Krisse_Sohlberg
Difficult weekend but still really important points for @GreensmithGus and elliott_edmondson! Lots learned and lots to learn. Next rally is @rallyargentina so we have time to prepare!…

Does anybody know what rounds Greensmith will do?

I've found articles saying 10 rounds in a R5 plus Portugal in a WRC. So he'd be missing 3. I'm guessing he'll skip the most distant 3, Argentina/Chile/Australia, but I wonder if it's known for sure?

AnttiL

17th February 2019, 19:48

And Østberg announced in FIA press conference post Sweden he's also going next to Argentina.

KKS

17th February 2019, 22:57

Win for Mads in WRC2 Pro despite his many complaints about the C3 R5.

'It's a smile of relief to be at the end. The result is really good, to come here on my first rally in the category and win is good. A difficult weekend but the result is strong.'

No, because he could`ve spent time there as well...

Why all that negativity?:D
Just because all of that quoted - absolutely PR farce.
Watch till the end. Mads can troll even Citroen PR stuff.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UJW4ge6lWl0

Essaj

18th February 2019, 00:00

There is plenty of drivers, who are able to set fast times. But to finish the rally on top places is not so easy. It is not only about driving skills, but also about mentality and mind. I have expected Kalle will have problems with this last year, but he surprised. But this year as he is number one in the team and everybody expect good result from him...

In Monte he didn't have any information about the possible ice in that corner from his ice note crew.
Also this was his first Rally Sweden and first time working with factory team in Snow conditions with just one day of testing in Monday and I believe Kalle and the team had different thoughts about what setup works and what not.
We saw him test the new Evo Fabia in Czech but that has nothing to do with Sweden and is a different car.

Also where was Nikolay? Did he jump into WRC too quickly? Maybe more national rallies to build up some speed first.

Got Mail

18th February 2019, 10:08

Yes, unfortunately the WRC Pro has turned into a bad joke. Pity.

I would be tempted to give it some more time.

It is too early to dismiss it. It may look very different next year.

Tarmop

18th February 2019, 10:16

Probably no. Even most of the manuf. don`t take it seriously, clear indication is last weekends Sweden, not to mention the upcoming joke in Rally Mexico.

AnttiL

18th February 2019, 10:17

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/e/2PACX-1vTgin9ZcZketLhrLHoaCf0FLX5gWPzh8eTwTQZNY2rcrSOMXq qTHpTgwzQAyoAU-bQUKvvge3kda5DA/pubhtml

If the WRC2Pro rules applied to the 2018 season, how would it affect the standings? Well, Huttunen would have gained a lot more positions by being a Pro driver behind regular WRC2 drivers. On WRC2, Nil Solans and Benito Guerra would benefit as well, being closer to bigger points.

PLuto

18th February 2019, 11:27

In Monte he didn't have any information about the possible ice in that corner from his ice note crew.
Also this was his first Rally Sweden and first time working with factory team in Snow conditions with just one day of testing in Monday and I believe Kalle and the team had different thoughts about what setup works and what not.
We saw him test the new Evo Fabia in Czech but that has nothing to do with Sweden and is a different car.

Also where was Nikolay? Did he jump into WRC too quickly? Maybe more national rallies to build up some speed first.

Come on, you are trying to troll again? There is plenty of places on Monte where should be ice and you have no notes about it from gravel crew. He easily started too quickly and made a mistake. And your theory regarding "works car" is also... ...funny. Nikolay has decided to go different way - from beginning he wanted to start more careful as his main target was go through all stages without problems to have possibility to learn them for future and not finish somewhere out of the road. It is a question if this tactics was good or not...

Essaj

18th February 2019, 12:14

Come on, you are trying to troll again? And your theory regarding "works car" is also... ...funny.

Well this is what he said all the time during the rally, I don't see how it is trolling :D Source: https://www.rallit.fi/kalle-rovanpera-loysi-selityksen-kehnolle-kisalleen-kisa-meni-ihan-vksi-sen-takia/

Nikolay has decided to go different way - from beginning he wanted to start more careful as his main target was go through all stages without problems to have possibility to learn them for future and not finish somewhere out of the road. It is a question if this tactics was good or not...

Nikolay was absolutely no where, even thought Kalle went off twice he still showed some pace. Nikolay with his pre event rallies and tests should have been able to fight for atleast podium places, but now his best stage results were 5th in WRC2. I guess that is the level of ERC nowadays ;)

PLuto

18th February 2019, 12:53

I am sorry to everyone that I have broken my resolution not to answer to Essaj. My fault, I will try not to repeat it ;)

AnttiL

18th February 2019, 12:57

For the two first WRC rallies of this year, there has not been a Skoda in the top 5 of class RC2. The last time this happened was in Australia 2015.

Tarmop

18th February 2019, 13:12

I don`t think that going off, which was an issue even among the best of the best, including multiple time WDC`s and Rally Sweden winners, to ruin your result on your first ever WRC event, is wise.

Rallyper

18th February 2019, 16:50

Agree. That also includes a certain critisized swedish Ford driver. Because he didn´t go off. In an another thread it wasn´t wise... He should have won stages and gone off according to some of the experts.
(the other aspect is his speed - but in a way it is linked to each other...) :) :)

19th February 2019, 09:37

Also where was Nikolay?

Checking the final leaderboard, ahead of Kalle, Brynildsen, Henning, Greensmith, Latvala, Suninen and Ogier. Not bad for his first(?) WRC event I think.

Rally Power

19th February 2019, 13:54

Checking the final leaderboard, ahead of Kalle, Brynildsen, Henning, Greensmith, Latvala, Suninen and Ogier. Not bad for his first(?) WRC event I think.

Spot on. Apparently, Gryazin was far from being slow (WRC2 final P5, not that far from P3) and managed to avoid mistakes on Swedish tricky stages. Well done.

Rallyper

19th February 2019, 14:24

Spot on. Apparently, Gryazin was far from being slow (WRC2 final P5, not that far from P3) and managed to avoid mistakes on Swedish tricky stages. Well done.

So what do we think of Emil Bergkvist appearance? I mean we have just assessed Gryazin, doing loads of miles before swedish rally, riding a better car etz. etz.

I expect similar judgement on him. Consistent, no offs (that I´m aware of) slowest car of the three brands (doesn´t count Citroen).

To me he just proved his abilities and looks like a future guy for more charges in the future.

denkimi

19th February 2019, 14:34

Does anybody actually expect gryazin to be truly fast and reliable someday? He is just another rich kid who tries to make up his lack of talent by getting huge experience.

Mirek

19th February 2019, 14:37

Rally Power

19th February 2019, 15:09

So what do we think of Emil Bergkvist appearance? I mean we have just assessed Gryazin, doing loads of miles before swedish rally, riding a better car etz. etz.
I expect similar judgement on him. Consistent, no offs (that I´m aware of) slowest car of the three brands (doesn´t count Citroen).
To me he just proved his abilities and looks like a future guy for more charges in the future.

Yep, it seems Bergkvist also did a great rally (just like Kristoffersson, btw) but we shouldn’t forget that despite all the events Gryazin has done throught his 4 years of rallying (he’s only 21), this was his first ever WRC outing and he wasn’t runing at home, like the guys that finished ahead. Anyway, fingers crossed for him and all the other top WRC2 contenders; it’s always great to have so many talented drivers runing the series.

Rallyper

19th February 2019, 15:11

You can find a lot of posts back in this thread expecting him to win in Sweden.

I think that my expectations towards him were quite realistic but on the other hand I have totally underestimated the performance of Veiby.

I didn´t see posts saying Emil B would win. Show'em.

Only realistic from him was to be top five and he did.

Veiby unexpected, yes, but more home event for him than for Emil to be honest. Gryazin, Veiby, Kristoffersson did many rallies and had perfect preparations, not Emil. So to me he did very good. Hard for some guys to admit and say it out loud... ;)

Rallyper

19th February 2019, 15:14

Yep, it seems Bergkvist also did a great rally (just like Kristoffersson, btw) but we shouldn’t forget that despite all the events Gryazin has done throught his 4 years of rallying (he’s only 21), this was his first ever WRC outing and he wasn’t runing at home, like the guys that finished ahead. Anyway, fingers crossed for him and all the other top WRC2 contenders; it’s always great to have so many talented drivers runing the series.

Yes, but it´s always excuses. Gryazin had done rallies in Norway and Latvia before. And also done ERC, didn´t he. So many rallies in his car is also counting. To me he didn´t do what was expected. I thought he could win, but that´s same for many before rally.

Mirek

19th February 2019, 15:16

I didn´t see posts saying Emil B would win. Show'em.

I don't know how You could do that but somehow you changed name Gryazin for name Bergkvist. Denkimi wrote about Gryazin and I reacted on him. None of us commented Bergkvist.

There is a lot of posts predicting Gryazin to win including yours.

Yes Gryazin will be hard to beat.

It starts with following post and takes several pages of arguments: https://www.motorsportforums.com/showthread.php?40074-WRC2-Pro-amp-WRC2-2019&p=1207169&viewfull=1#post1207169

Including my completely wrong prediction that Veiby will be behind Gryazin.

Jarek Z

19th February 2019, 15:50

I didn´t see posts saying Emil B would win. Show'em.

I think Mirek meant Gryazin, not Bergkvist.

Jarek Z

19th February 2019, 15:52

Does anybody actually expect gryazin to be truly fast and reliable someday? He is just another rich kid who tries to make up his lack of talent by getting huge experience.

If Gryazin lacks talent how come he was faster than Rovanpera and all drivers in the Finnish rally championship last year?
https://www.ewrc-results.com/final/45471-sm-teijo-talot-ralli-2018/

Rallyper

19th February 2019, 16:16

I don't know how You could do that but somehow you changed name Gryazin for name Bergkvist. Denkimi wrote about Gryazin and I reacted on him. None of us commented Bergkvist.

There is a lot of posts predicting Gryazin to win including yours.

It starts with following post and takes several pages of arguments: https://www.motorsportforums.com/showthread.php?40074-WRC2-Pro-amp-WRC2-2019&p=1207169&viewfull=1#post1207169

Including my completely wrong prediction that Veiby will be behind Gryazin.

Ok. My bad. Misunderstood answer was for Gryazin...

In the wakes of discussions of Bergkvist here and there performance earlier on, I think he did what was expected. As said.

AnttiL

19th February 2019, 16:17

If Gryazin lacks talent how come he was faster than Rovanpera and all drivers in the Finnish rally championship last year?
https://www.ewrc-results.com/final/45471-sm-teijo-talot-ralli-2018/

Rovanperä didn’t do that rally. Pietarinen was already a confirmed champion, didn’t push.

Co-FIN

19th February 2019, 16:31

Jarek Z

19th February 2019, 19:25

Rovanperä didn’t do that rally.

Yes, that's true. But he did this rally:
https://www.ewrc-results.com/final/36786-rally-liepaja-2017/

Essaj

19th February 2019, 19:33

Yes, that's true. But he did this rally:
https://www.ewrc-results.com/final/36786-rally-liepaja-2017/

That was Kalle's first event in a Fiesta and with just 50km of testing.

19th February 2019, 19:43

Does anybody actually expect gryazin to be truly fast and reliable someday?

Yes.

It’s fair enough to call him a rich kid, but on the other hand I don’t see what he had been doing as much different to Kalle.

Being privileged doesn’t automatically mean you have no talent.

19th February 2019, 20:01

I didn´t see posts saying Emil B would win. Show'em.

Only realistic from him was to be top five and he did.

Veiby unexpected, yes, but more home event for him than for Emil to be honest. Gryazin, Veiby, Kristoffersson did many rallies and had perfect preparations, not Emil. So to me he did very good. Hard for some guys to admit and say it out loud... ;)

Emil has done five Rally Swedens and eighteen WRC events so not exactly inexperienced, although not so many events in an R5 car.

Can’t speak for others but I don’t think I personally ever criticised his talent. I did criticise his decision to drive a PSA R5 though. I still think that set back his career.

You shouldn’t be so sensitive :)

Mirek

19th February 2019, 21:02

I did criticise his decision to drive a PSA R5 though. I still think that set back his career.

The other option was not to drive at all. What would you choose? I would take the PSA car any day. The experience counts anyway.

19th February 2019, 21:37

The other option was not to drive at all. What would you choose? I would take the PSA car any day. The experience counts anyway.

I didn’t know that, so of course.

Sponsors were linked to team rather than driver?

Mirek

19th February 2019, 22:50

The sponsor was the owner of the car and the team and his name was Jourdan Serderidis.

denkimi

20th February 2019, 00:01

Yes.

It’s fair enough to call him a rich kid, but on the other hand I don’t see what he had been doing as much different to Kalle.

Being privileged doesn’t automatically mean you have no talent.
kalle is the same to me. some kid who has had it all handed to him because of his rich and famous father. he for sure has talent, but we'll have to see how well he does when he comes against opponents who have the same equipment and preparation as him.

they could perhaps both be world champions one day, but at this point neither of them has shown anything so impressive yet that makes me believe that.

20th February 2019, 05:17

The sponsor was the owner of the car and the team and his name was Jourdan Serderidis.

Well beggars can’t be choosers I guess. What a shame he didn’t buy a good car though.

Allez Andruet

20th February 2019, 05:18

kalle is the same to me. some kid who has had it all handed to him because of his rich and famous father. he for sure has talent, but we'll have to see how well he does when he comes against opponents who have the same equipment and preparation as him.

Come on, this is just BS. Kalle has had nothing handed to him. Ofcourse he had the possibility to drive a RWD Starlet as a kid, which not many youngsters can do, but he's a factory driver only because of what he has shown on special stages. Not because of his father or anyone else. And sorry, but your last sentence just doesn't mean anything. He's already driven a lot "against opponents who have the same equipment and preparation".

20th February 2019, 05:29

kalle is the same to me. some kid who has had it all handed to him because of his rich and famous father. he for sure has talent, but we'll have to see how well he does when he comes against opponents who have the same equipment and preparation as him.

they could perhaps both be world champions one day, but at this point neither of them has shown anything so impressive yet that makes me believe that.

I prefer to see someone ‘organically grown’ too, but let’s face it nobody can get anywhere in motorsport unless they have at least a bit of money behind them from the beginning,

Sometimes people who have the equipment and the preparation succeed and sometimes they don’t (Wilson, Bertelli etc)

AnttiL

20th February 2019, 05:35

That was Kalle's first event in a Fiesta and with just 50km of testing.

And first event with new co-driver.

drive

20th February 2019, 10:59

And first event with new co-driver.

and lets dont forget his age :)

for that age I dont recall anybody who has won so many wrc stages. Stage win its not a rally win of course, but still... (only in sweden he won 3 stages, 6 stages was second)
Hope stability would come this year. He has some time to get mature :)

Mirek

20th February 2019, 11:29

I prefer to see someone ‘organically grown’ too, but let’s face it nobody can get anywhere in motorsport unless they have at least a bit of money behind them from the beginning,

Sometimes people who have the equipment and the preparation succeed and sometimes they don’t (Wilson, Bertelli etc)

Motorsport has always been about having the right backing at the right time. There is nothing wrong on someone having strong financial support.

Rallyper

20th February 2019, 12:58

Emil has done five Rally Swedens and eighteen WRC events so not exactly inexperienced, although not so many events in an R5 car.

Can’t speak for others but I don’t think I personally ever criticised his talent. I did criticise his decision to drive a PSA R5 though. I still think that set back his career.

You shouldn’t be so sensitive :)

Yeah, I might be that, but some comments are not consistent.

However this time I just called for positive opinions on Emils performance, which, as said before, I think was fully accepted. But no one did say much before I started talk about him.

It´s easy to forget just after the rally how many favourites it was in WRC2. Now he finished 4th, which not many expected. Only that. ;)

pantealex

20th February 2019, 14:10

Rallyper

20th February 2019, 15:17

Veiby has been faster than Berqvist 4 times now in Sweden.
Actually every 5 time but Veiby has 1 DNF.

Yes, different cars every time but still...

4th for EmilB was great result, I admit that but he wasn´t very fast.

Could be discussed over and over. What is fast? Winning seven stages and crash out? ;)

Just kidding. Emil was fast, don´t say anything else. Fast after what his circumstances allowed, tactics, material, funding, Km of tests etz...

How could one expect him to win? How could it be possible? Cars are enough different for him only to be kind of underdog... ;)

(To be fair difference was small in 2016 - and in 2015 not same class)

denkimi

20th February 2019, 17:47

Come on, this is just BS. Kalle has had nothing handed to him. Ofcourse he had the possibility to drive a RWD Starlet as a kid, which not many youngsters can do, but he's a factory driver only because of what he has shown on special stages. Not because of his father or anyone else. And sorry, but your last sentence just doesn't mean anything. He's already driven a lot "against opponents who have the same equipment and preparation".
He has had everything handed to him. He never had to do anything but drive, always with the best preparation and equipment, while everybody else has to start when they get their drivers license on a small budget, without professional backup, between work and school.

Its not about that starlet, it's about his dady taking him to latvia to drive, its about the 60.000€ c2 r2 when he was 13 years old. Its about the 300.000€ car when he was 16.
Its about the hundereds of thousands of euros that his 2017 season must have cost.
Ordinary drivers have to prove themself first.

Its easy to be the best when you basically can live like a professional driver, with all the best material and unlimited access to testing and help, and you compete against amateurs with lesser cars and almost no testing.

He seens talented and perhaps a future champion, but we are only starting to see how he does compared to other factory drivers. So far imo he does really well, not exceptional, but more then what i expected.
If he can up his level a bit to rise above the others he might be in a wrc car not so long from here.

I prefer to see someone ‘organically grown’ too, but let’s face it nobody can get anywhere in motorsport unless they have at least a bit of money behind them from the beginning,

Ogier, neuville, loeb, tanak, meeke.

There are where they are now because of their talent, not because of their rich daddy. And that's wat differates them from drivers like ostberg, mikkelsen or even latvala.

Could be discussed over and over. What is fast? Winning seven stages and crash out? ;)

They say it's easier to make a fast driver reliable than to make a reliable driver fast.

Winning seven stages and crashing will get you more attention then seven 10th places and staying on the road.

Allez Andruet

20th February 2019, 18:35

He has had everything handed to him. He never had to do anything but drive
Oh dear how conflicting. If he had everything handed to him, he never had to drive in the first place, right? And last time I checked, to be successful in rallying is mostly about driving. You know, to prove your worth on a special stage. Daddy isn't driving. Not even co-driving.

Its not about that starlet, it's about his dady taking him to latvia to drive, its about the 60.000€ c2 r2 when he was 13 years old. Its about the 300.000€ car when he was 16.
Its about the hundereds of thousands of euros that his 2017 season must have cost.
Ordinary drivers have to prove themself first.
And what did Kalle do in those occations if not prove himself?

Essaj

20th February 2019, 18:36

He has had everything handed to him. He never had to do anything but drive, always with the best preparation and equipment, while everybody else has to start when they get their drivers license on a small budget, without professional backup, between work and school.

Its not about that starlet, it's about his dady taking him to latvia to drive, its about the 60.000€ c2 r2 when he was 13 years old. Its about the 300.000€ car when he was 16.
Its about the hundereds of thousands of euros that his 2017 season must have cost.
Ordinary drivers have to prove themself first.

Its easy to be the best when you basically can live like a professional driver, with all the best material and unlimited access to testing and help, and you compete against amateurs with lesser cars and almost no testing.

You seem to know a lot of his past, right? So tell us all How hasn't Kalle proven himself before taking all those steps? "unlimited testing" - How is 1 pre event test per event "unlimited"? How isn't winning his first 4wd start already enough to prove his capable of driving fast with an S2000/R5, He almost won Pontus Tidemand on his R5 debut when Pontus was already a factory driver for Skoda at that time.

Of course Kalle has had a lot of help from his father and from his sponsors, but how is that anything against him? He is still by far the most talented 18yo rally driver there is even thought experience wise he could be much older.

Sulland

20th February 2019, 18:56

And Østberg announced in FIA press conference post Sweden he's also going next to Argentina.

Hopefully will he then have gotten some new springs, dampers and so on, to turn the asphalt inspired C3, to a gravel car. He need to make it softer to get traction and feeling into the stiff car.

I guess he has the testcar (EW 186 BF) in the Adapta Garage, so he gets many hours in it.

1737

Tarmop

20th February 2019, 19:07

All of them have paid and quite a lot, denkimi. Meeke, i don`t know, probably also. Ogier started with FFSA, Loeb started with FFSA, Tänak started with personal sponsors and was a paying driver pretty much until 2017 i think, Neuville was sponsored by Serderidis.

Everyone who is up there has paid, probably all even with their personal money until one point.

mousti

20th February 2019, 21:16

Rallyper

21st February 2019, 10:00

He has had everything handed to him. He never had to do anything but drive, always with the best preparation and equipment, while everybody else has to start when they get their drivers license on a small budget, without professional backup, between work and school.

Its not about that starlet, it's about his dady taking him to latvia to drive, its about the 60.000€ c2 r2 when he was 13 years old. Its about the 300.000€ car when he was 16.
Its about the hundereds of thousands of euros that his 2017 season must have cost.
Ordinary drivers have to prove themself first.

Its easy to be the best when you basically can live like a professional driver, with all the best material and unlimited access to testing and help, and you compete against amateurs with lesser cars and almost no testing.

He seens talented and perhaps a future champion, but we are only starting to see how he does compared to other factory drivers. So far imo he does really well, not exceptional, but more then what i expected.
If he can up his level a bit to rise above the others he might be in a wrc car not so long from here.

Ogier, neuville, loeb, tanak, meeke.

There are where they are now because of their talent, not because of their rich daddy. And that's wat differates them from drivers like ostberg, mikkelsen or even latvala.

They say it's easier to make a fast driver reliable than to make a reliable driver fast.

Winning seven stages and crashing will get you more attention then seven 10th places and staying on the road.

Crashing out as a fast driver is good, better is staying safe and get experience on 4th places for a while. Not comparing to 10th places, it´s an hyperbole...

Sub_Skoda

21st February 2019, 12:12

He has had everything handed to him. He never had to do anything but drive, always with the best preparation and equipment, while everybody else has to start when they get their drivers license on a small budget, without professional backup, between work and school.

Its not about that starlet, it's about his dady taking him to latvia to drive, its about the 60.000€ c2 r2 when he was 13 years old. Its about the 300.000€ car when he was 16.
Its about the hundereds of thousands of euros that his 2017 season must have cost.
Ordinary drivers have to prove themself first.

Its easy to be the best when you basically can live like a professional driver, with all the best material and unlimited access to testing and help, and you compete against amateurs with lesser cars and almost no testing.

He seens talented and perhaps a future champion, but we are only starting to see how he does compared to other factory drivers. So far imo he does really well, not exceptional, but more then what i expected.
If he can up his level a bit to rise above the others he might be in a wrc car not so long from here.

Ogier, neuville, loeb, tanak, meeke.

There are where they are now because of their talent, not because of their rich daddy. And that's wat differates them from drivers like ostberg, mikkelsen or even latvala.

They say it's easier to make a fast driver reliable than to make a reliable driver fast.

Winning seven stages and crashing will get you more attention then seven 10th places and staying on the road.

Are you jealous of Kalle?!

Rally Power

21st February 2019, 13:32

Money will always be needed to succed in Rally but it’s impossible to win on a WRC level without a huge talent. So, it makes little sense to guess if a driver gets his money from dad, sponsors or a bank loan; it’ll never buy him talent.

On the other hand, and that’s denkimi post interesting part, natural skills can be perfectioned through intensive training. Having kids practicing since a very young age is common in almost all sports and we had others premature rally prodigys before Rovanpera, althougth the intensive social media coverage around him has clearly made his case more noticeable.

With other kids (and their dads) eagerly trying to follow Rovanpera’s footsteps, we’ll probably end with drivers becoming younger and younger and service parks starting to look as a schollyard, like in F1. Honestly, I hope not.

Fast Eddie WRC

21st February 2019, 13:57

Not a happy Mads...

Ostberg says he felt afraid and uncomfortable on his first start in Citroen's C3 R5 car on last weekend's #WRC Rally Sweden

https://t.co/sA8Ye1v5JC

Mirek

21st February 2019, 14:03

Has he ever been?

PLuto

21st February 2019, 14:06

Money will always be needed to succed in Rally but it’s impossible to win on a WRC level without a huge talent.

What about Elfyn Evans and Mads Ostberg?

Fast Eddie WRC

21st February 2019, 14:07

Has he ever been?

He was when he got the needed changes made to the C3 WRC last year...

tommeke_B

21st February 2019, 14:21

From the article: " I feel my experience isn't enough to find a solution for this."

If your experience isn't enough, after 10 years in the WRC, you have a problem.

Mirek

21st February 2019, 14:39

From the article: " I feel my experience isn't enough to find a solution for this."

If your experience isn't enough, after 10 years in the WRC, you have a problem.

I wouldn't be that harsh. Only few drivers have the technical background to know what to change to get what they want. Normally it's the work of engineers to listen to the drivers and make adjustment up to their liking. On the other hand I agree that with Ostberg it looks like the same old song all the time no matter which car he drives. Either he doesn't know what he wants or he can't express his wishes in an understandable way or he keeps working with incompetent people all the time.