WRC2 Pro & WRC2 2019

[RS]

I wonder how long does Citroën listen how poor car Citroën C3 R5 is according Mads

Whinging in public is not great promotion for a customer car.

[N.O.T]

Opinions of 30 year olds that daddy pays for them to have a job at that age are relevant only to stupid people...

who cares what Mads thinks anymore ? honestly why care ? he is a terrible mediocrity...

[Fast Eddie WRC]

However Mads did well in WRC car in Finland. How much was his experience used back then, before the rally?

Yes, it was he that finally got the changes to the front geometry that it needed.

[rallyfiend]

I wonder how long does Citroën listen how poor car Citroën C3 R5 is according Mads

When you're paying for your drive you can complain all you like....

[Tarmop]

Well, then you can be charged more or told to go and get a better deal for himself.:D
A WRC driver with longtime experience representing company car in company colours is something else.

[skarderud]

When you're paying for your drive you can complain all you like....He is not paying to drive the R5.

Sent fra min SM-G950F via Tapatalk

[Rallyper]

Things might look weird, but if you have a car you know for yourself isn´t on the level of your combatants, it´s better to say the car is under development. You know messages turn around, if you know what I mean...?

[Myrvold]

He is not paying to drive the R5.


I find that hard to believe as the car is well covered with PMI logos. PMI is a company fully owned by Dad Østberg, with a board solely filled with Østbergs.
They dont get that for free.

[Jarek Z]

He is not paying to drive the R5.

You suggest that he is a customer who not only complains all the time, but also doesn't pay? ;)

[Sulland]

If you look at the videos from Sweden, the C3 has much less suspension travel than the other R5s. Looks almost like a gr A car from the 90s! ;-)

So there is something there, that in normal Citroen Sport mindset, it is made as a good asphalt car. And there it is competitive, but the parts needed for getting a good and flexible gravelcar are not yet made. Mads tried all parts Citroen Sport had for it, but it was still too stiff.

So that is step 1 for him, to get parts to make a softer car, to get better traction, and a wider window that drivers can play with for their driving style.
If diff settings are possible to tweek for this softer set-up, I think is phase two.

Mads is given the job to improve the C3 on gravel/snow, and only he and Citroen knows the finacial details in the deal.

Most Norwegian are very straight forward, and speak their mind, when asked a question, this also goes for rally drivers. But this goes both ways, so he will give the C3 top noth comments when it deserves that.

[AnttiL]

I would guess Østberg's deal is different to other paying customers...maybe he's renting the R5 cars and service from DG Sport but is being paid salary by the company for testing work (both R5 and WRC)?

[deephouse]

Quite stupid since their cars are laying in garages of Citroen Sport. Why renting from someone else when you can have direct from conpany? Nonsense. To me it smells like he is paying for everything and Citroen uses him as a promotion like full factory team.

When you will all learn that their polictics is what it is. They are cheap and that's it.

[NoName]

Quite stupid since their cars are laying in garages of Citroen Sport. Why renting from someone else when you can have direct from conpany? Nonsense. To me it smells like he is paying for everything and Citroen uses him as a promotion like full factory team.

When you will all learn that their polictics is what it is. They are cheap and that's it.

He is not paying, and also, he dont get paid from Citroen. His salery is from private sponsors
But Citroen Sport pay for the events, car, test and all that.

[Rallyper]

He is not paying, and also, he dont get paid from Citroen. His salery is from private sponsors
But Citroen Sport pay for the events, car, test and all that.

Feels the truth came out here. Maybe from horses mouth. I believe this.

[Mirek]

He is not paying, and also, he dont get paid from Citroen. His salery is from private sponsors
But Citroen Sport pay for the events, car, test and all that.

As was said before You don't get such a space on a factory car for free. The PMI banner is the far biggest on the car.

https://www.ewrc.cz/images/2019/photos/rally_sweden_2019/pse_img_0929.jpg

[doubled1978]

As was said before You don't get such a space on a factory car for free. The PMI banner is the far biggest on the car.

https://www.ewrc.cz/images/2019/photos/rally_sweden_2019/pse_img_0929.jpg

No, but I would think that Citroen wanted the R5 out there getting decent results to try and sell some more cars, and using Mads was/is a good option as he doesn’t tend to throw the car into the scenery. I guess a deal was reached that PMI branding would heavily feature. Seems like a win for all parties, Mads keep driving without paying, Citroen get a decent/experienced driver promoting the R5 and PMI get good exposure.

[skarderud]

You suggest that he is a customer who not only complains all the time, but also doesn't pay? ;)Yeah.

A driver capable to win rallies in WRC, paying to develop a mediocre car in the second level...... yeah sure.

As said before, he don't pay, but he don't get paid eighter. The brands on his car pays his salary, citröen want the R5 to be a better car, they offer the guy that got the WRCar driveable to drive it for free to develop it, since citröen don't have the money to pay him after Abu Dhabi's exit.

Sent fra min SM-G950F via Tapatalk

[dodge33cymru]

Not sure if mentioned here amongst the apparent black or white arguments over Ostberg's Citroen deal, but DRM runner up Dominik Dinkel doing three rounds in WRC2 with Sarrazin's i20; Portugal, Germany and Wales (guess Sarrazin is using the car in Corsica).

https://www.autohebdo.fr/wrc/actualites/dominik-dinkel-s-offre-un-joli-programme-avec-sarrazin-201150.html

[mousti]

Kajto will do WRC2 events with Polo R5 from BRR.

Verstuurd vanaf mijn ONEPLUS A6013 met Tapatalk

[dimviii]

7 events starting from Corsica

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/D0P-IfPX4AAWHw9.jpg
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/D0P-IfRWwAEgABJ.jpg

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Glad to see Kajto returning. Shame the ERC-winning partnership with M-Sport Poland has come to an end.

[dimviii]

Friul Motor
®️
‏ @FriulMotor


‼️ �� FRIULMOTOR IN THE WRC TOGETHER WITH SIMONE TEMPESTINI AND THE HYUNDAI I20 R5

https://twitter.com/FriulMotor/status/1099990242935881733

[Andre Oliveira]

Pedro with M-Sport at WRC2

https://www.rallylink.it/cms16/index.php/blog/pedro-con

[Jarek Z]

Glad to see Kajto returning. Shame the ERC-winning partnership with M-Sport Poland has come to an end.

Yes, it's a shame that his successful partnership with M-Sport Poland ends, but Kajto was frustrated with constant breakdowns of Fiesta R5. Without all those technical failures his results in 2017 and 2018 would have been much better.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Kajto:
- Huge dreams, huge challenge, huge support and huge thank-you. My dream is just coming true – a full campaign in the World Championship - said Kajetan Kajetanowicz. More: https://t.co/h2flvuVGtp
https://t.co/Dqp5RUoTju

[dimviii]

Κajto with BRR too.
Astonishing economic year for BRR!

[Co-driven]

Benito Guerra announced he should be in 7 WRC2 events, mainly the non-European ones: Mexico, Argentina, Chile and Australia plus 3 other European events.

https://www.rallyssimo.it/2019/02/26/wrc-anche-benito-guerra-al-via-del-wrc2/

[Fast Eddie WRC]

@MSportLtd
We're delighted to welcome ‘Pedro’ and co-driver Emanuele Baldaccini to the M-Sport family. The Italian pairing will take to the wheel of an EcoBoost-powered Ford Fiesta R5 for two seasons in WRC 2.

➡️ Read more here: https://t.co/NwPUz7N2IT

#WRC #FordPerformance https://t.co/kqtOLdJLCR

[Jarek Z]

@MSportLtd
We're delighted to welcome ‘Pedro’ and co-driver Emanuele Baldaccini to the M-Sport family. The Italian pairing will take to the wheel of an EcoBoost-powered Ford Fiesta R5 for two seasons in WRC 2.

➡️ Read more here: https://t.co/NwPUz7N2IT

#WRC #FordPerformance https://t.co/kqtOLdJLCR

Pedro? Who the f... is Pedro?!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8jiN0pLTSe8

;)

[Andre Oliveira]

4x European Historic Champion ;)

https://www.ewrc-results.com/profile/17669-massimo-pedretti/

[PLuto]

Pedro? Who the f... is Pedro?!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8jiN0pLTSe8

;)

New M-Sport factory WRC2 driver :)

[Mirek]

New M-Sport factory WRC2 driver :)

How can he be a factory driver in WRC2? Correct me if I'm wrong but he can not compete under the M-Sport banner there, or?

[Jarek Z]

4x European Historic Champion ;)

https://www.ewrc-results.com/profile/17669-massimo-pedretti/

Thanks! Historic champion? Is he going to drive Ford Escort then? :D
http://www.gieldaklasykow.pl/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/ford-escort-rs2000r-06.jpg

[mousti]

How can he be a factory driver in WRC2? Correct me if I'm wrong but he can not compete under the M-Sport banner there, or?Probably not but paying MSport for their campaign like Pedro and Alberto Heller. Only factory team that is willing to do that.

Verstuurd vanaf mijn ONEPLUS A6013 met Tapatalk

[AnttiL]

Gryazin announced on twitter he's going to Tour de Corse next.

[pantealex]

Gryazin announced on twitter he's going to Tour de Corse next.

Same for Kalle R.

[dimviii]

Rally Paradise

News In Brief: @MarquitoBulacia & Fabian Cretu will compete 6 #WRC events driving VIALCO Racing´s #SKODA #FabiaR5. The events will be @RallyMexico @rallyargentina @RallyMobilChile @Rally_d_Italia @WalesRallyGB @RallyAustralia #WRC2 #WRC2019 @MotorsportSkoda


https://pbs.twimg.com/media/D0hCtboXQAEk8zb.jpg

[RS]

Rally Paradise

News In Brief: @MarquitoBulacia & Fabian Cretu will compete 6 #WRC events driving VIALCO Racing´s #SKODA #FabiaR5. The events will be @RallyMexico @rallyargentina @RallyMobilChile @Rally_d_Italia @WalesRallyGB @RallyAustralia #WRC2 #WRC2019 @MotorsportSkoda


https://pbs.twimg.com/media/D0hCtboXQAEk8zb.jpg

Great livery, and clever choice of events.

[Jarek Z]

clever choice of events.

Yes, mostly the ones where the number of competitors is at the lowest level.

[AnttiL]

Yes, mostly the ones where the number of competitors is at the lowest level.

Well it's obvious for him to do the South American rounds and Mexico, and Australia is logistically also wise. Sardegna probably suits his expertise of rough events but Wales is an oddball, both in the style of the event and the level of competition and entries.

[Got Mail]

Well it's obvious for him to do the South American rounds and Mexico, and Australia is logistically also wise. Sardegna probably suits his expertise of rough events but Wales is an oddball, both in the style of the event and the level of competition and entries.

He did both WRC Spain and Rally Wales in 2018.

[pantealex]

Yes, mostly the ones where the number of competitors is at the lowest level.

Too bad that Benito Guerra is doing same events and is much faster than Bulacia (also Heller brothers are quicker than Bulacia)

[Essaj]

Guerra is now also registered for WRC2Pro so Pieniazek doesn't get a free run in Mexico

[AnttiL]

Guerra is now also registered for WRC2Pro so Pieniazek doesn't get a free run in Mexico

Would be nice, but is the only source for this the FIA press release drivers list?

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Pieniazek:
Good pre-event test on Monday. #RallyMexico starts in two days time. Can’t wait !

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/D06g_XIWoAAgwXZ.jpg

WRC.com
Pieniążek is the only driver registered for the WRC 2 Pro category, but he insisted he would still be fighting. “Our goal is to be the first R5 crew so we won’t be cruising and we’ll try to go as fast as possible,” he explained.

There are four entries in the WRC 2 category for privateer drivers. Local hero Benito Guerra returns in a Skoda Fabia R5, 12 months after a fire destroyed his car at his Mexico pre-event test.

Also in a Skoda is 18-year-old rising star Marco Bulacia Wilkinson, who has been hailed as Bolivia’s answer to Kalle Rovanperä. He returns for a first WRC appearance since October’s RallyRACC Catalunya - Rally de España.

Chile’s Albert Heller and his older brother Pedro will both drive Ford Fiestas. Alberto was the winner of his most recent WRC 2 appearance at last year’s season-ending round in Australia.

[RS]

So is Kopecky busy with testing of new Fabia R5?

I was quite surprised to see him absent from the Corsica entry list.

[Mirek]

So is Kopecky busy with testing of new Fabia R5?

I was quite surprised to see him absent from the Corsica entry list.

Why surprised? Škoda officially said that only Rovanperä was about to do WRC2.

[RS]

Why surprised? Škoda officially said that only Rovanperä was about to do WRC2.

They said Kopecky on selected events too I think, and Corsica is one of only two pure tarmac events.

[PLuto]

In same date like Tour de Corse is Valasska Rally, first round of Czech championship. And Czech championship is priority for Kopecky...

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Pieniazek
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/D1KmTaKXQAAmdQS.jpg

[RS]

How’s Pieniazek doing in WRC2 Pro? Still leading?

[stefanvv]

No, he is last:D

[pantealex]

No, he is last:D

But he is best FORD.

[PLuto]

But he is best FORD.

He is best Ford ony in WRC2 Pro. There are more faster in WRC2 and also some 2WD cars :)

[pantealex]

he is best ford ony in wrc2 pro. There are more faster in wrc2 and also some 2wd cars :)

+ 1 wrc ;)

[RS]

No, he is last:D

This is like one of those brain teaser questions..

Q: Lukasz is driving in Rally Mexico and he is leading his category. Lukasz is also last. How is this possible?

A: He's driving in WRC2 Pro.

[Jarek Z]

Guys, I didn't have anything to say on the forum today, but I logged in only to give you "likes" for this hillarious sense of humour above. You made my day :D

[Jarek Z]

Pieniazek didn't manage to finish any rally without using Rally2, but moves up to the second position in WRC2 Pro:

1. Greensmith - 40
2. Pieniazek - 39
3. Rovanpera - 36
4. Ostberg - 25
5. Pietarinen - 0

[AnttiL]

This is WRC trophy again. Rovanperä is Gorban, being fastest but crashing, and Pieniazek is Serderidis, slowest but picks up wins where no one else finishes

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Greensmith hasnt done much wrong and has the right attitude of aiming to be fastest R5 driver regardless.

[AnttiL]

Greensmith hasnt done much wrong and has the right attitude of aiming to be fastest R5 driver regardless.

In Sweden he was quite out of the pace and also in the snowbank.

That attitude could also harm him. How stupid would it be to crash trying to set the fastest R5 times while being the only WRC2Pro car?

[Fast Eddie WRC]

In Sweden he was quite out of the pace and also in the snowbank.

That attitude could also harm him. How stupid would it be to crash trying to set the fastest R5 times while being the only WRC2Pro car?

I give up.

[denkimi]

In Sweden he was quite out of the pace and also in the snowbank.

That attitude could also harm him. How stupid would it be to crash trying to set the fastest R5 times while being the only WRC2Pro car?
Anyone who want to make it to the highest level can't settle for slow and reliable.
If you are the only wrc pro car, your only goal should be setting as much fastest times as possible.
In 30 year we will only see the names of the championship winners in the lists, but the team managers of today see more than that.

If you want to be in a wrc car, you have to be consistently the best and fastest of the rest.

[AnttiL]

Yeah, maybe the young drivers are considering that it's better to show good pace and not care about the WRC2 Pro points. Probably the team also has their input on the approach.

[Rallyper]

Yeah, maybe the young drivers are considering that it's better to show good pace and not care about the WRC2 Pro points. Probably the team also has their input on the approach.

As long as they don´t pay for themselves. I.e. private funding should make them a bit careful...

[janvanvurpa]

If you want to be in a wrc car, you have to be consistently the best and fastest of the rest.

Or reallly REALLY rich*.....and totally lacking in a sense of shame.












* or have won the lucky sperm lottery and have a daddy who is really REALLY rich and also lacking in shame.

[dodge33cymru]

or reallly really rich*.....and totally enjoying themselves.












* or have won the lucky sperm lottery and have a daddy who is really really rich and willing to spend money on the sport we love.


ftfy

[dodge33cymru]

In Sweden he was quite out of the pace and also in the snowbank.

That attitude could also harm him. How stupid would it be to crash trying to set the fastest R5 times while being the only WRC2Pro car?

I disagree with that sentiment, I thought he was correct to compete with Bonato in Monte Carlo and that was a well earned RC2 victory. Coming 5th in RC2 but top 'Pro' car isn't going to endear him to any works teams for the future as all it proves is that there are four drivers quicker at that event. However, proving he can finish and bring home points in a snow event would arguably have been more valuable in Sweden, but don't forget that's only his first or second ever time on that surface in a 4WD.

[steve.mandzij]

This is WRC trophy again. Rovanperä is Gorban, being fastest but crashing, and Pieniazek is Serderidis, slowest but picks up wins where no one else finishesWhen no-one else starts!

[Co-FIN]

..

[tommeke_B]

Design for Eric Camilli, will do WRC2 with VW Polo R5 from BMA. First rally is Tour de Corse.

https://scontent.fbru2-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/53886942_1754131738021317_3770858883615031296_n.jp g?_nc_cat=103&_nc_ht=scontent.fbru2-1.fna&oh=84d949d95c95e72d4d944044edfbc52e&oe=5D0B514D

[pantealex]

They really are counting both cars for WRC2 PRO Manufacturers Championship
https://www.wrc.com/en/wrc/results/championship-standings/manufactors/page/4772----.html

M-Sport 77 points
Skoda 36p
Citroen 25p

And every 14 events counts.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

M-Sport went to Mexico while the others didnt bother.

[Tarmop]

*One driver bothered to pay M-Sport and because they are a company selling this service, they took the money.

"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."
https://rallysportmag.com/feature-ri...al-at-m-sport/

[AnttiL]

M-Sport went to Mexico while the others didnt bother.

Every WRC2Pro team has to do an overseas rally. Citroen are going to Argentina.

[RS]

Every WRC2Pro team has to do an overseas rally. Citroen are going to Argentina.

Or just nominate a driver on an overseas rally.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

So if Skoda go to Chile then each team will get maximum points from their long-haul trips.

Or might M-Sport nominate a local driver in the S.American events ?

[pantealex]

Greensmith is also going to Argentina

M-Sport is currently playing this PRO game very well.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

TDC preview:
https://www.wrc.com/en/wrc-2/news/2019/march-2019/wrc-2-corsica-preview-/page/6217--51-51-.html

[RS]

Or just nominate a driver on an overseas rally.

... and Skoda have pulled this trick in Argentina.

[KKS]

Third team for Rovanpera for third rally in WRC2? Monte with - TGS, Sweden with - Skoda Motorsport and Corsica - HK Racing. Why he and Skoda change it every rally?

[Jarek Z]

It should be an easy win for Rovanpera in WRC2 Pro on Tour de Corse. His only rival Pieniazek had a puncture, damaged wheel and the front of his car and lost nearly 2 minutes already on the first stage.

[Tarmop]

Third team for Rovanpera for third rally in WRC2? Monte with - TGS, Sweden with - Skoda Motorsport and Corsica - HK Racing. Why he and Skoda change it every rally?

Well, Sweden you answered yourself, he is a factory driver and factory took part of it. As for others, probably available cars, their maintanance and possibly also knowhow.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Łukasz Pieniążek TDC day 1:
It wasn't an easy day. After the puncture in the first stage, and no service, we had to be really careful all day. I'm going to try and push and improve tomorrow.

[pantealex]

Gardemaister-TGS probably doesn´t have latest spec tarmac parts (0 Tarmac rallies in Finland)

[br21]

Gardemaister-TGS probably doesn´t have latest spec tarmac parts (0 Tarmac rallies in Finland)

Basically only difference from some time ago might be the dampers and anyway they used their own, not from the shelf

[scn]

This is ridiculous. The 8th WRC2 car is advertised as 1st in most of the articles, just because it is named "WRC2 PRO".
Can someone stop this nonsense?

[RS]

Another pro ‘win’ for Pieniazek then.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Another pro ‘win’ for Pieniazek then.

Crazy but them's the rules.

[Jarek Z]

It should be an easy win for Rovanpera in WRC2 Pro on Tour de Corse. His only rival Pieniazek had a puncture, damaged wheel and the front of his car and lost nearly 2 minutes already on the first stage.

How wrong I was! After Rovanpera's crashing out of the rally, Pieniazek is the new leader! (and the only competitor)

[Jarek Z]

This is like one of those brain teaser questions..

Q: Lukasz is driving in Rally Mexico and he is leading his category. Lukasz is also last. How is this possible?

A: He's driving in WRC2 Pro.

This joke works in France too :)

[Jarek Z]

What a rout in WRC2 on SS9:
Loubet out, Nucita out, Ciamin out, Rovanpera out, Camili with puncture (?)

[Jarek Z]

Andrea Nucita and his Hyundai on SS9:

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/D25nlLoWsAEighq.jpg

[Jarek Z]

After the problems in ERC on Azores, the same situation repeats in VW Polo R5 in France. Nicolas Ciamin is out due to a blocking of the steering.

[Jarek Z]

After his very good result in Monte Carlo, this time Adrien Formaux ends the first leg of Tour de Corse without wheels:

https://www.ewrc-results.com/quickp/54464_55692765_1002683550119573_531121874506507878 4_n.jpg

[AnttiL]

What a rout in WRC2 on SS9:
Loubet out, Nucita out, Ciamin out, Rovanpera out, Camili with puncture (?)

Now Andolfi leads with Camilli 31 seconds behind.

[dimviii]

Now Andolfi leads with Camilli 31 seconds behind.

would be easy for Camilli to regain his position.

[KKS]

After his very good result in Monte Carlo, this time Adrien Formaux ends the first leg of Tour de Corse without wheels:

https://www.ewrc-results.com/quickp/54464_55692765_1002683550119573_531121874506507878 4_n.jpg
He drives like crazy in Monte. Should check his Corsica vids but seems like it will be the same.

[drive]

Nucita off
https://www.facebook.com/RallyaTope/videos/373894246792905/

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Wish he was here.. when is Greensmith back in WRC2 action ?

[AnttiL]

Wish he was here.. when is Greensmith back in WRC2 action ?

Argentina

[Fast Eddie WRC]

ŠKODA Motorsport @MotorsportSkoda

@TourdeCorseWRC: Sad news, @KalleRovanpera #SKODA is out, he explains: “We made a small mistake, went wide in a corner and hit a rock. The car was not looking to bad, but the roll cage was damaged that we cannot fix so that we had to retire."

[Jarek Z]

Unfortunately Kajetanowicz is another victim of power steering problems in VW Polo R5. If those problems continue he may retire on SS12:
The morning was really good, but now in this stage we lost power steering for a few seconds 5km ago and also before the finish. Let's see about the next stage, but 47km without power steering is not possible in Corsica on tarmac.

[Jarek Z]

Puncture for Pieniazek on SS11. He lost over 1 minute, but fortunately managed to maintain the lead in WRC2 Pro ;)

[KKS]

Lukas trying loosing 1.5min in splits but still have chances to get Pos#1 :)))

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Drama on the last stage ! Crash and a fire.

[KKS]

em.... sry m8

[dupanton]

So now, nobody is leading WRC2 Pro!

[RS]

So now, nobody is leading WRC2 Pro!

I guess Pieniazek will still win becausr he crashed last.

Hope crew is ok.

[AnttiL]

I guess Pieniazek will still win becausr he crashed last.

Hope crew is ok.

Well he has to finish to get any points

[the sniper]

I think only NOT has the words to describe something as bad as WRC2 Pro...

[RS]

I wish i'd entered WRC2 Pro now.. i mean i know i've never driven in a rally and small details like that but i quite fancy my chances looking at the results so far this year.

[Grutz]

WRC2 PRO is a joke and a complete waste of time and money! I hope the FIA srap it sooner than later! Unfortunately common sense isn't in their vocabulary so will probably be here for the next 2 years!

[the sniper]

WRC2 Pro could be good, or at least serve a purpose, but not in this form... I think most of us understood this format wouldn't work as soon as the details eventually emerged. The FIA really didn't think this one through. If they didn't have the assurance of proper Manufacture support, they shouldn't have gone ahead with it.

[KKS]

Seems WRC2PRO can get his winner
http://www.tourdecorse.com/site/download/5-7-liste-des-partants-section-6/?wpdmdl=22211 Lukas restarting on Sunday

[PLuto]

WRC2 Pro was introduced mainly and only to dig money from Skoda.

[Googol]

Lukasz Pieniazek, 3 starts, always last, never actually completed the whole event, leads the championship.

[GigiGalliNo1]

Quickly, watching powerstage in car footage, no Paddle changers on steering wheel for WRC2? R5’s?

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Quickly, watching powerstage in car footage, no Paddle changers on steering wheel for WRC2? R5’s?

Nope just sequential stick-shift.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

New Mk8 Ford Fiesta R5 to debut in Finland in WRC2 acc to Julian Porter

[KKS]

FLASH! Pieniazek - win a rally. Noone expected :D

[GigiGalliNo1]

In a class of two cars... what were the odds?!

[Rallyper]

History book of WRC2Pro will fool the readers, if there will be any history written...

[Jarek Z]

Lukasz Pieniazek, 3 starts, always last, never actually completed the whole event, leads the championship.

Pieniazek's dominance in WRC2 Pro is beyond any doubt ;)

Standings after Tour de Corse:
1 Pieniążek - 62 pts
2 Greensmith - 40
3 Rovanpera - 36
4 Ostberg - 25

[dupanton]

In a class of two cars... what were the odds?!

50%

[AnttiL]

50%

Also possible that no one wins

[Mirek]

So far the performance of Rovanperä has been disasterous for the works team. I wonder if Kopecký suddenly starts to appear on the entry lists...

[Mirek]

So many Polos, constantly fastest but only one in the finish (and not without problems)...

[RS]

So far the performance of Rovanperä has been disasterous for the works team. I wonder if Kopecký suddenly starts to appear on the entry lists...

If they care about the title it would be wise.

[COD]

The pro class is just one big joke. Merge the championships immediately

[Jarek Z]

WRC2 Pro in the olympic games :D
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I-nlBOBwu8M

[Jarek Z]

It's no easy to win in WRC2 Pro:
https://www.facebook.com/john.fittipaldi.77/videos/158264655185224/

[Fast Eddie WRC]

WRC2 Pro would be better if at least it was the full teams & drivers on every round.

I mean, like why was there no Citroen team on their home rally ?

[PLuto]

WRC2 Pro would be better if at least it was the full teams & drivers on every round.

I mean, like why was there no Citroen team on their home rally ?

Because in reality there is nobody interested in WRC2 Pro...

[BigWorm]

Total backfire so far for the category, the winner of the last two events hasn't even finished every stage in them both.

[pantealex]

M-Sport 102points
Skoda 36p
Citroen 25p

We are quite close to situation where M-Sport drivers can just drive slowly to finish and they will still be Champions.
Even closer if they make 2 car entries.

[Morte66]

If the point of WRC2 Pro is to make sure that nobody enters WRC2 with in a works car to "buy a win" in the privateer class... has it done that?

I realise most WRC2 Pro drives have not been "real works", they're just paperwork. But has anybody done a regular WRC2 drive with full factory support this year?

[Allez Andruet]

I mean, like why was there no Citroen team on their home rally ?

Maybe the fact that there is one in Argentina and none in Corsica tells how much it actually is a "Citroen team".

[AnttiL]

But has anybody done a regular WRC2 drive with full factory support this year?

No. Veiby and Yates have already done three events, most only one.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

https://rallysportmag.com/interview-rich-millener-on-m-sports-wrc2-development-plans/

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Østberg
Had a taste of gravel at the @CitroenRacing development test in France. Next up in #WRC2PRO ➡️ @rallyargentina
https://t.co/BPs0FnWmg4

[AnttiL]

Skoda will debut the new Fabia in Portugal with Rovanperä and Kopecky. Before that Rovanperä will do Chile in a private car.

https://www.rallit.fi/kalle-rovanpera-saa-uuden-ralliauton-kesalla/

[Allez Andruet]

Skoda will debut the new Fabia in Portugal with Rovanperä and Kopecky.

Now we're talking... maybe Skoda will be a bit more active in WRC2 Pro (not that it would give that "championship" any credibility though) once the new Fabia is ready to race. Hopefully they'll field Kopecky alongside Rovanperä also in other events they're entering.

[deephouse]

Now we're talking... maybe Skoda will be a bit more active in WRC2 Pro (not that it would give that "championship" any credibility though) once the new Fabia is ready to race. Hopefully they'll field Kopecky alongside Rovanperä also in other events they're entering.

No one cares about that championship for real. Manus only take advantage and put their names on existing entrants just to fool everyone

[Allez Andruet]

No one cares about that championship for real.
That's exactly what I meant. But if WRC2 Pro is the excuse to see Kopecky in WRC rallies, I'll take it.

[PLuto]

That's exactly what I meant. But if WRC2 Pro is the excuse to see Kopecky in WRC rallies, I'll take it.

No. It was plan from beginning and it has nothing to do with WRC2 Pro...

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Reigning #WRC manufacturers' champion Toyota plans to build an R5-specification car for WRC2 class..

https://t.co/JMt0DbenKk

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Greensmith returns !

https://www.m-sport.co.uk/single-post/2019/04/18/GREENSMITH-MAKES-A-RETURN-IN-ARGENTINA

Car looking tatty even in the PET:
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/D44059GW0AARQJ1.jpg:large

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Mads Østberg‏

We had a good feeling at @rallyargentina shakedown today. Quickest through on both passes in the #R5 category. We've done some changes to the dampers and differentials since rally Sweden, and it seems to be working well.

[Jarek Z]

Bad luck for Kajto. In the service zone his team – after checking car's condition – decided to retire from the rally.

We overcame many difficulties and put great deal of work in order to take part in a rally taking place so far away. We were leading our category in our first event here, but later we unfortunately faced a failure and subsequent damages which were not possible to rectify. Together with our tuner, who takes care of servicing the car, we believe that this problem will be solved before our next rally. This is a very difficult decision for me. However, I feel strong support of our fans and this is very important in such moments. Thank you. There are many rallies ahead. We will come back stronger - says Kajto.

With 3 stages to go it is Pedro Heller who leads the WRC2 category. There are just 5 crews left and differences between them are huge. Heller has over 9 minute advatage over Guerra, who is in the second place.

https://scontent.fktw1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-0/q83/p600x600/58376424_10155977187281960_3903662205870014464_o.j pg?_nc_cat=104&_nc_ht=scontent.fktw1-1.fna&oh=960187f2fc28b44f67bcf5ed55f38488&oe=5D2F86F8

[Rally Power]

(...) With 3 stages to go it is Pedro Heller who leads the WRC2 category. There are just 5 crews left and differences between them are huge. Heller has over 9 minute advatage over Guerra, who is in the second place.

Amanzingly, the third R5 car overall (P11) is now Galanti’s Toyota Etios. A car built and homologated (for national and Codasur use) under R5 rules by Toyota Paraguay. Fingers crossed for them!

[pantealex]

With 3 stages to go it is Pedro Heller who leads the WRC2 category. There are just 5 crews left and differences between them are huge. Heller has over 9 minute advatage over Guerra, who is in the second place.



Nobre is currently second, Guerra 3rd.

[pantealex]

WRC2 PRO
MSport 120points
Citroen 50p
Skoda 36points

All rallies will count towards Manufacturers Championship

Msport with slowest drivers is doing excellent work.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Decent run by Greensmith on his return. He was never going to beat Ostberg.

[Co-FIN]

..

[racerx1979]

If you look last year Top WRC2 pace and compare it to this year, Mads was almost 1s/km slower to WRC guys than last year.

So in these terms I believe he should have matched Mads pace more.. Its still a lot of development work with C3 R5.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

WRC cars were also slower than last year due to stage conditions. Not a good comparison...

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Once GG had the car issue there was no chance of the Pro win and no point in pushing when 2nd place was guaranteed by a finish. Ostberg also didnt need to push after that.

[Co-FIN]

..

[mknight]

Østberg was without intercom on like 3-4 stages? And I recall also a puncture on 2nd stage on Sunday.

As already mentioned, there was no competition for like 2/3 of the rally either, so no reason to push. Last year Rovanpera and Tidemand were fighting until penultimate stage.

[Co-FIN]

..

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Interesting to see Rovanpera's Skoda for Chile being run by Toksport:

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/D6D2Y0cW0AALhDL.jpg

[mousti]

Interesting to see Rovanpera's Skoda for Chile being run by Toksport:

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/D6D2Y0cW0AALhDL.jpgThird different team this season already.

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[Essaj]

Third different team this season already.

Verstuurd vanaf mijn ONEPLUS A6013 met Tapatalk

Actually it's 4/4 :)

[mousti]

Actually it's 4/4 :)If you include Skoda Motorsport, yes.

But he has always his Skoda engineers around him and maybe even some mechanics.

Verstuurd vanaf mijn ONEPLUS A6013 met Tapatalk

[Barreis]

what happened with Gardemeister's team?

[Tarmop]

What should`ve happened? Available cars, knowhow, setups, logistics?

[Jarek Z]

A dance with a barrel :D
https://www.facebook.com/rallyturkey/videos/322113841812337/

[Got Mail]

what happened with Gardemeister's team?

Judging from Kalle's comments he was not too happy with them.

Toksport are a different league.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Why arent Škoda Motorsport still running the car for him themselves ?

[Got Mail]

Why arent Škoda Motorsport still running the car for him themselves ?

They will be back running the new shape car in Portugal.

I guess they didn't see massive value in having a full works team promoting an obsolete model.

[Essaj]

Judging from Kalle's comments he was not too happy with them.

Toksport are a different league.

Kalle's comments were about the team they drove with in Corsica

[Fast Eddie WRC]

They will be back running the new shape car in Portugal.

I guess they didn't see massive value in having a full works team promoting an obsolete model.

Its still the Škoda brand he is promoting though.

Seems the team must be really prioritising the testing of the Fabia Evo.

[liposh]

For how long will Kalle serve his obligatory military service in finnish army? I know he starts in october, but is it 6 months or 12 months or something in between? :-)

[mousti]

Kalle's comments were about the team they drove with in Corsica

Not really a surprise, HK Racing is quite a dodgy Italian team like Metior.

[AnttiL]

For how long will Kalle serve his obligatory military service in finnish army? I know he starts in october, but is it 6 months or 12 months or something in between? :-)

I think 6 months and it's a sports league which means he'll probably get "vacations" for rallies easily.

[Allez Andruet]

It can be 6, 9 or 12 months, but I think most of the sportsmen (and women as well, though it's voluntary for them) do no more than 6.

As AnttiL pointed out, it's sort of a special division Kalle's joining, so he most likely doesn't have to skip any rallies due to that assignment.

[Sulland]

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Conscription_in_Finland

[Fast Eddie WRC]

ØSTBERG WELCOMES C3 UPGRADES
https://www.wrc.com/en/wrc-2/news/2019/may-2019/ostberg-updates/page/6355--51-51-.html

[Jarek Z]

Another crash of Pieniazek:
https://mobile.twitter.com/Fannzuup/status/1134788803275702272

[Mirek]

another crash of pieniazek:
https://mobile.twitter.com/fannzuup/status/1134788803275702272

wtf?

[Jarek Z]

wtf?

Pieniazek explained that he completely lost brakes on this stage.

[RS]

Shout out to Loubet who finished Portugal reasonably close to the works Skodas in his ‘old’ car. Pity WRC highlights instead showed Katsuta by accident.

[PLuto]

I dont think that "new" Fabia is so much better than older car...

[RS]

I dont think that "new" Fabia is so much better than older car...

Well they came home 1-2 in WRC2 and 6th and 8th overall so a pretty decent start, but I kind of agree we didn’t see anything that remarkable in terms of stage times. Mads and Veiby were pretty competitive with them still.

But I also think they were maybe not pushing 100% all the time and that there may be more to unlock from the car as the drivers get used to it. Looking forward to seeing what Kopecky can do in Germany or Kalle in Finland..

[Mirek]

It's nonsense to expect some huge performance step. That is simply impossible. Everyone involved in the category is working 100% on having their cars fastest possible and the steps forward are logically only incremental. Within the framework of the existing rules I think that it's pretty much impossible to come with some sort of revolutionary ideas which would give really massive performance gain.

[Simmi]

Reports in Poland saying that the season is over for Lukasz Pieniazek. Financial issues apparently - https://rallypl.com/rajdy/wrc/wrc2/koniec-sezonu-dla-lukasza-pieniazka/

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Reports in Poland saying that the season is over for Lukasz Pieniazek. Financial issues apparently - https://rallypl.com/rajdy/wrc/wrc2/koniec-sezonu-dla-lukasza-pieniazka/

That's a shame for Lukasz.

I wonder if M-Sport will have a replacement to partner Greensmith in the new Fiesta R5 ?

[Fast Eddie WRC]

New Fiesta R5 for Greensmith in Finland...

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/D8dwmmfX4AAaXAg.jpg:large

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Confirmed: Takamoto Katsuta in the new Fiesta R5 in Finland.

[pantealex]

Confirmed: Takamoto Katsuta in the new Fiesta R5 in Finland.

if he is driving WRC2 it will be his 7th (and last because 7 is maximum) WRC2 start.

What will he do after that?

I don´t believe that he will start with "big number" and bad road position after all P1-3 drivers in rest of events.
Germany?
Turkey?
GB?
Spain?
Australia? He was NOT going to drive there.

[Jarek Z]

Reports in Poland saying that the season is over for Lukasz Pieniazek. Financial issues apparently - https://rallypl.com/rajdy/wrc/wrc2/koniec-sezonu-dla-lukasza-pieniazka/

What?! Out of money?! So he was not a real WRC2 Pro M-Sport Ford Motorsport factory driver?!

;)

[Fast Eddie WRC]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/D8kC2KKWsAEahKL.jpg

[Jarek Z]

So already 3 new Fiestas in Rally Finland? Coooool! :)

[deephouse]

What?! Out of money?! So he was not a real WRC2 Pro M-Sport Ford Motorsport factory driver?!

;)

Please tell me who is?

[AnttiL]

Please tell me who is?

That’s the joke...

[Tarmop]

Millener sai it quite clerly in the beginning, that they only support their Works WRC drivers, everyone else are customers.

[Rally Hokkaido]

So, we have a Pro class where the Pro drivers pay their team. That must be the first time in professional sports history! Nice try, FIA, but time to end this farce.

[Rallyper]

What?! Out of money?! So he was not a real WRC2 Pro M-Sport Ford Motorsport factory driver?!

;)

It was well known at the start of the season. Even on this forum, I´d say. Not being paid driver, that is.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

M-Sport could only just afford to run their WRC Team this year.

But the Skoda and Citroen guys aren't paying to drive in WRC2-Pro, are they ?

[tommeke_B]

M-Sport could only just afford to run their WRC Team this year.

But the Skoda and Citroen guys aren't paying to drive in WRC2-Pro, are they ?
But the Skoda and Citroën guys are not driving works cars (until Skoda in Portugal)... ;)

[AnttiL]

See that semicolon and right parenthesis at the end of Jarek’s message? That means he was joking.

[Jarek Z]

But the Skoda and Citroen guys aren't paying to drive in WRC2-Pro, are they ?

I'm afraid Ostberg is.

[deephouse]

I'm afraid Ostberg is.

Then why they have just some random team's car instead Citroen works car? I don't believe that the belgians have that much money to enter so many events at the world level. And I don't believe either that Citroen pay for running programme for him. As they never did and never will.

[Jarek Z]

So you agree that Ostberg is a paying driver, don't you?

[Mirek]

I'm afraid Ostberg is.


Then why they have just some random team's car instead Citroen works car? I don't believe that the belgians have that much money to enter so many events at the world level. And I don't believe either that Citroen pay for running programme for him. As they never did and never will.

The second biggest banner on his car is PMI, so...

[Rallyper]

The second biggest banner on his car is PMI, so...

And the biggest is...

[Mirek]

And the biggest is...

You can speculate about what part of the budget is paid by whom but that's something we will anyway never know. The fact that he has big PMI banners on his car itself mean that PMI brings money in.

[mousti]

Kajto will start in Sardinië with Fabia R5 from BRR

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[Rallyper]

You can speculate about what part of the budget is paid by whom but that's something we will anyway never know. The fact that he has big PMI banners on his car itself mean that PMI brings money in.

However paying and paying could mean a lot of things. Some pay for whole package, some getting paid even if they bring own sponsors. I don´t say you are wrong, but it also same same but different. That´s what one should be aware of.

[AnttiL]

It's not always so black and white. There could be a situation where the factory pays, for example 50%, and the driver has to supply the rest of the budget.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Greensmith interview at PET:

https://twitter.com/Rally_d_Italia/status/1138012900797353984

[RS]

Kajto will start in Sardinië with Fabia R5 from BRR

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http://kajto.pl/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/kajetanowicz_i_szczepaniak_w_rajdzie_sardynii_poja da_nowa_rajdowka_2.jpg

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Pieniazek:
The new Ford Fiesta R5 is a real beast! Testing was very promising so I hope we’ll get to drive it in #WRC 2 Pro for @MSportLtd later this year. 👍 https://t.co/POjU1bZLy7

[Jarek Z]

Veiby had suspension damage on SS1 and puncture on SS2. He has already lost 12 minutes.

Andolfi crashed already on SS2:
https://www.ewrc-results.com/media/54467-rally-italia-sardegna-2019/2595/

[Got Mail]

Veiby had suspension damage on SS1 and puncture on SS2. He has already lost 12 minutes.



Veiby already running under Super Rally. So changes puncture on SS2 and pulls out straight in front of Gryazin - ruining his rally.

Utter Dick.

[Jarek Z]

Why are the results of this rally so unreliable?
At https://www.ewrc-results.com/results/54467-rally-italia-sardegna-2019/?s=220920&sct=222 it is Gryazin, who leads WRC2.
At wrc.com only the top 3 drivers are listed after day one, no WRC2 competitors at all.
At https://rally-base.com/2019/rally-italia-sardegna-2019/?ssId=5420&cupId=161&ssGroupId=1 there are no WRC2 overal results at all.
On some websites it is Loubet who leads WRC2, on other Gryazin is the leader.
On some websites Kajetanowicz is missing, but his official website says that he is 4th...
wrc.com says "Data will be available once the rally starts" when I choose results for WRC2...
What the hell is going on?

[RS]

I think they haven’t worked out what to do about SS7 yet.

[RS]

I think they haven’t worked out what to do about SS7 yet.

Now sorted.. Loubet leads R5 class, good job!

[spiderem]

Can someone share some insight on Loubet? I have seen the name for few years now, here and there in wrc2, but actually never real fuss about his name, nor publicity. Potential young talent? Or gentleman driver?

[RS]

Can someone share some insight on Loubet? I have seen the name for few years now, here and there in wrc2, but actually never real fuss about his name, nor publicity. Potential young talent? Or gentleman driver?

Young. Son of former ERC champion.

[Jarek Z]

Gryazin out on SS10 - broken wheel.

[Jarek Z]

Can someone share some insight on Loubet? I have seen the name for few years now, here and there in wrc2, but actually never real fuss about his name, nor publicity. Potential young talent? Or gentleman driver?

Maybe both? :)

Pierre-Louis is 22 years old and comes from Corsica. He is the son of Yves Loubet, European Rally Champion from 1989 at the wheel of Lancia Delta Integrale from the famous Grifone Esso team (see the photo below).
He must have very good financial backing, because he spent the last 5 years in the WRC, actually without any success.

That's about all I know :)

You can read about him here:
https://www.fiaerc.com/loubet-confirms-erc-campaign-30-years-after-father-yves-won-european-title/

https://i.ytimg.com/vi/_OKwHXcqTNA/hqdefault.jpg

[Sulland]

WRC2 Pro need to get more press and airtime if this is something the factories will continue to support.

When not even the internal All Live transmissions bother to show their driving and interview them on all stages, what do manufacturers get back for signing up?

[Katvala]

WRC2 Pro need to get more press and airtime if this is something the factories will continue to support.

When not even the internal All Live transmissions bother to show their driving and interview them on all stages, what do manufacturers get back for signing up?They usually show them when they have the time. But often there's such short time between stages and it goes directly from. Stage 1 to stage 2 f.ex and WRC got priority. The plane, helicopters gotta move on etc, they can't cover many areas at once.

But perhaps a bigger Highlights section for WRC2/pro would do well, I agree it's not that much prioritized as it is now

Sent from my F8331 using Tapatalk

[KKS]

They need full 25min review of WRC2/pro as it was later back with PWRC. In that case more TV time, more PR and so on

[RS]

They need full 25min review of WRC2/pro as it was later back with PWRC. In that case more TV time, more PR and so on

And more than 40s of coverage in the daily WRC highlights programme.

[Jarek Z]

Kajto will start in Sardinië with Fabia R5 from BRR

... and it turned out to be a very good decision. Kajto scored his best result ever in the World Rally Championship - 12th overall and 2nd in WRC2:
http://kajto.pl/en/news/podium-finish-for-kajetan-kajetanowicz-and-maciej-szczepaniak/

Highlights from day 2:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8gPrLLgHD8U

[Got Mail]

Maybe both? :)

Pierre-Louis is 22 years old and comes from Corsica. He is the son of Yves Loubet, European Rally Champion from 1989 at the wheel of Lancia Delta Integrale from the famous Grifone Esso team (see the photo below).
He must have very good financial backing, because he spent the last 5 years in the WRC, actually without any success.



This year he has backing from Qatar, Eurodatacar and Oscaro.

I'm guessing they are going to be pretty substantial backers.

[JUF]

He must have very good financial backing, because he spent the last 5 years in the WRC, actually without any success. In all the years he has showed some good speed every now and then, but also crashed a lot. Obviously this changed. If he continues to improve he might be a contender for a WRC seat.

[Mirek]

Don't forget that he was driving i20 R5 in the past and virtually nobody achieved any international success with it.

[Got Mail]

Perhaps he could be in the frame for Kalle's seat at SKODA next year?

[Mirek]

Don't think so. It's even questionable if there will be any works Škoda team in WRC next year.

[RS]

At the moment, of those who are not already linked to a works team, I think Loubet and Gryazin are the most interesting prospects in WRC2.

[pantealex]

Andolfi has also been very fast.

Veiby just can´t handle the pressure

O.Solberg will be interesting name for 2020 WRC2

[RS]

... and it turned out to be a very good decision. Kajto scored his best result ever in the World Rally Championship - 12th overall and 2nd in WRC2:
http://kajto.pl/en/news/podium-finish-for-kajetan-kajetanowicz-and-maciej-szczepaniak/

Highlights from day 2:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8gPrLLgHD8U

I just watched WRC2 highlights and they didn’t show him once :(

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=friTqg8uraQ

[Jarek Z]

I just watched WRC2 highlights and they didn’t show him once :(

Disgusting!

[skarderud]

Andolfi has also been very fast.

Veiby just can´t handle the pressure

O.Solberg will be interesting name for 2020 WRC2Witch pressure?

His car burnt last rally, this rally his car broke down on ss1, good times all weekend.
He is up there, thrust me.

Sent fra min SM-G950F via Tapatalk

[Rallyper]

Perhaps he could be in the frame for Kalle's seat at SKODA next year?

Hold your horses, please.

[Got Mail]

Hold your horses, please.

What is the issue you want to put a hold on?

[Rallyper]

Loubet to Skoda...

[Mirek]

Loubet to Skoda...

I think that the possibility of him having some sort of semi-official entry into WRC2 Pro (if that nonse repeats itself) is not impossible. There is a lot of money behind Loubet and as You can see the WRC2 Pro team of M-Sport is built on the very same basis. Not saying it will happen but certainly that is not impossible.

[Rallyper]

I think that the possibility of him having some sort of semi-official entry into WRC2 Pro (if that nonse repeats itself) is not impossible. There is a lot of money behind Loubet and as You can see the WRC2 Pro team of M-Sport is built on the very same basis. Not saying it will happen but certainly that is not impossible.

Agree. But then money is involved, unlike Rovanperä. Like Pieniazek in Ford. There are plenty of youngsters who should be there ahead of Loubet. That´s what I meant.

[pantealex]

There are plenty of youngsters who should be there ahead of Loubet. That´s what I meant.

Now Per, my friend.

Who do you think is better option than Loubet, I´m not saying he is best but he is fast in both Gravel and Tarmac. Has just won 2 WRC2 events in row with quality opponents.

Gryazin maybe but plenty I don´t think so.

[the sniper]

Emil Bergkvist...? :D

[JUF]

Emil Bergkvist...? :D

... who ended up almost two minutes behind Loubet in Portugal?

[Fast Eddie WRC]

From Autosport:

Ostberg to miss Rally Finland in favour of R5 testing

One man who won't be in Estonia or Finland is Mads Ostberg. The Norwegian - who finished second on last year's Rally Finland in the team's full WRC squad - wants Citroen to focus on the development of the C3 R5 before it returns to fast gravel.

Given the high-speed nature of the next round of the series, the concern is for front-end grip as the air gets underneath and lifts the car's nose over the jumps.

"We need a lip at the front of the car," said Ostberg, "this would help, but I have been talking about this since Sweden. I said back then that it would be difficult to do Finland if we didn't have this work and it hasn't come, so we don't go. "I was supposed to do Finland, but I'm pulling [on] the brake a little bit now. I don't want to commit to doing more unless we do more work with the car. The car is getting older and the others are coming with new cars and we need to work on this; I am trying to change the philosophy with the car to make it quicker, but now we see if they listen to me or not. Really, it hurts a lot not to do Finland. I wanted to do it, I want to do it, but we are not prepared for it - simple as that."

[Rallyper]

Now Per, my friend.

Who do you think is better option than Loubet, I´m not saying he is best but he is fast in both Gravel and Tarmac. Has just won 2 WRC2 events in row with quality opponents.

Gryazin maybe but plenty I don´t think so.

Well, I shouldn´t have to explain for an experienced rallyfan how much you need to practice before you get the speed. No one, I say no one have done so few rallies like Emil did, and yet belongs to the top. It´s still pity he don´t get his chances. measuring drivers like many guys on this forum does doesn´t impress me.

I don´t even remember when that was said. I have bad memory. Still think Emil should be in Finland.

[RS]

From Autosport:

Ostberg to miss Rally Finland in favour of R5 testing

One man who won't be in Estonia or Finland is Mads Ostberg. The Norwegian - who finished second on last year's Rally Finland in the team's full WRC squad - wants Citroen to focus on the development of the C3 R5 before it returns to fast gravel.

Given the high-speed nature of the next round of the series, the concern is for front-end grip as the air gets underneath and lifts the car's nose over the jumps.

"We need a lip at the front of the car," said Ostberg, "this would help, but I have been talking about this since Sweden. I said back then that it would be difficult to do Finland if we didn't have this work and it hasn't come, so we don't go. "I was supposed to do Finland, but I'm pulling [on] the brake a little bit now. I don't want to commit to doing more unless we do more work with the car. The car is getting older and the others are coming with new cars and we need to work on this; I am trying to change the philosophy with the car to make it quicker, but now we see if they listen to me or not. Really, it hurts a lot not to do Finland. I wanted to do it, I want to do it, but we are not prepared for it - simple as that."

This is half-plausible. Lukyanuk didn’t go very well in Latvia which is also a high speed gravel event (although not with so many jumps). However seems a bit of a stretch to complain the car is getting old, particularly as others have said the car is now near the head of the pack and has a very strong engine.

[er88]

Citroen are so fucking slow at getting round to implementing changes drivers push for. If you want Ostberg to run and develop the car then listen to the major changes he claims are vital...

Reading those comments suggest Mads is losing patience and doesn't know if he's even being listened to

[AnttiL]

This is half-plausible. Lukyanuk didn’t go very well in Latvia which is also a high speed gravel event

Pretty unbeatable in Poland.