[WRC] News & Rumours 2021

[AnttiL]

What "final year"?

Has he sat a fixed date on retirement?

Whenever he decides to quit.

[meh]

At the moment Tänak is so involved with Hyundai, that it's hard to see him leaving in near future. Additionally for his driving skills, he is known good mechanic and brain to build and set up cars, he was hired to develop new cars.

Additionally he is involved in business level by providing service for R5 cars via Red-Grey with Markko Märtin.

... however bullet-proof it may sound here, it can be all gone and changed with just one political decision on higher level. Like it was with VW for example...

[Fast Eddie WRC]

At this point a Toksport Solberg/Mikkelsen deal is just pure speculation afaik.

You were right thankfully.

Planetemarcus apologised for his source giving bad info.

[mknight]

You were right thankfully.



Well while on first look Hyundai seems like a better deal, both have pros and cons:

Hyundai deal
+ "secure" for 2 years, so he doesn't need to risk in 2021 and can learn rallies
+ they have WRC car, possible part in development of 2022 car
- might struggle with current I20, not sure new car is reliable (so he won't learn rallies)
- still needs to show some speed

Skoda(Toksport)
+ reliable car and guaranteed performance for at least first half of 2021 (before Hyundai comes), likely whole year
- has to show multiple good results to be hired at end of 2021

[SubaruNorway]

You were right thankfully.

Planetemarcus apologised for his source giving bad info.

Might have been one of the three options he had

[Fast Eddie WRC]

I was thankful because I expected Chris Ingram to drive with Toksport and get their full attention.

[371]

Are you the only fan he has? Your support to this guy is annoying

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Are you the only fan he has? Your support to this guy is annoying

No there are many, as seen when we crowd-funded him.

But its easy to forget such drivers when they have no family backing. The 2019 European Rally Champion deserves some support and it helps to keep him on the radar.

[Rallyper]

Similar to Emil B then?

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Similar to Emil B then?

Who ? ;)

[dimviii]

No there are many, as seen when we crowd-funded him.
But its easy to forget such drivers when they have no family backing. The 2019 European Rally Champion deserves some support and it helps to keep him on the radar.

its easy to forget because he hasnt pace against other erc drivers,and didnt impress somebody.
Now maybe you understood when before one year, plenty guys from here told you, that he didnt deserved the championship,he was just lucky.

[371]

No there are many, as seen when we crowd-funded him.

But its easy to forget such drivers when they have no family backing. The 2019 European Rally Champion deserves some support and it helps to keep him on the radar.
Support me too. I have almost the same amount titles he as

[Mirek]

No there are many, as seen when we crowd-funded him.

But its easy to forget such drivers when they have no family backing. The 2019 European Rally Champion deserves some support and it helps to keep him on the radar.

I think that most of us supported his campaign for his passion and to give him a boost for his future. As a European champion he had much better position for dealing with sponsors and teams for his own future. Sadly if that was not enough to help him than there is probably nothing else what could. Those who has the money and will to help someone fresh and young obviously won't support a man who already made it to the champion's crown. Being a champion also puts you in a position in which you need to take care of yourself.

[PLuto]

I think that most of us supported his campaign for his passion and to give him a boost for his future. As a European champion he had much better position for dealing with sponsors and teams for his own future. Sadly if that was not enough to help him than there is probably nothing else what could. Those who has the money and will to help someone fresh and young obviously won't support a man who already made it to the champion's crown. Being a champion also puts you in a position in which you need to take care of yourself.

Chris was not able to manage all money for WRC2/3 budget. But he was entered with Fabia R5 to Azores to defend his ERC title. But coronavirus has changed the situation for him and also Toksport a lot...

[dimviii]

Chris was not able to manage all money for WRC2/3 budget. .

there were money,but didnt spend? or i didnt understand?

[dimviii]

Hänninen to tutor Katsuta at Toyota

Former Toyota Gazoo Racing driver Juho Hänninen has backed Takamoto Katsuta to succeed in his first full FIA World Rally Championship season in 2021.

https://www.wrc.com/en/news/season-2020/wrc/haenninen-to-tutor-katsuta-at-toyota/

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Ingram is working so hard to get budget but is constantly let-down by sponsors who promise and then dont deliver. Just last week he was on the verge of annoucing a sponsor to do Monte Carlo when they pulled out.

Sadly its super-hard trying to get rally sponsorship from the UK as the profile of the sport is so low. And Motorsport UK have done nothing compared to what other countries do for their driver's.

Apart from Greensmith and Yates who have big family money behind them, no other Brits have made it to WRC level for years. Ingram should've been our next hope but isnt getting the chance.

[Rallyper]

Just like what happened to Emil B a couple of years ago then.

We just have to accept that fortune no matter talent, is a big factor. Let´s think of all brilliant drivers never made it to the top during all times...

Maybe a list on Bar topic?

[Andre Oliveira]

Link of transmission components in 2021 will be:

Portugal / Italy
Estonia / Finland
Spain / Japan

[Andre Oliveira]

https://www.fia.com/sites/default/files/wrcsr_2021_16-12-20_published.pdf

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

[AnttiL]

The way I understand it, this Teams championship is for WRC teams which must participate in 7 rounds with 1-2 cars. So for example Hyundai's 2C team? Kubica/Kajto team? M-Sport won't do full season? Toyota's second team for Katsuta?

A full manufacturer team must participate in all rallies with two cars.

Then again, the point of the "second teams" goes if they are not taking points from the rival manufacturer teams. Will be interesting to see which teams participate.

WRC Manufacturer entry fee is 326 000 euros
WRC Team entry fee is 22050 euros

That's some difference...

[AndyRAC]

Just like what happened to Emil B a couple of years ago then.

We just have to accept that fortune no matter talent, is a big factor. Let´s think of all brilliant drivers never made it to the top during all times...

Maybe a list on Bar topic?

In this era you need talent, money/sponsors & connections; more and more we are seeing 'sons of' taking seats in motorsport disciplines.

[meh]

Some 'sons of' can drive as well. Being a 'son of' can give you faster lift to some level, but then you need to be the guy to deliver to stay there or climb higher.

[the sniper]

In this era you need talent, money/sponsors & connections; more and more we are seeing 'sons of' taking seats in motorsport disciplines.

Like Ingram...? :D

[T16]

In this era you need talent, money/sponsors & connections; more and more we are seeing 'sons of' taking seats in motorsport disciplines.

To take Evans, Rovanpera and Solberg as examples - all three are absolutely incredible drivers. For some reason, in my mind, Rovanpera and Solberg are once in a generation talents, but then I think Evans might be unstoppable next year, so he may well be up there too.

[Andre Oliveira]

Colin McRae was son of someone...

[mknight]

To take Evans, Rovanpera and Solberg as examples - all three are absolutely incredible drivers. For some reason, in my mind, Rovanpera and Solberg are once in a generation talents, but then I think Evans might be unstoppable next year, so he may well be up there too.

IMO neither of those 3 can be said to be "absolutely incredible" yet. Each and everyone of them can still prove it though.

Rovanpera did get youngest podium, but in terms of experience (rallies driven) he was certainly no novice.

Solberg did show great progress, but actually hasn't won much yet.

Evans has 3 rally wins out of 6! seasons in WRC and one second place in championship. He has shown rally winning pace in Sweden and near rally winning pace in Monte, not so much in any of the other rallies. The main reason for coming so close to title was consistency and no technical issues until Monza.

For me there are at most two "absolutely incredible" drivers driving atm, Ogier and Tanak (title and his stage winning streak (until Monte)). Loeb off course as well but he retired again. But I get peoples rankings might differ.

[AnttiL]

More new rules for 2021:


10.1.4 SPECIAL STAGE OVERLAP
The choice and timing of the special stages must be such that
there is no overlap of at least the first 15 cars on any special
stage before the start of the next special stage at normal
intervals.
10.1.5 NUMBER OF SPECIAL STAGES BETWEEN SERVICES
The construction of any itinerary that contains any more than
4 special stages (under the exclusion of a super special stage,
if any) between two services is subject to FIA and WRC
Promoter’s written approval.

The latter probably is the reason why Rally Finland cannot run their 2020 route in 2021. They would have run 7 stages on the Friday afternoon.

[T16]

IMO neither of those 3 can be said to be "absolutely incredible" yet. Each and everyone of them can still prove it though.

Rovanpera did get youngest podium, but in terms of experience (rallies driven) he was certainly no novice.

Solberg did show great progress, but actually hasn't won much yet.

Evans has 3 rally wins out of 6! seasons in WRC and one second place in championship. He has shown rally winning pace in Sweden and near rally winning pace in Monte, not so much in any of the other rallies. The main reason for coming so close to title was consistency and no technical issues until Monza.

For me there are at most two "absolutely incredible" drivers driving atm, Ogier and Tanak (title and his stage winning streak (until Monte)). Loeb off course as well but he retired again. But I get peoples rankings might differ.

O.K. and fair enough, but I think the pace of Solberg and Rovanpera, given their ages means they are both incredible. Of course they will get better, but even so, I'm astonished by them both.
You're talking post tense regarding Evans - you'll note, my saying he may be up there too was dependant on what happens next year, not what he's done this far.
I've just got a feeling that he really will build on this year and fill a lot of the gaps in. He's clearly a thinker, always learning and he certainly doesn't look out of ideas _ I'm pretty sure there's more to come from him.
Of course Ogier and Tanak are the best at the moment, but I wasn't comparing anyone to anyone else, more commenting on three 'sons of' who have made it (ok - very nearly) to the very top level.

[Sulland]

This "Son thing" is not happening only in motorsport.
Same for many other sports. It could have something to do with what is discussed around the kitchen table day in and day out.
You will automatically pick up a lot of info, to make your understanding of the sport down to the details very different than in a home where no one habe a clue on what you are training to become good in.

Think of a dinner in the Solberg home, compared to a boy or girl asking his/her parents on something regarding their sport, that they have no clue on. The answers will be dramaticaly different, and same with the kids output. This happens every day for many years, and also being at rallies picking up details of driver talk and discussion on set-up, driving, tyres and so on, and so on.

But as said here, your upbringing will only get you so far, then you will have to deliver on your own. And in the car you are on your own making your own desicions every second. Then it is more and more training, and the 10 000 hours it takes to reach the top in every sport, as a rule of thumb.

So even if you are a "rich brat", there is something in here money cant buy, to become world champion in rally.
As we saw in F1 a couple of weeks ago, when a driver took Hamiltons car for a race and led the race and could have won, if not Mercedes had fuc..... up. That will never happen in rally!

[KiwiWRCfan]

This "Son thing" is not happening only in motorsport.
Tiger Woods son is a pretty good driver also.

[Rallyper]

"Son thing" wasn´t what the debate started about.

It was those NOT having money but showed talent. Those guys who never made it because lack of funding for their ambitions.

Son thing still interesting subject...

Was Tommi Makinen son of Tommy Makinen? (yes, I know the answer...)

[Jarek Z]

It is an interesting subject indeed. But this "son thing" doesn't always work. Anton Alen, Alessandro Bettega, Matthew Wilson and Luca Tabaton haven't achieved much.

[AnttiL]

We could also speculate about drivers who didn't have a financial backer like family or manager behind them. Like we know that Kankkunen, Mäkinen et al. were backed by Jouhki. But Grönholm didn't have anyone or anything like that. Obviously people helped him, but it was more about helping through work or sharing contacts to Toyota for example, instead of someone investing lots of money. They were always on the edge, if the Celica had burned, his career would have ended.

[dimviii]

M-Sport
@MSportLtd
Pleased to welcome TM Competition to the M-Sport Family. The French team will fight for top results with two EcoBoost-powered Ford Fiesta Rally2 next year; one for @gilbert_quentin
in the French Tarmac Championship and one for @StephaneConsani
in the French Gravel Championship


https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Epwg8WZXEAAOB8e?format=jpg&name=large

[PLuto]

M-Sport
@MSportLtd
Pleased to welcome TM Competition to the M-Sport Family. The French team will fight for top results with two EcoBoost-powered Ford Fiesta Rally2 next year; one for @gilbert_quentin
in the French Tarmac Championship and one for @StephaneConsani
in the French Gravel Championship

So this post should be more in French championship thread than here...

[AnttiL]

M-Sport
@MSportLtd
Pleased to welcome TM Competition to the M-Sport Family. The French team will fight for top results with two EcoBoost-powered Ford Fiesta Rally2 next year; one for @gilbert_quentin
in the French Tarmac Championship and one for @StephaneConsani
in the French Gravel Championship


https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Epwg8WZXEAAOB8e?format=jpg&name=large

I almost got excited...and then noticed it's only for French championships.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Wales Rally GB investigation and interviews incl. David Richards:

https://www.bbc.com/sport/amp/motorsport/55386068

[AndyRAC]

It is an interesting subject indeed. But this "son thing" doesn't always work. Anton Alen, Alessandro Bettega, Matthew Wilson and Luca Tabaton haven't achieved much.

No, but they had the opportunities - but they simply weren't quick enough. I don't have a problem with that.
Talent alone isn't enough, and never really was. It's a combination of talent, connections, money/sponsors - and even a bit of luck; in the right place at the right time.

I look at Blomqvist & Sainz; both World Champions who had sons who've followed them into motorsport - but not rallying; you've got more options circuit racing if your seat goes. Tom has done F3, DTM, GTs, and now a seat in Formula E.

[Andre Oliveira]

Sainz Jr said that later goes to Rally.

[TheFlyingTuga]

No, but they had the opportunities - but they simply weren't quick enough. I don't have a problem with that.
Talent alone isn't enough, and never really was. It's a combination of talent, connections, money/sponsors - and even a bit of luck; in the right place at the right time.

I look at Blomqvist & Sainz; both World Champions who had sons who've followed them into motorsport - but not rallying; you've got more options circuit racing if your seat goes. Tom has done F3, DTM, GTs, and now a seat in Formula E.

Also Lundgaard's son. He is also in F2 and had won a couple of raced this year. I think making the transition from karting to circuit racing is easier because you can continue your career for more years. In rallying, you either exploit the driving age like Rovanpera or Solberg or you'll have to be on karting until you are 17.

[Tom K]

Finnish winter WRC round possible only in Rovaniemi. Fingers crossed

https://yle.fi/urheilu/3-11710167

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Like Ingram...? :D

Son-of but not of the same level at all. His dad was an amateur driver in national events and got him interested in rally. But he only helped financially with his very first cheap rally car and taking him to events.

After that Chris has won (junior) factory drives, prize-money & captured sponsors with his talent alone, to continue in the sport.

[bearclaw]

More new rules for 2021:



The latter probably is the reason why Rally Finland cannot run their 2020 route in 2021. They would have run 7 stages on the Friday afternoon.

With this new overlap rule, the starting time of the first car between two special stages should be at least 45min then?

I don’t like these new rules at all. It’s once again a step (or final step) that every wrc interary looks the same (2x2 / 2x3 / 2x4 format).

Is it allowed to have more than one “midday service”?

[AnttiL]

With this new overlap rule, the starting time of the first car between two special stages should be at least 45min then?


Yes I think.

Finland 2020 also had Kakaristo and Arvaja starting within 38 minutes of each other.

It's quite clear the new rules are demands of the All Live team.

[meh]

You want to see a lot of WRC2/WRC3 entries but to not have enough time to show time? :)

[doubled1978]

Yes I think.

Finland 2020 also had Kakaristo and Arvaja starting within 38 minutes of each other.

It's quite clear the new rules are demands of the All Live team.

Yep, and it makes sense for AllLive. I had always thought that part the reason they compressed the start times of the stages on a loop was to prevent spectator movements between stages. Spectators driving like lunatics on public roads to stage hop was a big issue on Rally GB in the past, I was one of them. These days it’s much more difficult, and being old and slow, far less appealing!

[mknight]

In last 15 years we have repeatedly seen that if you have money and/or the right motorsport background and start early it is almost guaranteed to get to somewhere around 5-6th place in WRC cars. (Matt Wilson stopped here, Novikov also comes to mind, Greensmith and Katsuta here atm).

But then the number of drivers improving on that drops drastically.

The first very difficult step is being able to fight for podiums on pace. (Rovanpera is somewhere around here now, Suninen also)

Afterwards another huge step is fighting for rally wins ( Mikkelsen here atm) and the next is having real shot at championship (Latvala finished somewhere just short of this, Hirvonen finished here).

All the listed driver names have had some of these advantages. But interestingly none of the champions since 2000 or so fall in this category imo.

[Jarek Z]

In last 15 years we have repeatedly seen that if you have money and/or the right motorsport background and start early it is almost guaranteed to get to somewhere around 5-6th place in WRC cars.

Is it really so? It didn't work for Anton Alen, Matt Wilson, Alessandro Bettega, Luca Tabaton, Evgeni Novikov, Antony Warmbold, Conrad Rautenbach... Hell! Even Nasser Al-Attiyah and Kimi Raikkonen, I don't think anybody can question their motorsport background and financial possibilities, also didn't make it.

[mknight]

Wilson, Novikov and partly Warmbold qualify for that (5-6 place)they are also listed in my post. Note the emphasis ... starting early and having money or family.

Al Attiyah and Raikkonen don't qualify for starting early. Out of the others I only ever noticed Rautenbach.

[denkimi]

the main problem of rich kids and sons off is that they hire the best teams, hire the best trainers, have the most test days, drive the most rallies, ...
because of that, they can seen to be more talented then they are, since they come up against others that have to do with little resources. other drivers who might be more talented but don't have the connections or money, drivers who have almost no testing and no-one to tell them what to do.

but once you get into the very top of the sport, you suddenly don't have that advantage anymore. then you're up against other on an equal level, and it's down to raw talent. and that little lack that they have managed to compensate through experience throughout their career, now can't be compensated anymore.

that is why loeb was so successful, that is why ogier is so successful, that is why tanak and neuville are so successful. they didn't pay their way up, they beat their opponents everywhere and every time on equal terms.
they just were the very best from the beginning of their career.

[dimviii]

but once you get into the very top of the sport, you suddenly don't have that advantage anymore. then you're up against other on an equal level, and it's down to raw talent. and that little lack that they have managed to compensate through experience throughout their career, now can't be compensated anymore.


agree at every line at your post,but specially with the quote.Very well said.

[Sulland]

Mikkelsen talks about much travel in 2021.
Could it be he will take on the US series as well as WRC?

[TypeR]

Mikkelsen talks about much travel in 2021.
Could it be he will take on the US series as well as WRC?
Truck driver maybe?

[AnttiL]

that is why loeb was so successful, that is why ogier is so successful, that is why tanak and neuville are so successful. they didn't pay their way up, they beat their opponents everywhere and every time on equal terms.
they just were the very best from the beginning of their career.

Yes, but it also involves some luck, not having your own rally car burned beyond repair or not making a contract with a team who calls it quits or does not have a competitive car.

Did Ogier ever have FFSA support?

Tänak also came from a motorsport family, so at least he was used to seeing and being around rally cars when he was young and his father was helping, although not able to help financially like Rovanperä and Solberg.

[rp]

Did Ogier ever have FFSA support?

Yes. Of course...

[mknight]

Yes, but it also involves some luck, not having your own rally car burned beyond repair or not making a contract with a team who calls it quits or does not have a competitive car.


Was just about to say the same. I generally agree what he writes but at a lot of carrier points there is a lot of luck and other circumstances involved.
Especially when it comes to teams/cars.

Say Atkinson joining Subaru just as their started decline. Tanak getting hired back for 2nd chance in 2014, what if there was another driver to pick? He was by far not obvious choice. (Or what if something else happened like when VW quit and cost Camilli any chance to drive at MSport for 2017?).Huttunen got a perfect start lined up to WRC by winning the Hyundai contest and got the 2018 i20 R5 that was breaking all the time and was not fast..now when he comes back he might get jumped by Solberg.

[AnttiL]

https://itgetsfasternow.com/2020/12/22/new-special-stage-rules-for-2021/

More thoughts about those new special stage rules

[T16]

I’m not sure how to link it as it’s in an app, but there is a superb short video exploring Rally GB and if it will go back to Wales or not.
I’ve found it on the BBC sport app (under motorsport) and it’s by a lady called Jade Paveley.
Lights a lot of emotion seeing the cinematic shots of beautiful Wales and a few stages.
Proper job - incredibly well done.
Dirt fish need to sign her up and get rid of that complete clown, Clarke.
Sorry I can’t post a link - please go look it up.

[the sniper]

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/av/motorsport/55386070

[doubled1978]

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/av/motorsport/55386070

Pretty good, you can really sense her passion for rallying and particularly in Wales.
In honesty, I actually like the idea of it rotating every three years between Wales/N.Ireland/Scotland as it will bring a sense of adventure back a bit, and stop it going stale by visiting the same stages every year.

[AnttiL]

The rotation thing is good in theory, but in practice it's difficult when you cannot have permanent staff or make agreements on stage usages, sponsorships, hospitalities etc. for more than one year at a time. Although on a certain level they could use the same staff organizing the rally in various parts of the country, but still it will be more difficult and more expensive.

[AnttiL]

https://www.rallit.fi/pahalta-nayttaa-teemu-suninen-jaamassa-ilman-wrc-sopimusta/

Jouhki saying Suninen is probably out of seat next year

[the sniper]

The rotation thing is good in theory, but in practice it's difficult when you cannot have permanent staff or make agreements on stage usages, sponsorships, hospitalities etc. for more than one year at a time. Although on a certain level they could use the same staff organizing the rally in various parts of the country, but still it will be more difficult and more expensive.

To be honest, in the UK this would probably work. The organisational team would just be Motorsport UK regardless of where it was. The Clerk of the Course Ian Campbell is Scottish, lives in the Scottish Highlands and was Clerk of the Course on the IRC Rally of Scotland. Regarding stage usage and sponsorship, in terms of the latter, the only significant sponsor of Rally GB are regional Government. They'd have to have three Local Government deals, but once they're set up, there isn't much more ongoing work that needs to be done. That's if they can be established... With stage usage, MSUK liaises with Natural Resources Wales and Forestry and Land Scotland over all stage usage for rallies anyway and with Rally GB, they essentially start the process over each year anyway regarding what will be available. In Northern Ireland it'd be a different process, but not too different and they now have some internal experience of closed road stages.

[EstWRC]

https://www.rallit.fi/pahalta-nayttaa-teemu-suninen-jaamassa-ilman-wrc-sopimusta/

Jouhki saying Suninen is probably out of seat next year

That’s interesting. So who would drive for them then? Gus and? I can’t think of anybody else apart from Mikkelsen.

I think Formaux manager said he will be in rally2?

[TypeR]

That’s interesting. So who would drive for them then? Gus and? I can’t think of anybody else apart from Mikkelsen.

I think Formaux manager said he will be in rally2?
I think that like Solberg, it is also good for Formaux to continue in WRC2 next season.
Formaux showed really good pace and improvement on last rallies.. some events with WRC would be good, but whole season could burn the budget(IF some bad luck and lack of pace)..

[mknight]

That’s interesting. So who would drive for them then? Gus and? I can’t think of anybody else apart from Mikkelsen.

I think Formaux manager said he will be in rally2?

At this point it can be anyone with a budget that is not hopeless...for example Gryazin, or even worse.

I also agree that it is not so good idea for Fourmaux at the moment, but he is most likely to join Greensmith on the team.

A blackhorse could be Huttunen for free, but not sure if he is ready to leave Hyundai at this point.
But he is in very bad position, can't drive WRC3 and not in WRC2 by Hyundai. Maybe Hyundai can dig out a "private" second team like Citroen is doing with PH Sport and Sainteloc.

[AnttiL]

That’s interesting. So who would drive for them then? Gus and? I can’t think of anybody else apart from Mikkelsen.

I think Formaux manager said he will be in rally2?

The article suggests Fourmaux and Greensmith.

[AnttiL]

https://twitter.com/TeemuSuninenRac/status/1341643452342145025

Suninen saying thanks to his supporters during his career until today...

[doubled1978]

Shame, but it really does look like a treading water year for Msport similar to previous regulation changes. But if it means they can develop a competitive car for 22 as they have before, then I guess it’s a price worth paying.
I’m sure Formaux will show some good stage times, and maybe a good result here and there as he is clearly fast.

[AnttiL]

Shame, but it really does look like a treading water year for Msport similar to previous regulation changes. But if it means they can develop a competitive car for 22 as they have before, then I guess it’s a price worth paying.
I’m sure Formaux will show some good stage times, and maybe a good result here and there as he is clearly fast.

I'm expecting just Greensmith level from him.

[T16]

Hasn’t Eddie got any insider info about what’s going on??

[bomber21]

Greek Minister of Sports is stating that Rally Acropolis will be part of the WRC Calendar 2022.
https://gga.gov.gr/grafeio-tupou/deltia-tupou/3213-wrc

Link is in greek but I am posting it for reference.

[AnttiL]

Greek Minister of Sports is stating that Rally Acropolis will be part of the WRC Calendar 2022.
https://gga.gov.gr/grafeio-tupou/deltia-tupou/3213-wrc

Link is in greek but I am posting it for reference.

And they are also on the spare calendar of 2021. Would be nice to have such a classic event back :)

[bomber21]

And they are also on the spare calendar of 2021. Would be nice to have such a classic event back :)
A dream will become true for us greek WRC fans if everything goes well. We are really passionate about it.
I am willing to help anyone would like to watch the greek rally.

[AnttiL]

https://www.rallit.fi/teemu-suninen-myontaa-tukalan-tilanteen-maksukuskit-viemassa-wrc-paikan-siina-tapauksessa-jaadaan-laiturille-katsomaan-kun-muut-ajavat/

Suninen considers WRC2 as an option.

[dupanton]

I'm expecting just Greensmith level from him.

Fourmaux should be quicker. But will make even more mistakes I reckon.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

How Chris Ingram is fighting for funding to get into WRC:

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/motorsport/55367174

[Rallyper]

A dream will become true for us greek WRC fans if everything goes well. We are really passionate about it.
I am willing to help anyone would like to watch the greek rally.

Will it be Loutraki for HQ/SP?

[meh]

How Chris Ingram is fighting for funding to get into WRC

I can understand that you are The True Fan. I don't mind but this is a bit level of "vegan" :)
(an example: https://pics.me.me/anybody-wants-to-say-anything-im-vegan-some-last-words%E2%80%A6-62024824.png )

[Tom K]

Will it be Loutraki for HQ/SP?

Not announced yet. They created some kind of Organizing Committee. But if they need to be included in 2021, probably will do it with "ready-to-use" format, so Loutraki or Lamia.

[AndyRAC]

How Chris Ingram is fighting for funding to get into WRC:

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/motorsport/55367174

If winning the ERC couldn't bring in the sponsors/money, then I'm not sure what will. Similarly to M-Sports troubles; recent winners of both WRC drivers/manufacturers titles, yet struggling to put cars on the start line of the Monte.

[TypeR]

I can understand that you are The True Fan. I don't mind but this is a bit level of "vegan" :)
(an example: https://pics.me.me/anybody-wants-to-say-anything-im-vegan-some-last-words%E2%80%A6-62024824.png )

that Ingram's story is a bit too whining..

Sounds like ,,Money/support and paydriving is bad when other's get it.. but with me (Ingram) it would be the right choice..''

[Andre Oliveira]

If winning the ERC couldn't bring in the sponsors/money, then I'm not sure what will. Similarly to M-Sports troubles; recent winners of both WRC drivers/manufacturers titles, yet struggling to put cars on the start line of the Monte.

Lets be real. Chris was the less good ERC champion of last years. Even Kajto with his control pace... won rallies. You need show speed too. Lukyanuk in not so good car shows more champion pace than him.

[mknight]

https://www.rallit.fi/teemu-suninen-myontaa-tukalan-tilanteen-maksukuskit-viemassa-wrc-paikan-siina-tapauksessa-jaadaan-laiturille-katsomaan-kun-muut-ajavat/

Suninen considers WRC2 as an option.

Sports-wise it would actually be nice if he drives WRC2 in Fiesta with Solberg, Mikkelsen and likely Østberg in.

That said his results with R5 Fiesta on the few (2?) outings he did were quite underwhelming.

[bomber21]

Will it be Loutraki for HQ/SP?
No decision yet but Loutraki stages have not been used the last years. Last ERC Acropolis rallies were in Lamia.
In my opinion, Lamia is much better than Loutraki.

[RAS007]

If winning the ERC couldn't bring in the sponsors/money, then I'm not sure what will. Similarly to M-Sports troubles; recent winners of both WRC drivers/manufacturers titles, yet struggling to put cars on the start line of the Monte.

The ERC has always been a road to nowhere, but M-Sport’s chronic inability to find a title sponsor is a problem singular to that team and their set up.

[Tom K]

According to Spanish AS Borja Rozada will join Dain Sordo.

https://as.com/motor/2020/12/24/mas_motor/1608796595_148810.html?id_externo_rsoc=comp_tw

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Suninen in WRC2 switch ?
https://www.instagram.com/p/CJLY8IWDmcD/?igshid=15p35bl1ntpln

[AndyRAC]

The ERC has always been a road to nowhere, but M-Sport’s chronic inability to find a title sponsor is a problem singular to that team and their set up.

Both are a damning indictment on the sport.....

[Fast Eddie WRC]

The ERC has always been a road to nowhere,

Breen & Lappi came through ERC to WRC and many others when it was IRC.

[rallyfiend]

Breen & Lappi came through ERC to WRC and many others when it was IRC.

And Neuville. And Mikkelsen.

[RAS007]

Breen & Lappi came through ERC to WRC and many others when it was IRC.


And Neuville. And Mikkelsen.

Let me rephrase: *winning* the ERC has always been a road to nowhere; with the exception of Lappi, I can't think of a single driver who has captured the ERC crown and then gone on to a successful WRC career. I'm talking about the European Rally Championship, which has been going on since the 1950s, not the Intercontinental Rally Challenge, which lasted for 6 years or so then was absorbed into the ERC.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Lorenzo Bertelli:

(Merry Xmas) from the #Fuckmatiè team and I, and see you all soon on the stages in @OfficialWRC 2021 !
@MSportLtd #WRC

[Kenneth]

IRC was not absorbed into ERC, it was the other way. I think we can safely say that original ERC was cancelled and IRC was renamed.

[abcrally]

Yes I think.

Finland 2020 also had Kakaristo and Arvaja starting within 38 minutes of each other.

It's quite clear the new rules are demands of the All Live team.

How does it sound for having Kakaristo-Arvaja as a single stage. That's on the table now!

[EstWRC]

Ott Tänak is ready for this one. Primed and ready. He’s done his day of tire testing, first time on the Pirellis in a Hyundai i20 Coupe WRC and his answer is good to go.

Tell us, What did you think of the tires?

The pause. The grin. The answer: “What was it [Juha] Kankkunen said? ‘They are black and round’. They are still black and round.”

https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/how-tanaks-feeling-about-wrc-2021s-big-unknown/

[dimviii]

Ott Tänak is ready for this one. Primed and ready. He’s done his day of tire testing, first time on the Pirellis in a Hyundai i20 Coupe WRC and his answer is good to go.

Tell us, What did you think of the tires?

The pause. The grin. The answer: “What was it [Juha] Kankkunen said? ‘They are black and round’. They are still black and round.”

https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/how-tanaks-feeling-about-wrc-2021s-big-unknown/

they were some 'problems'' at first tests with pirelli tyres according to plenty of spectators were present at these tests.
its normal imho,thats why will be the key who is going to find quicklythe sweet spot at setup.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Mikkelsen driving in ERC 2020 with Toksport as well as WRC2.

[mknight]

Full program announcement from Mikkelsen:

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=r8bplX6gKME

- WRC2 season
- ERC season
- maybe some rounds in WRC pending funding
- recce on WRC rounds he doesn't drive
- new Fabia Rally2 development

Thanks Skoda and Toksport

-----
Probably the best program possible. Full WRC season with MSport fighting only with teammates wouldn't be better (look at Lappi and Suninen this year). WRC2 with MSport and some deal for 2022 in WRC Fiesta would have been better, but MSport doesn't seem to be in position to promise something like that at the moment and it would be more risky.

First time I see some confirmation about new Fabia development. Though we could have hoped that it was a WRC car. With the development and thanking Skoda first it does look a bit semi-manu like.

I guess Solberg was originally offered a similar deal, but chose to go to Hyundai instead due to clearer path to WRC. Good for Mikkelsen, bad for Huttunen.

[EstWRC]

they were some 'problems'' at first tests with pirelli tyres according to plenty of spectators were present at these tests.
its normal imho,thats why will be the key who is going to find quicklythe sweet spot at setup.

You mean Tänak had problems or everybody in general?

[Kenneth]

Slovakian driver Martin Koči will once again start in Junior WRC

[pantealex]

Slovakian driver Martin Koči will once again start in Junior WRC

Is that possible by regulations ?
-he is born 1993
-has 30 WRC starts
-has 18 JWRC starts

[Tom K]

To be eligible to participate and score points in the Junior
WRC, drivers must:
a) have been born on or after 1 January 1992;
b) not have competed as a priority 1 (P1) driver designated to
score Manufacturer points in an FIA World Rally Championship event before the first WRC Junior rally of 2021;

[DocMS]

Any more news on running winter round in Finland. Has gone all quiet since Xmas.

Sent from my CLT-L09 using Tapatalk

[Essaj]

Any more news on running winter round in Finland. Has gone all quiet since Xmas.

Sent from my CLT-L09 using Tapatalk

Nothing more than if the event happens it will happen in Rovaniemi

[abcrally]

Nothing more than if the event happens it will happen in Rovaniemi

The route in Rovaniemi area is planned which was maybe the easiest part on this new project. Event dates have not been decided yet. Negotiations are still ongoing with organizer and the promoter.

[Andre Oliveira]

Loubet announced full WRC 2021 program.

[mknight]

Loubet announced full WRC 2021 program.

Always nice to see more cars on stages and he was doing ok so far.

The big question to me is what kind of car will he be running, whole this year he ran a car from before-mid 2019 which places him pretty much in the middle of nowhere as all factory ones are clearly faster. Often even MSport cars are.

[djip]

Always nice to see more cars on stages and he was doing ok so far.

The big question to me is what kind of car will he be running, whole this year he ran a car from before-mid 2019 which places him pretty much in the middle of nowhere as all factory ones are clearly faster. Often even MSport cars are.

Considering he was probably funding his hyundai drives, I wish he could go to MSport. Not the best machinery today, but definitely not outdated as last year ... Fingers crossed for him ... and for Malcolm's wallet !

[KiwiWRCfan]

Arctic Lapland Rally will not have spectators.
3 short spectator stages cancelled
Covid-19 tests required for all attendees
https://twitter.com/Tunturirally/status/1344419129458118657

[Tom K]

Brazzoli will join Gryazin in Movisport Team in WRC 2

https://www.rallytime.eu/2020/12/30/movisport-svela-il-secondo-equipaggio-nel-wrc2-anche-brazzoli-barone/

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Loubet announced full WRC 2021 program.

And the 2C team will also run a second car on selected events.

[pantealex]

Brazzoli will join Gryazin in Movisport Team in WRC 2

https://www.rallytime.eu/2020/12/30/movisport-svela-il-secondo-equipaggio-nel-wrc2-anche-brazzoli-barone/

Gryazin with Polo
Brazzoli with Fabia

Can same WRC2 team use different cars in same rally or are they driving completely different events ?

[AnttiL]

Considering he was probably funding his hyundai drives

probably? He was in the customer team :)

[RS]

Gryazin with Polo
Brazzoli with Fabia

Can same WRC2 team use different cars in same rally or are they driving completely different events ?

Don’t see why not if the team does not have the manufacturer in it’s name, ie. Toksport won this year’s WRC2 teams title, not Skoda.

[AnttiL]

https://twitter.com/Kajto_pl/status/1344706384877690880

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EqkF-H8W8AEsHCe?format=jpg&name=large

[Fast Eddie WRC]

https://twitter.com/Kajto_pl/status/1344706384877690880
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EqkF-H8W8AEsHCe?format=jpg&name=large

Awesome ! Can it be a WRC program in 2021 ?

[bwallace]

i guess this photo is from 2019 when kajetan drive 2 polish rally

[Kenneth]

yes that's correct

[Andre Oliveira]

https://youtu.be/pNlsJKExXpE

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Eqv3I4rWMAI3LbI?format=jpg&name=large

[Rally Hokkaido]

https://youtu.be/pNlsJKExXpE

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Eqv3I4rWMAI3LbI?format=jpg&name=large

Main sponsor is a hand sanitiser producer that surely has a larger than usual advertising budget this year!

[Tom K]

Film from testing is from November...

[dimviii]

Andreas Mikkelsen
@AMikkelsenRally
ANNOUNCEMENT


@olafloene will return to the co-driver seat
Trophy
We have a long succsessful history together and I can’t wait to chase more victories together with you my friend

https://instagram.com/p/CJnl1UYH7yb/

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Awaiting M-Sport driver line-up reveal this week as the entry for Rallye Monte-Carlo closes on 10 Jan.

[Lead]

Andreas Mikkelsen
@AMikkelsenRally
ANNOUNCEMENT


@olafloene will return to the co-driver seat
Trophy
We have a long succsessful history together and I can’t wait to chase more victories together with you my friend

https://instagram.com/p/CJnl1UYH7yb/
Great news. There was definitely good return cooperation between them in ERC rally Hungary. They both seemed happy and had fun in the car.

[Eli]

https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/wrc-teams-likely-to-get-more-2022-engine-development-time/

According to dirtfish: 'Rally1 engines looks set to be delayed until July 1'.

[abcrally]

More info about WRC event in Rovaniemi is expected on Thursday. WRC 2021 season could start from Finland.

[pantealex]

Awaiting M-Sport driver line-up reveal this week as the entry for Rallye Monte-Carlo closes on 10 Jan.

Entry for Monte closed almost month ago...

Reveal of entry-list is next Monday.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

wrc_tv_italy

MATTON CONFIDENT ON MONTECARLO

Yves Matton, director of the FIA rally commission, expressed optimism about the Monte Carlo rally:

"There are no guarantees due to Covid-19, but, at the moment, we can be confident that the Monte Carlo Rally will start"

"There will be constraints and changes, even at the last moment, but if we manage to make an event like this, then we can get more and more races during the year, although obviously sorry that the Rally of Sweden cannot take place."

“With the World Rally Championship, we have considered not having races outside of Europe before the second half of the year, reducing the number of rallies in the interest of the current situation that the manufacturers have to face, in the same period. in which they must also develop the new cars for 2022 ”.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Entry for Monte closed almost month ago...

Reveal of entry-list is next Monday.

Ok the 'entry' was made, but their drivers were not entered yet and MSport had special dispensation.

[Sulland]

More info about WRC event in Rovaniemi is expected on Thursday. WRC 2021 season could start from Finland.

The organizer opened up possibility for WRC cars to sign up until friday this week, emotorsport.se wrote. So lets see if we get a winter rally in Finland.

[AnttiL]

The organizer opened up possibility for WRC cars to sign up until friday this week, emotorsport.se wrote. So lets see if we get a winter rally in Finland.

The entry thing is about the national Arctic Rally in January. If the WRC event comes it is run in February

[EstWRC]

WRC 2021 line-up

Toyota:
Ogier
Rovanperä
Evans
Katsuta

Hyundai:
Tänak
Neuville
Sordo/Breen

Hyundai team 2C:
Loubet

M-Sport:
Greensmith
Suninen/Formaux

[djip]

wrc_tv_italy

MATTON CONFIDENT ON MONTECARLO

Yves Matton, director of the FIA rally commission, expressed optimism about the Monte Carlo rally:

"There are no guarantees due to Covid-19, but, at the moment, we can be confident that the Monte Carlo Rally will start"

"There will be constraints and changes, even at the last moment, but if we manage to make an event like this, then we can get more and more races during the year, although obviously sorry that the Rally of Sweden cannot take place."

“With the World Rally Championship, we have considered not having races outside of Europe before the second half of the year, reducing the number of rallies in the interest of the current situation that the manufacturers have to face, in the same period. in which they must also develop the new cars for 2022 ”.

Talk about wishful thinking ... There is nothing here that is solid and reliable ... Matton is clearly out of his game and running afteer the ball instead of controling the play (but dies FIA has leverage or is it the promoter ? )

[dimviii]

Oliver first testing hyundai r5 at snow
https://twitter.com/OliverSolberg01/status/1346879737965248518

[Andre Oliveira]

The entry thing is about the national Arctic Rally in January. If the WRC event comes it is run in February

Arctic Rally without numbers 2, 3, 4 and 5. Maybe some news soon?

https://www.ewrc-results.com/entries/67302-arctic-lapland-rally-2021/

[Tom K]

Entries for class 6 (WRC cars) are opened again. Deadline is Friday, 6 pm. Tomorrow we should know more...

[dimviii]

interview with Fourmaux.

A.Fourmaux: "Be efficient everywhere"

After this announcement, we were able to reach Adrien to discuss this fabulous program.
It's done, we finally know your program for 2021! I hope you haven't waited as long as we have to know him.

“No, I've known that for a while, but seeing the ad on the networks is bound to be reassuring.

The only change was hearing that we wouldn't have the WRC at Monte Carlo, that changed late. It's a rally that is close to my heart, it would have been a dream to do it with the WRC but to be at the start with the R5 is already magic. "
Wasn't it long enough to wait for your program to be confirmed?

“We know you have to be patient in this sport. It has been under discussion for a long time, but until it's official, we wait. It must have been a bit long, but it's done now, and that's the main thing. "
After Monte-Carlo, do you have any idea of ​​your schedule between WRC and WRC-2 events?

“We haven't chosen the program yet. Choosing between gaining WRC experience and going for the WRC2 title is not going to be easy. I think the Monte-Carlo result can also help to see things more clearly.

It’s good to have a WRC2 title but if it’s playing the grocer, I don’t really like it, although M-Sport is bound to expect big results in this championship. I find it would be more interesting to be successful all over the place using my experience to good effect. For example, I can see myself at the start of Portugal in WRC2 on an event that I do not know, then with the WRC in Sardinia where I have experience and where I could also benefit from an interesting starting order. .

Afterwards, if I have to ride in Croatia and Japan for example with the WRC, I won't complain! "
Do you have any idea how many events you are going to compete in?

“The goal is to do all the rallies this year… so that I have as much experience as possible and prepare for the future. In WRC2, up to 7 events can be done, 6 of which will be used for the points calculation. "
What is the preparation planned for the Monte-Carlo?

“If all goes well, I will have two testing days next week to prepare for the rally. A dry day and another more snow / ice. It’s really ideal for this event, a bit like preparing for Spain with two surfaces to test (dirt and asphalt). "
Who are the partners who will follow you in 2021?

“I'm really happy to still have my partners from the North, in addition to Yacco and the FFSA. Michelin can unfortunately no longer be involved with us. "
How did you experience this offseason?

“It was important to cut between the two seasons and take advantage of my loved ones. I also took the air with a mountain internship to make energy and produce blood cells!

I also took advantage of this time to do quite a bit of sport. Even though I don't have a personal coach in this area, I don't necessarily feel the need to be supervised more than currently, and besides, I don't necessarily have the financial resources for that. I am already very well surrounded with in particular Nicolas Bernardi and the management of the France team. "
Have you already mentioned 2022 and more precisely the possibility of developing the Ford hybrid?

“Yes, I am in discussions with M-Sport to test drive the 2022. I would really like to be a part of this hybrid era. I still haven't seen the car but only a few drafts. When the time is right, I'll see more! "
By Julien R.

https://www.rallye-sport.fr/a-fourmaux-etre-performant-un-peu-partout/?fbclid=IwAR1wn-9iwXYjaH0sZ-szzqCt7MJeAJUlKrIMD8whCrUOgJNBlqC887uggRs

[mknight]

Does this mean he will drive on Pirelli in WRC2 or just that Michelin won't be sponsoring him with money/tires?

Anyway, he certainly doesn't lack confidence when talking about speed on starts in WRC this year. What does he think he would achieve?

Also interesting how he is seemingly negative about WRC2 starts. I mean this guy has so far in his career won a single rally in R5 with good competition (Canarias). Might be translation issue... or it might be he acts like a properly French guy ;)

[AMSS]

Does this mean he will drive on Pirelli in WRC2 or just that Michelin won't be sponsoring him with money/tires?

Anyway, he certainly doesn't lack confidence when talking about speed on starts in WRC this year. What does he think he would achieve?

Also interesting how he is seemingly negative about WRC2 starts. I mean this guy has so far in his career won a single rally in R5 with good competition (Canarias). Might be translation issue... or it might be he acts like a properly French guy ;)

All 4wd cars in WRC events have to be on Pirellis for the next 4 seasons, so no other option

[pantealex]

All 4wd cars in WRC events have to be on Pirellis for the next 4 seasons, so no other option

Is it really ?

Last year it was only Michelin for WRC cars but Rally2 cars had other options also.

so now every WRC, Rally2/RC2 and Rally3 car must use Pirelli tyres until end of 2024 ?

[AMSS]

Is it really ?

Last year it was only Michelin for WRC cars but Rally2 cars had other options also.

so now every WRC, Rally2/RC2 and Rally3 car must use Pirelli tyres until end of 2024 ?

Yes, only 2wd can use what they want

[rp]

Yes, only 2wd can use what they want

Yes and it´s very good for Pirelli, but a stupid decision by FIA. At least WRC3 drivers should have been free to select their tyres and get some more support from different tyre manufacturers.

[mknight]

All 4wd cars in WRC events have to be on Pirellis for the next 4 seasons, so no other option

Thanks I didn't know that.

Not sure if I like it or not, pros and cons.

A bit weird that I think Michelin just released a new rain tire in the autumn. But there is off course ERC and all the national rallies.

[Sulland]

Is there good discounts compared with normal price for WRC, Rally2 and rally3 drivers, since Pirelli now has monopoly?

[Eli]

Has anyone seen this? https://www.rallye-magazin.de/wrc/artikel/rallye-monte-carlo-als-finale-45779/

[AnttiL]

The article already says it...if they run Monte 2021 in December, will we then have a Monte in January 2022? Or was it planned to have a year off by rotation anyway?

[Tom K]

I am pretty surprised why there are so many rumours about Safari abandonment. First everbody wants Safari back. Now opposite. I know that official covid numbers in Africa could not show seriousness of situation but... In Kenya they have ~ 300 cases per day. Travel restrictions? My friend was there a week ago, so...

They included Safari to the calendar twice, and now realized that it is expensive rally?

[PLuto]

Is there good discounts compared with normal price for WRC, Rally2 and rally3 drivers, since Pirelli now has monopoly?

Are you joking? Discount? At WRC level? :D

[PLuto]

I am pretty surprised why there are so many rumours about Safari abandonment. First everbody wants Safari back. Now opposite. I know that official covid numbers in Africa could not show seriousness of situation but... In Kenya they have ~ 300 cases per day. Travel restrictions? My friend was there a week ago, so...

They included Safari to the calendar twice, and now realized that it is expensive rally?

Safari will not happen. It is in calendar only to show they want also events out of Europe, but Ypres will be included there instead.

[Tom K]

And what is the basis of this decision?

[PLuto]

And what is the basis of this decision?

Politics, friendship and money.

[Tom K]

So, world did not changed that much after 2020. What a relief! :D

[Sulland]

Are you joking? Discount? At WRC level? :D

What is the CZ price for 4 x pirelli 205/65-15 K8 (https://gundersenmotorsport.no/butikk/dekk/dekk-rallydekk_grus/dekk-rallydekk_grus-15_/pirelli-205-65-15-k8-nto/)tyres if I were to buy a set?

[Andre Oliveira]

Ypres in
UK out

https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/ypres-takes-rally-uks-slot-on-2021-wrc-calendar/?fbclid=IwAR1Z_U-jiITq6Ffhn1nBXetAnfmBBHjoZOI10jmIEAvz7nqGFV22hO1YX I4

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Ypres in
UK out

https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/ypres-takes-rally-uks-slot-on-2021-wrc-calendar/?fbclid=IwAR1Z_U-jiITq6Ffhn1nBXetAnfmBBHjoZOI10jmIEAvz7nqGFV22hO1YX I4

What a sad state of affairs.

UK rallying is officially on it's arse now.

[AndyRAC]

Now - it's been in decline for the last 10+ years; the warning signs have been there......The chickens have come home to roost.

[Tom206wrc]

I'm glad for Pierre Louis Loubet and Adrien Fourmeaux, now let's see what they can achieve on a full season :)

[RS]

Now - it's been in decline for the last 10+ years; the warning signs have been there......The chickens have come home to roost.

What a shame. The ‘RAC Rally’ used to be a major event on the sporting calendar. Even normal people were aware it was happening and there was good coverage on the BBC. What went so wrong?

[the sniper]

What a shame. The ‘RAC Rally’ used to be a major event on the sporting calendar. Even normal people were aware it was happening and there was good coverage on the BBC. What went so wrong?

Seems rather fitting that it went down on David Richards watch...

[Andre Oliveira]

Juho Hänninen in Yaris WRC at Arctic

Number 69 now free (Kalle?)

[pantealex]

Juho Hänninen in Yaris WRC at Arctic

Number 69 now free (Kalle?)

I hope it´s Kalle also but last time Juho did drive Yaris it was #69

[Rallyper]

UK rally on decline.

Also Rally Sweden company is questionable moneywise. News from yesterday says the Swedish Automobil Association (SBF) board i split about making Svenska Rallyt AB in bankrupcy.

There are two sides fighting... Let´s see what to come. (sorry for my bad english)

[dimviii]

Why Suninen’s co-driver is leaving for team management

A "sad" Jarmo Lehtinen explains his exit from M-Sport for a new role at Toyota

https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/why-suninens-co-driver-is-leaving-for-team-management/

[cali]

UK rally on decline.

Also Rally Sweden company is questionable moneywise. News from yesterday says the Swedish Automobil Association (SBF) board i split about making Svenska Rallyt AB in bankrupcy.

There are two sides fighting... Let´s see what to come. (sorry for my bad english)Ooh so this thing doesn't only happen on developing countries like Estonia like we had last year but also in Sweden. Can you share more of this?

Sent from my GM1913 using Tapatalk

[EstWRC]

this silence about new calendar or any news about first two rounds makes me nervous

[abcrally]

this silence about new calendar or any news about first two rounds makes me nervous

My money are on that WRC season starts in Rovaniemi at the end of February.

[Whinlatter]

What a shame. The ‘RAC Rally’ used to be a major event on the sporting calendar. Even normal people were aware it was happening and there was good coverage on the BBC. What went so wrong?
Money, basically. The cost of running a WRC round is high and Motorsport UK cannot attract a sponsor who is prepared to pay enough money to cover the costs. Wales government reduced the amount they were willing to pay and MSUK felt it wasn't enough. In Covid times with the economy under pressure it seems that no one feels this is a good use of money, despite the economic benefits that hosting an event can bring to the area. Media coverage is low because football dominates the sporting landscape far more than it used to in the 1990s. F1 and to a lesser extent rugby, golf and cricket have good coverage but everything else is marginalised. Even with Elfyn being in with a chance of the title last year there was limited coverage because there just isn't enough mainstream interest.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

We have the best private and recently-winning team in rallying (M-Sport).

In 2020 a British driver was fighting for the WDC (Elfyn Evans).

And we had the 2019 ERC Champion (Chris Ingram).

All were giving the sport the best publicity and yet MSUK could do nothing to boost the image and sponsorship.

[Rallyper]

Ooh so this thing doesn't only happen on developing countries like Estonia like we had last year but also in Sweden. Can you share more of this?

Sent from my GM1913 using Tapatalk

What I know only in swedish language.

Twitter @Opeltommy and read his column/blog in Kristiandsstadbladet. Atm his explanation and sum up is the best.

[AndyRAC]

We have the best private and recently-winning team in rallying (M-Sport).

In 2020 a British driver was fighting for the WDC (Elfyn Evans).

And we had the 2019 ERC Champion (Chris Ingram).

All were giving the sport the best publicity and yet MSUK could do nothing to boost the image and sponsorship.

Publicity - but very little of it; and very little mainstream coverage. And while I don't think the MSUK have been brilliant, there's not a lot they can do if companies, etc aren't interested in the sport. It once again comes down to promotion. Most of the coverage is behind a paywall; highlights on a Monday/Tuesday on Ch5.....

[Tom K]

It's done! Belgium in

https://www.wrc.com/en/news/season-2020/wrc/belgium-added-to-2021-fia-world-rally-championship/

[Lancia Stratos]

highlights on a Monday/Tuesday on Ch5.....

Ch5? No wonder you kept missing the highlights!!

[Simmi]

Hopefully they keep it the same dates as the GB round was. I bet quite a few people (myself included) booked accommodation last night when DirtFish broke the news.

[MartijnS]

Booked accommodation for the weekend of the 12th and 19th just now with free cancellation!

[dimviii]

Mads Østberg with Citroën.
Paid Partnership
·

One year ago today @torsteineriksen and myself where testing for @rally_montecarlo . There will be no Monte Carlo for us this year, but we are waiting for our program to be finalized soon! I let you know as soon as possible��

https://www.facebook.com/130586287008325/posts/3727131814020403/?d=n&substory_index=0

[Fast Eddie WRC]

N.Ireland confident for 2022:

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/motorsport/55593652

[Tom206wrc]

Mads Østberg with Citroën.
Paid Partnership
·

One year ago today @torsteineriksen and myself where testing for @rally_montecarlo . There will be no Monte Carlo for us this year, but we are waiting for our program to be finalized soon! I let you know as soon as possible��

https://www.facebook.com/130586287008325/posts/3727131814020403/?d=n&substory_index=0


Does this mean he will have to pay to drive the PH Sport C3 this season :confused:

[AnttiL]

I think he said earlier that Michelin helped in funding last year’s program, but they cannot do it anymore

[dimviii]

Loubet livery

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

[mknight]

Even on this livery pic he has the weird hybrid aero setup with new front, old roof vent and old rear wing.

[wyler]

Even on this livery pic he has the weird hybrid aero setup with new front, old roof vent and old rear wing.

dosn't seem to me the latest front. Neuville is testing with a different one...

[mknight]

dosn't seem to me the latest front. Neuville is testing with a different one...

Front is Estonia 2020. Roof vent like this was last used by main team in 2019, same for rear wing.

[Tom206wrc]

I think he said earlier that Michelin helped in funding last year’s program, but they cannot do it anymore


No help from Pirelli Norway then...??? :s

[Jarek Z]

Loubet livery

Jeez! Loubet's sponsors are so small that I can't see their names even when I zoom in on the picture!
What kind of marketing is it? ;)

[wyler]

Front is Estonia 2020. Roof vent like this was last used by main team in 2019, same for rear wing.

yep, just saying front is not the newest on works car either!!!
i remember an interview in which he said is happy 'cause is getting some developments, still not the same as works car.

[mknight]

yep, just saying front is not the newest on works car either!!!
i remember an interview in which he said is happy 'cause is getting some developments, still not the same as works car.

I perfectly understand he doesn't have latest gear. But what I find strange is that they combine front that came much later and keep rear that was changed before that. Ending in a hybrid that the works team never drove together. Wouldn't that mean some setup development and findings from works team are less usefull and he has to find new optimal settings himself?

[wyler]

I perfectly understand he doesn't have latest gear. But what I find strange is that they combine front that came much later and keep rear that was changed before that. Ending in a hybrid that the works team never drove together. Wouldn't that mean some setup development and findings from works team are less usefull and he has to find new optimal settings himself?

long shot. to me is they get the new parts they can. probably works won't give the latest to customer (rear/scoop) while the mid front is ok cause is surpassed by the one they're testing. for sure one dev is better than 0 even if the works didn't used

[TheFlyingTuga]

That just a render I think, not the real deal, so no need to discuss the aero on the car!

[Steve Boyd]

N.Ireland confident for 2022:

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/motorsport/55593652
Rally GB is run by IMS - the event management arm of Motorsport UK. Bobby Willis has his own management outfit. Is he bidding against IMS or has he got an agreement with them?

[er88]

Rally GB is run by IMS - the event management arm of Motorsport UK. Bobby Willis has his own management outfit. Is he bidding against IMS or has he got an agreement with them?Not sure, I'd imagine maybe some sort of agreement? Thing is, not sure the FIA care who runs it, as long as they get their money.

IMS are a bit of a joke though - they've got themselves in this mess of having no British round, despite the WRC actively wanting a rally here.

Scotland was long mooted to take over from Wales from the powers at be - even before Scotland even hosted the IRC between 2009-2011. Fantastic stages, the British round would stay in it's natural home in the forests, and the plan was to have Scotland run an IRC event for a good few years before naturally progressing to WRC status once the infrastructure/ organisation was solid.

However IMS killed that event before it even started, due to running it a week or two apart from the Colin McRae stages ( a scottish national event which was also based in Perthshire and used some of the same stages), not including it as part of the British rally championship (hence the woeful lack of local support in terms of entry), very poor promotion and also running the event around the same time of year as Wales Rally GB (lots of national drivers raised the point they could only afford to do one of the two major rallies).

So now when IMS/ Motorsport UK desperately need regional funding from the likes of the Scottish government, they get laughed out the door. And they've been trying for years apparently.

Losing Rally GB from the calendar was my biggest fear in terms of British rallying, because once it's out it's so hard to get back in. And frankly I don't trust the people running it to get "our" round back. Granted, we might get an odd year of an Irish round that Motorsport UK can champion, but it needs a place on the mainland and back in the forests. Scotland would be perfect running out of Perthshire/Stirling, with all the possibilities of a glasgow street stage, or some spectator friendly running at Knockhill, or you could even use stages around the borders and cross into England if you want to go down that route.

Now Wales' appetite has lessened, Motorsport UK/IMS are stuck. But this was on the cards for years - and still no progress has been made. The only reason Ireland is/was an option was because of Bobby Willis, not any of the goons at Motorsport UK who have let British rallying sleepwalk into this state.

[masa90]

Any news about replacement for Rally Sweden? Is there any chance of that happening?

[pantealex]

Any news about replacement for Rally Sweden? Is there any chance of that happening?

Wednesday is probably news day ...

Stay positive!

[EstWRC]

Wednesday is probably news day ...

Stay positive!

what?

definitely stay negative but have positive mind :D

[TypeR]

Rally Estonia's press conference also on Wednesday..
Maybe they will co-organise/help the event in Finland..?

[mknight]

That just a render I think, not the real deal, so no need to discuss the aero on the car!

He tested it on his pre-monte test in exactly this configuration.

[masa90]

Wednesday is probably news day ...

Stay positive!

Hah ok, gonna save the rest of my "summerholidays" for a bit then. Would be great to see my second wrc rally at snow ! Would make it easier to wait for the summer and Norf!

[dimviii]

RallySport Magazine
@RallySportMag
New sponsor, new livery coming for Toyota


https://pbs.twimg.com/media/ErhSY_tVkAQMer0?format=jpg&name=medium

[bwallace]

DMG MORI was TGZ sponsor and earlyer but not title like microsoft

[dimviii]

imho must be a new sponsor at rear fender,but its blurred.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Microsoft thinking rally is no longer cool and/or not eco-friendly ?

[Jarek Z]

Kajetan Kajetanowicz was voted 4th during the traditional annual Sportsperson of the Year competition in Poland. It's quite a big success, because it's a prestigious award, which was first presented in 1926, the whole ceremony was broadcasted live on Polish TV and rally drivers usually don't get into top 10.

More about it here:
https://www.fiaerc.com/robert-lewandowski-is-best-but-king-kajto-of-the-erc-is-not-bad-either/

Final results of the competition:

1 Robert Lewandowski (football)
2 Iga Świątek (tennis)
3 Kamil Stoch (ski-jumping)
4 Kajetan Kajetanowicz (rallying)
5 Bartosz Zmarzlik (speedway)
6 Natalia Maliszewska (short-track)
7 Jan Błachowicz (MMA)
8 Wilfredo Leon (volleyball)
9 Katarzyna Niewiadoma (cycling)
10 Dawid Kubacki (ski-jumping)

[M3 Jambo]

https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/everything-looking-good-for-wednesday-arctic-wrc-decision/
Looking positive for Arctic WRC round next month. Decision expected tomorrow.

[abcrally]

https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/everything-looking-good-for-wednesday-arctic-wrc-decision/
Looking positive for Arctic WRC round next month. Decision expected tomorrow.

WRC Arctic Rally Finland will be announced on Wednesday afternoon.

[AnttiL]

Rally Estonia press conference in 35 minutes

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xcKi4aM8780&feature=youtu.be

[meh]

Rally Estonia press conference in 35 minutes

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xcKi4aM8780&feature=youtu.be

There should be also someone from government, but since today morning, Estonia does not have one. Hopefully there will be no political nonsense presented.

[TypeR]

There should be also someone from government, but since today morning, Estonia does not have one. Hopefully there will be no political nonsense presented.

There are some rumours that Yves Matton and Jona Siebel(WRC managing director) will also be there..

E: Becs also, but all of them virtually there :D

[Tom K]

Attendees:
Jüri Ratas, Prime Minister of the Republic of Estonia

Tõnis Lukas, Minister of Culture of the Republic of Estonia

Martin Helme, Minister of Finance of the Republic of Estonia

Yves Matton, FIA Rally Director

Jona Siebel, WRC Promoter, Managing Director

Urmo Aava, Rally Estonia, Director

Tarmo Hõbe, Rally Estonia, Commercial Director

Silver Kütt, Rally Estonia, Clerk of the Course

Ari Vatanen, Estonian Autosport Union, President

Janis Kaal, Estonian Autosport Union, Member of the Board

[EstWRC]

two rounds also in Estonia? :D

[meh]

Attendees:
Jüri Ratas, Prime Minister of the Republic of Estonia

Tõnis Lukas, Minister of Culture of the Republic of Estonia

Martin Helme, Minister of Finance of the Republic of Estonia

Yves Matton, FIA Rally Director

Jona Siebel, WRC Promoter, Managing Director

Urmo Aava, Rally Estonia, Director

Tarmo Hõbe, Rally Estonia, Commercial Director

Silver Kütt, Rally Estonia, Clerk of the Course

Ari Vatanen, Estonian Autosport Union, President

Janis Kaal, Estonian Autosport Union, Member of the Board

Really doubt that Ratas and Helme will be there.

[EstWRC]

atm i dont get the point of this presentation.

[meh]

atm i dont get the point of this presentation.

So far it's "we did good job" PR.

[EstWRC]

closed it, im getting really sick of their praising

[AnttiL]

Rally Estonia is also in the 2022 WRC calendar

[meh]

Yes, Rally Estonia confirmed to be 2021 and 2022

[sti123]

I and many others knew this two years deal already last year October...

[rp]

It´s all about the commitment and the money is there. Estonia´s goverment is ready to pay what the WRC Promoter wants. This contract was also their Prime Minister´s final job. :)

[meh]

No way they sign those LIVE at the moment. It's doable, bit is seems too fluent for that.

[Tom K]

Something (optimistic) about Safari: https://nation.africa/kenya/sports/motorsports/wrc-officials-government-happy-with-safari-rally-preparations-3256224

[Thousandlakes]

urheiluuutiset.com says that there will be WRC event in Finland end of february. Thumbs up

[abcrally]

urheiluuutiset.com says that there will be WRC event in Finland end of february. Thumbs up

This matter will finally be announced tomorrow.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

https://www.wrc.com/en/news/season-2020/wrc/arctic-rally-finland-joins-2021-fia-world-rally-championship/

[EstWRC]

new calendar (so far )

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/ErrzJLNXIAA0T7Q?format=jpg&name=large

[Sulland]

https://www.wrc.com/en/news/season-2020/wrc/arctic-rally-finland-joins-2021-fia-world-rally-championship/


https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/arctic-rally-wrc-round-gets-green-light/

[TypeR]

About team tactics.. so far Toyota 1 - Hyundai 0, as Hänninen will test there in same conditions..
So much useful data and different settings to get

damn.. Toyotas are gonna be faaast there.. :D

[Eli]

new calendar (so far )

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/ErrzJLNXIAA0T7Q?format=jpg&name=large

Next up for a switch is Safari right? I mean, to be replaced this season. As you said, probably won't be the last change for 2021, and also won't be surprised if we'll see these kind of changes to the 2022 calendar (once they decide on what's in and what's out).

[mknight]

About team tactics.. so far Toyota 1 - Hyundai 0, as Hänninen will test there in same conditions..
So much useful data and different settings to get

damn.. Toyotas are gonna be faaast there.. :D

The whole calendar looks very Toyota-friendly at the moment. Especially compared to the rallies that were actually run last year.

That said fast-stage performance is where Hyundai improved by far the most last year (Estonia onward). Not good for MSport again since they are good on slow/slippery rallies.

Driver-wise it's advantage Tanak, Evans and Rovanpera and a bit of a disadvantage for Ogier and Neuville.

[AnttiL]

That said fast-stage performance is where Hyundai improved by far the most last year (Estonia onward). Not good for MSport again since they are good on slow/slippery rallies.

Hopefully the engine upgrade helps M-Sport.

[dimviii]

The whole calendar looks very Toyota-friendly at the moment. Especially compared to the rallies that were actually run last year.

That said fast-stage performance is where Hyundai improved by far the most last year (Estonia onward). Not good for MSport again since they are good on slow/slippery rallies.

Driver-wise it's advantage Tanak, Evans and Rovanpera and a bit of a disadvantage for Ogier and Neuville.

6 gravel rallies,5 asphalt,1 snow.

[AnttiL]

6 gravel rallies,5 asphalt,1 snow.

1 fast snow
2 fast gravel
3 mid-speed technical gravel
1 fast but rough gravel
1 snow/tarmac
4 pure tarmac

A slow technical gravel rally like Turkey is missing altogether although Sardegna has become slower and slower in the last years. And Safari is a bit of an oddball there.

[dimviii]

A slow technical gravel rally like Turkey is missing altogether although Sardegna has become slower and slower in the last years. And Safari is a bit of an oddball there.

big possibilities to have one,if Acropolis will happen.

[Eli]

1 fast snow
2 fast gravel
3 mid-speed technical gravel
1 fast but rough gravel
1 snow/tarmac
4 pure tarmac

A slow technical gravel rally like Turkey is missing altogether although Sardegna has become slower and slower in the last years. And Safari is a bit of an oddball there.

A- at least we're having more tarmac rounds than last year (even if Japan will get the boot which hopefully it won't)
B- we still don't know if Safari will even go ahead and if it doesn't we still don't know which rally will replace it, who knows maybe the FIA will put Monza there instead...
C- I truly hope we'll see more events than last year, fingers crossed.

[EstWRC]

i really like this calendar, and i will love it when they add Acropolis instead of Safari.

3 fast rallies which i have always wanted and also more tarmac rounds which i also have talked for years.

[AnttiL]

A- at least we're having more tarmac rounds than last year (even if Japan will get the boot which hopefully it won't)
B- we still don't know if Safari will even go ahead and if it doesn't we still don't know which rally will replace it, who knows maybe the FIA will put Monza there instead...
C- I truly hope we'll see more events than last year, fingers crossed.

I didn't make any assumptions of future replacements. :)

Whether it's Acropolis or Safari, it will be something different to the calendar. Having both Turkey and Acropolis would have been too much of the slow stuff on a 12-round calendar.

Croatia is a big mystery but I would claim Japan and Catalunya have quite similar fast-flowing mountain/countryside roads with good surface. Meanwhile, Ypres is a completely different character with flat surface, ditches and 90 junctions. Maybe Croatia would have some broken tarmac?

[AnttiL]

https://twitter.com/thierryneuville/status/1349997206762356736

Neuville changes co-driver to Martijn Wydaeghe. Previously co-driven for Guillaume de Mevius, Tamara Molinaro and Chewon Lim.

[Jewy46]

https://twitter.com/thierryneuville/status/1349997206762356736

Neuville changes co-driver to Martijn Wydaeghe. Previously co-driven for Guillaume de Mevius, Tamara Molinaro and Chewon Lim.

Big surprise! And so close to the first event.

Would make you wonder was this a quick decision and did something happen :bomb:

[EstWRC]

what the? that came out of nowhere

anybody knows why?

for MOnte he did all the tests with Gilsoul IMO

[Francis44]

https://twitter.com/thierryneuville/status/1349997206762356736

Neuville changes co-driver to Martijn Wydaeghe. Previously co-driven for Guillaume de Mevius, Tamara Molinaro and Chewon Lim.

Quite surprising. On Facebook he thanks Nicolas for 10 years of hard work, so it looks like he is not coming back.

[TypeR]

I hope it's not because of the slow time of the blindfolded i30N challenge between the cones...

[dimviii]

wow! didnt wait for that !

[T16]

crazy.

[TypeR]

okay, jokes aside.. hopefully nothing to do with his health or smth.. Such a sudden change


E: just 3h ago Gilsoul updated his FB cover photo in Hyundai's overalls..

[AnttiL]

Yeah, seems like only something personal would lead into this change.

In 1995 Auriol exchanged Occelli for Giraudet like a day before Tour de Corse started and Occelli's career basically ended there.

I also think Sordo/Del Barrio split was quite weird...Hyundai doesn't pay co-drivers well enough? (although I think drivers often pay their co-drivers)

[doubled1978]

Yeah, seems like only something personal would lead into this change.

In 1995 Auriol exchanged Occelli for Giraudet like a day before Tour de Corse started and Occelli's career basically ended there.

I also think Sordo/Del Barrio split was quite weird...Hyundai doesn't pay co-drivers well enough? (although I think drivers often pay their co-drivers)

Strange to change so late, can only be a problem not a plan surely....

As for who pays the co-drivers, I know in the past drivers used to pay them, but I’m not sure these days. If I were the manufacture, I would want to employ them so I had control of who was doing what...

[dimviii]

Neuville says that ''he is going to start Monte with Martijn Wydaeghe ''

does that means that he is not a permanent co driver and that maybe we have another change too?

[rallyfiend]

Going to make for an interesting SS1....

I'll be watching that with interest.

[AnttiL]

Neuville says that ''he is going to start Monte with Martijn Wydaeghe ''

does that means that he is not a permanent co driver and that maybe we have another change too?

Also thanks Gilsoul for the past 10 years, it must be permanent that they split. A different thing whether Wydaeghe continues for longer.

[EstWRC]

Gilsoul also surprised it seems

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Erw9RX9XcAEk9mS?format=png&name=small

[dimviii]

Jesse Toppari
@jktoppari

Replying to @OpensTightens and @voiceofrally
Nicolas only changed his avatar in Facebook to 2021 Hyundai suit 3 hours ago. This was decided today, and i think it was one sided