[WRC] News & Rumours 2021

[BigWorm]

Amazing... why leave this so late for Monte? Would be nice to hear some words from Thierry why.

[meh]

Without a good explanation it seems and feels a bit ugly move from Neuville side. (as Gilsoul's reactions shows that it is surprise for him as well).

[er88]

Something has clearly happened, as this wasn't planned.

Wonder if we will ever get the real reasons.....

[Rallyper]

Money and money...?

[wyler]

Money and money...?

how? don't think neuville is deciding on gilsoul money, and anyway contract would have been decided before testing i assume.
To me it seems more on personal side, as reported as neuville only decision...
seems they tested together last week, without any reported issue...

[Francis44]

A Belgian fan is saying on Facebook Neuville did not want to continue to pay 2500€/month for Nicolas, which if true is incredibly petty and embarassing for someone on a multi-million euro contract a year.

[er88]

Just baffling timing. If the relationship was starting to strain and Thierry was having big doubts, you make the change a few weeks after Monza, and certainly before the recent testing. Even just try a few tests with a different co driver and see how it goes.

To do it now out of nowhere is bizarre.

[dimviii]

A Belgian fan is saying on Facebook Neuville did not want to continue to pay 2500€/month for Nicolas, which if true is incredibly petty and embarassing for someone on a multi-million euro contract a year.

i cant believe such a small amount of money was the reason for what happened.

[TypeR]

A Belgian fan is saying on Facebook Neuville did not want to continue to pay 2500€/month for Nicolas, which if true is incredibly petty and embarassing for someone on a multi-million euro contract a year.

IF money is the case, then there must be one ,,0'' added for sure..
2500 is just joke..
But like said before, such contracts should have been made earlier..

[AnttiL]

how? don't think neuville is deciding on gilsoul money, and anyway contract would have been decided before testing i assume.

Quite often drivers are paying their co-drivers. I think Citroen was the only exception to this.

[wyler]

Quite often drivers are paying their co-drivers. I think Citroen was the only exception to this.

can't believe was not employed by hiunday...

[Francis44]

Quite often drivers are paying their co-drivers. I think Citroen was the only exception to this.

Yes, I think this is still the case in most duos. Nicky Grist said it best, he demanded that he was contracted to the team and not the driver. If something happened with the driver, he could say we has still ready to codrive and the team had to pay him anyway.

[EstWRC]

can't believe was not employed by hiunday...

its with all teams this way, like Antti said, only in Citroen the codriver was also employed.

[wyler]

its with all teams this way, like Antti said, only in Citroen the codriver was also employed.

seem so weird to me (also about the amount of money debated)
millions to driver, 30k for co-driver (managed by the driver)? no way!!!

[doubled1978]

Yes, I think this is still the case in most duos. Nicky Grist said it best, he demanded that he was contracted to the team and not the driver. If something happened with the driver, he could say we has still ready to codrive and the team had to pay him anyway.

Yes I heard a podcast with him being interviewed by Chris Harris (3hrs) which was very good, and they touched on this topic because it was a hurdle to getting him out of Schwartz (Mitsubishi) to go to Kankkunen (Toyota) in ‘93 when Pironen became sick.
Indeed I think he had to go back to Schwartz for 1000 Lakes and Giradet took over for that rally.

[Francis44]

seem so weird to me (also about the amount of money debated)
millions to driver, 30k for co-driver (managed by the driver)? no way!!!

I find the value appalling aswell but in the great scheme of things they might be able to work outside of co-driving aswell. It is not a full-time job perhaps.

[mknight]

Total speculation:
It might be that Neuville's standing at Hyundai is slightly worsening. It seems that it's mostly Tanak's input being used in development in 2020 and the car is no longer "for Neuville only" as seemed to be the case with Paddon, Mikkelsen and Loeb. Compared to these 3 Neuville could argue that he was winning rallies from the start with 2017+ Hyundai so it should fit him. But when the current champion came and struggled they started to listen to him instead.

One thing is the mental pressure, another is if they changed some salary terms (Adamo has certainly shown he is flexible when it comes to contracts). Either of these or both could lead to him wanting to cut salary for Gilsoul.

[AnttiL]

I would imagine salary-related things were negotiated already months ago. A last minute change like this must involve some sort of a conflict.

[dimviii]

I would imagine salary-related things were negotiated already months ago. .

not if Gilsouls salary is payed from Neuville.
If Gilsouls salary was payed from Hyundai,yes that would be fixed before they announced their lineup for 2021
But i dont think is salary related.It would be totally comic,or a wanted reason to part their coperation

[wyler]

Total speculation:
It might be that Neuville's standing at Hyundai is slightly worsening. It seems that it's mostly Tanak's input being used in development in 2020 and the car is no longer "for Neuville only" as seemed to be the case with Paddon, Mikkelsen and Loeb. Compared to these 3 Neuville could argue that he was winning rallies from the start with 2017+ Hyundai so it should fit him. But when the current champion came and struggled they started to listen to him instead.

One thing is the mental pressure, another is if they changed some salary terms (Adamo has certainly shown he is flexible when it comes to contracts). Either of these or both could lead to him wanting to cut salary for Gilsoul.

salary difference is still way too much for this (reducing from millions even to 800/500k is more than enough to pay 30k. different is if u reduce to 100k, but hard to think is this the case...)
and still think this kind of decision come in similar time and way as of Sordo for ex, not that sudden and late (after pet)

[doubled1978]

not if Gilsouls salary is payed from Neuville.
If Gilsouls salary was payed from Hyundai,yes that would be fixed before they announced their lineup for 2021
But i dont think is salary related.It would be totally comic,or the wanted reason to part their coperation

Maybe he asked for a €2500 a month increase?

[wyler]

not if Gilsouls salary is payed from Neuville.
If Gilsouls salary was payed from Hyundai,yes that would be fixed before they announced their lineup for 2021
But i dont think is salary related.It would be totally comic,or a wanted reason to part their coperation

You think they decided on salary after pet? sounds very strange. i woudl like to start the season with question like this sorted...at least i would test with new co-driver (as Sordo did)

[dimviii]

at Neuvilles facebook page ,plenty of comments were against his decision,and not very kind

[smsgrafica]

So, now every Hyundai driver has had min. 1 co-driver change during their career

[Co-driven]

A Belgian fan is saying on Facebook Neuville did not want to continue to pay 2500€/month for Nicolas, which if true is incredibly petty and embarassing for someone on a multi-million euro contract a year.

I think it's money related, but no way a co-driver on Gilsoul's level was earning that per month...it must have been missing one zero there, specially when it's known that Neuville's salary is millions of euro.

[bwallace]

If nuoville event can't tell bad news with phonecall so thats realy can be true. Nicolas get news from facebook bro...

[EstWRC]

“We couldn’t find an agreement with Nicolas for this new season,” explained Neuville. “So we decided to stop our cooperation.

https://www.motorsport.com/wrc/news/neuville-splits-co-driver-gilsoul/5076981/

[er88]

Edit - deleted

[cali]

Maybe he asked for a €2500 a month increase?At that level this is quite comical amount, even for an increase

Sent from my GM1913 using Tapatalk

[Rallyper]

Salary for Gilsoul should be on 100 - 200k Euros a year level. Before split.

[Co-driven]

At that level this is quite comical amount, even for an increase

Sent from my GM1913 using Tapatalk

Even the mechanics must be making more than that 😂😂

[bwallace]

if its agreement with driver- who know might they try hiding some tax with that salary...

[doubled1978]

At that level this is quite comical amount, even for an increase

Sent from my GM1913 using Tapatalk

Yes it is, but honestly none of this makes much sense from the outside...the money talked about, the timing, the manor in which it was conducted..it’s all bizarre.

[EstWRC]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Erx7IccXAAE3c4P?format=jpg&name=large

[dimviii]

Gilsoul
-----------------------

Good morning all,


As you can imagine, my phone hasn't stopped ringing since the news broke this morning: Thierry and I will no longer be teaming up this season.

What to say ? We shared unique moments, like this first victory in Germany, our successes in Sardinia, Sweden, Argentina, Monte Carlo, ... immense joys, disappointments, passages 'to the limit', jumps, outings , in short, emotions that only the WRC can provide. This is what I will remember from these years together.

561 / 5000
Αποτελέσματα μετάφρασης
Sometimes in a relationship the end is a bit abrupt, but every day I see how lucky I am to live off my passion and first of all I would like to wish Thierry and Martijn the best for this season. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank the Hyundai team, I wish you many more World Champion titles!

Thank you all for your countless tokens of sympathy, and I say to you soon… I do not intend to sit very long behind my desk, my favorite seat being the one on the right, in the car.

Nicolas.


https://mailchi.mp/nicolasgilsoul/changement-de-cap?e=f437914153

[dimviii]

Rally: the rupture between Neuville and Gilsoul was to be feared, but not now!

Thierry Neuville has chosen to separate from Nicolas Gilsoul one week from Monte-Carlo. A madness !


The 2021 World Rally Championship has not yet started - it will be next week at Monte-Carlo - that Thierry Neuville has already sounded the first bomb by announcing his divorce from Nicolas Gilsoul! A time bomb, in fact, as we know that the good relationship between the two men was above all facade. For many years now, it has been understood that the duo functioned like two work colleagues, admittedly seated closely in the same office, but without sharing their passion there with intensity. No mistake: their relationship was good. But there was not the slightest warmth, the slightest connivance, despite the good image both of them were trying somehow to give him.
Like Ogier and Ingrassia, but ...

They are not the only ones: Sébastien Ogier and Julien Ingrassia, for example, are no different. Or on the contrary, they are so different from each other that their approach to life is simply not compatible. The only common ground they found themselves on was rallying. With one playing the role of pilot and the other that of co-pilot. Point bar. It may seem weird, but it still works: 7 world championship titles won together!


Thierry Neuville and Nicolas Gilsoul are not there. Or rather, Thierry Neuville and Nicolas Gilsoul are still not there! And we know that the quest for this (first) world title has obsessed them for years! This obsession is the ground on which must, or henceforth should, develop their relationship. With all that it suggests in frustration and unsaid in the face of what has inevitably become a repeat of failures.

But it wasn't just that. Starting with the perception that each had of the role played by the other, and the importance they were willing to give it, or not. And at the heart of the couple, of course, the money - a lot of money - supposed to be there to reward the merits of each one, except that only Thierry Neuville (the pilot is paid by his team, and pays his co-pilot then) was there to judge!
Famous baptism for Wydhaeghe

Ten years, however, that this still wobbly relationship worked. Or seemed to work. With the result, 13 World Cup victories, five vice-world "titles", and above all a team image fully recognized at the top of the world rally. But once the office lights were out, these existential questions remained which were sure to take over ...

Ten times, fifteen times, twenty times, or maybe more, the couple could - should have! - succumb to it. On the occasion of a deviation from the road, a mistake in notes, a missed opportunity, a heated negotiation, a difference of opinion. And yet, the couple resisted to the point of attacking their eleventh season together, next week at Monte Carlo.

It will not be, then. And while we now wonder what could have caused such brutality in this decision, we can only wonder at the timing of it. A priori, there was no worse time to take it! On Monday, the Monte-Carlo reconnaissance will begin, and Martijn Wydaeghe (28) - who has already co-piloted Guillaume De Mévius, Craig Breen or Kevin Abbring - will therefore find himself alongside one of the three best rally drivers in the world to discover a system of notes, take them well, and agree - in French, with that little hint of Dutch which is his native language - on how to "sing" them to Thierry Neuville! And this at the start of the most delicate rally of the season in this area! Famous baptism!
Years of work!

At all times, but even more so in recent years, with the emergence of the new hyper-fast WRCs in particular, ratings have always been at the heart of the symbiosis that could exist between a driver and his co-driver. For years - years! -, Neuville and Gilsoul, like their peers, made changes and details that allowed them to tackle the winding roads of the World Cup in depth without apprehension. And safe.

Will this still be the case next Thursday, when Thierry Neuville pushes the envelope at the start of the first Monte-Carlo special, without having been able to settle during the shake-down - this test special which was canceled in margin of this first test of the year? We can of course doubt it. What we do not doubt, however, is that if the performances are not there, Thierry Neuville will have an additional argument to explain it.

https://www.lesoir.be/349098/article/2021-01-15/rallye-la-rupture-entre-neuville-et-gilsoul-etait-craindre-mais-pas-maintenant

[dimviii]

That’s a full 2mm more than the Sottozeros the World Rally Cars and all WRC competitors will be shod with when they land in the Arctic Circle next month. But don’t get too carried away, Pirelli’s latest tire – Sottozero Ice WJ – is for national runners only. We won’t be seeing it in any Rally1 action.

“The distinctive studs on the new Sottozero Ice WJ are the longest we have ever produced on a rally tire,” said Pirelli’s rally activity manager Terenzio Testoni.
https://dirtfish.com/rally/pirellis-longest-studded-rally-tire-debuting-this-weekend/

[Eli]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Erx7IccXAAE3c4P?format=jpg&name=large

I'm missing a fourth car here :(

[dimviii]

Νeuvilles opinion.And its about money if you read between the lines.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

"We spent ten wonderful years together in the car. Today is the end. We couldn't find an arrangement between the two of us. The adventure continues for me, but I'm sure Nicolas is going quickly. find a place next to a top driver. After a few rather difficult days without finding an agreement, I found myself in a situation where I was without a co-driver for the Monte-Carlo. I had to decide in order to find a solution which allows me to be calm a few days before the start of the season. I will not give more details, it is a discussion between Nicolas and I. It only concerns us both. The decision is brutal, proof that it was not my will. I had to move forward, I try not to waste my time either. Nicolas's departure has no connection with the sporting aspect. been in the car during the last practice sessions otherwise. The decision was made with Hyundai and Martijn will accompany me to the Mo nte-Carlo. We'll see if he's the one who'll be in the car afterwards if things go well, "Neuville said at our microphone.

He added: "Martijn is young, very motivated. I got to know him because he was with the Hyundai Motorsport team for a few years. He has a lot of experience. Freddy Loix has driven several times. in WRCs with him and always said he was a good co-driver. He knows Hyundai, he was in a WRC with Craig Breen at Monza, I was convinced of that choice. The first time he will be in the car, it will be from the first special of the season. I didn't expect to be in this situation a few days ago. "

"It's a big challenge for him and me. I had him on the phone, he is very motivated. We will see each other in order to optimize our preparation. I am convinced that we can still have a good rally. It's a first for me too, I've rarely changed co-driver in my career because I wanted to stay with a co-driver I felt good with. We are in the unknown, but I'm not more worried than that. With this choice, we will also aim for the title ", continued our compatriot.

https://www.rtbf.be/sport/moteurs/rallye/wrc/detail_neuville-apres-quelques-journees-difficiles-sans-trouver-d-accord-j-ai-du-trancher?id=10674654

[dimviii]

Thierry Neuville, why this separation with Nicolas Gilsoul?

"Because we did not find an agreement for our WRC 2021 campaign. We were a few days before the start of the season, we still did not have a contract and we had to make a decision. We had to decide and I have activated plan B. "

But why come to this, the timing is really not good ...

"It wasn't me who really chose him. If my intention was really to part ways with Nicolas, I wouldn't have waited until the last minute. It would have been really stupid of me."

What did you not agree on? Money since we know that it is you who must pay your co-pilot?

"It's not just that, no."

Are you going to make as much money as last year with the Covid crisis?

"I don't think I should talk about this, but I have a current contract and it will be honored."

Lewis Hamilton must also revise his claims downwards ...

"Yes but he's negotiating a new contract and besides George Russell went as fast as him when he got in the car ..."

Should we speak of an amicable separation?

"We didn't fight anyway. We just didn't agree. I'm the more surprised of the two. I didn't expect to find myself in this situation. We have already experienced a few periods. difficult, but we never got to the breaking point. "

You are apparently very cold, how do you feel today?

"Of course I have a hard time showing my emotions. A separation touches you, especially after ten years. Nico was not really a friend but rather a good working relationship. We had some good laughs together."

Tell us a bit about your new teammate, Martijn Wijdaeghe?

"It's a logical choice in agreement with Hyundai. He already knows the house. He is young, motivated and available. He had to fix everything in 24 hours. We will try to settle this weekend. It's a hell of a thing. challenge for him but for me too. "

You complicate your life before Monte-Carlo, don't you?

"It is clear that I will not be a winner to start in Monte-Carlo with a new co-driver."

Did you hire him for the full season?

"We said we were starting the season together. We'll see later. But I hope it will work."

Do you think this decreases your chances in the championship?

"A season is long. It will be harder at the start, that's for sure."

Is a return of Nicolas possible or is it irrevocable?

"I believe that Nicolas does not want to come back ..."


https://www.dhnet.be/sports/moteurs/wrc/thierry-neuville-s-explique-on-n-a-pas-trouve-d-accord-pas-que-pour-l-argent-6001cfbd7b50a652f7d1eb04

[bomber21]

Anonimo is gone, TW Steel is the new WRC sponsor
https://www.wrc.com/en/news/season-2020/wrc/tw-steel-named-wrc---s-official-watch-partner/

As a watch guy, I would like to ask them: Please make a logically priced WRC watch. No more 5000 euro watch that noone is buying.

[denkimi]

The only logical thing i can think of is Nicolas asking a big raise and neuville not wanting to give in. Both delaying it to the last minute, thinking the other would give in. And neuville, no longer able to wait phoned another copilot.

[dimviii]

https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/gilsouls-exit-big-shock-for-hyundai-on-eve-of-season/

[doubled1978]

The only logical thing i can think of is Nicolas asking a big raise and neuville not wanting to give in. Both delaying it to the last minute, thinking the other would give in. And neuville, no longer able to wait phoned another copilot.

Yes it looks like that.
I’m slightly surprised from Neuville side that he allowed the situation to go past the PET if that was the case.

[er88]

Yes it looks like that.
I’m slightly surprised from Neuville side that he allowed the situation to go past the PET if that was the case.I think he probably wanted to give Nicolas every chance - as he is a top co driver and they have/ had a great "working" relationship.

But neither has seemingly backed down and Hyundai are happy with Neuville moving onto this new co driver.

I still don't think it was just purely money, something else has cropped up

[TypeR]

damn.. I just don't want to believe it's about money..
Okay, nobody here knows the deals, but it isn't like Neuville just got a multimillion x-year contract and now Gilsoul wants 5 times more money..

These things should have been done earlier than a weekend before Monte..

[dimviii]

The Belgian will be at the end of his contract at the end of 2021. A new regulation is coming. "Hyundai remains my priority for next year. I've been well integrated for many years. We have brought a lot of victories to the team, two constructors' titles too. It's going very well. For news related to my future, that should not be long, ”concluded Neuville.

https://www.rtbf.be/sport/moteurs/rallye/wrc/detail_neuville-apres-quelques-journees-difficiles-sans-trouver-d-accord-j-ai-du-trancher?id=10674654&utm_source=rtbfsport&utm_campaign=social_share&utm_medium=fb_share&fbclid=IwAR0MPyf3L5SMcPLQkh0mHrhReWlzWfsRFa9GI0nqT mwcvTCOX9RlTab5MgA

[mknight]

The Belgian will be at the end of his contract at the end of 2021. A new regulation is coming. "Hyundai remains my priority for next year. I've been well integrated for many years. We have brought a lot of victories to the team, two constructors' titles too. It's going very well. For news related to my future, that should not be long, ”concluded Neuville.

https://www.rtbf.be/sport/moteurs/rallye/wrc/detail_neuville-apres-quelques-journees-difficiles-sans-trouver-d-accord-j-ai-du-trancher?id=10674654&utm_source=rtbfsport&utm_campaign=social_share&utm_medium=fb_share&fbclid=IwAR0MPyf3L5SMcPLQkh0mHrhReWlzWfsRFa9GI0nqT mwcvTCOX9RlTab5MgA

I will just re-iterate my impression that his standings at Hyundai seems to have dropped massively in last year. The wording of this as well as the wording in the earlier interview seems to confirm this imo.

Sure it is likely they will offer him a drive, but likely not at same salary level like it was. Anyway I don't see why Hyundai should hurry with any contract signing now like he suggests?

[Allez Andruet]

So was it Gilsoul asking for a raise or Neuville demanding a pay cut? Hard to figure out any other reason why agreement could not be reached between them.

[AnttiL]

I saw a good guess on twitter: Neuville wanted to pay Gilsoul by rally rather than by year and Gilsoul demanded the opposite. Remember how there was only half of the rallies last year, that must have made a difference...

[dimviii]

I saw a good guess on twitter: Neuville wanted to pay Gilsoul by rally rather than by year and Gilsoul demanded the opposite. Remember how there was only half of the rallies last year, that must have made a difference...

this could be a good/valid request from Neuville,only if Hyundai had cut his salary,but according to his interview,thats didnt happened.

[Allez Andruet]

I saw a good guess on twitter: Neuville wanted to pay Gilsoul by rally rather than by year and Gilsoul demanded the opposite. Remember how there was only half of the rallies last year, that must have made a difference...

Good point. I guess Neuville himself is paid a full basic salary anyway, so... it's tricky indeed. It must be also noted that there are less opportunities for bonus money etc.

[EstWRC]

One guy on autosport forum wrote this

“Salary apparently. Hyundai reduced the salary for Neuville, but he didn't want to reduce it for himself and so reduced the part going to Gilsoul.

Nothing official here, that's just what I heard/read from different people. “

[Fast Eddie WRC]

I hope Nico Gilsoul gets another job soon. He seems a great guy from his WRC Backstories interview.

[Allez Andruet]

Could it be that Neuville has paid Gilsoul a fixed amount per year (rather than percentage) and once Hyundai - due to obvious Force Majeure, which still counts for 2021 in this case as the contract was signed way before Covid came around - has paid less to Thierry, he would have liked to cut Gilsoul's part as well? Anyway, to me it sounds like Neuville and Gilsoul had more like a handshake agreement rather than a written contract.

[dimviii]

https://scontent-bru2-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/139070110_10158313128868227_7606885042482233157_o. jpg?_nc_cat=104&ccb=2&_nc_sid=0debeb&_nc_ohc=P_W2OPA2QToAX9zg3Yt&_nc_ht=scontent-bru2-1.xx&oh=8cb970e3270d4b286358d8297b3f8ddc&oe=6027C6CF

[denkimi]

I don't see why Hyundai would suddenly pay less to neuville. He is still one of the very best drivers in the world and they managed to secure the constructors title.

[cali]

I've heard also Gilsoul rally by rally because of covid and it was anyways 10 years of hard to work with Thierry so Nicolas didn't agree with the terms.

Sent from my GM1913 using Tapatalk

[mknight]

I don't see why Hyundai would suddenly pay less to neuville. He is still one of the very best drivers in the world and they managed to secure the constructors title.

2 very obvious open reasons:

- Tanak finished ahead of him
- COVID=less rallies

On top of that there could be other hidden reasons, for example related to development and testing. ( If he does less development work)

[Paul Hudson]

It is a job , like any other job if you are not happy with what you are getting paid for your services, and you can not find a solution then you have to move on. Everyone has "Bills" to pay.

[Sulland]

Is it Normal in rally that the co driver is paid by the driver, or more normal they get paid from the team?

[bwallace]

both is normal :D but when driver paying for co-driver is more liberty

[er88]

Absolutely no way Hyundai are now paying Neuville less because Tanak just finished ahead of him in the standings.

From what I've been told from someone I usually trust with snippets of information, is that Neuville hasn't had his salary reduced for covid reasons either. However, drivers contracts include quite big bonuses for rally wins/podiums etc on top of the yearly base salary. So fewer rallies for covid reasons = fewer opportunities to earn the bonuses.

I was told instead of continuing on a rally by rally payment structure, Gilsoul wanted the security of a locked in yearly salary incase a lot of the events are lost to covid. Which would've/could've vastly reduced Gilsoul's earnings for a 2nd year running. But they couldn't find an agreement and Hyundai were disappointed this has dragged on so close to the new season. They urged Neuville to make the change instead of going into Monte with a potentially frosty atmosphere between himself and Nicolas ( the belief between the pair was that they would eventually sort this out, even if they pushed their disagreements to the side and did Monte together).

That might or might not be true, but thought I'd pass on what I've heard. It's likely nobody will ever know 100% of the truth and there's a lot of other rumours floating around too, but whatever was the cause, this is a bit of a nightmare for Thierry going into Monte of all events.

[AnttiL]

Is it Normal in rally that the co driver is paid by the driver, or more normal they get paid from the team?

I think it’s more usual that driver pays his co-driver

[tommeke_B]

I once read that only at Citroën the codrivers had a seperate contract. In 2005 the result was that Stéphane Prévot got a full year salary while only codriving Duval for half of the season. I think it's to avoid these situations that it's common the codriver has to sort out his contract and salary with the driver himself.

[dimviii]

Nicky Grist has said that he was payed by Ford also

[wyler]

I once read that only at Citroën the codrivers had a seperate contract. In 2005 the result was that Stéphane Prévot got a full year salary while only codriving Duval for half of the season. I think it's to avoid these situations that it's common the codriver has to sort out his contract and salary with the driver himself.

not so hard for a team to pay a co-driver on a rally base.

[Tom K]

Ypres date confirmed: 13-15 August, so another 3-days rally.

https://mailchi.mp/ypresrally/renties-ypres-rally-2021-15august-7217005

[AnttiL]

Ypres date confirmed: 13-15 August, so another 3-days rally.

https://mailchi.mp/ypresrally/renties-ypres-rally-2021-15august-7217005

But in the case of Ypres they will probably still pack in as much kilometres as a 4-day rally. At least last year's plan would have done so.

It's only two weeks after Rally Finland. Which is two weeks after Rally Estonia.

[dupanton]

Ypres is always very compact with short liaisons

[AnttiL]

Ypres is always very compact with short liaisons

Except that one liaison when they drive to Spa on Sunday morning :D

[dupanton]

I didn't count that one in indeed :D

[Simmi]

Is there any indication they will go back and try to re-attempt that final leg in Spa? Personally hope they keep it in the local area. Fingers crossed we can attend this one.

[Tom K]

Yes, it is:
For us as an organisation it is a great date, as for many people it is a long weekend and we fall in the middle of the school holidays. Moreover, this date is also ideal for the Circuit of Spa-Francorchamps, where two weeks later the GP Formula 1 is on the program." says Jan Huyghe on behalf of the organiser Club Superstage.

[TypeR]

Ogier's helmet has a little design oops.. 7th golden star is under Hans's clip. Maybe the painter didn't think it's that big.. Otherwise awesome + number 1 on the top.

and

Neuville loves Ott or Estonia so much, that he has two Estonian flags on front top of his helmet :D

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EsLuTRGW4AQGoUm?format=jpg&name=small
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EsLdfBYXEAE6DJL?format=jpg&name=small

[pantealex]

Ogier´s helmet is from Uffe Design, Tampere Finland http://www.uffedesigns.com

[cali]

Tänak helmet design

https://www.facebook.com/140583742707370/posts/3527009080731469/

Sent from my GM1913 using Tapatalk

[TypeR]

Don't like it.. so DirtFish gone afterall? Seems like RedGrey colours.. but can't see it going together with the overalls..

[cali]

Tänak helmet designhttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210120/cd3ac7bba59329818b42ab43962a5b90.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210120/21091682c44f14bb693983779d0791f4.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210120/7dc90a7735519588a79b0fb94fddb310.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210120/58676a61608263d63bd0e32a8c4b552a.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210120/3cf7a0b4edcd7d38ee2bae6694bbb7e9.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210120/2edda88661b3fb627cbdd2fa972ee689.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210120/70bb1ece2427a8bf11f64a708efea94e.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210120/7d960f0848850c15d44f0968f861569f.jpg

Sent from my GM1913 using Tapatalk

[cali]

Deleted

[EstWRC]

he has been wearing a dirtfish hat the whole week during recce, so it seems it isnt gone, maybe just they backed up a little

but i agree about the design, the black one from last year was much better

[focus206]

Grey with a vertical red stripe, reminds me of Richard Burns' helmet

[TypeR]

Grey with a vertical red stripe, reminds me of Richard Burns' helmet
https://www.upload.ee/image/12790822/IMG_20210120_202131.jpg

[dimviii]

Sébastien Ogier might be retiring from the World Rally Championship at the end of 2021, but the seven-time champion is refusing to close the door on a part-time return to the series in the future.

https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/ogier-not-closing-door-on-wrc-outings-after-2021/

[Jarek Z]

Guys, do you like rallying? Do you also like heavy metal? If so, check out the new video by Saxon - Speed King - it is full of rallying! :)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bUxsANv20jk

[dimviii]

“I had a call at the end of August from [Toyota Gazoo Racing project director Yuichiro] Haruna,” Latvala tells DirtFish. “He was just asking what my plans are for 2021 and if I still want to drive? I told him a couple of events would be nice, if I can get a budget together. And then maybe try to look at options if I can get part of the development program to get with one of the teams in 2022 to be back in a car competing.

https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/how-latvala-feels-as-he-starts-the-first-rally-of-his-new-life/

[EstWRC]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EsQbIGOXEAEYf59?format=jpg&name=large

[T16]

“I had a call at the end of August from [Toyota Gazoo Racing project director Yuichiro] Haruna,” Latvala tells DirtFish. “He was just asking what my plans are for 2021 and if I still want to drive? I told him a couple of events would be nice, if I can get a budget together. And then maybe try to look at options if I can get part of the development program to get with one of the teams in 2022 to be back in a car competing.

https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/how-latvala-feels-as-he-starts-the-first-rally-of-his-new-life/

I’m genuinely very happy for Jari that has got the job, but they literally called him and asked him if he wanted to be team principal. Crazy, but possibly inspired.

[Co-driven]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EsQbIGOXEAEYf59?format=jpg&name=large

Nice shoes for Ogier, are they new OMP models? 😂😂

[logwrc]

Nice shoes for Ogier, are they new OMP models? Find Thierrys new co-driver from this picture!

Sent from my Redmi Note 7 using Tapatalk

[Andre Oliveira]

Behind Ott, but with some suspecious about his driver

https://scontent.fopo3-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/140826100_4195031207192941_1763401856854531495_o.j pg?_nc_cat=101&ccb=2&_nc_sid=825194&_nc_ohc=tvhVs2iMM0sAX_rpbGZ&_nc_ht=scontent.fopo3-1.fna&oh=a2fce79888d46bf73fe140de1f1f2425&oe=602DC743

[Tom K]

Just found on the FB - Croatia Rally map. (from one of the Czech photographers)

2031

[dimviii]

Borja Rozada, a master's degree in Montecarlo

Borja Rozada, Sordo's new ‘copi’, learns with Hyundai to prepare for his debut


In his career he has gone through numerous hands until he made the final leap in recent years alongside Pepe López, winning the last two Spanish championships. Soon after, the call that he had worked so hard for would arrive. “Dani called me. I already knew that I was looking for a co-pilot. He told me that he would come to Madrid and that if we could talk. We met and a couple of days later he told me that he was interested: "I think we can go well." We tested some notes with a normal street car and the following week he asked me to be his ‘copi’: ‘If you feel like it, we’ll go ahead.’ And so it was, ”Borja reveals to MD. He then began to work on understanding with Sordo.

“On one of the old sections of the Guadarrama Rally, a week after the first contact, we reconnoitred with a street car. It was by sitting together, scoring, singing and watching a little, "explains Rozada, who arrived with his homework done:" It was to see Dani's system of notes, which I had already studied from all his last rallies. " That was the step leading up to an even more relevant day, his first test in the Hyundai i20 Coupé, which occurred last week. “The test went very well. Carlos del Barrio started in the morning and then I was with Dani all day, ”he says, still surprised by the piloting of his new‘ boss ’and the response of the i20 in all conditions.

After that premiere, he had to continue adding experience for his official debut. Monte Carlo was not the best rally to start with. Yes it is to get into the team.

”I arrived on Sunday and I am here to see how they work, attend all the meetings as if I were going to run the rally, with the ouvriers, engineers, meteos and everything. I went to the examinations to know all the procedures and all the people, then in the afternoon I went over the stages with Dani. During the rally I am looking out for them for what they need, I try to soak up everything I can do and always stick to Carlos to see how everything works ”. A whole master's degree in the best of the ‘motor universities’.

“I'm super happy and looking forward to the first rally. It is the opportunity of my life, and more in an official team. It's as if Barça signs you to play the Champions League. More than that, there is no more. It's the top ”, concluded the Madrilenian.


From magazines to the cabin

This opportunity is the award for a lifetime dedicated to his passion, which he inherited from his father, who took Borja and his brother to all the races that were held near Madrid. “My brother said that he didn't want to keep going because he didn't like him. "I do like it," I told my father, and when I was 15 years old I told him that I wanted to be a co-driver, "he remembers from his childhood, defining his little self as" a geek "of this sport. He read and reread the rally magazines that were in his house and reviewed the videotapes of the tests of the 80. He forged his passion with the exploits of Sainz, and in the face of such impetus, his father accepted Borja's fate. But with one condition: he had to take a co-pilot course. He did it at 16, and at 17 he debuted. He was very clear about it. His life should be this.

https://www.mundodeportivo.com/motor/rallies/20210124/491715926622/borja-rozada-un-master-en-montecarlo.html

[AnttiL]

https://itgetsfasternow.com/2021/01/25/wrc-calendar-2021/

Here is my overview of the 2021 WRC Calendar. It could be the fastest and most tarmac-surfaced season in the history of WRC.

[EstWRC]

https://itgetsfasternow.com/2021/01/25/wrc-calendar-2021/

Here is my overview of the 2021 WRC Calendar. It could be the fastest and most tarmac-surfaced season in the history of WRC.

somebody said fastest?
https://d1r57ja1amoclf.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/WRC_2019_Rd12_255.jpg

[mknight]

Are you referring to the Toyota clothes he has on?

[EstWRC]

wtf, no

referring that Ott likes fast rallies and is very good on them

[Pršljen]

https://itgetsfasternow.com/2021/01/25/wrc-calendar-2021/

Here is my overview of the 2021 WRC Calendar. It could be the fastest and most tarmac-surfaced season in the history of WRC.

I see that you have no real idea on what will Rally Croatia look like. Well, neither do us in Croatia. The location is well known, it will be mostly around Zagreb, up to 100km away. Day one should be in Zagrebacki velesajam, huge and mostly deserted fair area in the city itself where an opening special should take place. I read that they plan to have partly indoor stage for the first time in WRC history (?).

Next day should take place in the hills around city of Samobor west of Zagreb, these stages are known in rallying as part of INA Delta rally, the most famous in Croatia and former part of ERC and other European championships. The most famous stage is Budinjak, it's situated in beautiful forest landscapes of a protected area (natural park).

Video of Budinjak: https://youtu.be/oR9h6RxMb2k

Third day should take place around Karlovac, farthest from Zagreb and it should be smoother and less hilly but nothing official about that. On the last day, rally finishes northh of Zagreb, in the region of Hrvatsko Zagorje. It should be similar as second day, hills, corners but smooth. Most of these areas have a good asphalt and it should be smooth but not really fast IMO. Lot of corners, uphills and downhills. Something as former Rally Alsace as I recall.

I hope that the fans will be allowed, the area is close to capital unlike most of the WRC rallies and there are lot of potential fans who would be eager to enjoy it for the first time.

[AnttiL]

Thanks, I actually watched some Delta Rally footage and my assumption was based on that!

[br21]

There are maps already and based on YouTube onboards I think it will be really fast event.

[AnttiL]

There are maps already and based on YouTube onboards I think it will be really fast event.

Yeah, most seems quite fast but there's also one stage with ~20 hairpins

[Pršljen]

Yeah, most seems quite fast but there's also one stage with ~20 hairpins

Shouldn't be as fast as Finland or Estonia but not Corsica either. Would be interesting to see was there ever a WRC stage that took place in country's capital? I can't recall one. Monte Carlo, ok, but that's different.

[dimviii]

It was at 2005,and was sponsored bu bp oils/fuels
If you google bp ultimate acropolis super stage there are some videos
Ewrc.cz has a video over 1 hour

[Hartusvuori]

I see that you have no real idea on what will Rally Croatia look like. Well, neither do us in Croatia. The location is well known, it will be mostly around Zagreb, up to 100km away. Day one should be in Zagrebacki velesajam, huge and mostly deserted fair area in the city itself where an opening special should take place. I read that they plan to have partly indoor stage for the first time in WRC history (?).

2008 Rally Japan had a super special stages in Sapporo Dome.

Thanks for the insights!

[dimviii]

By mistake I delete my previous post,about a stage inside a capital
There was at 2005 inside Olympic stadium a super special stage
Full of crowd,about 70k? spectators
I was inside,nothing special of spectacular wise,but the sound inside the stadium was amazing.Also the atmoshpere from crowd,cheering etc was unique

[rallyfiend]

By mistake I delete my previous post,about a stage inside a capital
There was at 2005 inside Olympic stadium a super special stage
Full of crowd,about 70k? spectators
I was inside,nothing special of spectacular wise,but the sound inside the stadium was amazing.Also the atmoshpere from crowd,cheering etc was unique

Wales Rally GB had an indoor SSS in the Millenium Stadium.

[GigiGalliNo1]

Anyone here spectate at Langley Park, Perth during Rally Australia? :D

[AnttiL]

Anyone here spectate at Langley Park, Perth during Rally Australia? :D

Not indoor nor capital?

[AnttiL]

By mistake I delete my previous post,about a stage inside a capital
There was at 2005 inside Olympic stadium a super special stage
Full of crowd,about 70k? spectators
I was inside,nothing special of spectacular wise,but the sound inside the stadium was amazing.Also the atmoshpere from crowd,cheering etc was unique

https://www.rally-maps.com/Acropolis-Rally-of-Greece-2005/Athens-Olympic-Stadium-SSS

[AnttiL]

Wales Rally GB had an indoor SSS in the Millenium Stadium.

https://www.rally-maps.com/Wales-Rally-GB-2005/Cardiff
2005-2008

[Pršljen]

In Croatia it should be inside fair halls, more similar to sports halls than stadiums. It won't be that gradiose but anyway, that's just specials, we are more interested in stages.

I really hope that spectating will be possible, pqndemic situation in the country is getting much better and it's possible that limited number of spectators will be allowed to sport events. But who knows what awaits us in April.

[Tom K]

No words...

https://www.dhnet.be/sports/moteurs/wrc/le-bourgmestre-de-stavelot-l-affirme-le-rallye-du-kenya-n-aura-pas-lieu-je-peux-vous-rassurer-ypres-ne-se-fera-sans-doute-pas-mi-aout-600ac124d8ad5844d1a074b5

[AnttiL]

No words...

https://www.dhnet.be/sports/moteurs/wrc/le-bourgmestre-de-stavelot-l-affirme-le-rallye-du-kenya-n-aura-pas-lieu-je-peux-vous-rassurer-ypres-ne-se-fera-sans-doute-pas-mi-aout-600ac124d8ad5844d1a074b5

According to Google Translate, the organizers of Ypres believe that Safari is cancelled and Ypres is run in its slot, rather than in August.

[sindroms]

No words...

https://www.dhnet.be/sports/moteurs/wrc/le-bourgmestre-de-stavelot-l-affirme-le-rallye-du-kenya-n-aura-pas-lieu-je-peux-vous-rassurer-ypres-ne-se-fera-sans-doute-pas-mi-aout-600ac124d8ad5844d1a074b5

As it was said here before...


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]

I do not understand this circus anymore...

So for what promoter and FIA did an inspection 2 weeks ago, when they knew 3 weeks ago, that they do not want to go to Kenya.

[Rallyper]

Maybe want to travel on others expencies...?

[Arnold Triyudho Wardono]

So basically the Kenyans are being bamboozled..??

Sent from my Redmi 6 using Tapatalk

[rallyfiend]

I find it hard to believe that the mayor of some two-horse, hick town in Belgium knows what's going on more than people actually involved in the WRC.

Didn't Ypres only just announce their date a week or so ago? Wouldn't they have just waited if they thought it was so certain to change?

[scn]

Purely as an info: In Greece there is a very strange situation. Several officials of the local authorities and some journalists talk as if it is certain that Acropolis will take place. I don't know how they got this certainty and I doubt that they have found the money or that they will be able to find it, because the state deficit has reached astronomical levels. I just report it, with many reservations.

[Tom K]

I find it hard to believe that the mayor of some two-horse, hick town in Belgium knows what's going on more than people actually involved in the WRC.

Didn't Ypres only just announce their date a week or so ago? Wouldn't they have just waited if they thought it was so certain to change?


He should've has rally 3 km away from his town. For sure he knows nothing and WRC officials are always telling what's going on...

[Paul Hudson]

Ypres Historic Rally is 27th June proposed, so maybe some confusion .

[AnttiL]

One of the Safari organizers replied to my tweet saying it's just rumors and they are proceeding with the rally

https://twitter.com/gsbhabra/status/1354634974306197508

[dimviii]

Oliver

Learning on the job! �� Rallye Monte Carlo 2021 VLOG Part 1

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q8NYXMVISBw&feature=youtu.be

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Tarmac future for Rally GB ?

https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/rally-gb-planning-for-scottish-asphalt-future/

[er88]

I would rather a tarmac Scottish rally (or a tarmac round in any part of the uk) instead of no rally GB at all. But it would be a bit of a shame to have a rally in scotland, and avoid all the amazing forest roads.

[doubled1978]

I would rather a tarmac Scottish rally (or a tarmac round in any part of the uk) instead of no rally GB at all. But it would be a bit of a shame to have a rally in scotland, and avoid all the amazing forest roads.

Absolutely, I would love to go and watch in some of those wonderful stages again. I have great memories of watching in places like Drummond Hill, Cardrona, Ladywell etc.
Don’t miss the midges in summer mind!

[the sniper]

I would rather a tarmac Scottish rally (or a tarmac round in any part of the uk) instead of no rally GB at all. But it would be a bit of a shame to have a rally in scotland, and avoid all the amazing forest roads.

Can't believe I'm saying this, but I'd rather no Rally GB at all. Let another country have a round, bring back/step up a classic event somewhere else. At least if Rally GB is dead I won't have to hear any more crap from the mouth of useless Hugh Chambers...

If we're doing something different, why not hope for a Rally Isle of Man in the WRC? They have a government that understands the value of a world class motorsport event, they're not as 'right-on' as GB regional politicians and have a proven record of funding events that bring people to the island (in better times). Run it in September and you're reviving a classic event in its traditional slot.

[AndyRAC]

Can't believe I'm saying this, but I'd rather no Rally GB at all. Let another country have a round, bring back/step up a classic event somewhere else. At least if Rally GB is dead I won't have to hear any more crap from the mouth of useless Hugh Chambers...


As I said on the other thread, concentrate on sorting the issues with the sport in the UK before thinking of bringing the WRC back to the UK. Having RallyGB in Wales, NIreland, Scotland, Mull, Shetland, etc doesn't matter if the sport is struggling at every level; it's just papering over the cracks. Build the sport up from the bottom first - but that isn't their style.

[dimviii]

Dick Cormack
@DickCormack
Great times, we had our hands on the same trophy as the greats of British Rallying (RIP), some fairy tales never last even if they come true, but trying is against the odds is the best part of it
. We’ll be back.

https://twitter.com/DickCormack/status/1355270669068611588

[Steve Boyd]

If we're doing something different, why not hope for a Rally Isle of Man in the WRC? They have a government that understands the value of a world class motorsport event, they're not as 'right-on' as GB regional politicians and have a proven record of funding events that bring people to the island (in better times). Run it in September and you're reviving a classic event in its traditional slot.One year (I can't remember which one) when the Manx International was a coefficient 20 ERC round I remember the FIA Observer telling us (unofficially) that he thought the event was better than the RAC and quite a few other WRC events. We went home quite pleased after that!

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Yes the IOM with its rally and other motorsport history would be a great 'Rally GB' option.

[Tom K]

No mercy for aero in WRC cars :D

2037

[Andre Oliveira]

Cool

[Eli]

https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/mikkelsen-m-sport-could-be-place-to-be-for-2022/

Taken from the article: 'Mikkelsen added that he would be happy to work on the development of the 2022-specification Puma which will replace the Fiesta for next season.'

Can anyone confirm this? I remember they said a while back they're continuing with the Fiesta so....Typo or..is it true and they'll use the Puma???

[Antonis9]

Any news about acropolis rally ???

[Tom K]

Any news about acropolis rally ???

Too early. Maybe something will be known in March.

[TypeR]

We don't even know if Arctic Rally will be held :D

[mknight]

Can anyone confirm this? I remember they said a while back they're continuing with the Fiesta so....Typo or..is it true and they'll use the Puma???

If it's a spaceframe it doesn't really matter does it?

[T16]

If it's a spaceframe it doesn't really matter does it?

The body will be different.

[mknight]

Btw. from that same article:



Hyundai Motorsport team principal Andrea Adamo was fulsome in his praise for his former driver following his dominant WRC2 win in Monte Carlo and the Italian’s likely to be taking a keen interest in the Norwegian for next season as well.


I find that hard to believe tbh, unless Tanak's feedback to Hyundai added to how Loeb and Mikkelsen felt before that, which somehow magically turned Adamo's mind around.

[MartijnS]

No mercy for aero in WRC cars :D

2037

Where did you find this? I saw one other post somewhere but can’t remember where.

[Tom K]

Facebook of Mr Anwar Sidi, who is tagged on the photo. Seems he will publish all (?) stages. He posted the service park area and Shakedown (which when you look at google street view could raise more concerns about wildlife, noticed by Sal the 2nd) pictures.

[AnttiL]

All the recce videos from last year's Safari were public. Some of the stages barely resembled a road.

[dimviii]

"I cycled competitively when I was 15 or 16 but I quickly noticed that I didn't have too much talent. Today I practice it for pleasure and it is a good training for my job as a co-driver. When I ride, it allows me to decompress after a rally. Here in Oudenaarde it is a cycling region, there are many professionals who live and train in the area. With the Old Kwarmont and the Koppenberg there is something to do to train "

How did you get into motorsport?

"I followed my brother who dropped the bike for the rally, he was a co-driver. I liked it straight away, I was impressed. I wanted to become a co-driver, you have responsibilities and I like that aspect sport. I never wanted to become a driver, I did not have enough talent for that. I did my first rallies in 2012 in the Fiesta Trophy before racing on the world championship heats in 2013. C ' It is also at this time that I met Freddy Loix who offered to accompany him in test for Michelin and Skoda. I progressed quickly and in 2015 I was doing my first full season in the world "

What was your reaction when Thierry Neuville contacted you?

"For me it was a real surprise, I really did not expect Thierry to call me to do Monte Carlo. He is the best Belgian rider of the moment and to be by his side is a dream that He called me on Thursday morning to leave on Saturday. I worked day and night to prepare myself as well as possible, I copied notes, I watched as many videos as possible to get used to the system of Thierry. When I arrived on the rally, the entire Hyundai team and Thierry's entourage protected me, I could concentrate 100% on my job. In the race, the most difficult for me was to give the good rhythm to Thierry, I didn't have time to prepare much and his system was not familiar to me, I had no experience with his openers either, it was not easy "


How is it working with Thierry Neuville?

"It's really nice! I'm a square and professional person and Thierry works the same way. We both want to be world champions. For Thierry, after 10 years spent with Nicolas, the situation was also complicated, it's not easy to adapt to a new voice. He helped me all the time, he was relaxed, it allowed me to progress special after special. Teacher, big brother, manager, he was a bit of all that during the rally. Of course I had already met him but I had never worked with him and I really have a lot of respect for his approach, he is very professional and it's great to collaborate with a pilot like him "

Your qualities and your faults?

"I am a real hard worker, when I want something, I will do everything for. If I am here today it is because for 10 years I have been working every day to succeed. I am a motivated, calm person in all circumstances, these are my qualities. As for the fault, it is my Dutch accent… I work with a speech therapist to improve myself, there is still a lot of work but I am sure that I will succeed. Thierry is German speaking, I'm Flemish, we speak French in the car, it's typically Belgian, it's nice and it shows that when you want something, anything is possible. I am aware of having a great opportunity, I want to give everything and I hope it will be ok "

Your image of Monte Carlo?

"There are two. The first is when Thierry gives me his hand at the finish of the first special, he told me it's Martijn. After a week of preparation, a particular context, j I was happy to arrive at the end of the first lap with a positive feeling, it gave me confidence for the whole rally. The other image is the arrival in Monaco. Being on the podium for my first rally with Thierry it's already a dream and then Ogier and Evans who sprinkle me with champagne, I will never forget, the young Martijn was accepted by the whole world of wrc "

Martijn Wydaeghe's dream?

"It's clear, it's to be world champion co-driver and why not already this year"

https://www.rtbf.be/sport/moteurs/rallye/wrc/detail_wrc-devenir-champion-du-monde-le-nouveau-reve-de-martijn-wydaeghe?id=10686941

[M3 Jambo]

https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/mikkelsen-m-sport-could-be-place-to-be-for-2022/

Taken from the article: 'Mikkelsen added that he would be happy to work on the development of the 2022-specification Puma which will replace the Fiesta for next season.'

Can anyone confirm this? I remember they said a while back they're continuing with the Fiesta so....Typo or..is it true and they'll use the Puma???

I think I'm correct in saying the Fiesta is no longer sold in America whether that has a bearing or not.

[dimviii]

Where did you find this? I saw one other post somewhere but can’t remember where.

https://twitter.com/AnwarSidi

[Andre Oliveira]

I think I'm correct in saying the Fiesta is no longer sold in America whether that has a bearing or not.

Neither Puma.

[mknight]

In the past the cars were relatively extensively modified for Safari, anyone seen any plans for allowing that in this years rules?

[AnttiL]

In the past the cars were relatively extensively modified for Safari, anyone seen any plans for allowing that in this years rules?

The current cars have a lot of suspension travel anyway, and additional lights are not needed anymore since they don’t rally within public traffic. Also no nees for larger fuel tanks. Maybe snorkels and extra front bumpers?

[Co-driven]

The current cars have a lot of suspension travel anyway, and additional lights are not needed anymore since they don’t rally within public traffic. Also no nees for larger fuel tanks. Maybe snorkels and extra front bumpers?

Article 261 of Appendix J (for Group Rally2 cars) has some changes on the Bodyshell article, allowing modifications on bonnet and also front impact protections.

For a few years, they use this kind of modifications during Transchaco Rally in Paraguay. Now, if I understand correctly, it's fully compliant with FIA regulations.

[dimviii]

Volkswagen Motorsport
@volkswagenms

With effect from 01 February, Sven Smeets will take leadership of Volkswagen AG’s business unit R alongside his current duties as Director and Managing Director of Volkswagen Motorsport GmbH. He will take on both roles with immediate effect. #VWR #VolkswagenR #SvenSmeets

https://twitter.com/volkswagenms/status/1356315458522279936

[HKSjbg]

‘Alongside his current duties as Director and Managing Director of Volkswagen Motorsport GmbH’
I thought Volkswagen Motorsport was completely closed down?

[Mirek]

I don't know how it is but at least someone has to provide the service and spare parts for the Polos. There is also an update package (probably last) coming for the Polo and even if in theory everything new may be taken over from Fabia there is still the paper work with the homologation which has to be done by someone.

[wyler]

Rumors on a mini-program for bertelli and his fiesta starting from arctic.

[Tom K]

Rally Italia Sardegna should leave Alghero this year. Olbia will be main city.

[Andre Oliveira]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EtUeFVmXAAEd_O2?format=jpg&name=large

[Pršljen]

Well, Niko is Croatian motorsport legend, first historic Croatian WRC event wouldn't be the same without him. But WRC car? That is really unexpected.

[AnttiL]

https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/hyundai-hybrid-work-waiting-on-board-green-light-adamo/

Hyundai team still waiting for budget and permission from the manufacturer to build the new car.

[RS]

https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/hyundai-hybrid-work-waiting-on-board-green-light-adamo/

Hyundai team still waiting for budget and permission from the manufacturer to build the new car.

What fresh hell is this? i thought they had committed. Or was that just buying two hybrid kits that Adamo mentions?

[Oliverk]

What fresh hell is this? i thought they had committed. Or was that just buying two hybrid kits that Adamo mentions?

Hyundai def not commited. Big chance no Hyundai next year.

[Eli]

What fresh hell is this? i thought they had committed. Or was that just buying two hybrid kits that Adamo mentions?

Don't know but it doesn't seem too promising for the 2022 season, especially when we've heard nothing about other manufacturers entering from 2022 on-wards.

[mknight]

It's a problem with hybrid... per defition its a mix of both.

Existing teams and many fans want petrol only and continue as is
Manus want either low costs (so continue as is) or showcase electric.

Hybrid doesn't fully satisfy anyone.

[T16]

What a fucking mess. Gutted with the way this seems to be going.

[Francis44]

It's a problem with hybrid... per defition its a mix of both.

Existing teams and many fans want petrol only and continue as is
Manus want either low costs (so continue as is) or showcase electric.

Hybrid doesn't fully satisfy anyone.

And with full electrics you wouldnt have either M-Sport or Toyota there aswell, maybe for 2-3 yeras.

[AndyRAC]

Entirely predictable........

[mknight]

Tbh at this point the purpose of this very article is to do exactly what Adamo says he can't do:

"“I’m Andrea Adamo,” he said. “I’m a small Italian immigrant living in Germany trying to do my best in motorsport. I am nobody to send blackmails to the Hyundai board saying: ‘But there is a deadline!’."

[RS]

Surely they know starting later with this project than their competitors might curtail their performance, which doesn’t give me much hope it’s going to get the green light.

i suppose if they have the kits they can at least run the powertrains on dynos though?

[TypeR]

Another year(22') with same cars to keep Hyundai and maybe figure out some proper new car rules?

Would (old/same cars) get boring for fans and drivers/manus?

[AnttiL]

Another year(22') with same cars to keep Hyundai and maybe figure out some proper new car rules?

Would (old/same cars) get boring for fans and drivers/manus?

At least a problem for Toyota who is still running on the old faced Yaris. But I guess one extra development year would soon be needed.

[AnttiL]

Entirely predictable........

https://www.autosport.com/wrc/news/135452/electric-cars-part-of-wrc-regulation-talks

What would you have done at this point in 2018 when the manufacturers said "give us an alternate energy source or we quit"? Should Todt have said "we're going with R5", against the manufacturer requests?

For me the current solution was perfect in the sense that it would have kept the action as much as it is now (with the current powerful engines) but allowed the teams to tell their manufacturer executives "we have hybrid cars". Also, full EV rally cars might sound possible this year with STARD and Paddon's team doing demo runs, but in 2018 it wasn't even discussed, most rally fans just laughed or dismissed the idea.

[Francis44]

https://www.autosport.com/wrc/news/135452/electric-cars-part-of-wrc-regulation-talks

What would you have done at this point in 2018 when the manufacturers said "give us an alternate energy source or we quit"? Should Todt have said "we're going with R5", against the manufacturer requests?

For me the current solution was perfect in the sense that it would have kept the action as much as it is now (with the current powerful engines) but allowed the teams to tell their manufacturer executives "we have hybrid cars". Also, full EV rally cars might sound possible this year with STARD and Paddon's team doing demo runs, but in 2018 it wasn't even discussed, most rally fans just laughed or dismissed the idea.

And if Im not mistaken, Hyundai clearly stated full electrics were not in their interest, and it makes sense since it is obvious they are more interested in promoting hydrogen solutions rather than the current BEV technologies.

[mknight]

Another year(22') with same cars to keep Hyundai and maybe figure out some proper new car rules?

Would (old/same cars) get boring for fans and drivers/manus?


At least a problem for Toyota who is still running on the old faced Yaris. But I guess one extra development year would soon be needed.

Also would mean MSport being irrelevant for one more year.

At this point with MSport and Toyota commited and building and contracts signed for the electric part it is imo extremely unlikely that they will change based on Hyundai "mood".



https://www.autosport.com/wrc/news/135452/electric-cars-part-of-wrc-regulation-talks

What would you have done at this point in 2018 when the manufacturers said "give us an alternate energy source or we quit"? Should Todt have said "we're going with R5", against the manufacturer requests?

For me the current solution was perfect in the sense that it would have kept the action as much as it is now (with the current powerful engines) but allowed the teams to tell their manufacturer executives "we have hybrid cars". Also, full EV rally cars might sound possible this year with STARD and Paddon's team doing demo runs, but in 2018 it wasn't even discussed, most rally fans just laughed or dismissed the idea.

The slow progress from pure petrol car already directly or indirectly caused Citroen to quit and Skoda not to join (2-3 years ago they were serious about it).

I agree that in 2018 it looked as perfect solution. Problem is that due to a lot of various reasons the push from pure petrol engines accelerated across the car industry.

[mknight]

And if Im not mistaken, Hyundai clearly stated full electrics were not in their interest, and it makes sense since it is obvious they are more interested in promoting hydrogen solutions rather than the current BEV technologies.

They pretty much changed their mind on that in last year/months, starting own EV brand - Ioniq.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

GR4 YARIS
Jari-Matti Latvala, new team principal, confirmed that the GR4 Yaris will be the base model of all Toyota cars starting in 2022:

“The new four-wheel drive Yaris GR4 will become the next generation WRC car. We also have the ability to produce the car in other categories. This is something Toyota is currently considering, but no final decision has been made. It would be quick and easy to transform the GR Yaris into a Rally2 and Rally3 class car ".

Having ascertained that in 2022 the hybrid Rally1 will be a GR4 Yaris, Latvala spoke of the lower class cars, focusing attention on the Rally3 category:

“The way I see it, the new Rally3 appears to be a more interesting category than Rally2 and could build on the success of Group N close to production models. Something could move in 2023”.

[Rallyper]

I like Rally3.

[AnttiL]

It's easy to see that TGR would have a better market in building a Rally3 car where they only compete with M-Sport, as opposed to Rally2 with many long-developed cars and it's difficult to be matching or beating them.

[PLuto]

It's easy to see that TGR would have a better market in building a Rally3 car where they only compete with M-Sport, as opposed to Rally2 with many long-developed cars and it's difficult to be matching or beating them.

It will not be "only compete with M-Sport", there will be more brands, believe me.

[Mirek]

It looks like Rally3 is once again something which has a very good potential. Let's see how it evolves.

[AnttiL]

It will not be "only compete with M-Sport", there will be more brands, believe me.

Yeah but right now only M-Sport. That's why TGR should be quick with their actions, but all their resources are taken with the new Rally1 car.

[Tauri_J]

Tänak and Neuville to participate in Rally Otepää at 13th of february.

[pantealex]

Another year(22') with same cars to keep Hyundai and maybe figure out some proper new car rules?

Would (old/same cars) get boring for fans and drivers/manus?

Impossible
current i20 WRC is old model (and new i20 Rally2 is based on new model) Why would they want to promote old i20 ??? Future Rally2 customers are bringing money to Hyundai.
current Yaris WRC is old model

Both teams made exception for 21 because there was no point of building new cars for 2021 only.
PR value of 2021 WRC cars is very small, you can´t promote old body shape cars.
For 2022 PR value would be zero.

Fans and drivers don´t need new cars, both are still happy with "Escort RS2000"

If Hyundai Motorsport can´t get funding, how an earth MSport would have big enough developing budget ?

Right now Me, myself can see Rally2 cars (not any + versions) as best option for 2022 (and probably 23/24 also) and after that some "non petrol" option.
What TGR would do? I don´t have any answer.

[Rally Hokkaido]

I could see TGR competing against themselves (if no M-sport or Hyundai) as they did in WEC recently. They would still get the PR value from being 2022 WRC Champion. Let's hope it doesn't come to that!

[pantealex]

I could see TGR competing against themselves (if no M-sport or Hyundai) as they did in WEC recently. They would still get the PR value from being 2022 WRC Champion. Let's hope it doesn't come to that!

if 2022 rules stay, that could happen, hopely not!

[skarderud]

Seems it's time to say, Rally2 is main class for 2022.
Everything else is plain dreams and stupidity in current economic and pandemic world.

An option is ofcourse an + version for the factoryteams and a plain version the amateurs.

The + version is down to a bigger restriktor and a bigger wing.

Sent fra min SM-G950F via Tapatalk

[EstWRC]

oh god how i wish i would have put this to Crystal ball thread again like i did last year....

that the talk about R5 for main class will be one of he topics again, even though it wont happen the guys still here and on twitter endlessly dream about it

[Sulland]

Seems it's time to say, Rally2 is main class for 2022.
Everything else is plain dreams and stupidity in current economic and pandemic world.

An option is ofcourse an + version for the factoryteams and a plain version the amateurs.

The + version is down to a bigger restriktor and a bigger wing.

Sent fra min SM-G950F via Tapatalk

My vote still goes in same direction.

If the factories need to stand out, then the + should only be aero.
FIA should NOT mess with the Rally2 formula, that is the best thing they have made for many years.

But IMO it would be cool with a level playing field for a year or two, where we can see some big surprises in the results. Good for us!

[Antonis9]

I think Acropolis rally will be back this year !! Stay tuned for official announcement !!!

[RS]

oh god how i wish i would have put this to Crystal ball thread again like i did last year....

that the talk about R5 for main class will be one of he topics again, even though it wont happen the guys still here and on twitter endlessly dream about it

When new rules fail to attract any new manufacturers and possibly even lose one it’s hardly a surprise.

[Lancia Stratos]

When new rules fail to attract any new manufacturers and possibly even lose one it’s hardly a surprise.

Soooooo much politics behind Adamo's words. As always.

[EstWRC]

Soooooo much politics behind Adamo's words. As always.

+1.

[Francis44]

Why are the hybrid rules already considered a failure when they have not even been introduced yet?!

Remember the 1.6 introduction in 2011? In the first season we had no new manufacteurs and despite that, several years later, those are regarded as sucessfull and they did convince a couple of new manufacteurs to join the game.

Some here are so shortsighted its unbelievable.

We have to understand that no matter the regs, it is hard for many to commit to such a significant budget during one of the worst economic crisis, which is not in full effect yet.

[AnttiL]

We could similarly lose manufacturers with R5 as the main class because it's not giving them value (old car models, ICE technology).

[Lancia Stratos]

We could similarly lose manufacturers with R5 as the main class because it's not giving them value (old car models, ICE technology).

Why is it assumed we will lose manufacturers?

[AnttiL]

Why is it assumed we will lose manufacturers?

global warming and COVID-19 are not really expanding the budgets of manufacturers. Motorsports is not anymore a cool way to advertise your products.

[Andre Oliveira]

WRC at Antibes?

https://www.nicematin.com/sport/antibes-en-course-pour-accueillir-la-manche-francaise-du-championnat-du-monde-des-rallyes-641108

[AnttiL]

WRC at Antibes?

https://www.nicematin.com/sport/antibes-en-course-pour-accueillir-la-manche-francaise-du-championnat-du-monde-des-rallyes-641108

Interesting since that rally is typically driven in the same area as the Monte Sunday stages. And I've heard that Monte would arrange more stages in that region (Ogier quitting his career, Gap is not so important anymore :D )

[wyler]

Interesting since that rally is typically driven in the same area as the Monte Sunday stages. And I've heard that Monte would arrange more stages in that region (Ogier quitting his career, Gap is not so important anymore :D )

Two rounds in the same are seems unlikely to me...

[salvadorpv]

The world is too big to do 2 rallys in the same place.

[dimviii]

Mads Østberg
@MadsOstberg
·

Welcome to my newest project devsport_motor


A Norwegian company run by me.
Coaching, car development, media & TV, consulting & crazy projects of all kinds!

Only on Instagram for now. Feel free to check it out
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EtuiqIgXAAIm1QG?format=jpg&name=medium

[AnttiL]

https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/new-manufacturer-could-join-wrcs-hybrid-era-after-2022/

Matton thinks a new manufacturer could join the hybrid regulations but not in 2022

[Tom K]

I think in some interviews - just after announcement hybrid era - he told, that FIA expects great interest from manufacturers. Now he is talking about one in 2023. I would read this as: Nobody is interested so far :p

[T16]

https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/new-manufacturer-could-join-wrcs-hybrid-era-after-2022/

Matton thinks a new manufacturer could join the hybrid regulations but not in 2022


I would much rather he tell it as it is... the sport needs to come up with something different to the current proposals in order to attract new manufacturers. Plain as day that it's going to go backwards if it stays as it is, or if the new rules are brought in. Time now for a bit of honesty, not this bullshit.

[Andre Oliveira]

On the end of the day, we will loose one manufacter...

[Francis44]

Time now for a bit of honesty, not this bullshit.

I think it is time to face the music and admit the sport as it is now is not very marketable, we can't have 3-5 day events, it's just not possible to gather the interest of a new audience in this format.

The problem is not the regulations, see how WEC, Dakar and even F1 is doing.

We need a 1 day full of special stages with good quality live coverage. F1 does so well exactly because of that, a simple race of 90 minutes and that's it, onto the next. The hardcore follow all the FP and Qualifying, but thats marginal compared to race viewership.

But anyway tell that to the fanatics of long stages and 1000km events.

[T16]

I think it is time to face the music and admit the sport as it is now is not very marketable, we can't have 3-5 day events, it's just not possible to gather the interest of a new audience in this format.

The problem is not the regulations, see how WEC, Dakar and even F1 is doing.

We need a 1 day full of special stages with good quality live coverage. F1 does so well exactly because of that, a simple race of 90 minutes and that's it, onto the next. The hardcore follow all the FP and Qualifying, but thats marginal compared to race viewership.

But anyway tell that to the fanatics of long stages and 1000km events.

The thing is though - the events have become shorter and it hasn't worked. I'm not saying this is the reason - there's probably a whole host of them, but I think they need to evaluate what will get people interested again and work to that. The more people watching, the more Manu's join.

[Tauri_J]

Noone will hop on this sinking ship.

[Tauri_J]

I think it is time to face the music and admit the sport as it is now is not very marketable, we can't have 3-5 day events, it's just not possible to gather the interest of a new audience in this format.

The problem is not the regulations, see how WEC, Dakar and even F1 is doing.

We need a 1 day full of special stages with good quality live coverage. F1 does so well exactly because of that, a simple race of 90 minutes and that's it, onto the next. The hardcore follow all the FP and Qualifying, but thats marginal compared to race viewership.

But anyway tell that to the fanatics of long stages and 1000km events.

Its laughable how short and uneventful WRC events are nowadays. F1 cars race one and half hours to complete over 300 km. WRC takes three days!!! not literally but you get my point.
I'm not in favour of 1000km or anywhere near that but something has to be done.
300km over 3 days is a joke. Just imagine telling that to a friend who knows nothing about rallying. He/she sure as hell would not be interested.

I'd rather take a 200km rally in a single day. Start early and finish in the dark(prime time).

[lnvs]

I'd rather take a 200km rally in a single day. Start early and finish in the dark(prime time).You mean like same stage whole day. They usually do more than 1000km of liaison for these crappy 300km rallies. :rolleyes:

[Mirek]

Its laughable how short and uneventful WRC events are nowadays. F1 cars race one and half hours to complete over 300 km. WRC takes three days!!! not literally but you get my point.
I'm not in favour of 1000km or anywhere near that but something has to be done.
300km over 3 days is a joke. Just imagine telling that to a friend who knows nothing about rallying. He/she sure as hell would not be interested.

I'd rather take a 200km rally in a single day. Start early and finish in the dark(prime time).


IMHO you see it too much from a purist rally fan point of view. For the general audience it doesn't matter at all how long the events are. There are much bigger issues with the sport than that.

Also another thing you consider purely from rally purist point of view is this full day of action. Who of the general public do you think has time and will to follow the whole day? The long days bring nothing in relation to the general public, that is a benefit purely for the small percentage of the hardcore fans.

[Rallyper]

No. F1 does their races in three days, training and qualifying included. Dakar is...? ten days or so. Why couldn´t WRC run Friday to Sunday. No problem.

Only problem i marketing and Liveaction from stages in this very moment doesn´t reach the big audience.

One more thing: yes, the legs are today more to suit drivers. I agree at least one day could be longer. But then we have organizers problem with using roads for stages, we have no remote services except from refuelling. Very much can be changed.

[Francis44]

I'd rather take a 200km rally in a single day. Start early and finish in the dark(prime time).

I agree 100%. Infact I would even rephrase my first comment specifying that the problem is indeed the crazy amount of days that a event runs on. We need 1-2 days rallys asap, with the most kms possible.

We also need to remember that if we keep a rally centered around a specific area and run all the stages close to the service park, we would also have a much needed improvement in the broadcast quality. We need to get rid of shoddy, grey, low quality onboards.

But I will say it again, It is laughable and downright embarassing that in this day and age we believe this sport (or any motorsport for that matter) is capable of gluing people infront of their laptops or smartphones for 4-5 days, sometimes more than once a month.


No. F1 does their races in three days, training and qualifying included. Dakar is...? ten days or so. Why couldn´t WRC run Friday to Sunday.

And Dakar runs how many times per year?! AFAIK just one.

And in F1 you tune in for 1h30 on Thursdays/Fridays for FP, more or less 1H for qualifying and 90 mins for the race. A small part of your day.

[Mirek]

Only problem i marketing and Liveaction from stages in this very moment doesn´t reach the big audience.

This and that won't get better with longer and more packed rally days. In fact the opposite would result from that. Common people won't spend more than one hour a day with WRC no matter how many stages that day are run (likely even less).

For me the format of the event isn't a thing worth vasting energy at this moment.

The true issue is how to make the sport attractive as a whole. Without no direct head to head competition it is difficult to sell the live footage (the comparison with Dakar isn't perfect too because Dakars doesn't run every two or three weeks). With driving in the wild nature it's difficult to sell the sport to ever more environment-safe thinking of the public. The cars are generally less and and less viewed as something sporty, for most of the general public they become just a mean of transport and nothing more. The nature of rallying makes it one of the hardest motorsports to go hybrid or electric. That is a major obstacle for attracting manufacturers but also a major political issue. Really there are much bigger problems than too few stages per day...

[Francis44]

The nature of rallying makes it one of the hardest motorsports to go hybrid or electric. That is a major obstacle for attracting manufacturers but also a major political issue. Really there are much bigger problems than too few stages per day...

Genuine question. Why do you think then F1 keeps growing their fanbase while running some city circuits where the air quality concerns are obviously ever present? And to an audience just as environmentally aware?

[Mirek]

Genuine question. Why do you think then F1 keeps growing their fanbase while running some city circuits where the air quality concerns are obviously ever present? And to an audience just as environmentally aware?

Does it grow? I know personally just one guy who follows it and even he uses it more or less as a background for the Sunday after-lunch siesta. When I was younger nearly everyone I knew followed F1. As a child I cried when I watched Senna's accident in Imola 94 live. I used to have three calendars in our children bedroom - one F1, one MotoGP and one WRC. I have never seen that with the children of my friends and relatives in last years. Maybe it's just this country but here the passion is long gone.

To be honest I can't answer your question because I haven't followed F1 for many years.

[vino_93]

Looks like it's growing a bit from last seasons. Hard to compare to the 90's anyway : https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.formula-1-announces-tv-and-digital-audience-figures-for-2020.3sbRmZm4u5Jf8pagvPoPUQ.html

[dimviii]

too many crews with Bell this year

https://www.instagram.com/p/CLEJ_84H0mj/?igshid=5rd5igtaat6a

[Fast Eddie WRC]

https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/new-manufacturer-could-join-wrcs-hybrid-era-after-2022/Matton thinks a new manufacturer could join the hybrid regulations but not in 2022

I'd been thinking how unlikely it'll be that a new Manu will join the WRC under the new Regs and how tough it would be for them to come in and then compete with the established teams...

But then I recalled what the past has shown - that in 2013 Volkswagen joined and blew everyone away instantly, and in 2017 Toyota joined and have since won both the Manu's & WDC.

So maybe we can be a little more optimistic of a new Manu joining at least in this regard. There is a chance one might believe they can be equally successful and give it a shot...

[doubled1978]

Does it grow? I know personally just one guy who follows it and even he uses it more or less as a background for the Sunday after-lunch siesta. When I was younger nearly everyone I knew followed F1. As a child I cried when I watched Senna's accident in Imola 94 live. I used to have three calendars in our children bedroom - one F1, one MotoGP and one WRC. I have never seen that with the children of my friends and relatives in last years. Maybe it's just this country but here the passion is long gone.

To be honest I can't answer your question because I haven't followed F1 for many years.

I think probably overall it does grow as they bring the races to new markets, but I think you are also correct in that in the traditional strongholds of the fan base (Europe), it isn’t the same as it was before.

[Sulland]

Seems like Stilo have had close to monopoly last 5 years, it is good they get some competition.
Strange that OMP or Sparco does not come with top notch open helmets with a very good noice cancelling intercom system.

The large helmet producers like Arai, Shoei, Schubert, that are in other motorsports are major producers, mainly in full face/ Integral helmets, they dont have open face helmet for car sports.

It is big sponsormoney involved in racing on 2 and 4 wheels for top pilots when it comes to choosing helmet brand.
Not that much for rally pilots it seems.
Maybe Bell is about to change that.

[Co-driven]

Seems like Stilo have had close to monopoly last 5 years, it is good they get some competition.
Strange that OMP or Sparco does not come with top notch open helmets with a very good noice cancelling intercom system.

The large helmet producers like Arai, Shoei, Schubert, that are in other motorsports are major producers, mainly in full face/ Integral helmets, they dont have open face helmet for car sports.

It is big sponsormoney involved in racing on 2 and 4 wheels for top pilots when it comes to choosing helmet brand.
Not that much for rally pilots it seems.
Maybe Bell is about to change that.

OMP bought Bell last year (or maybe 2019).

[Paul Hudson]

And Don't Simpson own Stilo !

[bluuford]

Does it grow? I know personally just one guy who follows it and even he uses it more or less as a background for the Sunday after-lunch siesta. When I was younger nearly everyone I knew followed F1. As a child I cried when I watched Senna's accident in Imola 94 live. I used to have three calendars in our children bedroom - one F1, one MotoGP and one WRC. I have never seen that with the children of my friends and relatives in last years. Maybe it's just this country but here the passion is long gone.

To be honest I can't answer your question because I haven't followed F1 for many years.

These statistical growth numbers are always a bit PR driven. No one is telling what kind of methodology they used to count those numbers. I know that one way that has been used is counting the TV channels their show is broadcasted and then they are taking average viewers numbers of these channels from that time-slot when show is live. At the same time, the number of TV channels is growing in many countries, especially in China and India and it is very easy to show growing numbers when you have more channels broadcasting. From my point of view, I haven't seen any races for 10 years already, I have absolutely no interest, I know that there is Ferrari, which is probably the best car and then there is also Mercedes competing, I think also BMW and I am not sure, but I think Red Bull has also one team there.. And I think that among my friends, my knowledge is way above average :) And my kids? they have no idea what is the meaning of F1, my son thought that it is some kind of perfume and hotel chain:)

[Sulland]

True
https://www.simpsonraceproducts.com/

amd true
https://www.ompracing.com/en_gb/news_bell2019eng

Same here as with car factories, more amd more end up in the same places. More and more owned by China!

[denkimi]

Genuine question. Why do you think then F1 keeps growing their fanbase while running some city circuits where the air quality concerns are obviously ever present? And to an audience just as environmentally aware?
its just that people who like motorsport are not the ones who complain about it being not green. and the ones complaining about it will never like motorsport.

environmental awareness is just an excuse they can use, just like safety of noise or whatever they can invent. it would be stupid to give in to people who don't care when it's not in front of their own door.

[mknight]

I think in some interviews - just after announcement hybrid era - he told, that FIA expects great interest from manufacturers. Now he is talking about one in 2023. I would read this as: Nobody is interested so far :p

COVID happened... and the change towards electric accelerated a lot.

Suddenly the 2022 rules kind of fall in between...

[meh]

Suninen: "Home rally ahead soon in the Arctic scenery. ❄ ���� As I don't have a real experience of the rally, we can't really talk about home-field advantage though. Going to be a serious wintry rally challenge!"

https://www.facebook.com/motorsportsuninen

[EstWRC]

Salou remaining the base for Rally Spain http://www.rallyracc.com/2019/en/noticia_2407.html

[cali]

Salou remaining the base for Rally Spain http://www.rallyracc.com/2019/en/noticia_2407.htmlGreat place! Love it and will try to go back there. So far my favourite rally.

Sent from my GM1913 using Tapatalk

[EstWRC]

Great place! Love it and will try to go back there. So far my favourite rally.

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i have kinda the same idea, depends on the situation of course, was there in 2017.

[AnttiL]

https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/the-hidden-speed-challenge-of-wrc-2022/

The 2022 Rally1 cars will likely be slower than current WRC cars.

I know some people will not like this. However, the current cars are already the fastest ever, with not much margin to make them any faster.

[AndyRAC]

To be honest, it doesn't bother me too much; as long as you get good competition. Which might be an issue.....

The new Toyota Hypercar is slower than the older TS050 LMP1 car.... that doesn't bother me either. However, they will be getting the manufacturers to make it work.

[TypeR]

,,We need new cars! They have to attract new manus and should be cheaper!''

,,Oh, let's make new cars that are slower, heavier, technically more complicated and still very expensive!''

So, at the end a little buffed up R5s would be as fast as new hybrids..?

[PLuto]

Great place! Love it and will try to go back there. So far my favourite rally.

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Version with Lloret de Mar was better ;)

[cali]

Version with Lloret de Mar was better ;)Never been there so I can only take your word for it. But I have really enjoyed my time in Salou and Rally RACC

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[AnttiL]

,,We need new cars! They have to attract new manus and should be cheaper!''

,,Oh, let's make new cars that are slower, heavier, technically more complicated and still very expensive!''

So, at the end a little buffed up R5s would be as fast as new hybrids..?

They could have made Rally1 cars even faster than current WRC cars if they wanted. But they decided to take some things back to cut costs (and to reduce the speed). I believe the cars will look more spectacular with no active centre diff and less suspension travel but the same amount of power as now.

[doubled1978]

Have the WRC ever talked about a budget cap as they are introducing in F1? I can’t say I have heard anything, but I might have missed it.
A lot of the other big series are either targeting the overall expenditure or designing the regulations so it’s impossible to out develop the competition (Balance of Performance), so the need to do so is removed.
I don’t know what Hyundai and Toyota spend, but I’ve seen figures anywhere between €50m and €100m a season talked about, which is a lot. If there was an overall budget cap of say €30m, do you think it would encourage more people to enter?

[SubaruNorway]

F1 has an budget cap but a $200 million entry fee for new teams to make it "special" they might ditch for the new Monaco based team that wants to enter though

[flykas]

They could have made Rally1 cars even faster than current WRC cars if they wanted. But they decided to take some things back to cut costs (and to reduce the speed). I believe the cars will look more spectacular with no active centre diff and less suspension travel but the same amount of power as now.

Active center diffs maybe, but how will less suspension travel by more exciting, they'll just have to be more careful over jumps.

[AnttiL]

Active center diffs maybe, but how will less suspension travel by more exciting, they'll just have to be more careful over jumps.

They cannot just go flat out over every jump, but instead try to find the limit where the car is still controllable at the landing, and sometimes overshooting, resulting in rebounds. And possibly this affects cutting corners as well?

[EstWRC]

They cannot just go flat out over every jump, but instead try to find the limit where the car is still controllable at the landing, and sometimes overshooting, resulting in rebounds. And possibly this affects cutting corners as well?

ill never judge before i see the cars first, but reading this i somehow had flasbacks how i saw Al Quassimi driving against the TOP guys at rally finland.

simply saying, very slow and boring

[AnttiL]

flasbacks how i saw Al Quassimi driving against the TOP guys at rally finland.

simply saying, very slow and boring

I like this approach, you can only get surprised positively.

[doubled1978]

F1 has an budget cap but a $200 million entry fee for new teams to make it "special" they might ditch for the new Monaco based team that wants to enter though

Yeah that’s true, and they don’t allow new teams to take any prize money in the first year as well don’t they?
But for WRC do you think a cost cap could work? I know there are already some loopholes I can think of that would pose a problem, such as the cars being entered in non WRC events by satellite teams and such which don’t exist in F1.
But if the cost to compete at the top is a barrier to entry for others, is it something that could help?

[AnttiL]

I think it is time to face the music and admit the sport as it is now is not very marketable, we can't have 3-5 day events, it's just not possible to gather the interest of a new audience in this format.

The problem is not the regulations, see how WEC, Dakar and even F1 is doing.

We need a 1 day full of special stages with good quality live coverage. F1 does so well exactly because of that, a simple race of 90 minutes and that's it, onto the next. The hardcore follow all the FP and Qualifying, but thats marginal compared to race viewership.

But anyway tell that to the fanatics of long stages and 1000km events.

I thought we're having that right now, essentially, with the COVID-shortened events. Friday has shakedown and maybe 1-2 stages. Saturday is a full day with a live TV stage, and Sunday is a short day with the power stage finale on TV.

We cannot compare F1 methods with rallying because the sport operates differently, there's special stages with liaisons, which takes time, and the cameras have to follow the cars compared to a racing circuit where you can have one camera shooting all the laps at one sitting.

But if we want do use your F1 analogy, power stage is "the 90 minute race". At the end you get the results and although the overall situation rarely changes, you get the excitement of the power stage points.

[AnttiL]

Its laughable how short and uneventful WRC events are nowadays. F1 cars race one and half hours to complete over 300 km. WRC takes three days!!!

You know why that is. We cannot have a 300 km special stage, there needs to be liaisons and services. But WRC doesn't take three days to complete 300 km, the rallies are usually over 1000 km long with the liaisons included. The 300 km of special stages take about three hours to run ;)

I've had long talks with rally organizers and looked at the itineraries in close detail, there isn't really many ways to pack more stages into rally days than there is now. At least not on the scale where it would make a difference. EDIT: also see the post below.

[AnttiL]

We also need to remember that if we keep a rally centered around a specific area and run all the stages close to the service park, we would also have a much needed improvement in the broadcast quality. We need to get rid of shoddy, grey, low quality onboards.

This is nonsense. Basically you want to run only city stages? Although I don't understand how the onboard quality (on All Live) is affected by the terrain. They have the transmitter aeroplane flying over the stages, and the distance to the ground is equal in cities and forests. The only exception is on mountainous rallies like Monte where a mountain can be between the car and the aeroplane, resulting in signal blockage.

It's a big dilemma for rally organizers to have the service park in a place with enough room and infrastructure for all teams to set up (there needs to be hotels and restaurants as well) but close to the stages. And some countries have their own regulations for liaison average speeds (Italy and GB come to mind) which make the liaison times usually longer than necessary.

[flykas]

Yeah I though about the rebound situations, might be some good moments, bet the suspension of current cars is so spectacular, its crazy how in Finland the car is in the air for half of the time:] I am afraid that might be toned down a bit.

[Andre Oliveira]

That looks cool to WRC

https://bestcarweb.jp/news/245781

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Et3t5T7XYAE14ey?format=jpg&name=medium

[abcrally]

ill never judge before i see the cars first, but reading this i somehow had flasbacks how i saw Al Quassimi driving against the TOP guys at rally finland.

simply saying, very slow and boring

OT but remember this clearly from 2007: My friend wondered how can any driver be two minutes slower than his teammate in a single stage!?
Well yes, Al Qassimi lost 2 mins to Grönholm on both runs of Ouninpohja. That Is A Lot.

[HKSjbg]

That looks cool to WRC

https://bestcarweb.jp/news/245781

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Et3t5T7XYAE14ey?format=jpg&name=medium

This is allegedly a Subaru version of the GR Yaris isn’t it? The next Mazda2 is gonna be based on the standard Yaris and Suzuki are making more and more badge-engineered Toyotas, perhaps in dream world we could have a new Subaru WRX, Mazda2 MPS and Suzuki Swift SuperSport all based on the GR :D

[AnttiL]

OT but remember this clearly from 2007: My friend wondered how can any driver be two minutes slower than his teammate in a single stage!?
Well yes, Al Qassimi lost 2 mins to Grönholm on both runs of Ouninpohja. That Is A Lot.

In 2016 Ouninpohja was run similarly to 1994. Al-Qassimi equaled Kankkunen’s stage win of 1994, albeit losing 1:21 to Meeke

https://www.ewrc-results.com/results/27496-neste-rally-finland-2016/?s=119438

https://www.ewrc-results.com/results/518-neste-1000-lakes-rally-1994/?s=7747