[WRC] News & Rumours 2021

[Francis44]

Could well happen. Heard today that WRC team which is not located in Jyväskylä was looking new test days in Finland for September.

I understand the reasoning behind this, but I do not understand however how can anyone believe it would be any different in September. With this snails pace vacine rollout in Europe, they are lucky to have full crowds next year.

[EstWRC]

+1

im afraid it will be also cancelled this year, cant really see masses of people there which are very important to them

[AnttiL]

One rumor said that NEP Finland is too busy with Tokyo olympics during Rally Finland’s weekend so the rally must be moved

[abcrally]

One rumor said that NEP Finland is too busy with Tokyo olympics during Rally Finland’s weekend so the rally must be moved

Luckily that is only a rumor. NEP faced that 'problem' already long time ago as those two events clashed already on 2020 calendar. They have had ca. 1,5 years to solve this matter.

[MartijnS]

The 70th anniversary of Rally Finland has been given a new date.
The iconic gravel road fixture will now form the 10th round of the FIA World Rally Championship on 30 September - 3 October after moving back two months from its original 29 July - 1 August slot.

https://www.wrc.com/en/news/2021/wrc/autumn-date-change-for-rally-finland/?fbclid=IwAR0kA1rGBzw2fHg15YudcTn46FSOAJFG6iUTerr6 SYJLXCK01sVgxxDEE5c

[Rallyper]

The 70th anniversary of Rally Finland has been given a new date.
The iconic gravel road fixture will now form the 10th round of the FIA World Rally Championship on 30 September - 3 October after moving back two months from its original 29 July - 1 August slot.

https://www.wrc.com/en/news/2021/wrc/autumn-date-change-for-rally-finland/?fbclid=IwAR0kA1rGBzw2fHg15YudcTn46FSOAJFG6iUTerr6 SYJLXCK01sVgxxDEE5c

Will be even more demanding when the dark comes.

[PLuto]

I am not sure if situation in September will be better...

[Fast Eddie WRC]

The country has already given us Arctic Rally Finland in 2021, and did so at short notice replacing Sweden.

How come normal Rally Finland cant run on the same basis. Couldnt a sponsor be found to also allow it to run without fans ?

[Rallyper]

I am not sure if situation in September will be better...

Let´s hope. I´m positive for the date.

[rp]

The country has already given us Arctic Rally Finland in 2021, and did so at short notice replacing Sweden.

How come normal Rally Finland cant run on the same basis. Couldnt a sponsor be found to also allow it to run without fans ?

It´s a totally different situation. In Central Finland it would be very difficult to prevent the massive amount of spectators to come and watch if there still be some restrictions. In Rovaniemi it was easy, because a lot of snow and almost no houses at all in the area where the stages were located.

[pantealex]

The country has already given us Arctic Rally Finland in 2021, and did so at short notice replacing Sweden.

How come normal Rally Finland cant run on the same basis. Couldnt a sponsor be found to also allow it to run without fans ?

Yes and no.

Winter Rally had no access roads to stages.

Winter had only 1 different stage in Friday and Sunday.

Winter rally was held 7-10h drive from big cities where most people live, Jyväskylä is 1-3h drive from those.

So keeping spectators out from Jyväskylä is 100 harder (and more expensive)

Also cost of making Summer Jyväskylä is 5x more than Arctic.


Another thing:
FIA requested this move because looks like Rally Estonia probably needs that slot where Finland was planned. And for weather (road conditions) reasons Estonia can´t be in September-October weekend.
But our Estonian members know way more about Estonia "C19" situation.

[pantealex]

I am not sure if situation in September will be better...

No one is.

Last 5 days there has been totally only 1 (one) C19 case in Jyväskylä but there could be 0 or 1000 in September.

[AnttiL]

There's many factors:
- How many will be vaccinated by then
- Will there be new mutations
- Will the number of cases go down again during the summer
- Will they go up again by October
- What happens when people go on summer vacations and then return to work/school/kindergarten

But as of now the organizers had no chance but to cancel altogether or postpone and hope for the best. Probably also extra time needed to find new title sponsor...

[AnttiL]

How come normal Rally Finland cant run on the same basis.

When you run a rally on snow roads, there's not much damage on the roads. A gravel rally needs an expensive road repair. That's one of the main reasons why Arctic Rally Finland was able to be organized without spectators.

[Berke]

I guess there's even a slight chance that there could be some snow in Jyvaskyla in late September - early October. Or not?

[Hartusvuori]

I guess there's even a slight chance that there could be some snow in Jyvaskyla in late September - early October. Or not?

It can snow any day of the year, if so. If it snows, it'd melt right the second it touches the ground. The first snow, which definition is 1 cm of snow at 9AM, happens on October 28 on average in Jyväskylä, later in the South.

Normally early October is good outdoors weather with early mornings +0 to +6 degrees and afternoon around +12 to +20 degrees. If it's sunny, it's perfect for spectating rallying, because not being too cold nor too warm. If it rains, it's just as annoying as rain is on any other time of the year.

[pantealex]

It can snow any day of the year, if so. If it snows, it'd melt right the second it touches the ground. The first snow, which definition is 1 cm of snow at 9AM, happens on October 28 on average in Jyväskylä, later in the South.

Normally early October is good outdoors weather with early mornings +0 to +6 degrees and afternoon around +12 to +20 degrees. If it's sunny, it's perfect for spectating rallying, because not being too cold nor too warm. If it rains, it's just as annoying as rain is on any other time of the year.

+ no mosquitos :)

[Rallyper]

Last round of Ralli SM use to go at that time. Been spectating it and weather is perfect for rallying in late September.

[pantealex]

Last round of Ralli SM use to go at that time. Been spectating it and weather is perfect for rallying in late September.

also this year last round was scheduled to this September-October weekend. It will be probably held one week before WRC event, perfect test rally maybe ? (roads types are different)

[Jeppe]

also this year last round was scheduled to this September-October weekend. It will be probably held one week before WRC event, perfect test rally maybe ? (roads types are different)

Yes, it´s already rescheduled to week before than WRC. Nice idea for big boys testing but let´s see is it too near the main event..?

[AnttiL]

Latvala said to Finnish media that Ogier is interested in doing a half season in 2022.

https://yle.fi/urheilu/3-11896332

[EstWRC]

LOL

at the end of the season he will change his mind again and says he will do a full one.

[AnttiL]

Rumors on Finnish TV broadcast that Oliver Solberg already signed with Hyundai for 2022.

[Portimao]

Instead of Sordo?

[EstWRC]

wasnt he on 2 year deal anyway?

[rp]

wasnt he on 2 year deal anyway?

Yes he had, so this is not any news...

[steve.mandzij]

Instead of Sordo?Or Breen...

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[mknight]

Adamo won both manu titles due to 3rd driver rotation. I don't see him suddenly abandoning the concept.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Planetemarcus @planetemarcus

Following the great show and very good organisation, Croatia Rally received two more years agreement from the promoter to be on 2022 & 2023 calendar ► https://bit.ly/3aIkBEn

[steve.mandzij]

Planetemarcus @planetemarcus

Following the great show and very good organisation, Croatia Rally received two more years agreement from the promoter to be on 2022 & 2023 calendar https://bit.ly/3aIkBEnThat's great to see! I think I prefer what Croatia was to the current guise of the Tour de Corse...

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[AnttiL]

https://twitter.com/pl_loubet/status/1388404852955525122?s=21

Loubet changes co-driver

[Sulland]

Team order?


https://twitter.com/pl_loubet/status/1388404852955525122?s=21

Loubet changes co-driver

[djip]

[QUOTE=steve.mandzij;1269756]That's great to see! I think I prefer what Croatia was to the current guise of the Tour de Corse...

I agree. As much as i am in love with tour de corse, it is now only a pale shadow of it former self ... This is a rally which "made sense" some decades ago, as a 24hours non-stop sprint, with 50+ km stages... and terrrible road surface. Now that the rads are wide, flowing and well surfaced, and with the 9 to 12, 2 to 5 schedule it does not make any sense.

Croatia seemed to be closer to that original spirit (in terms of roads, not schedule of course). So long live Croatia !

[wyler]

Italian 2020 champion Andrea Crugnola to drive for Hyundai Motorsport N in WRC2 Sardinia along veiby and Huttunen

https://www.tuttipazziperilmotorsport.it/andrea-crugnola-guidera-la-hyundai-i20-r5-ufficiale-al-rally-italia-sardegna/ (ITA)

[dimviii]

“We can do more on the current car, we could put more into it, but we have to work for next season. That balance is really difficult to strike and one thing which concerns me is that Hyundai is all guns blazing on the current car. That makes me nervous. Trying to make that line in the right place, that’s the most difficult thing – how much energy goes into each topic.”

Of further concern to Fowler is the return of the Acropolis Rally, meaning a switch from the relatively smooth fast gravel of Chile to Greece’s iconic rough roads in September.

“Personally, I think it’s good to have the Acropolis back in terms of the championship,” said Fowler, “but for our championship challenge, I think this year we would’ve been better off having not come back to Greece – in terms of the development Hyundai has done and what we targeted.

https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/toyota-not-going-all-guns-blazing-with-2021-development/

[Eli]

From Oliver Solberg's Twitter account:

@OliverSolberg01
I'm super excited to announce I'll be back in the @HMSGOfficial i20 Coupe WRC again at @Rally_d_Italia!
Ever since I stepped out of the car at the end of Arctic Rally Finland I've been desperate to get back in it, and I'm really happy the opportunity has come so soon

[mknight]

Since he drove it last year it makes sense to run WRC there and not on a rally that he never did before like Portugal. Also they are "delaying" as many WRC2 starts as possible for the new car to come, so better to drive WRC than to sit at home like he did instead of Croatia.

[wwbroe]

Apparently Oliver Solberg will drive the Hyundai WRC car in Sardinia:
https://www.rallye-magazin.de/schlagzeilen/artikel/oliver-solberg-bekommt-naechste-wrc-chance-46480/

[Tom K]

It was already confirmed by himself yesterday.

[dimviii]

In line with the introduction of the new generation of power units, which integrate the hybrid technology in Rally1 class vehicles, the FIA will introduce a 100% sustainable fuel in the FIA World Rally Championship from next season.

https://www.fia.com/news/fia-wrc-switches-100-sustainable-fuel-2022-p1-racing-fuels-exclusive-provider

[dimviii]

How Rally2 is helping Suninen prepare for WRC’s next era

The Finn is focusing on the hidden benefits of driving a Rally2 Fiesta

https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/how-rally2-is-helping-suninen-prepare-for-wrcs-next-era/

[AnttiL]

https://twitter.com/OttTanak/status/1390215125404164097

Tänak continues with Hyundai from 2022.

I knew that one of them will sign early to secure main development driver position for the new car. What will Neuville do now?

[Rallyper]

https://twitter.com/OttTanak/status/1390215125404164097

Tänak continues with Hyundai from 2022

Quite unexpected I´d say... Or?

[AnttiL]

Oh, Neuville continues with Hyundai as well!

https://twitter.com/thierryneuville/status/1390215052326838272

[EstWRC]

so much of not getting along with the boss and not thinking much about the team, lmao

[AnttiL]

I think this settles silly season quite far...Toyota is looking forward to keep the same drivers as well.

[cali]

Quite boring silly season isn't it? :D

But yeah, so much talk about sour relationships and they didn't even let the silly season start.

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[EstWRC]

Quite unexpected I´d say... Or?

how come, he can now develop the new car together with the team, he would have had to jump into unknown when leaving. same for Neuville


I think this settles silly season quite far...Toyota is looking forward to keep the same drivers as well.

it totally killed the silly season i would say, cant see anyone from Toyota moving to elsewhere....shame that Msport didnt get one of the big names.

[cali]

Now it remains to be seen as if Lappi and Ogier will share 3rd car, Mikkelsen to MSport, fight between Fourmaux and Suninen to the 2nd car at Msport , how will Hyundai solve the 3rd car roulette?

My guess:

Lappi and Ogier share 3rd car...unless Ogier wins his 8th Championship (which is very likely!) and decides to go after Loeb's record

If Sordo decides to continue (and he keeps his pace) Breen will be dropped by Adamo, Oliver and Dani share 3rd car

MSport - Mikkelsen and Fourmaux, Suninen will have the 3rd car when available

Well...the Silly Season isn't completely dead after all :D

[AndyRAC]

Was there really anywhere else to go? Was Toyota ever likely? It seems not. M-Sport can't afford top drivers....

[AnttiL]

My first concern with Tänak going to Hyundai was that the car is difficult on tarmac. This problem will go away for next year since the car will be a completely new one (not just current car with hybrid unit).

My second concern was how Neuville and Tänak will get along with both trying to be driver #1. So far there hasn't been issues, but then again last year's title fight was between Evans and Ogier. How would the atmosphere change in the team if Tänak would have to start giving points to Neuville come the end of the year? But again, Toyota also has two title contenders, so it's the same in both teams.

[rallyfiend]

Now it remains to be seen as if Lappi and Ogier will share 3rd car, Mikkelsen to MSport, fight between Fourmaux and Suninen to the 2nd car at Msport , how will Hyundai solve the 3rd car roulette?

My guess:

Lappi and Ogier share 3rd car...unless Ogier wins his 8th Championship (which is very likely!) and decides to go after Loeb's record

If Sordo decides to continue (and he keeps his pace) Breen will be dropped by Adamo, Oliver and Dani share 3rd car

MSport - Mikkelsen and Fourmaux, Suninen will have the 3rd car when available

Well...the Silly Season isn't completely dead after all :D

LAppi?! Really....?

[cali]

LAppi?! Really....?That's from JML, he's given statements that he would like to bring Lappi back to the team. Now with Tommi and Mia gone it's very likely.

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[Fast Eddie WRC]

Hyundai state 'Multi-year deals' - why dont they give the exact duration of the contracts ?

[AnttiL]

Hyundai state 'Multi-year deals' - why dont they give the exact duration of the contracts ?

Maybe the details are not yet confirmed or have a some sort of condition? I read on twitter it would be 2+1

[wwbroe]

Hyundai state 'Multi-year deals' - why dont they give the exact duration of the contracts ?

Neuville signed a three year deal

[AnttiL]

That's from JML, he's given statements that he would like to bring Lappi back to the team. Now with Tommi and Mia gone it's very likely.

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I think it was that JML told Finnish media that Ogier is interested in a half season. Then the media asked if Lappi would be a good pair for the other half, and he said something like "possibly".

I don't think Katsuta would yet be on the level of that job.

[er88]

I think Breen needs a full season now for his sake, so I'm sure he might talk to Malcolm if Hyundai can't give him that ;)

Sordo and Solberg would be a decent pairing for the 3rd car, although maybe Adamo will think it's a year too early and try to keep Breen.

Mikkelsen's only option i guess is Msport. Malcolm was asked about signing Mikkelsen, and went off on a tangent saying he wanted one of Ogier, Evans, Tanak or Neuville, but would keep an eye on Mikkelsen in wrc2 this season. But now with the big 4 pretty much nailed on to remain where they are, Mikkelsen's position is strengthened (especially if he has some funding too).

Fourmaux nailed on at Msport, and Suninen really needs a strong rest of 2021.

[mknight]

My guess:

Lappi and Ogier share 3rd car...unless Ogier wins his 8th Championship (which is very likely!) and decides to go after Loeb's record

If Sordo decides to continue (and he keeps his pace) Breen will be dropped by Adamo, Oliver and Dani share 3rd car

MSport - Mikkelsen and Fourmaux, Suninen will have the 3rd car when available

Well...the Silly Season isn't completely dead after all :D

Right now I'd agree it looks like something like this, though I am not very sure about Lappi at Toyota tbh. He was driving with the team for a while and after the awesome start it kind of went downwards only, while the car improved.


However, we are only at start of May so a lot can change. For example if Breen does well on a few rallies (that are not fast gravel) or how the Rally2 contenders compare over some rallies (Mikkelsen, Lappi, Suninen, Huttunen, Østberg).

It is entirely logical that both teams and drivers want to sign up early for 20222 car development. Right now this puts MSport in a bad position with less to choose at the same time it also gives them a chance to sign people early.

[djip]

Lappi and Ogier share 3rd car...unless Ogier wins his 8th Championship (which is very likely!) and decides to go after Loeb's record

:D

What about the idea of Ogier doing half a season with Malcom ? They go along very well and it wil be a level playing field .... Malcolm is probably more interested in wins rather than championships (given the cost of going all in)

[TypeR]

I would bet that he will stay in Toyota for full season in 2022.. why not try out new gen car, take the money and maybe another WDC..

[Andre Oliveira]

Paddon and Sordo out of M-Sport equation?

[Portimao]

I don't believe Paddon is coming back.

[rp]

Probably Greensmith & Fourmaux will drive full season next year. Loeb and Suninen share the 3rd M-Sport car...

[mknight]

Probably Greensmith & Fourmaux will drive full season next year. Loeb and Suninen share the 3rd M-Sport car...

Wilson had ambitions of a top 4 driver just a month or two ago. This kind of setup would be like 2 levels lower.

Can't see how Ford would be happy about that. Especially after 2020 and 2021 results and lineup.

[Andre Oliveira]

My bet was Ott. So, now, i think will not be great season. No top driver at all.

[AndyRAC]

Wilson had ambitions of a top 4 driver just a month or two ago. This kind of setup would be like 2 levels lower.

Can't see how Ford would be happy about that. Especially after 2020 and 2021 results and lineup.

Well, if Ford would put their hands in the their pockets and provide a decent budget, they may be able to get a top driver; technical support is one thing, proper financial backing is another.

[mknight]

Well, if Ford would put their hands in the their pockets and provide a decent budget, they may be able to get a top driver; technical support is one thing, proper financial backing is another.

Sure.

On the other hand I would say that there likely is some relation between level of Ford support (either technical or financial) and the results the team delivers. Especially over a longer period.

[AnttiL]

The principle is this:

Ford is happy to pay the car development but M-Sport will have to pay driver salaries, car repairs, traveling to rallies etc. from their own budget / driver budget / sponsors

in 2017 Wilson made a strategic decision to hire Ogier to win titles, and it was successful. Would he pay someone like Mikkelsen, Lappi or Breen to do the same? Would they ensure him titles? No and no.

[Franky]

But if you don't spend, it's unlikely that you'll achieve anything while your competition is in an arms race.

[mknight]

The principle is this:

in 2017 Wilson made a strategic decision to hire Ogier to win titles, and it was successful. Would he pay someone like Mikkelsen, Lappi or Breen to do the same? Would they ensure him titles? No and no.


That's the simplified look.

Contrary arguments that we discussed here multiple times before are:

Car development
2017 car was (mostly) capable from the onset, but even then there seemingly were a lot of changes introduced after Ogier came and during the first 3-4 months.
While I do not know the details I guess Tanak was taking part in the development of the car and was by that time relatively experience driver (3rd full WRC season, with some decent results).

Right now it seems the 2022 car development so far is by Matt Wilson, Fourmaux and Greensmith. Is that enough? (maybe it is, but it's definitely easy to doubt that)

Business
M-Sport needs to attract the paying and/or coming drivers to drive with them for their business model. If no driver can show that the car can fight in the top the paying/young guys will go elsewhere (Hyundai). See Loubet, Veiby, Solberg, a few years back they would automatically have been expected to go trough MSport.

As we discussed MSport can take the occasional "year off" (2005, 2016), but now their "year off" is already 2 years long.

[mknight]

D. Evans doing similar kind of speculations we are (except he is getting paid for it):
https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/whos-going-where-in-the-wrc-driver-market/

The end speculations are off course deliberately crazy..... Meeke or Latvala to MSport.

Latvala suddenly leaving team boss role to drive for a competitor "for free", never going to happen.
Meeke has been "open" for MSport to take like 4 times already and never seemed to be anywhere near any negotiations. So why would that happen now.

Loeb for a few starts might be a bit more realistic.

[AnttiL]

This is all based on Colin’s twitter post and replies on it

https://twitter.com/voiceofrally/status/1390571358715883520?s=21

[mknight]

(Surprisingly?) Little speculation the other way around.

What will Toyota do if Evans goes to MSport and Ogier retires....With all respect to Katsuta, at the moment if he is even number 3 car, Toyota will never win manu champ vs Neuville, Tanak and Solberg/Sordo/Breen.

Evans is a perfect example of how a ("2nd best") driver that was widely dismissed for multiple rally wins or even title chase can change when he gets into a great car. This goes both ways though, say Breen or Suninen might do great in a Toyota and Evans might "suddenly" do much worse back at MSport.

[AnttiL]

(Surprisingly?) Little speculation the other way around.

What will Toyota do if Evans goes to MSport and Ogier retires....

Yes, they would have to persuade Ogier to continue, likely they would get Lappi or Mikkelsen? Or maybe JML decides it's best for the team that he sacrifices his principal role and starts driving again? :D

Maybe Wilson doesn't want Evans back because he would lose the percentage of Evans's Toyota salary? :D

I though it wouldn't be a proper silly season after Tänak and Neuville signed, but it is :D

[cali]

This is all based on Colin’s twitter post and replies on it

https://twitter.com/voiceofrally/status/1390571358715883520?s=21Haha good ol' Colin again :D had a good laugh

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[mknight]

Maybe Wilson doesn't want Evans back because he would lose the percentage of Evans's Toyota salary? :D


Interesting moment actually. But it's not like we know how far into the future those rumored conditions apply, maybe it's just for the first contract after Msport.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

My money is on Mikkelsen full-time at M-Sport in 2022. He has many different WRC car experiences to help develop the new car and can bring sponsors and/or budget.

[pantealex]

My money is on Mikkelsen full-time at M-Sport in 2022. He has many different WRC car experiences to help develop the new car and can bring sponsors and/or budget.

What if Lappi beats him clearly (and all other WRC2) in Portugal, that would be 2-0 for Lappi against all other Rally2 drivers.

[TypeR]

What about Gryazin? He has speed/can show what the car is capable of and also (repairing)money..
Don't think he wants to do another season in R5..(over 80 events with different R5s)
+ testing Fiesta before Arctic
+ also Red Bull athlete

[Andre Oliveira]

Gryazin? So lets talk about Lukyanuk...

[mknight]

Unlike Lukyanuk Gryazin has real money. Then again the car repairs cost a lot. Anyway I can surely see him as a possibility for a drive, but not for the first driver spot.

[cali]

And Gryazin is way younger than Luky

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[denkimi]

Gryazin will crash as much as meeke, but without the natural speed.

But pretty sure he will do better than greensmith.

[tommeke_B]

Gryazin will crash as much as meeke, but without the natural speed.

But pretty sure he will do better than greensmith.

Gryazin no natural speed? With Rovanperä and Solberg under contract, IMO he's the fastest young driver left available. He has shown incredible speed on both tarmac and gravel.

[Andre Oliveira]

Better is hire sooner as the development can be done by him (Mikkelsen).

[skarderud]

Would think Mikkelsen is nr1 at the M-sport list, both fast, done lots of development testing, and bring some RB money.


Paddon is still Hyundai guy, hopefully we see him in a 2C Hyundai this year.

If sordo quit at Hyundai, it is because he is quit rallying.

Loeb, could be interresting at M-sport, but hardly more than some handfull of rallies.

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[mknight]

Gryazin no natural speed? With Rovanperä and Solberg under contract, IMO he's the fastest young driver left available. He has shown incredible speed on both tarmac and gravel.

- the obvious problem is that he either finishes first or crashes. It's like 50/50 chance of both. He even said it in Croatia that he "just drives".

- his "natural speed" was completely gone last year in Hyundai. Huttunen in same car was miles ahead and Gryazin was often even slower than Veiby. Sure the i20 probably wasn't the best car, but there is no telling if he won't have similar issues in MSport.

[AnttiL]

Gryazin no natural speed? With Rovanperä and Solberg under contract, IMO he's the fastest young driver left available. He has shown incredible speed on both tarmac and gravel.

But if you look at his results, he hasn't really achieved anything in WRC2. I would like to bring up Huttunen when talking about the fastest young driver left available, but he often has a different approach than Gryazin, taking it steady and pushing only when needed, bringing the car to the finish.

Gryazin still needs practice and development to be worth the main class. I would say Huttunen is closer.

[denkimi]

Gryazin no natural speed? With Rovanperä and Solberg under contract, IMO he's the fastest young driver left available. He has shown incredible speed on both tarmac and gravel.
Have you seen how many rally's he has done? He has exactly the same amount of starts as rovanpera and solberg combined.

He does not have the natural speed of someone like fourmaux. He just has lots of mony to buy him the very best equipment and to do so many rally's he basically lives in the car. Put him in a situation he does not know and he will most likely not be able to adapt quick.

[tommeke_B]

Maybe you're living in a different world, but saying he has no natural speed makes no sense. Especially a few weeks after Rally Croatia, where he was beating both Mikkelsen and Ostberg. Both happen to have factory support and who sit in their Rally2-cars almost weekly for development tests.


Put him in a situation he does not know and he will most likely not be able to adapt quick.

No idea why you bring this up, but I still remember what Gryazin showed in Rallye du Var a few years ago. The first day stages were flooded, and he was beating everyone including Loeb who was driving a WRC.

@mknight & AnntiL, Fair point bringing up Huttunen, another driver to look out for indeed. Let's hope he gets some proper chance somewhere, as he seems to have little financial support compared to others.

[mknight]

Especially a few weeks after Rally Croatia, where he was beating both Mikkelsen and Ostberg. Both happen to have factory support and who sit in their Rally2-cars almost weekly for development tests.


As others pointed out Gryazin has actually much more seat time than anyone else, probably only Neuville and Tanak had more between Arctic and Croatia.

in WRC2:

Gryazin -2 tarmac raliles (2 days in CZ, 1 in Hungary), dunno about testing before those rallies + test before Croatia
Østberg - 1 day rally in Hungary, 1 day? development test in France
Mikkelsen - 3 day test before Croatia
Suninen - 2? day test before Croatia


But I agree that he certainly has speed.

With regards to "beating" anyone, he led WRC2 for 2 stages before his first mistake and his results from Croatia is exactly 0. While the PowerSteering wasn't his fault the other 5+ moments including crash were.

[Andre Oliveira]

Gryazin test a lot. Some times with two cars at same time. Crazy.

[denkimi]

Maybe you're living in a different world, but saying he has no natural speed makes no sense. Especially a few weeks after Rally Croatia, where he was beating both Mikkelsen and Ostberg. Both happen to have factory support and who sit in their Rally2-cars almost weekly for development tests.

Have you ever noticed that the richest kids usually seem te be the fastest in the lower categories?

And have you noticed that none of the rich kids has been able to beat the poor discovered talents like loeb or ogier?

Money can buy you experience, and experience can make up for a lot of talent. But at the highest level money suddenly becomes useless.

Mikkelsen and ostberg are the same as gryazin, they got into the wrc because of their money instead of their raw talent.
And that's why they are no longer in the wrc, they couldn't make the final step to actually fight to be champion. They are good nr2 drivers who might eventually win a few rallies, but if they face real talented competition they will never be world champion.

Thats why i still have doubt by rovanpera or solberg. They got so far due to their father, now it's up to them to make the final most difficult step.

We'll have to wait and see to find out who will be the future champions.

[AnttiL]

Talents like Grönholm, Loeb, Ogier or Tänak are something that we get only about one per decade. Meanwhile, the "best of the rich kids" like Latvala, Hirvonen, Mikkelsen etc. got often very close to those extraordinary talents. At the same time there's many "rich kids" who end up being Matthew Wilson or Gus Greensmith.

And if we compare the progress of Rovanperä and Solberg to the likes of Mikkelsen and Latvala, it's already different, they have been fast in the lower classes and fast on their top class debuts. In the end it's down to luck whether they will be champions or not. And also who they are driving against.

[mknight]

Well I share denkimi's doubts about whether Solberg (he only ever won one rally with R5 in different categories) and Rovanpera (slower gravel) can be regular championship competitors.
(It's also problematic to compare them with Latvala or Mikkelsen when these basically started first rallies in a WRC car since that was the "way" to WRC for "rich kids" those days. Today the normal way is Rally2 (Gryazin, Veiby ...._).The rich kid Mikkelsen got to paid WRC drive by winning IRC two years in a row btw. ..anyway that's a digression.)


But I find it weird how much hostility there is against drivers who are not Ogier or Loeb. Anyone who can regularly compete on podium and win some rallies totally "deserves" to be in WRC no matter how they got there. There is a rather big difference in performance between those drivers and guys like Matthew Wilson or A. Warmbold.

As AnntiL correctly points out it's also a lot about "luck" in whom you compete with and in what car:

Hirvonen was really close to beating Loeb for example. Latvala could have easily been a champion were it not for Ogier.
Recently Tanak and Evans are perfect examples. If Tanak went to Hyundai from 2018 would he be getting mentioned in same sentence with Ogier these days? I doubt it....or what if he went to Citroen and ended like Lappi after 2019?
Similarly Evans was considered "almost" guy and many people saw him out of WRC at end of 2018 when he did one good rally while Ogier won championship in same car. Then imagine if for example in Monza the temperature on that Saturday stage was 1 degree warmer and snow would melt instead of staying on the road... he would be champion. Is that one crash difference (Evans, Hirvonen) all that it takes for them to be "unworthy"?

[pantealex]

FerGus Greensmith is great example that even with money you can´t buy titles in lower classes.

[doubled1978]

I think in the lower categories, sometimes the so called rich kids can look fast because they can afford to push harder in the knowledge that they can afford to fix the car if they crash.
That said, being a rich kid doesn’t preclude them from being very good in their own right and plenty of them have become very effective drivers.
Just because someone comes from money doesn’t mean they aren’t at the very top level, not WRC but Senna came from money but isn’t talked about as a rich kid.
For the likes of Grayzin, his advantage is the seat time he gets, which in modern motorsport is very rare. That advantage could see him become a very good level driver through practice alone.

[skarderud]

Some rumours about Stellantis (Lanca/FCA/PSA) will be back to wrc again.
Not with Citröen, but one of the other brands.
So: Peugeot, Opel, Fiat, Lancia?

Lancia back to WRC? Would been nice.

Sent fra min SM-G950F via Tapatalk

[Kenneth]

Lancia would make sense only if they would like to completely reset to brand, and I don't think that would happen. My random guess is Opel with their Mokka

[steve.mandzij]

Peugeot has begun releasing cars under a performance PSE badge, starting with a hybrid wagon. I'd wager it is the most likely candidate.

Sent from my Pixel 3a using Tapatalk

[wyler]

Does Mitsubishi relaunch the Ralliart brand?

https://oltnews.com/mitsubishi-relaunches-the-ralliart-brand-in-japan

[bomber21]

https://www.forbes.com/sites/peterlyon/2021/05/11/mitsubishis-rally-winning-ralliart-brand-to-make-timely-comeback/

“ For customers who wish to experience our Mitsubishi-ness, we will launch custom-made accessories for our model lineup as well as re-entering motorsport events around the world,” said Mitsubishi CEO Takao Kato.”

“ According to the silhouettes of the futuristic vehicles seen in slides shown during its presentation, the firm inferred that its return to motorsport would be in SUVs and crossovers from 2023. And given that the brand is putting millions of development dollars into plug-in hybrids and electric powertrains, we can expect the upcoming rally machines to all be electrified. With their history of podium-grabbing performance and industry-leading 4WD powertrains, Ralliart should make a serious splash when they return in around two years time.”

[Jarek Z]

Some rumours about Stellantis (Lanca/FCA/PSA) will be back to wrc again.
Not with Citröen, but one of the other brands.
So: Peugeot, Opel, Fiat, Lancia?

Lancia back to WRC? Would been nice.

Isn't Lancia brand dead?

[the sniper]

https://www.forbes.com/sites/peterlyon/2021/05/11/mitsubishis-rally-winning-ralliart-brand-to-make-timely-comeback/

“ For customers who wish to experience our Mitsubishi-ness, we will launch custom-made accessories for our model lineup as well as re-entering motorsport events around the world,” said Mitsubishi CEO Takao Kato.”

“ According to the silhouettes of the futuristic vehicles seen in slides shown during its presentation, the firm inferred that its return to motorsport would be in SUVs and crossovers from 2023.

I can imagine a return to Dakar for them.

[HKSjbg]

I can imagine a return to Dakar for them.

Or joining Extreme-E

[Franky]

Or joining Extreme-E

Isn't Extreme-E one make series?

[skarderud]

Isn't Lancia brand dead?No, they have a facelifted ypsilon as 2021 modell.
But together with those other brands, some shared modells is on its way?

Dirthfish wroted about a chinese manu interested i wrc this morning, but who knows?

Sent fra min SM-G950F via Tapatalk

[HKSjbg]

Isn't Extreme-E one make series?

Yes but Hummer and Cupra are each fielding teams. Slap on a Mitsubishi badge and they can preach about all the good work they’re doing by racing EVs

[EstWRC]

what?

[SubaruNorway]

Keep an eye on the jobs in motorsport websites and you will find out who is hiring for the WRC far quicker and more accuratley than Dirtbag.

If anyone else is close to a 2022 programme they are keeping it well under wraps as Ostberg and Mikklesen havent linked themselves to it..

If you were Norwegian you would know more... ;)

[lmmjvss]

Isn't Extreme-E one make series?

Yes... But they will probably open up the engines for the manufacturers to develop like they did in Formula-E. Right now they have Jaguar, for example. Engine and stickers but spec batteries.
I can see Ralliart joining Extreme-E and this is going to be terrible for WRC. Btw, isnt Subaru releasing its new Electric SUV? Im SURE Alejandro Agag was knocking on their doors since last year... Same for Mitsubishi! And it should be WRC knocking on their doors and really discussing "how can we have you guys back in the biggest car motorsport after F1?"
Im gonna be really sad if subaru and/or Mitsubishi goes to Extreme-E.
WRC needa to step up its game. Idk how or what, but I dont want to see a huge championship losing to the new kid again just because the older guys dont know how to improve its marketing.
(Yes, it was sad to see audi, porsche, jaguar, venturi, mahindra, psa, penske, nissan heading F-E not F1 because of their marketing)

[kure91]

If you were Norwegian you would know more... ;)
It´ll be nice to see that that rumour about comeback of brand with Pleiades in logo is true indeed :)

[dimviii]

Emil Lindholm
@Emil_Lindholm

Pre-event tests for @rallydeportugal
underway with my new co-driver. Welcome to the team @ReetaHmlinen!


https://pbs.twimg.com/media/E1beAbjXsAEPTzk?format=jpg&name=small

[Steve Boyd]

Any relation to Kyösti Hämäläinen?

[Gregor-y]

It´ll be nice to see that that rumour about comeback of brand with Pleiades in logo is true indeed :)

They'd have to use a Toyota at this point, though.

[AnttiL]

Any relation to Kyösti Hämäläinen?

I haven't heard so. Hämäläinen is a very common surname.

[HKSjbg]

They'd have to use a Toyota at this point, though.

With the spaceframe regulations they can use any car they want to make their Rally1 machine. No need to re-badge the GR Yaris as a Subaru

[traxx]

In line with the introduction of the new generation of power units, which integrate the hybrid technology in Rally1 class vehicles, the FIA will introduce a 100% sustainable fuel in the FIA World Rally Championship from next season.

https://www.fia.com/news/fia-wrc-switches-100-sustainable-fuel-2022-p1-racing-fuels-exclusive-provider

Green washing !!

Why using what we can eat as fuel !! And what kind and amount of energy to produce this e-fuel ?
By what magic will combustion no longer release CO2 ?

[bisak]

Green washing !!

Why using what we can eat as fuel !! And what kind and amount of energy to produce this e-fuel ?
By what magic will combustion no longer release CO2 ?

Well nowadays all the stupid morons believe everything that the media/marketing tell them without question, so no wonder!

[Steve Boyd]

I haven't heard so. Hämäläinen is a very common surname.

OK - thanks.

[abcrally]

OK - thanks.
Not relatives.

[Steve Boyd]

Not relatives.

Thanks to you too!

[Andre Oliveira]

Sobiesław Zasada will do Safari in one Ford Fiesta Rally3. Polish and ERC legend with 91 years old.

Info by Patryk Mikiciuk

[Jarek Z]

Sobiesław Zasada will do Safari in one Ford Fiesta Rally3. Polish and ERC legend with 91 years old.

Info by Patryk Mikiciuk

I heard about it too and to be honest - it's unbelievable!

[EstWRC]

sure it isnt a joke?

im worried about him

is it a wise choice with such a age? :D

[rp]

It would be great to see also much younger (only 83) & the original Flying Finn Rauno Aaltonen to compete there! :) He drove Safari only 23x and was never able to win it. At least 5x 2nd places...

[dimviii]

Kaur Motorsport
@KaurMotorsport

Some great news going into Monday: we're planning to start @Rally_d_Italia
in the same car that Lappi used in Arctic and Portugal!

Big thanks to our main sponsor Markku Rautio for this chance.

[AndyRAC]

https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/former-fia-president-max-mosley-dies-aged-81/6514921/

Understandably, on a rallyforum, it hasn't been mentioned yet. As he was reported/ viewed as the F1 boss, when he actually was the FiA President. His close association with Bernie, meant F1 tended to be his priority - and the other disciplines were looked down on.

[Jarek Z]

It would be great to see also much younger (only 83) & the original Flying Finn Rauno Aaltonen to compete there! :) He drove Safari only 23x and was never able to win it. At least 5x 2nd places...

Yes, Aaltonen was only second. Zasada was only second, too. Now it's time for them to finally win the Safari ;)

https://www.radiokrakow.pl/resource/www_files/image/baa2eace23659bd531f5f75804bd656c/baa2eace23659bd531f5f75804bd656c_wide_705x396.jpg

[mknight]

Well if enough cars break down it's entirely possible.

Anyway I will believe that Safari takes place first when the first car is at start of SS1.

[Jarek Z]

It may be their last chance. When not now - then when?! ;)

https://snaplap.s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/07011846/RaunoAaltonen-minijohncooperworks.jpg

[AnttiL]

https://www.rallit.fi/jari-matti-latvala-lupailee-kuljettajauutisia-nostaa-esiin-kaksi-mielenkiintoista-suomalaisnimea/

Latvala says there will be driver news soon. He's talking about Ogier possibly continuing a half season but they don't know the calendar yet so they cannot choose which rallies he's doing. As for the driver for the remaining events, he mentions that it was nice to see Lappi and Suninen doing so well in WRC2...

[mknight]

One of those two as part time instead of Ogier sounds very good tbh.

Driver wise Lappi fits better cause he is fast on the events where Ogier isn't and likely won't do (snow, fast gravel) , while Ogier could still do tarmac for example.
Not really sure if Ogier would want to do slow gravel when he is not cleaning.

But Joukhi manages Suninen.....

[Fast Eddie WRC]

https://www.rallit.fi/jari-matti-latvala-lupailee-kuljettajauutisia-nostaa-esiin-kaksi-mielenkiintoista-suomalaisnimea/

Latvala says there will be driver news soon. He's talking about Ogier possibly continuing a half season but they don't know the calendar yet so they cannot choose which rallies he's doing. As for the driver for the remaining events, he mentions that it was nice to see Lappi and Suninen doing so well in WRC2...

Toyota has to sign-up it's drivers soon as they will be testing the new 2022 hybrid car. They wont be allowed to test it otherwise in case they take the info elsewhere.

[AnttiL]

https://www.rallit.fi/esapekka-lappi-valmis-ryhtymaan-jari-matti-latvalan-keikkakuskiksi-motivoi-ehdottomasti/

Lappi says also here he would like to go to Toyota even for just half a season, or would like to go to M-Sport as well (of course). He says he still has high targets on WRC level and feels bad about the two last seasons.

[mknight]

Understandably he doesn't want to close any doors...
Still it's an interesting question, if given the choice what would he pick, half-season at Toyota or full at MSport. My thoughts:

Toyota
+ likely better salary (even with half season)
+ quite certain to be competitive
+ he will drive the events he likes (fast snow/gravel) likely with good road position, so good chances for making himself attractive for the future
- not all rounds, Ogier might decide to do more events anyway (should be really careful about how the contract is written)
- probably will only get contract for one year

MSport
+ Full season
+ Likely possible to sign a longer than 1 year contract right now
- less money/might need own sponsors
- not so certain that the car will be competitive (MSport usually has very fast WRC cars on launch, but the recent Fiesta R5 upgrade (Rally2) had pretty disastrous start)

Not sure what the relationships are with MSport after last year. External impression is that perhaps not great.

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

For Suninen I think Sardinia will be extremely crucial. Cause in recent two rallies after the engine upgrade the Fiesta seems competitive. Especially given his last year performance at Sardinia he really does need to be able to mix with Toyota/Hyundai drivers.

I guess that's what Latvala is waiting for.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Evans' on Instagram today showing the TGR Yaris Rally1 test. He's not going anywhere - expect a new contract to be signed very soon.

[AnttiL]

https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/fia-in-talks-to-run-world-rally-cars-alongside-rally1-in-2022/

Current WRC cars will be possibly allowed on WRC events with smaller restrictor.

[skarderud]

https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/fia-in-talks-to-run-world-rally-cars-alongside-rally1-in-2022/

Current WRC cars will be possibly allowed on WRC events with smaller restrictor.
Mostly M-sport cheering for this?;)

But, with the right driver, some of them can blend in. And the best, more cars at the startlist! But it is some running costs...

Sent fra min SM-G950F via Tapatalk

[steve.mandzij]

Mostly M-sport cheering for this?;)

But, with the right driver, some of them can blend in. And the best, more cars at the startlist! But it is some running costs...

Sent fra min SM-G950F via TapatalkIt's annoying that they will reduce the restrictor size, though. That will surely hurt their chances of blending in.

Sent from my Pixel 3a using Tapatalk

[skarderud]

It's annoying that they will reduce the restrictor size, though. That will surely hurt their chances of blending in.

Sent from my Pixel 3a using TapatalkYeah, but i understand them if the new Rally1 hybrid is slower than todays cars.
That would be "interresting" to say it nice:)

Sent fra min SM-G950F via Tapatalk

[AnttiL]

Rally1 will have same engine as current WRC, but there's compromises on the suspension, transmission and aero, so it's very likely that the cars will be slower.

The whole concept is going to be different with tubular frame and body scaling allowed.. It's not just "add hybrid on the current cars and change the name to Rally1". If WRC had been named "4WD Turbo Kit Car" in 1997, it would make now more sense. Some people seem to think it's analogous with World Rally Championship, and the top class should always be WRC (as if it had been always like this!). Yesterday someone blocked me on twitter when I tried to explain this....

[AMSS]

Rally1 will have same engine as current WRC, but there's compromises on the suspension, transmission and aero, so it's very likely that the cars will be slower.

The whole concept is going to be different with tubular frame and body scaling allowed.. It's not just "add hybrid on the current cars and change the name to Rally1". If WRC had been named "4WD Turbo Kit Car" in 1997, it would make now more sense. Some people seem to think it's analogous with World Rally Championship, and the top class should always be WRC (as if it had been always like this!). Yesterday someone blocked me on twitter when I tried to explain this....

Anyone knows how much the suspension travel will be limited to? And will they limit wheel travel or damper travel?

[HKSjbg]

Yesterday someone blocked me on twitter when I tried to explain this....

Must have been an angry adolescent. Or an adult with arrested development as is usually the case on social media haha!

[TypeR]

https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/ogier-could-stay-on-full-time-with-toyota-if-he-wins-2021-title/

Lol

[er88]

https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/ogier-could-stay-on-full-time-with-toyota-if-he-wins-2021-title/

LolWould love to see that...., and I doubt any of us would be shocked if he stayed full time

[EstWRC]

lol....i have been saying this since the beginning of the year.

im not against him staying, rather opposite but its starting to look really ridiculous IMO

[mknight]

I think there is a calendar element here.
Ogier definitely likes this years calendar with the large number of tarmac events and low number of slow+cleaning gravel events.

So what he does next year might be also decided by what events are going to be run.

[AnttiL]

I think there is a calendar element here.
Ogier definitely likes this years calendar with the large number of tarmac events and low number of slow+cleaning gravel events.

So what he does next year might be also decided by what events are going to be run.

I think it's down to whether he wants to win another title or not. If not, he can just choose the nice events and not worry about sweeping in any rally. He could even enjoy the technical gravel rallies now that he wouldn't be sweeping.

[mknight]

Latvala just said recently that Ogier wants to see the calendar first, supposedly to decide what events he wants to do. I think it might also affect whether he wants to go for title.

[AnttiL]

Latvala just said recently that Ogier wants to see the calendar first, supposedly to decide what events he wants to do. I think it might also affect whether he wants to go for title.

I would have to disagree with that. Latvala's comments were based on the assumption that Ogier is doing a half season.

If Ogier wants to win a title, he needs to do a whole season, and it will include events he won't like, but he knows it's a part of the deal.

[EstWRC]

Interesting

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210602/efa17056d38ea808717f5ae527e9775c.jpg

[AnttiL]

That must be a Rally2 Kit car?

[HKSjbg]

With a driver of Lappi’s calibre driving we can finally see how Rally2-Kits compare to Rally2s. Assuming he gets a full rally in one against reasonable Rally2 opposition...

[Kenneth]

According article (translated by Google) Lappi became Co-owner of RTE Motorsport, so he may be really just testing or even just advising at someone else's test.

[Andre Oliveira]

It is a N5 (spanish rules).

[HKSjbg]

It is a N5 (spanish rules).

Ah. In that case my intrigue has gone...

[pantealex]

It is a N5 (spanish rules).

Co-owner of RTE Motorsport (Lappi is also owner) https://www.ewrc-results.com/profile/11051-janne-eronen/ has been driving with KIA Rio N5 (Teemu Asunmaa´s car which was badly damaged last weekend, 5-7 rolls)
so it makes perfect sense for Lappi to test N5 car.

[lankey555]

I see Kris Meeke is in Sardinia this weekend 🤷*♂️

[AnttiL]

https://i.imgur.com/RWCS3Jc.jpg

Mikkelsen testing a Fiesta WRC, reportedly Tuohino's car.

[mknight]

Weird, why would someone use that car in Sardinia?
MSport has own cars no? and this car likely doesn't have nowhere near latest MSport specs?

Or is this supposed to be "all private" undertaking? Why would he want to do that instead of paying at MSport.

[AnttiL]

Weird, why would someone use that car in Sardinia?
MSport has own cars no? and this car likely doesn't have nowhere near latest MSport specs?

Or is this supposed to be "all private" undertaking? Why would he want to do that instead of paying at MSport.

Maybe it's cheaper to rent from Tuohino?

[mknight]

Maybe it's cheaper to rent from Tuohino?

Depends on what should be the purpose of testing this.

If it's in some direct way related to MSport it doesn't make much sense to me. The thing that would make sense is that he wants to try the car "before" talking to MSport about possible drives this year, but then we get back to the point where this car is likely not same spec as current cars.

[EstWRC]

how can he test when he is on the rally? (recces the days before and Monday test)

[TypeR]

M-Sport doesn't have too many spare cars either.. + money, like said before..
Tuohino's car should have at least 2020 summer spec(like Gross).. as it was driven in RedGrey rally(Lappi driving), Rally Estonia and Arctic Rally this year..(no new engine ofc).

Maybe Mikkelsen will be driving in Acropolis w Fiesta?

[mknight]

how can he test when he is on the rally? (recces the days before and Monday test)

Toksport tested on Sunday (ref Vlog). But I agree it's all kinds of weird, not quite sure it happened.




Tuohino's car should have at least 2020 summer spec(like Gross).. as it was driven in RedGrey rally(Lappi driving), Rally Estonia and Arctic Rally this year..(no new engine ofc).



Ok, then it would make a bit more sense.

[AnttiL]

Depends on what should be the purpose of testing this.

If it's in some direct way related to MSport it doesn't make much sense to me. The thing that would make sense is that he wants to try the car "before" talking to MSport about possible drives this year, but then we get back to the point where this car is likely not same spec as current cars.

Possibly considering a WRC drive later this year?

[pantealex]

Tuohino him self posted pics of his Fiesta in Sardinia, so car is there.

Last Saturday was that test day.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Possibly considering a WRC drive later this year?

This has been mooted for a while. He may need to show his speed and experience in a WRC car again to get a 2022 deal. This will have to come soon if he's to be allowed to test the hybrid car.

[SubaruNorway]

Possibly considering a WRC drive later this year?

2-3 events i think he wanted to do

[skarderud]

Merke back to WRC with Subaru in 2023?
Drunk BS-dreams from some irish pub, or is it anything in it?

https://m.facebook.com/groups/112202195520701/permalink/5597535990320600/?sfnsn=mo

Sent fra min SM-G950F via Tapatalk

[er88]

Merke back to WRC with Subaru in 2023?
Drunk BS-dreams from some irish pub, or is it anything in it?

https://m.facebook.com/groups/112202195520701/permalink/5597535990320600/?sfnsn=mo

Sent fra min SM-G950F via TapatalkBeen a fair few rumours flying around about a Subaru return for a while now.

Last I heard was the Meeke one, testing and development next year with a full scale return for 23. Latest I was told was Meeke/ Solberg + a championship challenger driver was their preferred approach for a 3 car lineup in 23. But can't imagine Hyundai would let Oliver go without a fight.

Ofcourse rumours can be bullshit and most are, but when they don't go away/ get stronger over time, it's only natural to start paying attention to them.

Fingers crossed - the championship could do with an extra manufacturer. And Subaru returning would be massive considering their history. Would be a huge boost for the sport.

[steve.mandzij]

Been a fair few rumours flying around about a Subaru return for a while now.

Last I heard was the Meeke one, testing and development next year with a full scale return for 23. Latest I was told was Meeke/ Solberg + a championship challenger driver was their preferred approach for a 3 car lineup in 23. But can't imagine Hyundai would let Oliver go without a fight.

Ofcourse rumours can be bullshit and most are, but when they don't go away/ get stronger over time, it's only natural to start paying attention to them.

Fingers crossed - the championship could do with an extra manufacturer. And Subaru returning would be massive considering their history. Would be a huge boost for the sport.A lifeline, more than a boost. The WRC will not survive in its current form much longer if it remains with expensive cars and just two full manufacturers, and I think today exposed that very well. We better hope Subaru, or anybody, really gives it a shot.

Sent from my Pixel 3a using Tapatalk

[mknight]

I could believe Subaru returning. But adding Meeke to it makes it look like a pub dream.44 year old guy kicked from last 2 teams for crashing too much and not driving anything for 2+ years.

Might be that it's a real rumor combined with pub dreaming.

[AnttiL]

I could believe Subaru returning. But adding Meeke to it makes it look like a pub dream.44 year old guy kicked from last 2 teams for crashing too much and not driving anything for 2+ years.

Might be that it's a real rumor combined with pub dreaming.

No one else wanted to commit to the program, requiring skipping whole 2021 and 2022 from driving to other teams? Difficult to say.

[skarderud]

Been a fair few rumours flying around about a Subaru return for a while now.

Last I heard was the Meeke one, testing and development next year with a full scale return for 23. Latest I was told was Meeke/ Solberg + a championship challenger driver was their preferred approach for a 3 car lineup in 23. But can't imagine Hyundai would let Oliver go without a fight.

Ofcourse rumours can be bullshit and most are, but when they don't go away/ get stronger over time, it's only natural to start paying attention to them.

Fingers crossed - the championship could do with an extra manufacturer. And Subaru returning would be massive considering their history. Would be a huge boost for the sport.Solberg in Subaru is a highly potential thing, both as teamboss and driver. Petter is still big star in Subaru, has been in Japan several times last years.
Who is the title contender? Evans? Mikkelsen? Lappi? Paddon? Not Ogier, Tänak or Neuville.

Østberg talked about something going to be presented by Stellantis this autumn, Opel, Peugeot or Alfa Romeo in Rally1?

If 2 New brands shows up in 2023, then it can be interresting.

Sent fra min SM-G950F via Tapatalk

[mknight]

https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/team-player-neuville-doesnt-want-hyundai-priority/



When asked by DirtFish if Hyundai should consider backing just him in the drivers’ championship, Neuville said that was against the ethos of the team.

“As I’ve always said, I’m more of a team player than maybe some other drivers,” he said.


I laughed....

There are whole articles with Neuville complaining how team should prioritize him harder from 2018. Based on how MSport prioritized Ogier over Evans and Suninen for example in Finland that year.

As one of the results other Hyundai drivers were not allowed to push on PS from about mid 2018 unless in a direct fight with someone else not to steal "Neuville's" points.
Consequently this led FIA to change rules so that from this year, manu points are also earned on PS.

[Rallyper]

https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/team-player-neuville-doesnt-want-hyundai-priority/



I laughed....

There are whole articles with Neuville complaining how team should prioritize him harder from 2018. Based on how MSport prioritized Ogier over Evans and Suninen for example in Finland that year.

As one of the results other Hyundai drivers were not allowed to push on PS from about mid 2018 unless in a direct fight with someone else not to steal "Neuville's" points.
Consequently this led FIA to change rules so that from this year, manu points are also earned on PS.

However changing your mind isn´t wrong. Maybe he has learned something since 2018?

[mknight]

Note he says "As I've always said ...."

[wyler]

Note he says "As I've always said ...."

probably depend on who's is in the team?

[TypeR]

Huttunen expected to drive the new i20 rally2 in Estonia, but won't happen(neither anybody else). Maybe in Belgium.

To me the new i20 rally project looks quite a failure..
Tons of testing since Nov 2020 and still nothing(it's already mid-season). Customers don't buy old ones and can't wait for new.. they will simply go for Ford, VW, Skoda or Citroen..

[mknight]

We already wrote about it in the R5/Rally2 thread under ERC.

In a way the delay is a fail that reduces Hutt imens and Solbergs chances om WRC2. On the other hand, the new car will be there for a while. So it's better to introduce it a bit later and make sure it works and is competetive, rather than risky reliability issues.

Polo had reliability issues in the start (fuel tank fires, rear axle breaking off) while Fiesta Rally2 had performance issues. Both seriously hampered initial sales and took quite some time to fix.

[pantealex]

To me the new i20 rally project looks quite a failure..
Tons of testing since Nov 2020 and still nothing(it's already mid-season). Customers don't buy old ones and can't wait for new.. they will simply go for Ford, VW, Skoda or Citroen..

Old i20 R5 is no more in production

Polo production has ended

Today Skoda made last Fabia

so I don´t see Hyundai losing many customers, maybe few to Citroen but that´s it.

[tommeke_B]

Huttunen expected to drive the new i20 rally2 in Estonia, but won't happen(neither anybody else). Maybe in Belgium.

To me the new i20 rally project looks quite a failure..
Tons of testing since Nov 2020 and still nothing(it's already mid-season). Customers don't buy old ones and can't wait for new.. they will simply go for Ford, VW, Skoda or Citroen..

So rushing it like M-Sport did with their last Fiesta is a better option? Once the car is homologated, you're pretty much stuck with it. The competition has very strong cars. Also with the narrow "frame" of rules to make a new Rally2 car in, it's probably very difficult to make something better than what's already available. No surprise it takes a long time to develop... :)

[Red bull]

https://www.halftone.fm/oversteer/oversteer-49-colin-clark-on-wrcs-title-fight-seb-ogier-tanaks-chances-and-the-young-guns/

[Red bull]

https://www.autosport.com/wrc/news/wrc-working-on-plan-for-2022-usa-event/6570886/amp/?__twitter_impression=true

[wyler]

from Italy: rumors on Monza replacing Japan (maybe just a wish...)

[Rally Hokkaido]

Molly Taylor has just announced she has done a deal to run a Rally 3 Fiesta in three rounds of the WRC, starting with Estonia. Seb Marshall will be back beside her.

[er88]

from Italy: rumors on Monza replacing Japan (maybe just a wish...)Can see that happening. Hopefully if they run Monzo again, we spend 2 full days up in the mountains - or only run a stage or two at the track at the end of a days rallying etc.

[wyler]

Can see that happening. Hopefully if they run Monzo again, we spend 2 full days up in the mountains - or only run a stage or two at the track at the end of a days rallying etc.

yep. would be the best way

[denkimi]

Can see that happening. Hopefully if they run Monzo again, we spend 2 full days up in the mountains - or only run a stage or two at the track at the end of a days rallying etc.
The rules of the fia state that a world championship has to visit 3 continents.
So if they don't go to japan and kenya they might not be able to award a world title.

But then again, the fia has proven last years that their rules have no actual meaning.

[pantealex]

Covid is very valid reason for not going to some locations.

Do we have 3 safe continents ?

[er88]

So Toyota to keep the same driver lineup according to David Evans for 2022, which we all totally expected. Only question mark is whether Ogier does a half season with Lappi, or Seb does the whole year.

Leaves Msport without a top driver - having not being able to attract any of the big 4 Malcolm talked about.

With Fourmaux staying at Msport, Greensmith remaining (if he pays), leaves the likes of Mikkelsen/Suninen/ Lappi (if Ogier stays for another full year) and possibly Breen in trouble for a seat, depending on what happens at Hyundai.

Got a slight worry Msport will just go with whatever driver can bring some budget out of that lot now - which could help Mikkelsen who has spoken about being able to bring some finance. Would be a shame if they did that, considering there was money there to potentially pay millions for a top driver.

I would love to see a 3 car team at Msport with 2 of Breen/Lappi/ Mikkelsen alongside Fourmaux, with Greensmith in a 4th car. That would be a nice team, but highly doubt that'll happen now.

[AndyRAC]

Wait a minute, I thought Ford were improving their backing/ commitment to M-Sport? The proof will be what drivers they have.....

[mknight]

Got a slight worry Msport will just go with whatever driver can bring some budget out of that lot now - which could help Mikkelsen who has spoken about being able to bring some finance. Would be a shame if they did that, considering there was money there to potentially pay millions for a top driver.

I would love to see a 3 car team at Msport with 2 of Breen/Lappi/ Mikkelsen alongside Fourmaux, with Greensmith in a 4th car. That would be a nice team, but highly doubt that'll happen now.

Dream team at this point would indeed be Lappi, Mikkelsen and Fourmaux + Greensmith in 4th. (Breen still hasn't shown decent results on anything but fast gravel/snow, but it is true he did not have many opportunities).

But I agree with you that it's more likely Fourmaux+Greensmith + one that brings most money out of those 4 (Lappi, Mikkelsen, Breen, Suninen).

I terms of money it probably is Suninen>Mikkelsen>Lappi>Breen, but that's just guessing.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Latvala: Small possibility Ogier will do full 2022 WRC season

https://www.autosport.com/wrc/news/latvala-small-possibility-ogier-will-do-full-2022-wrc/6596811/

[dimviii]

WRC: Hyundai separates from team manager Alain Penasse

After rebuilding a team for Hyundai's return to the World Rally Championship, after 8 years of collaboration, after 2 World Championship titles with manufacturers, Hyundai Motorsport has decided to do without the services of Alain Penasse, the team. team manager.


It was after concluding negotiations for the new Neuville and Tanak contracts a few weeks ago that Alain Penasse learned that he was no longer part of the plans of the South Korean structure:

"I was surprised by this decision, I didn't expect it. It's a management choice in South Korea. Now I know it's the kind of job that can't last forever."

It has been decided that Alain Penasse will step down after the next Rally Estonia which will take place in mid-July.

At this time, the name of his successor is not known.

Alain Penasse has more than 30 years of experience in motorsport, in rallying in particular, relationships, contacts, issues that he knows like the back of his hand. His departure is a loss for the structure based in Alzenau but also for Thierry Neuville who sees an ally leave, a person who has always supported him:

"My best memory is when Thierry was leading the Monte-Carlo in 2017, we finally had a car that was able to beat the others. I enjoyed working with Michel Nandan and Andrea Adamo, two completely different personalities. but with whom the flow was going well. I had wonderful years, I had fun and I realized a childhood dream by working in a top team "

The team manager adventure at Hyundai will therefore come to an end in a few weeks for Alain Penasse, the team manager does not yet know what his future will be like but passionate as he is, we should very quickly see him working in the world of motorsport. .

https://www.rtbf.be/sport/moteurs/rallye/wrc/detail_wrc-hyundai-se-separe-de-son-team-manager-alain-penasse?id=10791283

[mknight]

Well in a way he is not really needed for next year or so. They are set with Tanak, Neuville and also Solberg has some contract for next year. The only real question is how they set up Solberg/Breen/Sordo combination or if they loose one of them.

Still since it's so unexpected is there some
other reason too? I can only think of two issues:

- Delayed new I20 development (but he likely doesn't have much to do with that?)

- Redgrey operation and sales... after a grand opening as a "factory" team at start of 2020 they are now basically invisible. Gryazin left after terrible season and is immediatelly competetive in a Polo. Veiby that surely was paying got himself suspended and no new paying drivers seem interested. This is likely to change with new car off course. At the same time Huttunen has been quite consistently beating the RedGrey team drivers while running with KOWAX from CZ, already since Sweden 2020. But again how much has Penasse to do with all this?

[mknight]

Forgot to add that it seems Solberg is basically being denied starts with RedGrey. (still don't get why he didn't drive in Croatia even out of WRC2 points, especially after doing the testing rally in Italy just before).

[AnttiL]

Forgot to add that it seems Solberg is basically being denied starts with RedGrey. (still don't get why he didn't drive in Croatia even out of WRC2 points, especially after doing the testing rally in Italy just before).

Waiting for new car?

Is Penasse is so closely connected with the customer programs as you assume?

[mknight]

Waiting for new car?

Is Penasse is so closely connected with the customer programs as you assume?

Sure it seems like they are waiting. But what's there to lose by running in Croatia outside of points. Only argument against that I see is that Croatia was not confirmed for future rallies until after the rally. Anyway the Solberg point was just a small detail.


I don't know how much Penasse was involved and I also wrote that he likely wasn't. Just trying to come with possible reasons why he "suddenly" looses his job.

Might be something completely different. But you don't get rid of someone you are completely satisfied with.

[mknight]

Or it could be about the Veiby Corona mess. That's more like something he should be involved with. (checking that Veiby follows FIA rules). It cost them 3 entered R5 cars ( Veiby in Portugal and Sardinia and Scandola in Sardinia), Solbergs Sardinia start and also future "income" from 2021 Veiby WRC starts.

[Sulland]

Any thoughts on who will come in to fill that role in Hyundai Motorsport?

[skarderud]

Any thoughts on who will come in to fill that role in Hyundai Motorsport?Salvatore "Totó" Riina?

Sent fra min SM-G950F via Tapatalk

[wyler]

Salvatore "Totó" Riina?

Sent fra min SM-G950F via Tapatalk

is this supposed to be funny?

[skarderud]

is this supposed to be funny?O'yeah, he's dead.....

Sent fra min SM-G950F via Tapatalk

[wyler]

O'yeah, he's dead.....

Sent fra min SM-G950F via Tapatalk

clearly u don't know what u talkin' about...
got a strange sense of humor.

[skarderud]

clearly u don't know what u talkin' about...
got a strange sense of humor.No, i just wroted a random name....

I'm Norwegian, everything, except pedophily, can be joked about.

Sent fra min SM-G950F via Tapatalk

[Sulland]

Skarderud, I was thinking of one that lives close to our borders, and has same passport as us. He could fit the requirements.

[mknight]

If you mean Solberg that would be highly problematic as long as Oliver is in the team.

"Let's bench my only son and give opportunity to someone else (Sordo/Breen...)." That would totally work.

[Allez Andruet]

About Penasse leaving Hyundai... what was completely missing in these interpretations was that it was a Hyundai decision not to renew contractor agreements. Obviously Penasse has been acting in his manager role through his own (?) company and I would say - based on my own experience, not related to motorsport though - it (not to renew atleast on previous terms) is nothing special after the team's been in operation for eight years. At some point it becomes more beneficial for the team to handle the role in-house rather than pay for an external for it. And maybe Penasse was given the opportunity to (1) continue in the role, but as being directly employed by Hyundai Motorsport GmbH, or (2) continue to provide his services through his own company but at reduced cost. What would be really interesting to know, is that how many contractor agreements there were, which were not renewed and for what they were exactly for.

[mknight]

Well he "sounded" surprised they didn't renew it.

[wyler]

No, i just wroted a random name....

I'm Norwegian, everything, except pedophily, can be joked about.

Sent fra min SM-G950F via Tapatalk

that clearly shows u don't know what u talk about.
then obviously one can be proud of his supposed brilliance.

[mknight]

Seems like Mikkelsen's testing with Tuohinos Fiesta right before Sardinia was entirely Pirelli sponsored:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5QawtClxkFQ&feature=youtu.be

I'd guess they'd prefer same car (C3), but I guess the only available one was already sold to Hungary (Butor).

[erikli2]

Oliver is being interviewed and is co-commenting the powerstage in Swedish TV. He has some hopes on doing Rally Estonia in the WRC i20. "we'll see what mood Adamo is tonight.."

[pantealex]

Seems like Mikkelsen's testing with Tuohinos Fiesta right before Sardinia was entirely Pirelli sponsored:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5QawtClxkFQ&feature=youtu.be

I'd guess they'd prefer same car (C3), but I guess the only available one was already sold to Hungary (Butor).

Opposite, during Safari Miikka Anttila/ Tomi Tuominen said that testing with C3 has costed big problems with tyres, C3 is so outdated compared to WRC21 cars.

[dimviii]

Opposite, during Safari Miikka Anttila/ Tomi Tuominen said that testing with C3 has costed big problems with tyres, C3 is so outdated compared to WRC21 cars.

Tuohinos fiesta is updated spec vs c3?

[mknight]

Opposite, during Safari Miikka Anttila/ Tomi Tuominen said that testing with C3 has costed big problems with tyres, C3 is so outdated compared to WRC21 cars.

Well testing was done mid 2020, towards end of 2019 C3 got 1-2 in Turkey among others, 2nd in Finland....while Fiesta got no good results (appart from good speed in GB).

It was also said that Tuohinos Fiesta doesn't have the Croatia-introduced engine upgrade, making it something like February 2020 spec. Does that really make so big difference?

[pantealex]

Well testing was done mid 2020, towards end of 2019 C3 got 1-2 in Turkey among others, 2nd in Finland....while Fiesta got no good results (appart from good speed in GB).

It was also said that Tuohinos Fiesta doesn't have the Croatia-introduced engine upgrade, making it something like February 2020 spec. Does that really make so big difference?

with Tuohino car, no it doesn´t make big difference.

They were only saying that C3 was outdated. Are you sure that "Pirelli" C3 had all latest parts ?
I don´t know anything, I´m just repeating what 2 insiders said.

[mknight]

Well I don't have any inside info either.

One of the quoted reasons for using C3 was that it was neutral so that none of the 3 teams get an advantage. Does that mean they had to ask Toyota and Hyundai now to get "permission" to test with Fiesta? (They probably don't mind since MSport is not a threat in either champ.)

On related note, did they need special FIA permission so it doesn't count as MSport "test days"? There was some controversy about this in 2017 when FIA made special ammendments to rules to keep Jipocar (Østberg) from extra testing "for MSport".

[TWRC]

with Tuohino car, no it doesn´t make big difference.

They were only saying that C3 was outdated. Are you sure that "Pirelli" C3 had all latest parts ?
I don´t know anything, I´m just repeating what 2 insiders said.

AFAIK the C3 should be the latest spec available, so end of 2019. Newer spec would have been the updated aero (and engine maybe?), but that aero kit was destroyed.

[Andre Oliveira]

WRC Calendar 2022

https://www.rallye-magazin.de/wrc/artikel/kein-wm-lauf-in-deutschland-46770/

There were a total of 17 candidates for the 13 open places. The season includes Monte Carlo, Sweden, Estonia, Greece, Italy, Japan, Kenya, Portugal and Spain. Northern Ireland, Finland and Croatia, as well as Australia and New Zealand are fighting for the remaining four places. A big Corona question mark will remain behind Mexico and Argentina in 2022.

[bomber21]

Concerning Greece, it is true that it will be in 2022 calendar. At least this is what the Minister of Sports said many times.

[AnttiL]

Article also mentions Germany had suggested a new location in Nurburgring, and WRC Promoter had liked it, but the suggestion came too late.

[AndyRAC]

A shame - you could run the Nordschleife the opposite way, use the twisty bits and split it into 2 stages; you could start at Galgenkopf and finish at Klostertal/Mutkurve; then start at Bergwerk and finish at Arenburg/Schwedenkreuz.

[1988senna]

https://medium.com/@sports.news.replica/andrea-adamo-behind-hyundai-motorsport-failure-7ba4c2b4a54d

is that true?? Adamo not only spend money on women but also rape and blackmail ??

[1988senna]

https://medium.com/@sports.news.replica/andrea-adamo-behind-hyundai-motorsport-failure-7ba4c2b4a54d
https://m.blog.naver.com/koreasportsnews/222415923464

is that true?? Adamo not only spend money on women but also rape and blackmail ??

[the sniper]

I'm more dubious about clicking those links than the ones the spam bots post...

[tommeke_B]

I'm more dubious about clicking those links than the ones the spam bots post...

I dared to click it. :D But it looks like complete nonsense. The "news" site consists of 4 articles all about Adamo, in 3 different languages.

[mknight]

https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/katsuta-wont-drive-for-toyotas-main-team-in-2022/

Latvala doesn't want Katsuta as points scorer next year not to put him under pressure and slow his development.

So pretty much the opposite of what Makinen did with Rovanpera and what likely cost Toyota the last year manu title

[Rally Hokkaido]

So Katsuta won this weekend's round of the Japan Rally Championship driving a JN1 class GR Yaris............Wait a moment, what is Taka doing back in Japan when he should be preparing for Estonia? Relax, it was actually Norihiko Katsuta who won. Yeah, Takamoto's father!

[Tom K]

WRC Calendar 2022

https://www.rallye-magazin.de/wrc/artikel/kein-wm-lauf-in-deutschland-46770/

There were a total of 17 candidates for the 13 open places. The season includes Monte Carlo, Sweden, Estonia, Greece, Italy, Japan, Kenya, Portugal and Spain. Northern Ireland, Finland and Croatia, as well as Australia and New Zealand are fighting for the remaining four places. A big Corona question mark will remain behind Mexico and Argentina in 2022.

Australia is out for 2022 in 100%.
https://www.motorsport.com/wrc/news/australia-targeting-wrc-return-2023/6626498/

[the sniper]

Australia is out for 2022 in 100%.
https://www.motorsport.com/wrc/news/australia-targeting-wrc-return-2023/6626498/

Back to New Zealand, please!!!

[Andre Oliveira]

https://www.wrc.com/en/news/2021/wrc2/ypres-debut-for-hyundais-new-rally2-car/

Ypres debut for Hyundai’s new Rally2 car
Hyundai’s new i20 N Rally2 car will make its competitive debut at next month’s Renties Ypres Rally Belgium (13 - 15 August).


Hyundai’s new i20 N Rally2 car will make its competitive debut at next month’s Renties Ypres Rally Belgium (13 - 15 August).

Ott Tänak, Craig Breen, Oliver Solberg and Jari Huttunen are among the drivers who have helped the develop the car on asphalt, gravel and snow in countries including Germany, Italy and Sweden.

Although Hyundai has not confirmed which drivers will be behind the wheel for Belgium’s maiden appearance in the FIA World Rally Championship, it is likely that WRC2 contenders Solberg and Huttunen will get the nod.

The new Rally2 car, which is the successor to the i20 R5, will also be at the forefront of a new initiative from Hyundai Motorsport and governing body FIA to nurture rally talent from regional championships around the world for the next three years.


The new car tested extensively in Sweden earlier this year

The FIA Rally Champions World Tour will offer title winners from five series – Africa, Asia-Pacific, CODASUR, Middle East and NACAM – a prize drive in an i20 N Rally2 at a WRC round.

The scheme will initially benefit winners in this season’s championship and the winners in 2022 and 2023 will be rewarded at WRC events in 2023 and 2024 respectively.

The prize rallies will be confirmed on an individual basis, but it is planned that each will be as relevant as possible to the winners to allow them to take maximum benefit.

Hyundai’s customer racing manager Andrew Johns said helping bring through the next generation of WRC champions was an important part of the manufacturer’s customer department.

Breen and Solberg rack up 600km in Hyundai’s Rally2 car
Breen and Solberg rack up 600km in ...
Read More
“The versatility of the Rally2 category as the go-to class for national and regional series allows us to follow and support crews as they progress up the career ladder,” he added.

“There are hugely talented crews competing in all of the FIA’s regional rally series. The FIA Rally Champions World Tour offers them an opportunity to show their skills on the global level.”

FIA rally director Yves Matton said the scheme would create a pathway for competitors from non-European nationalities to reach the top of the rally pyramid.

“It will provide greater diversity in the FIA World Rally Championship and generate positive media coverage, thanks notably to the attendance of regional heroes at flagship events on their continent, with a chance for them to join the world level the following year in a Hyundai i20 N Rally2 car,” he added.

[trykmann]

Interesting, Neuville has not been developing the new Rally2 car.

[TypeR]

Interesting, Neuville has not been developing the new Rally2 car.
He doesn't give a s.. about it.

Tänak needs to know about it more as being part of RedGrey team(I assume the RG contract also extended w Hyundai)..

[Oliverk]

Looking his track record, he is prob shity developer anyway.

[mknight]

https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/colin-clarks-half-term-wrc-2021-rankings/

He surely likes to go controversial to create publicity...according to his rankings the highest ranked WRC driver for first half of the season is....
Katsuta
and 3rd highest is Fourmaux.

(at the same time he actually completely ommited Solberg).

For me there is no competition in a ranking like that. Ogier wins it by massive margin. For Monte even with all the punctures, for Croatia last day, especially with the crash on road section, and topping it all Sardinia performance from first on the road.

[AnttiL]

I think it's pretty spot on, especially when you assume it's the rating against the base level of the driver at the start of the season. Ogier has been doing this stuff for a decade, leading the championship is business as usual, and having a mistake like in Arctic is not accepted. However, it's still Ogier's best half-season so far. But Katsuta has improved his level the most. Remember how he crashed in Estonia, Sardegna and Monza at the end of 2020 and bounced off by being the only driver to finish all rallies so far, with a debut podium. Also Fourmaux has been impressive with the stage results, doing something we could have expected from Loubet this year.

No complaints from me.

If you want absolute driver ratings, just look at the points score at the moment.

[mknight]

If you rank only WRC results it would be Ogier, Fourmaux, Katsuta 3rd or 4th. Most of the rallies he just finished as last Toyota/Hyundai driver.

If you'd count all results in the season Fourmaux should maybe drop a bit due to both Arctic and Sardinia.

[Andre Oliveira]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/E5yeg3aX0AADlPC?format=jpg&name=medium

[EstWRC]

Finland not confirmed with this decision?

what the hell

[Eli]

Finland not confirmed with this decision?

what the hell

Weren't they one of the 5 rallies to fight for the 4 remaining slots? That said, I really hope they'll include it in next year's Calendar.

[AnttiL]

Maybe they want to see if Finland can pull off this year's event or not? If they have to cancel twice in a row, they give the slot to someone else who can do it?

[Eli]

Maybe they want to see if Finland can pull off this year's event or not? If they have to cancel twice in a row, they give the slot to someone else who can do it?

Perhaps, and maybe they want to see if they can throw Mexico in there as I'm guessing they'll probably want more than 2 continents outside of Europe if possible.

[pantealex]

Jyväskylä still has at least 1 year left in their deal with AKK (local ASN) but as we know FIA decides which countries gets WRC events.

[rp]

Maybe they want to see if Finland can pull off this year's event or not? If they have to cancel twice in a row, they give the slot to someone else who can do it?

It would have been possible in July, but probably not so good situation anymore at the end of September. :(

[mknight]

Finland not confirmed with this decision?

what the hell

Less likely Finland will be on the calendar when Estonia is already confirmed.


I am surprised Croatia is not confirmed, when they say it was already after the event this year.

[Eli]

Less likely Finland will be on the calendar when Estonia is already confirmed.


I am surprised Croatia is not confirmed, when they say it was already after the event this year.

Then again you're having both Estonia and Finland this year; if I had to guess, I think they want to see if this year's event goes ahead as planned, then they'll be able to confirm it's on next year's calendar in the next WMSC meeting in October.