[WRC] News & Rumours 2021

[Sulland]

So Finland in ERC then?

[rallyfiend]

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?

Maybe AKK want to see if they can afford to run 2021 before they commit to the future....?

If they continue to lose money, making too many commitments can be difficult for them.

[AnttiL]

So Finland in ERC then?

Earlier they've said it wouldn't be financially possible to arrange Rally Finland in any other championship than WRC, because the ticket incomes are higher. But maybe the situation has changed...I would love to see Arctic as a permanent round of the ERC.

[er88]

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.Mate he judges the drivers based off their current ability/history. Ofcourse Ogier has been supreme, but we all expect that. A 2nd/3rd place for him in Clark's eyes is considered a bog standard result. Meanwhile a 5th for Greensmith is considered great.

I'm sure he tries to go a bit OTT at times, but then look how many of us discuss his ratings on here

At the end of the day he's a bit of a muppet, can't take him seriously despite the fact I like the content he produces

[Rallyper]

Throwing away Rally Finland would be the most ridicoulus decision ever made.

What do Rally Finland organization have to prove?

[Eli]

Throwing away Rally Finland would be the most ridicoulus decision ever made.

What do Rally Finland organization have to prove?

My thoughts exactly, really hope they'll get that slot (with a multiple year deal).

[mknight]

Throwing away Rally Finland would be the most ridicoulus decision ever made.

What do Rally Finland organization have to prove?

That the rally can take place?
Last year it didn't.

Afaik the reason was that COVID rules didn't allow spectators and as a results of that the organizer would loose too much money and decided to cancel the event.

For WRC/Promoter it doesn't matter what the reason is and who caused it, either the rally takes place or it doesn't.

[Rallyper]

That the rally can take place?
Last year it didn't.

Afaik the reason was that COVID rules didn't allow spectators and as a results of that the organizer would loose too much money and decided to cancel the event.

For WRC/Promoter it doesn't matter what the reason is and who caused it, either the rally takes place or it doesn't.

Funny answer. Think it over one more time.

[Franky]

Funny answer. Think it over one more time.

This time he is spot on, especially the last sentence.

[pantealex]

Next years calendar has Sweden that didn´t take place this year ...
and was very bad year ago.

so canceling for Covid isn´t reason to get kicked.

[er88]

Finland will be there I'm sure. It's not like the UK is going to have a round, with the bunch frauds currently in charge of putting a round together.....
Fly away events like Mexico/argentina/ New Zealand will all be difficult.

[mknight]

Next years calendar has Sweden that didn´t take place this year ...
and was very bad year ago.

so canceling for Covid isn´t reason to get kicked.

There is no snow rally that can immediatelly take Swedens place. Arctic organizers were afaik quite open that it wasn't sustainable to do Arctic as WRC round like this again.

For Finlands sake Estonia is already on the list.

As you mentioned Sweden didn't take place one year. Finland might be at risk of cancelling second time in a row if they don't allow foreign spectators.

[Tauri_J]

Rumors that Japan will be cancelled...again.

[Andre Oliveira]

If cancelled, should be out of 2022 calendar.

[Co-driven]

Rumors that Japan will be cancelled...again.

Considering WEC event in Fuji was cancelled last week and also the new emergency state started by Japanese government until end of August, I think chances are quite big of cancelling the WRC event...

[Eli]

Considering WEC event in Fuji was cancelled last week and also the new emergency state started by Japanese government until end of August, I think chances are quite big of cancelling the WRC event...

So Monza for a second year running? If they do that I hope at least this time they include more stages outside the track.

[masa90]

I am really worried about Rally Finland in 2021 aswell. Somehow all of the deadlines for ticket sales starting just go by, nothing activity wise. No updates on the site etc

[EstWRC]

yeah, i looked at their site the other day too


any info from you dear Finnish friends?

[wyler]

So Monza for a second year running? If they do that I hope at least this time they include more stages outside the track.

Italian rumors about this are already circulating for a couple of months.

[dimviii]

Toyota Gazoo Racing Europe technical director Pascal Vasselon has confirmed to Motorsport.com that Ogier has undergone sessions in the outfit's simulator and talks are ongoing, but there is "no fixed plan" regarding any outings in Toyota's Le Mans Hypercar.

"It is something that is in discussion. There is no fixed plan at the moment; it is just something we are looking at," Vasselon told Motorsport.com.

"He is interested in driving our car and I understand why he would want to drive our Le Mans Hypercar. He has already done some simulator sessions.

"We have put our WEC drivers in rally cars on team-building events, but we've never had a rally driver in one of our prototypes, so it would be quite interesting, I think."

https://www.motorsport.com/wec/news/toyota-confirms-ogier-wec-outing-discussions/6631300/

[Sulland]

Good plan for Ogier. He has nothing left to prove in rally. It is important to Stop and not kill your reputation.

If he still want to drive, WEC or desert might be good options!

[er88]

Good plan for Ogier. He has nothing left to prove in rally. It is important to Stop and not kill your reputation.

If he still want to drive, WEC or desert might be good options!Ofcourse he has nothing left to prove, but if he stops now I think he'll regret it. He has another few years left at the top, easily. He is driving at his best and it would be a shame if he doesn't give it another full year or two.

But more time with his family and some circuit racing seems to be too much of a pull for him.

[mknight]

Suninen said after ps that he will drive WRC in Ypres. A bit surprising to me as Fourmaux is good on tarmac.

I guess no chance they start both.

[pantealex]

Suninen said after ps that he will drive WRC in Ypres. A bit surprising to me as Fourmaux is good on tarmac.

I guess no chance they start both.

Why not both, because neither can win with Rally2 either

or are they trying to win WRC2 with Formaux ?

[mknight]

Both would be nice, but don't think MSport will use money on Fourmaux here.

[dupanton]

Suninen said after ps that he will drive WRC in Ypres. A bit surprising to me as Fourmaux is good on tarmac.

I guess no chance they start both.

They give Fourmaux WRC experience on the rounds that will stay in the championship. Ypres looks to be a 1 off wrc round, so no use in giving him that experience.

[AnttiL]

Suninen said after ps that he will drive WRC in Ypres. A bit surprising to me as Fourmaux is good on tarmac.

I guess no chance they start both.

Suninen is in WRC2 in Ypres

[Fast Eddie WRC]

The World Rally Championship will continue to be broadcast live in the United Kingdom until 2024 as a new deal has been signed with its current broadcaster BT Sport.

https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/all-wrc-rallies-to-be-broadcast-live-in-uk-until-2024/

[AndyRAC]

Nobody else is prepared to stump up the £££££££ for such a small audience....And so nothing will change.

[rallyfiend]

Nobody else is prepared to stump up the £££££££ for such a small audience....And so nothing will change.

It's still on ITV4 for free to air as well....

[240RS]

On a broader level, I think the WRC Promoter may need to consider flexing a little to allow local stations beam their own footage from restricted venues. Reason: 1) Get local drivers better coverage and 2) drum up support in the host nation. Too many events are struggling because the local element got 'lost'. The current TV arrangement works well with stadium-centred events, but simply waters down a rally. . .on the national front.

[Tom K]

Dani Sordo splitted with Borja Rozada. New co-driver will be Cándido Carrera.

[Tom K]

Rallye Monte Carlo is back to Principality. Itinerary will be revealed at 2 pm today.

[meh]

Dani Sordo splitted with Borja Rozada. New co-driver will be Cándido Carrera.

related tweet: https://twitter.com/DaniSordo/status/1418511018645393409

[Lancia Stratos]

Rallye Monte Carlo is back to Principality. Itinerary will be revealed at 2 pm today.

https://www.wrc.com/en/news/2021/wrc/monaco-base-for-new-look-rallye-monte-carlo/

[mknight]

Does this mean they will have to limit the number of entries or add a separate service zone for non-priority crews?

[Simmi]

No mention of shakedown? Does anyone know whether it will be Thursday morning or Wednesday afternoon again?

[AnttiL]

No mention of shakedown? Does anyone know whether it will be Thursday morning or Wednesday afternoon again?

With no liaison to drive, I would say it’s a Thursday morning shakedown

[dimviii]

Sordo to use third co-driver of WRC season after Rozada split

The pair have parted ways after just three rallies together

“I am grateful to Borja for his dedication and professionalism,” said Sordo.

“He has shown me to be a great co-driver inside and outside the car, but, unfortunately, despite the enormous work we have both done to blend 100%, my understanding of the notes on the stages has not become perfect.

https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/sordo-to-use-third-co-driver-of-wrc-season-after-rozada-split/

[AnttiL]

If you look at Sordo's seasons from 2017 to 2020, he didn't make a single mistake on gravel. However, with the new co-driver he has already crashed twice. There must be something that didn't work in the communication.

If this co-driver change came from similar reasons as Neuville-Gilsoul split, essentially small money, it became big money for Hyundai who has essentially lost the championship.

[mknight]

If you look at Sordo's seasons from 2017 to 2020, he didn't make a single mistake on gravel. However, with the new co-driver he has already crashed twice. There must be something that didn't work in the communication.

If this co-driver change came from similar reasons as Neuville-Gilsoul split, essentially small money, it became big money for Hyundai who has essentially lost the championship.

I agree with the first part, but I am very unsure about the second (that the reason was small money differences).
Hopefully some Spanish guys can enlighten is.

In other news I'd guess Sordo is quite set for Greece. But might this threaten his place for Catalunya? (I guess Breen needs 5th or better and beating one of the 3 Toyotas/2 Hyundais on Ypres).

[dimviii]

Andreas Mikkelsen
@AMikkelsenRally

Thank you Ola Folded hands We gave it our best! I am sure you will do amazing in your Rally Raid programme and I thank you for your great work, emotions and history we have shared together side by side since 2006. Go get emFisted hand


olafloene
And Pleas Rally people ...����
No bad feeling here!
I follow my plan with the Red Bull Off Road Team for Dakar
And Andreas follow his plan in WRC ....
Since 2019 I have been in Red Bull Off Road and now the Dakar Preparations start again for 2022 Dakar and with big goal....
Andreas and me have known each other since 2006 and no ONE knows me better than Andreas do��.... we have a lot of history ... and a lot we can NOT ��chare��.... NO bad feeling Here...)))

https://www.instagram.com/p/CR0-HOFn3Sy/?utm_medium=twitter

[EstWRC]

Driver × Co-driver splits
1.Mikkelsen - Jæger
2.Neuville - Gilsoul
3.Sordo - Del Barrio
4.Suninen - Lehtinen
5.Loeb - Elena
6.Greensmith - Edmondson
7.Loubet - Landais
8.Sordo - Rozada
9.Mikkelsen - Fløene

[er88]

Why did Mikkelsen - Jæger split? Werent they like best mates and Jæger basically built up his whole co driving career to eventually take over from Floene?

Was it because they lost their drive at Hyundai?

[pantealex]

Why did Mikkelsen - Jæger split? Werent they like best mates and Jæger basically built up his whole co driving career to eventually take over from Floene?



If I remember correctly, Jæger had some family issues which forced him to stay home.

[skarderud]

Why did Mikkelsen - Jæger split? Werent they like best mates and Jæger basically built up his whole co driving career to eventually take over from Floene?

Was it because they lost their drive at Hyundai?Jæger got a kid in january and didn't want to spent 250+ days traveling.

Sent fra min SM-G950F via Tapatalk

[er88]

Thanks both.

[AnttiL]

Driver × Co-driver splits
1.Mikkelsen - Jæger
2.Neuville - Gilsoul
3.Sordo - Del Barrio
4.Suninen - Lehtinen
5.Loeb - Elena
6.Greensmith - Edmondson
7.Loubet - Landais
8.Sordo - Rozada
9.Mikkelsen - Fløene

Lindholm - Korhonen

[Jarek Z]

Lukyanuk - Arnautov - split and re-join

[PLuto]

Lukyanuk - Arnautov - split and re-join

But this is quite different version of split - it was one-event replacement due to time issues. All other are for different reasons.

[AnttiL]

But this is quite different version of split - it was one-event replacement due to time issues. All other are for different reasons.

Similar to Loudon stepping in for Patterson for one rally

[Fast Eddie WRC]

A British round of the WRC in Northern Ireland is understood to have been earmarked for one of the remaining spots on the 2022 calendar, but its go-ahead will require the imminent conclusion of a funding agreement:

https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/promoter-pushing-government-for-british-wrc-round/

[er88]

Not this again. Wish NI would just put up, or shut up. Not a fan of having the event out of the forests on the mainland anyway, but...

[Eli]

Not this again. Wish NI would just put up, or shut up. Not a fan of having the event out of the forests on the mainland anyway, but...

Anyhow, good to know Finland are finalizing their deal for next year and it seems (finally!) after 10 years we'll get back Rally New-Zealand. Fingers crossed!

[er88]

Anyhow, good to know Finland are finalizing their deal for next year and it seems (finally!) after 10 years we'll get back Rally New-Zealand. Fingers crossed!2 iconic events that belong on the championship. Great news.

[AnttiL]

So the calendar could be as follows (order not known):

Monte
Sweden
Croatia
Portugal
Sardinia
Safari
Estonia
Finland
New Zealand
Acropolis
Northern Ireland
Catalunya
Japan

Maybe NI is replaced by Ypres if they cannot get it organized?

I wonder what happened to all American rallies suddenly...

[EstWRC]

it would be a good calender IMO, even better if one of Mexico, Argentina Or Chile would be thrown into

[er88]

it would be a good calender IMO, even better if one of Mexico, Argentina Or Chile would be thrown intoWould love one of those over Sardinia. Personally that's a rally that does nothing for me. It's not San Remo on the mainland etc, it's not a proper rough event like Greece or Kenya, doesn't have the heritage of a Portugal etc. Just think there's a lot more interesting events like the ones you mentioned.

Appreciate it's a nice holiday and rally to go to though.

[djip]

Would love one of those over Sardinia. Personally that's a rally that does nothing for me.

Can't agree more. It has little character, is just "one more of the same" and road cleaning is way too important. Not to mention it is on an island, which argument was used to bin Corsica (which btw had great character in the past but not anymore).
Given the need for less euro-centric championship and building value through iconic events, many other alternatives would be better off (Argentina and/or Mexico, NZ...). Even Arctic and Croatia bring more value/excitment !

[Franky]

Sardinia not brining excitement seems a bit odd when looking at the results of the last five events held there. This year was the first one since 2017, where the gap between 1st and 2nd has been greater than 13,7 seconds. During those five years there's been one rally won on the last stage (2018, Ogier vs Neuville, final time difference 0,7 seconds), in 2019 the final stage drama for Tänak resulting in Sordo's victory.

And considering some of our Greek members comments about the road works on the Acropolis route, can we say that it will be a proper rough event?

[SubaruNorway]

Roads on Sardinia might not look rough on TV but i did not bother to take my Micra on some of them in 2011, nice place and good to combine with vacation imo

[AnttiL]

I also used to think that Sardinia could be dropped easily, but the last few years have proved me wrong, so much drama and tight battles. There might be big road cleaning, but Ogier and Neuville have won it being first on the road...

[mknight]

https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/m-sport-considering-running-a-third-car-on-2021-event/

MSport says they might run 3rd car on some event as part of driver selection for 2022.

-----------
D. Evans interprets it as possibility for Mikkelsen to start in Finland (cause Wilson likes Finland to measure speed)....

doesn't look like he thought it trough much:

- Finland is at same time as ERC Fafe where Mikkelsen is very likely to go given the current close points in ERC
- The current Fiesta WRC was only good in Finland in 2017 with fresh cars, after that it's just worse every year. So the only comparison would be with the other 2 Fiestas.
- Mikkelsen has Finland as basically his weakest rally (no podiums), so don't think he personally would be interested to start there

For Mikkelsen the most realistic start would be in Catalunya.

In case he thinks of other drivers then Lappi could maybe want to do Finland, but he is also aware of the Fiesta results there, likely also signed at Toyota. Breen will for sure drive for Hyundai in Finland and they wouldn't release him before, so Catalunya or Japan.

In case MSport would do that as full "competition" they could start Lappi in Finland, Mikkelsen in Catalunya and Breen in Japan (or just the last two).
I doubt there is funding for all that internally, Mikkelsen maybe would pay for Catalunya but would Breen pay for Japan and would he be allowed by Hyundai? (also risky to leave Hyundai to "pay" for test at MSport, then don't get MSport drive and Hyundai not interested any more....)

[AnttiL]

M-Sport would need a benchmark other than Greensmith against Suninen to know if he’s slow or the car is slow. Maybe run Fourmaux there as third?

If I was Mikkelsen or Suninen, I wouldn’t waste my budget for a start in Finland with a Fiesta…

[mknight]

M-Sport would need a benchmark other than Greensmith against Suninen to know if he’s slow or the car is slow.

"Benchmark for Suninen" is another way to look at it. Then they can just run Fourmaux with them on one rally. Obviously his speed is unknown but it's an extra car for comparison

Which in the end is what Milener might have meant, all this "Mikkelsen" or "other driver" testing is just Dirtfish speculation anyway it seems.

(I don't think there is doubt that the car is slow on Estonia/Finland type of events though if that's what you meant, both Lappi and Suninen last year in Estonia and Evans and Ogier as far back as Finland 2018).

[mousti]

Maybe they put Lappi in a 3rd one for Finland.. He knows the car and Finland is his home rally.

Verstuurd vanaf mijn M2007J3SG met Tapatalk

[er88]

Maybe they put Lappi in a 3rd one for Finland.. He knows the car and Finland is his home rally.

Verstuurd vanaf mijn M2007J3SG met TapatalkThink Lappi is Toyota bound

[mknight]

Think Lappi is Toyota bound

The fact that he didn't show up in Estonia might point to it.

But it's a bit strange that it then doesn't somehow get announced, at least unofficially (by him showing up on some tests of the new car).
Yes Toyota usually announces drivers first in November/December right before next season. But when he is free surely it would be good to put him in the car?


Likely he has not signed yet cause he has to wait for Ogier to sign what he will do. At what number of rounds would he rather do something else (talk to MSport if they are interested given perhaps a bit sour relations after 2020)?

Lets say the calendar has 14 rounds. For sure Lappi would sign if it's say for 10 rounds, but what if it's for 7 or 8?
Does Joukhi (Kalles and former Latvala's manager) have anything to say, given how he "likes" Veiby (EVEN - Lappi's manager).

[AnttiL]

Maybe they put Lappi in a 3rd one for Finland.. He knows the car and Finland is his home rally.

Verstuurd vanaf mijn M2007J3SG met Tapatalk

Like I said, I hope Lappi, Mikkelsen or anyone else won't put in their budget in "showing off" in a Fiesta in Finland. The car won't be fast, and based on Estonia it has problems on high-speed jumps.

[Eli]

https://www.autosport.com/wrc/news/great-britain-among-six-events-bidding-to-join-2022-wrc-calendar/6642002/

As we already knew, GB/NI, NZ, Croatia, Finland are fighting for the slot, but there's no mention in the article of the other 2 (out of the 6) events who are looking to join, I'm guessing it's Mexico and perhaps another long haul event such as Argentina(?). Guess we'll just have to wait for September for the finalized(ish) calendar for 2022.

[macebig]

Greece is probably Ford's best chance of a good result this year. They are the only team with experience from the event and it's their best rally historically. So, a 3rd Fiesta makes more sense there than in 2 events that have more chances of not happening than happening right now. Mikkelsen in a Fiesta could be a podium combination at Acropolis.

[AnttiL]

Sadly (for M-Sport) Acropolis will also feature fast stages and fast sections on almost every stage.

[AnttiL]

https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/renault-evaluating-a-wrc-program-in-juniors/

Renault Clio Rally3 likely coming up

[bomber21]

https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/renault-evaluating-a-wrc-program-in-juniors/

Renault Clio Rally3 likely coming up
Great news!

[AnttiL]

https://www.wrc.com/en/news/2021/wrc/onboard-m-sport-fords-all-new-pouncing-puma-hybrid/

Curious to have David Evans write a guest column for wrc.com. Basically he already wrote the same story for Dirtfish.

[AnttiL]

- Latvala has said Ogier wants to do Monte but no Sweden. In press conf Ogier says the WEC schedule will decide his rally schedule.
- Huttunen believes his WRC2 program continues next year with no main class drives planned

https://yle.fi/urheilu/3-12056356
https://yle.fi/urheilu/3-12056031

[mknight]

- exactly as expected for Ogier

- we will see how the "rest" of the season goes this year. More like "main" season for Hyundai in WRC2 since they moved almost all starts to the last part. I believe Huttunen should keep up with Solberg or even beat him. In that case, given how Hyundai threats him, he could get full WRC2 season 1-2 WRC starts.

[MartinAG]

- interesting that Ogier do not mention Extreme E anymore. At the beginning*of 2021 there were articles that he will run own team in 2022...

[TypeR]

- interesting that Ogier do not mention Extreme E anymore. At the beginning*of 2021 there were articles that he will run own team in 2022...

probably saw that it isn't worth investing time/money at the moment.. not the most interesting series :D

[MartinAG]

aaah you know what? When you do not watch it live but watch it as "re-live" and you speed up video player to 1.25 or 1.5 it is actually not so bad :D

[Negaiss]

News emerging in Latvian local media - there is a very high chance we will see WRC event in Latvia in 2024, if financing is sorted out till that time.
https://www.go4speed.lv/lv/news/wrc/10800-uzsak-sarunas-par-latvijas-ieklausanu-wrc/

[dimviii]

Rally legend Tommi Mäkinen, 57, will be seen driving in the Finnish World Rally Championship at the beginning of October.

Mäkinen tells Ilta-Sanomat that he is driving the renowned Harju special stage with a Mitsubishi Lancer. This is a demonstration run in connection with the Harju special stage, which is part of the actual race.

https://www.is.fi/ralli/art-2000008199976.html

[AnttiL]

This must be the first public appearance of Mäkinen since he left TGR. Also interesting that Toyota's "advisor" is driving a Mitsubishi...

[Fast Eddie WRC]

I see the Japanese GP scheduled for early Oct has just been cancelled due to rising Covid cases. It doesnt look good for Rally Japan in November...

[TypeR]

https://www.upload.ee/image/13401999/IMG_20210818_112549.jpg

[macebig]

It's pretty much a formality that Rally Japan will be cancelled, at this point. Everything else has been called off.

[EstWRC]

our favourite Monza in coming....

[mknight]

Why should Ogier be happy if Japan is cancelled?

Ogier should have advantage over Neuville in Japan, likely less than in Monza also.

[AnttiL]

Why should Ogier be happy if Japan is cancelled?

Ogier should have advantage over Neuville in Japan, likely less than in Monza also.

Assuming Japan is cancelled, not replaced by Monza. The quicker the season is over, the quicker he's a champion.

[AndyRAC]

our favourite Monza in coming....

If they want to be proactive, FiA/WRC Promoter should be contacting the Monza organisers, and putting them on standby. It's surely only a matter of time before Rally Japan is cancelled.

Just make it only one day at circuit.....

[mknight]

There were rumors about Monza replacing Japan for a few months already, so very likely they are prepared.

If it's one day or even only a few stages at the circuit, Monza can indeed be nice. Not very likely there will be any snow as last year was pretty extraordinary weather for that date.

[Lancia Stratos]

If they want to be proactive, FiA/WRC Promoter should be contacting the Monza organisers, and putting them on standby. It's surely only a matter of time before Rally Japan is cancelled.

Just make it only one day at circuit.....

Monza has been on standby since they issued the calendar last October. It was on the reserve list then.

[AndyRAC]

Suzuka 8 Hours on 7th November now cancelled.......

[Portimao]

Rally Japan WILL BE cancelled, there are no "ifs"

[Eli]

Rally Japan WILL BE cancelled, there are no "ifs"

At this point I'd be really surprised if they wouldn't.

[Eli]

https://www.autosport.com/wrc/news/rally-japan-still-scheduled-but-wrc-monitoring-covid-situation/6651184/

The World Rally Championship season finale in Japan remains scheduled to go ahead although organisers are constantly monitoring the ongoing COVID-19 situation in the country.

Japan is set to host the championship’s final round from 11-14 November although the rising number of COVID-19 cases has resulted in confirmation this week that October’s Formula 1 Japanese Grand Prix will be cancelled for a second consecutive year.

MotoGP has already scrubbed its Japanese GP from its calendar earlier this year before this week’s decision to cancel the Malaysian Grand Prix, both events meant to be run in October.

The news preceded confirmation that GT and F3 World Cup races at Macau from 17-21 November have also been cancelled as the Asian region continues to battle the effects of the pandemic.

WRC has so far avoided any COVID-19 induced calendar shake ups this season but a visit to Japan could prove problematic.

As it stands, WRC personnel would be required to undertake a 14 day quarantine upon entry to Japan, which would be feasible given the current calendar structure - the previous event being Rally Spain held across 14-17 October.

For the moment Rally Japan remains scheduled to go ahead with the WRC confirming to Autosport that it is working closely with rally organisers FORUM8.
“We continue to work with FORUM8 Rally Japan organisers, alongside national and local authorities, to ensure the safe and successful holding of the event – just as we do with all events on the WRC calendar in these challenging times,” read a statement from Simon Larkin, WRC senior event director.

“We will make decisions based on the conditions related to WRC.”

However, should Rally Japan drop off the schedule, Motorsport.com’s Italian edition has reported that Rally Monza could fill the vacant final round slot, as it did last year when it concluded a significantly reduced 2020 season due to COVID-19.

The WRC is set to visit Greece for its next round of the championship with the return of the Acropolis Rally from 9-12 September.

Despite the country suffering from wild fires, Autosport understands planning for the event is going ahead as normal with the planned rally route situated away from the affected regions.

An entry list for the famous gravel event has been released which has revealed Toyota’s Takamoto Katsuta will once again be joined by Keaton Williams in the co-driver seat, as he looks set to continue to stand in for the injured Daniel Barritt.

[Fredouye]

Assuming Japan is cancelled, not replaced by Monza. The quicker the season is over, the quicker he's a champion.

I bet he’ll be champion in Spain :D

[AnttiL]

I bet he’ll be champion in Spain :D

In Finland

[Harry hairpin]

Im currently in Tokyo working on the Paralympics and we've had no hard quarantine as such. We were tested 3 times before travel and on arrival at the airport but were allowed to work at the venues the day after arrival. The quarantine rules are were only allowed at our hotel or at a venue for the first 14 days apart from 15mins/day when we can get groceries etc which is strictly monitored. So it can work without 14 days hard quarantine.

[AnttiL]

https://www.rallit.fi/rallin-mm-sarja-kaynnistanyt-neuvottelut-uuden-rallijarjestajan-kanssa/

According to a Latvian site, Liepaja is negotiationg for a similar deal as Ypres, first two years in ERC and then possibly WRC in 2024. I hope not, because Liepaja is a boring rally with wide and straight roads and lots of chicanes. Unless they can spice it up with something more interesting like Estonia.

[mknight]

Well Ypres was pretty boring for me, so the deal is similar in more way than one.

[Portimao]

Estonia was boring and Ypres as well

[sindroms]

https://www.rallit.fi/rallin-mm-sarja-kaynnistanyt-neuvottelut-uuden-rallijarjestajan-kanssa/

According to a Latvian site, Liepaja is negotiationg for a similar deal as Ypres, first two years in ERC and then possibly WRC in 2024. I hope not, because Liepaja is a boring rally with wide and straight roads and lots of chicanes. Unless they can spice it up with something more interesting like Estonia.

I respect all you do AntiiL, but I wish that you sometimes would step out of the virtuality and experience rally in real life to understand the specific feel of each of them, including Rally Liepaja.

[denkimi]

i don't really get how anyone could think a rally is boring when the first 5 drivers finish in the same minute. when at the end of saturday, 3 drivers are within 4 seconds.

i wonder what make an exiting rally then.

[mknight]

When every other corner looks the same for two days, you can't tell the stages from one another,
and alllive cameras show cars doing 40 kph on dusty junctions it's boring to watch on allive. (Onboards were better but with alllive scheme you only see onboard of first car for longer time).

Sure with small differences it should be interesting to watch for times, but it somehow isn't when all the cars fighting with each other are from same team and nobody ever wins a stage by more than 2s. Means you don't need to "follow" cause 3 stages later the time difference will be just as small between them.

In the end it feels relaxing to watch the cars on an F1 circuit cause you actually see different lines and car setups. Not just braking-90deg-throttle.
Yes some of the vids recoded by (immortal) spectators were quite nice, but we didn't get to see those kind of pics on alllive.

[AnttiL]

Estonia was boring and Ypres as well

In terms of the route? I beg to disagree. Both rallies had excellent routes, except for the power stages!

But Liepaja will be like 2 km flat out with maybe one drivable corner, chicane, 2 km flat out, junction, etc.


I respect all you do AntiiL, but I wish that you sometimes would step out of the virtuality and experience rally in real life to understand the specific feel of each of them, including Rally Liepaja.

I don't want to be mean against Latvian rally fans, and I always think that countries which are passionate about rallying should have a chance to host their own event. But at the same time, I think Liepaja is not WRC worthy as it is now, you need to work on the route. Estonia was a similar highway rally until 2017, then they started working on it and now they are a WRC event!

As for attending rallies live, my time and money are not enough to visit all WRC and ERC events in the world so I must use only videos to judge their routes. However, that way they are all equal to each other. I have never visited Wales Rally GB but I still love those roads.

Maybe you can explain to me what's so special about Liepaja?

[Lancia Stratos]

Sure with small differences it should be interesting to watch for times, but it somehow isn't when all the cars fighting with each other are from same team and nobody ever wins a stage by more than 2s. Means you don't need to "follow" cause 3 stages later the time difference will be just as small between them.

Isn't close competition what makes motorsport so exciting? Or would you rather a driver wins the opening stage by 30sec and the third-placed drive is another 30sec back and the positions never change for the rest of the rally?

[Jarek Z]

Isn't close competition what makes motorsport so exciting?

Not necessarily. In the group B era there was no close competition, the gaps were huge, but the sport was still exciting.

[WRC1]

Isn't close competition what makes motorsport so exciting? Or would you rather a driver wins the opening stage by 30sec and the third-placed drive is another 30sec back and the positions never change for the rest of the rally?

if you let drive Ogier against Neuville on the motorway between Vienna and Munich it will be also close competition....if it´s exiting i am not so sure...

[ictus]

the less technical the stages are the closer the gaps are gonna be between the drivers....

[pantealex]

Gaps or no gaps between drivers don´t make rally good/bad.

For me rally is good:
-stages are different than in other rallies
-not all stages are similar

[mknight]

if you let drive Ogier against Neuville on the motorway between Vienna and Munich it will be also close competition....if it´s exiting i am not so sure...

Something along these lines...

Monte usually has huge gaps yet it's super exciting. Cause bad tyrechoice or just setup or even "feeling" in some icy section can turn everything around.

In Ypres you got for the most part 5s gains between drivers per day of rallying. So 10s gaps were "no chance to ever catch" level.
So the numbers "lie" about the excitment.

[mknight]

-not all stages are similar

I raised this point also after Arctic and it's the same for Ypres.

I prefer when organizers put different road types to different stages instead of "mixed" stage.
Say you make one stage with wide or fast road and next with narrow or twisty instead of two stages that are 50% of both.

Yes it's likely harder to make a route like that, but IMO organizers should try if possible.

[AnttiL]

For me rally is good:
-stages are different than in other rallies
-not all stages are similar

Agree 100%

[denkimi]

I gues we'll have to agree to disagree then. :p

I'm not watching rally for the scenery but for the race. But thats des gouts et des couleurs i believe.

[Jarek Z]

I gues we'll have to agree to disagree then. :p

I'm not watching rally for the scenery but for the race. But thats des gouts et des couleurs i believe.

Perhaps it depends on whether you are watching the rally on the stages or watching live results at home?

[AnttiL]

I raised this point also after Arctic and it's the same for Ypres.

I prefer when organizers put different road types to different stages instead of "mixed" stage.
Say you make one stage with wide or fast road and next with narrow or twisty instead of two stages that are 50% of both.

Yes it's likely harder to make a route like that, but IMO organizers should try if possible.

I would say Arctic had fairly different stages especially considering how few stages the rally had. Basically three of the stages were typical Arctic Rally, very fast with occasional technical bits. Then the opening stage was like a mix of Jyväskylä jumps, fast Arctic and a long technical section, and the Saturday opening stage was really slow and technical. Of course, snow tends to blur the differences of the roads, in snow rallies the conditions vary from year to another.

In Ypres it's like a completely different thing. For example SS1 was 15 km long and was comprised of 15 different roads (a few of them were used twice during the stage). The surfaces, widths and characteristics change all the time. It's fast at the same time but also technical with the frequent junction turns. So it's very unique and different to any other rally. The downside is that all stages are similar with each other, with just more emphasis on different things.

I also like it when stages have their own "jobs", like fast/slow, long/short, straightforward/technical, rough/smooth, but there's also many permutations available, and that makes it beautiful. Sometimes you may have one stage that differs from the others like Kizlan in Turkey which was a fast and smooth stage compared to the slow and rough stages.

You have some rallies which are the same stage all the way through like Mexico (except for the super specials) and sometimes you have rallies which are like many rallies in one (Argentina, Deutschland, Ypres with Spa).

[AnttiL]

I gues we'll have to agree to disagree then. :p

I'm not watching rally for the scenery but for the race. But thats des gouts et des couleurs i believe.

I mean, of course I always enjoy a great fight. But we're talking about characteristics of different rallies and stages. You can tell when an onboard of a stage is boring to watch or not, even when it's outside the race circumstances. I also try to think what's enjoyable, challenging or interesting for a driver.

[dimviii]

FIA Presidential candidate Mohammed ben Sulayem has launched a report and comprehensive plan to increase diversity, access and inclusion in global motorsport.

http://www.gptoday.com/full_story/view/778089/Ben_Sulayem_calls_for_fairer_route_into_motorsport/

[NOT]

FIA Presidential candidate Mohammed ben Sulayem has launched a report and comprehensive plan to increase diversity, access and inclusion in global motorsport.

http://www.gptoday.com/full_story/view/778089/Ben_Sulayem_calls_for_fairer_route_into_motorsport/

I live for the day we see images like these in WRC

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5PYzaHDirXg

[Eli]

https://www.autosport.com/wrc/news/wrc-could-expand-to-12-hybrid-rally1-entries-in-2022/6653325/

The World Rally Championship could welcome as many as 12 new Rally1 cars in 2022 as the series enters its hybrid era, according to FIA rally director Yves Matton.

Next year the WRC will launch its new Rally1 sporting regulations which will see Toyota, Hyundai and M-Sport Ford field all-new hybrid rally cars to contest rallying’s top tier.

The cars are expected to be faster and safer than the current WRC machines and crucially will be fitted with plug-in 100kW hybrid system and a much tougher safety cell to protect the driver and co-driver.

Under the current rules the championship features 10 regular entries, but Matton believes the field could expand to 12 and maybe more come the second half of the 2022 campaign.

Toyota is expected to continue to field four cars along with Hyundai, while M-Sport is working on a plan to expand from two to three entries for next season, as previously reported.

“I strongly believe that with the information I have, but not for Monte Carlo [Round 1], that during the year we could have 12 cars,” Matton told Autosport.

“The feedback I have from the different manufacturers and the interest I have received from some drivers and I don’t know when, but it would not be in Monte Carlo, maybe it will be more in the second half of the year.

“I believe we will start with approximately 10 cars but it could go to 12 and maybe even more on some of the last events of the year.”

Matton says an idea to allow manufacturers to field a fourth car to score points in the manufacturers’ championship, but reserved for young drivers, is a possibility for the future, while confirming there has also been interest in Rally1 machinery from privateer competitors.

“I’m still convinced the idea to promote a fourth car for the manufacturer championship could be something for the future, but not mandatory, but a kind of bonus if they enter one more car based on maybe rookies or drivers without a huge level of experience in this kind of car,” he added.

“For sure at the beginning of the year it will be only manufacturer entries that will enter the cars.

“But from the feedback I have there are some privateers that have interest in Rally1.”

Toyota, Hyundai and M-Sport Ford are currently ramping up the development of their 2022 machines ahead of the start of the new season at the time honored Monte Carlo Rally from 21-23 January.

Toyota has been testing its new Yaris this month while M-Sport conducted a gravel test in Finland with its all-new Ford Puma and is currently embarking on a tarmac test in France this week.

[mknight]

Who's supposed to be the fourth Hyundai?
Loubet? How long is someone going to pay if he continues like this?

Shared car between Sordo and Solberg while Breen drives full season would be great though. ( and Adams could switch who is nominated for manu points). But I doubt that will happen.

[rp]

Who's supposed to be the fourth Hyundai?
Loubet? How long is someone going to pay if he continues like this?



No problem. Équipe de France FFSA Rallye has a lot of money...

[mknight]

But at some point they might decide to use it for example on Rossel instead?

I think sometimes Loubet gets threated too harsh, but lately there just doesn't seem to be any improvement.

[bomber21]

https://www.autosport.com/wrc/news/wrc-could-expand-to-12-hybrid-rally1-entries-in-2022/6653325/

“But from the feedback I have there are some privateers that have interest in Rally1.

Yeah, sure…

[AndyRAC]

Matton hopes for 12 Rally 1 cars - marvellous. Isn't he lucky - what a great job he's doing. In the meantime, yet another manufacturer has joined the long list in WEC/IMSA with Cadillac signing up.......

[TypeR]

Just another blabla bs from him..
Ofc there are privateers, who would like to drive the new cars.. it's logical even without talking to drivers..

Only thing is that it needs money.. a lot of it.

[TheFlyingTuga]

It's normal. 2023 marks the centenary of the 24h of Le Mans, everyone wants to be there and have a chance of winning it. After that we will see how many Manus will remain in the WEC

[Tom K]

And Cadillac is not the newcomer to this type of racing. WEC and IMSA made clever move with convergence of rules. You can produce one car and be competitive both: in USA and "Europe" (WEC).

[doubled1978]

And Cadillac is not the newcomer to this type of racing. WEC and IMSA made clever move with convergence of rules. You can produce one car and be competitive both: in USA and "Europe" (WEC).

Yes, and particularly if you chose the LMDh option rather than the Hypercar, the overall costs will be very low (relatively), and with the possibility to sell cars as well to private teams. It’s a a no brainier to get involved really.

[TheFlyingTuga]

That's why I do believe that rallying should have taken a step back and for a couple of years make Rally2(R5) their main category as well.

I do understand that it wouldn't be as spectacular but we would have got a lot of brands and cars to challenge for victories, and then maybe renegotiate with the manufacturer's broader regulations.

Look what happened with GT and Touring Cars. Both of them have nowadays cars that can be used anywhere and bought quite cheap and they are thriving.

[Steve Boyd]

https://www.autosport.com/wrc/news/wrc-could-expand-to-12-hybrid-rally1-entries-in-2022/6653325/

“But from the feedback I have there are some privateers that have interest in Rally1.”Interesting.

When WRC cars were introduced the FIA attitude was that they didn't want privateers in them because they were too fast and that there would be special licence requirements for drivers entering events in WRC cars.

It seems they have changed their mind.

[AnttiL]

Interesting.

When WRC cars were introduced the FIA attitude was that they didn't want privateers in them because they were too fast and that there would be special licence requirements for drivers entering events in WRC cars.

It seems they have changed their mind.

This was in 2017 when privateers couldn't enter a car directly to a rally, but they had to have a manufacturer enter them (like Östberg was entered through M-Sport all year).

However, already in 2018 this seemed to change and since then we've had people with very little international or 4WD rally experience drive these WRC monsters (Jocius, Virtanen etc)

[Tauri_J]

https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/suninen-leaves-m-sport-with-immediate-effect/?fbclid=IwAR1e7X1bn12hUJOc3iEE_vheOkG8DMHbH3BaDyxm E-VtlVZ18_IAlLHsvyc

[mknight]

Rumors that Adamo might be getting replaced.

[Sulland]

Are the rumors mentioning candidates to take over?

[mknight]

Are the rumors mentioning candidates to take over?

Andrew Johns from the customer racing department.

(And don't come with P. Solberg, that would be the worst possible thing for Oliver to happen)

[EstWRC]

nice interview with Lappi https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/lappis-journey-from-might-be-the-end-to-second-toyota-shot/

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Breen linked to test Puma Rally1 and M-Sport deal:

https://rallyinsight.com/2021/09/02/breen-linked-to-m-sport-rally1-test-after-acropolis-rally/

[TypeR]

bye Japan, hello Monza
https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/rally-japan-to-be-canceled-with-monza-taking-its-place/

[mknight]

Well hopefully they reduce the circuit to 1 or even half-day max, cause if it doesn't rain it would be pretty boring.

[AnttiL]

https://www.wrc.com/en/news/2021/wrc/pandemic-forces-cancellation-of-japans-wrc-fixture/

Japan cancellation is official.

[AnttiL]

Well hopefully they reduce the circuit to 1 or even half-day max, cause if it doesn't rain it would be pretty boring.

Likely and hopefully Friday will be converted also into a proper rally day like 2020 Saturday. But both days could still conclude with the "Grand Prix" stage.

[er88]

Well hopefully they reduce the circuit to 1 or even half-day max, cause if it doesn't rain it would be pretty boring.Yep. Even something like at the end of each loop in the mountains, run a stage at the circuit before midday & evening service. Two stages like that a day.

But can imagine they will want to spend a full day at the circuit & more (especially if fans will be in attendance and tickets need sold).

They have great stages in the mountains.

[EstWRC]

what was the reason in 2019?

3 years in a row cancellations is kinda ridiculous IMO, other countries have COVID too, just saying....

[TypeR]

what was the reason in 2019?

3 years in a row cancellations is kinda ridiculous IMO, other countries have COVID too, just saying....

bureaucracy and money..


However, plans to return to Japan were abandoned when the promoter came under pressure to retain the Tour de Corse.

https://www.autosport.com/wrc/news/rally-japans-wrc-return-set-to-be-abandoned-at-fia-council-meeting-5289892/5289892/

[Danny0405]

https://www.wrc.com/en/news/2021/wrc/pandemic-forces-cancellation-of-japans-wrc-fixture/

Japan cancellation is official.


«*We are determined to do our best in order to overcome this Covid-19 pandemic and successfully be able to hold the WRC in Japan in 2022. I pray for the safety of all.”

A replacement event will be held to conclude the 2022 WRC season which will be confirmed shortly.

=> Probably a mistake in bold (2021 instead of 2022) but sounds like Monza Rallye will replace Japan

[Tom K]

Also possibility they will push Monza to December and try to do second Monte Carlo. Maybe with studs allowed.

[mknight]

Also possibility they will push Monza to December and try to do second Monte Carlo. Maybe with studs allowed.

That would be fun for spectators, but I am not sure teams (and drivers) would be so happy about not having any holiday at all. (with testing of new cars for next seasons Monte).

[denkimi]

bye Japan, hello Monza
https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/rally-japan-to-be-canceled-with-monza-taking-its-place/
So once again we will not have a championship that meets te requirements to hand out a world title.

[AnttiL]

So once again we will not have a championship that meets te requirements to hand out a world title.

How?

[macebig]

FIA suspended the 3 out of 5 continents rule last year indefinitely. All titles are still FIA World Championships, be it F1, WRC, WEC, World RX or FE.

[denkimi]

FIA suspended the 3 out of 5 continents rule last year indefinitely. All titles are still FIA World Championships, be it F1, WRC, WEC, World RX or FE.
No they didn't. It's still in the 2021 sporting code.


2.4.3.b.i The cup, trophy, challenge or series calendar must
include Competitions taking place on at least three
continents during the same season.



Nut now i'm actually reading it, it's even worse:


2.4.3.a International cups, trophies, challenges or series
which bear the FIA name, and their Competitions, may only
bear a title that includes the word “World” (or any word
with a similar meaning to or derived from “World” in any
language) if their applicable regulations comply at least
with the requirements below and with the additional
requirement that they involve the participation, on average
over the entire season, of a least four automobile makes.

Meaning that the wrc can never be a world championship with only 3 automobile makers involved.

This makes me wonder why they even have a sporting code if they just decide not to follow it.

[AndyRAC]

I think they gave it a waiver back in 2009; with only Citroen & Ford.......after Suzuki & Subaru pulled the plug late 2008. Strictly speaking, anything less than the 4 makers, or 3 continents, and the WRC becomes World Rally Cup/Series. However, that would be lessening their own championship - not the brightest thing to do. So, they've ignored the sporting code.

[pantealex]

Which rallies has had only 3 automobile makers ?

Citroen, Skoda and VW are also automobile makers!

[denkimi]

I think they gave it a waiver back in 2009; with only Citroen & Ford.......after Suzuki & Subaru pulled the plug late 2008. Strictly speaking, anything less than the 4 makers, or 3 continents, and the WRC becomes World Rally Cup/Series. However, that would be lessening their own championship - not the brightest thing to do. So, they've ignored the sporting code.
I understand why they did and still do it, but i don't get why they don't just delete it from the rules. Why even create a code when you have no intention to implement it?


Which rallies has had only 3 automobile makers ?

Citroen, Skoda and VW are also automobile makers!
So are renault, mercedes or aixam, but neither of those are participating in the wrc.

Wrc and wrc2 or wrc3 are different world championships, only hyundai, ford and toyota are participating in the wrc championship.

[TheFlyingTuga]

I do believe that the Ostberg Citroen entry could be counted as a manufacturer entry. In WEC they were allowed to do the World Championship because they counted the GTE-PRO entries of Ferrari, Aston Martin and Ford as official brands joined with Porsche, Toyota and Audi in their LMP1's. They don't specify in which category the manufacturer as to be registered. Regarding Skoda, I don't think they'll count (neither does VW) because the WTCR had to change to a cup as no manufacturers teams were allowed. Although there are still five manufacturers involved in the championship, they are considered private entries.
But, at the same time they are planing to make a Cross-country world championship with only Audi and Toyota committed and the WRX still is a world championship without any brand in it.... Sooooo

[TypeR]

WRC2/3 drivers can also score WRC points.
This season 30 different drivers have managed to finish in overall top10.

[pantealex]

Wrc and wrc2 or wrc3 are different world championships, only hyundai, ford and toyota are participating in the wrc championship.

Yes, WRC2 and WRC3 are different championships
but
WRC is all FIA cars entered and TOP 10 Overall will get WRC points not only those who drive for Teams points, which is also different Championship.

[AnttiL]

WRC2/3 drivers can also score WRC points.
This season 30 different drivers have managed to finish in overall top10.

And a total of six car brands (Toyota, Hyundai, Ford, Skoda, Citroen, Volkswagen). In the old days they would have received manufacturer points.

[AnttiL]

https://www.rallit.fi/jari-matti-latvala-vahvisti-odotetun-uutisen/

According to Latvala Monza replacement is confirmed. More stages in the mountains, no full day in the circuit.

[macebig]

Monza just officially announced for November 19-21.

[mknight]

Same weekend as ERC Canarias.

So Mikkelsen would either have to pick one of the two or Toksport needs to reschedule their starts.

[pantealex]

Same weekend as ERC Canarias.

So Mikkelsen would either have to pick one of the two or Toksport needs to reschedule their starts.

Mikkelsen was originally heading to Japan at same date so I don´t see any other option than WRC Monza

btw.It´s ERC not IRC

[mknight]

Rally Japan was scheduled week before.

[Danny0405]

They could go to Catalunya instead (all the more that there is a ERC rally in Portugal two weeks before).
Or deciding lately between Canaries and Monza in function of which championships need more an additional entry (but risky if it is needed in both championships).
But Clearly Monza was a better option than Catalunya for Mikkelsen and it is a short delay to decide (but maybe teams have been informed earlier, especially with Japan cancellation)
Or maybe Mikkelsen could make an entry in Catalunya with another car but under Toksport entry (a little like Gryazin in Greece with M-Sport and Movisport)

[mknight]

I was getting the impression that the plan was to drive a different category car in Catalunya.

[Danny0405]

I was getting the impression that the plan was to drive a different category car in Catalunya.

Would sound extremely strange to me to see him in Rally1 in Spain.
Yes, he took his first win in Catalunya but he was not the fastest clearly, and for the rest, he was not really good there.
So not the best way to show himself all the more than it is full tarmac now.
Monza would be more logical because could be a Monte Carlo-like Rallye depending on the weather (but could also be a Corsica-like which would be less interesting for him)

[spiderem]

So if Ogier get 16 more points than Evans and 22 more than Neuville in Finalnd he is champion?

Ott and Kalle still have a mathematical chance but seems quite challenging.

[AnttiL]

So if Ogier get 16 more points than Evans and 22 more than Neuville in Finalnd he is champion?

Ott and Kalle still have a mathematical chance but seems quite challenging.

Ogier needs all of this in Finland to be champion:
- 16 more points than Evans
- 10 more points than Neuville
- 9 more points than Rovanperä (this automatically includes that Rovanperä does not win Finland, otherwise Rovanperä could get 5 wins this season against 4 wins of Ogier in tiebreak situation)
- Tänak to get at most 14 more points than Ogier.

I'm not seeing Ogier getting even a podium in Finland, so it's quite unlikely he manages this. Especially against Evans and Rovanperä .

Also notice that Tänak is the first one to fall out of mathematical chance, if he doesn't beat Ogier by 14 points in Finland. Meanwhile Rovanperä is only one point behind Neuville and has two wins (if points are tied, the one with more wins is champion)

[TypeR]

Oliver Solberg with i20 WRC in Catalunya!
;)

[rp]

Oliver Solberg with i20 WRC in Catalunya!
;)

What he has done to deserve again this chance? A couple of stage wins and a crash in Greece. Can not understand Adamo´s thinking.

[TypeR]

What he has done to deserve again this chance? A couple of stage wins and a crash in Greece. Can not understand Adamo´s thinking.
Why not? Season ending, last events with these cars..
same could ask about Loubet?

It's not our money that they get to drive for :D
To me it's cool to see him in WRC car!

[mknight]

Oliver Solberg with i20 WRC in Catalunya!
;)

Madness.

He needs a stable long-term program (preferably with one car but at least in same category) and a real coach + maybe experienced co-driver (these two can be one person).

Between Adamos ambitions to turn him into new Rovanpera in 1/3 of the time and his parents who (from the outside) seem like a fan squad his career is getting ruined.

Currently his average time between major issues is 2 stages. Last time he managed driving more than one leg without issues is 5 rallies ago.


There are 2 real risks:

- No development ( that's already happening, what signs are there he is any different driver than in January?)
- If Adamo gets kicked and the new person is not Solberg's fanboy or if say Hyundai pulls out who will suddenly hire Solberg? Sure with his parents and their connections he will find some way to drive, but again it slows any development.

[er88]

Clearly Adamo is fast tracking him into the main team and sees Solberg as the future. Autosport claiming Adamo told Breen he couldn't offer him a full season, so.....

I'd now be surpised if Solberg/ Sordo sharing the 3rd car doesn't happen now. I guess unless Oliver has an absolute disaster in the last few rallies.

[Rallyper]

Madness.

He needs a stable long-term program (preferably with one car but at least in same category) and a real coach + maybe experienced co-driver (these two can be one person).

Between Adamos ambitions to turn him into new Rovanpera in 1/3 of the time and his parents who (from the outside) seem like a fan squad his career is getting ruined.

Currently his average time between major issues is 2 stages. Last time he managed driving more than one leg without issues is 5 rallies ago.


There are 2 real risks:

- No development ( that's already happening, what signs are there he is any different driver than in January?)
- If Adamo gets kicked and the new person is not Solberg's fanboy or if say Hyundai pulls out who will suddenly hire Solberg? Sure with his parents and their connections he will find some way to drive, but again it slows any development.

Not madness, but anyway kind of weird.

However Oliver is strong mentally and is for sure on a level of speed beyond many drivers. I´d say also in a WRC car.

What he need now is a more consistent variable driving, using stages wisely, by coaching, including experienced co-driver. (has been discussed here before...)

[pantealex]

It´s weird yes
but
his results with Hyundai WRC are way better than his results with Hyundai R5/Rally2 ...

Maybe WRC suits him better ?

[MartijnS]

Hyundai Motorsport

�� We are happy to announce our WRC2 line-up for RallyRACC in October! Our Junior Driver Jari Huttunen will be joined by compatriot Teemu Suninen Racing both driving the new Hyundai i20 N Rally2!
#HMSGOfficial | #WRC2 | #RallySpain

[TypeR]

Teemu Suninen

Great news, we'll join Hyundai Motorsport! 🙌🏼

Hyundai Motorsport is known as a great team with strong team morale, professional and motivating mentality. The whole team has always been oriented on good results in WRC and also in WRC2. It is great to be part of this big team, and I’m looking forward to the whole experience and delivering results in WRC2 with the new Hyundai i20 N Rally2 car at Rally de España in a couple of weeks. 💪🏼

Hyundai Motorsport | #Rally2 | #WRC2 | #TeemuSuninen | #RallyRACC

[Rallyper]

Some ROI to Juohki...

[denkimi]

What he has done to deserve again this chance? A couple of stage wins and a crash in Greece. Can not understand Adamo´s thinking.
He has a rich and famous daddy.

I see no other reason why they would put him in that car again.

[the sniper]

Some ROI to Juohki...

I was going to say, hopefully this means he's finally getting paid by a team for his services...

[EstWRC]

Great news today. I like surprises like this

Can’t wait

[doubled1978]

Not madness, but anyway kind of weird.

However Oliver is strong mentally and is for sure on a level of speed beyond many drivers. I´d say also in a WRC car.

What he need now is a more consistent variable driving, using stages wisely, by coaching, including experienced co-driver. (has been discussed here before...)

I’m happy to see him have another go, and if they are putting Sunninen in the WRC2 car in Spain it makes sense. I think the message is quite clear from Adamo about what’s expected of him.
Whatever we think about his rate of progress, it’s pretty clear that he is being fast tracked through the Hyundai set up, rightly or wrongly.
I’m with everyone on the Co-Driver tho, having someone like Seb Marshall with him would help a lot I think.

[AnttiL]

What he has done to deserve again this chance? A couple of stage wins and a crash in Greece. Can not understand Adamo´s thinking.

Paid enough money


Some ROI to Juohki...

I believe they are still paying for this drive. It's an investment, and getting one foot in the door of Hyundai considering next year and the possible replacement for Breen. Or maybe they are aiming at a program at Hyundai next year where they can have WRC2 and some single drives in a customer Rally1 car, if there is one...


When's the announcement from M Sport re Breen due now that we have seen this news?

What does Solberg driving the customer car have to do with Breen's contract?

BTW how long Veiby is banned from WRC events?

[rp]

[QUOTE=AnttiL;1282867
BTW how long Veiby is banned from WRC events?[/QUOTE]

It will be until 22th November, so no more WRC events this year...

[Portimao]

So that's why Solberg starts using WRC car.

[steve.mandzij]

It´s weird yes
but
his results with Hyundai WRC are way better than his results with Hyundai R5/Rally2 ...

Maybe WRC suits him better ????????? He got a good result in Arctic despite spinning a bunch of times and going into a lot of snowbanks which he was lucky to get out of, and retired on the first stage of the Safari. Where is this "way better" you speak of?

Oliver needs a solid program in WRC2 driving a single car for an entire season, at least. He's not learning neither the rallies nor the cars (every other event he's driving something else) he's driving, and at this rate the best case scenario is that this will have been a lost year of development.

Sent from my Pixel 3a using Tapatalk

[seb_sh]

To me the latest news are more small hints that Breen is going to MSport. Otherwise it seems Hyundai is a shit show, I think Adamo won't see the end of the year in charge.

[Rallyper]

I think maybe Oliver is more made for driving 400+ hp car than RC2 car. Do not forget his journey in RX with 600+hp cars. He might know how to use the Hp...?

[TypeR]

He has said that, the power of wrc car isn't something new or extraordinary to him as he has driven a lot more powerful cars, BUT such aero is new and diffrrent thing.

So I wouldn't cross him of before the event.. or be bitter why he gets to drive wrc..

[mknight]

Clearly Adamo is fast tracking him into the main team and sees Solberg as the future. Autosport claiming Adamo told Breen he couldn't offer him a full season, so.....

I'd now be surpised if Solberg/ Sordo sharing the 3rd car doesn't happen now. I guess unless Oliver has an absolute disaster in the last few rallies.

Problem is that he is trying it 2 years earlier than Rovanpera.

It all seems to be caused by his "need" to do something when Hyundai does a bad rally. He said it directly himself after Monte and now it's same story again.

In 2020 Toyota lost manu title while 1-2 in drivers because new Rovanpera couldn't match points of Sordo+Loeb+Breen.
If Adamo thinks Sordo (who is meh lately) and Solberg will match points of Ogier+Lappi with road position advantage he is nuts.

[mknight]

He has said that, the power of wrc car isn't something new or extraordinary to him as he has driven a lot more powerful cars, BUT such aero is new and diffrrent thing.

So I wouldn't cross him of before the event.. or be bitter why he gets to drive wrc..

I think he can have good stage times on Spain, maybe even good result... and it will be at best a side step in his career.

Next years cars don't have same aero and don't have center diff so what's the point of learning current ones?

His problem so far this year has never been not driving fast enough with powerfull car. Instead it was driving too fast and/or unprecise with just about any car.

I want him to do well and progress, this season he hasn't progressed much, hasn't learnt rallies (hard to do retiring after 2-3 stages) and hasn't had much seattime either.

[mknight]

Sunninen in i20 Rally2 in Spain is great for all sides involved and certainly good news after "only" going to Finland in Rally2.

He can try different car, compare with Huttunen, and show himself to Hyundai (for part-time seat in Rally1 or fulltime Rally2 next year).

Note that Gryazins disaster performance in Greece certainly put Suninen in different light given his performance in Portugal in similar conditions. His main problem is how he did in WRC vs other MSport drivers.

[AnttiL]

I can only assume Oliver pays for driving WRC car. Craig doesn’t. That’s the difference.

[Eli]

To me the latest news are more small hints that Breen is going to MSport. Otherwise it seems Hyundai is a shit show, I think Adamo won't see the end of the year in charge.

From watching the interview that EstWRC posted in the rally acropolis thread, Adamo seemed kind of deflated and as if he's already been given the nod for his due date at Hyundai Motorsport. So I imagine, any decsions that's been taken from now onwards is from higher up the brass, and Adamo is just there to prepare the team for next year and nothing more. Just speculation of course but I wouldn't be surprised if we'll hear soon enough that he's out.

[pantealex]

???????? He got a good result in Arctic despite spinning a bunch of times and going into a lot of snowbanks which he was lucky to get out of, and retired on the first stage of the Safari. Where is this "way better" you speak of?

Oliver needs a solid program in WRC2 driving a single car for an entire season, at least. He's not learning neither the rallies nor the cars (every other event he's driving something else) he's driving, and at this rate the best case scenario is that this will have been a lost year of development.



Sorry I forgot Safari but he did well in Italian "village" rally...

so "way" was too much, only better with WRC.

I agree with you that full season with Rally2 is best option.
He is 1y younger than Kalle but he has to accept that he isn´t going to be youngest WRC winner.

[rp]

He is 1y younger than Kalle but he has to accept that he isn´t going to be youngest WRC winner.

But how about his dad? :) They are aiming high, but it´s not so easy. Have to admire their passion for rallying and without the doubt Oliver has talent, but there is no shortcut to the top of the WRC...

[AnttiL]

There must also be some synergy between Oliver "upgrading" to a WRC car after Suninen bought the WRC2 seat for Catalunya.

[denkimi]

He is 1y younger than Kalle but he has to accept that he isn´t going to be youngest WRC winner.
first we'll have to see if he ever is going to be even a contender for a win.

[AnttiL]

Just takes patience. Kalle was given three years to mature in WRC2 and national championships before going to WRC cars. And even then it took a full year in WRC car before he managed to win an event.

[er88]

first we'll have to see if he ever is going to be even a contender for a win.Let's not get too down on Solberg now. The kid does have brilliant natural talent, and I'm confident he will get to the very top. However he does seem to be getting pushed too quickly by Adamo/his family (but at least as fans it's interesting to see how he gets on in spain).

Agree that he should do a full wrc2 season next year with maybe 2 or 3 drives in a rally 1 car.

[mknight]

Well in connection with this I am getting a bit tired of the "you can make a fast driver reliable but you can't make a reliable (and slow) driver fast" that gets now often repeated by J. Porter on ALLlive among others.

Often it seems that people assume that a it means you will make a fast driver reliable.

There is a lot of examples of fast drivers that never got reliable, detailed count might even show that the majority of fast and unreliable drivers never became reliable.
From the likes of Novikov and Duval to the more normal examples like Meeke.

How Solberg or even Rovanpera end up is still in the future. But the days when you can win championship while crashing every few rallies are definitely gone.

[TypeR]

Let the boy have his chances with WRC..
maybe Loubet should do next season also in wrc2?
He hasn't been neither fast nor reliable in WRC..
Fourmaux got the chance to drive slow Fiesta WRC and has shown some nice stage times + 1 proper stage win.

I hope to see Gryazin in top car some events next year.. He has tons of rallies under the belt and maybe faster car also suits him better..

[mknight]

I hope to see Gryazin in top car some events next year.. He has tons of rallies under the belt and maybe faster car also suits him better..

Well I didn't list Gryazin as an example of driver that never got reliable, mainly because he possibly still has long career ahead of him.

But his reliability is going backwards. Sure last year one could argue that it was the i20 which wasn't fast enough so he had to push more. But this year he crashes with Polo from leading positions all the time.

How would a different car change that I struggle to see.

[rp]

Let's not get too down on Solberg now. The kid does have brilliant natural talent, and I'm confident he will get to the very top. However he does seem to be getting pushed too quickly by Adamo/his family (but at least as fans it's interesting to see how he gets on in spain).
.

Nothing against Oliver, but Adamo and Solberg family should do things differently. Without the doubt he has a lot of talent and seems to be a clever young man...

[AnttiL]

Now Solberg announced split with Johnston.

[mknight]

Now Solberg announced split with Johnston.

Well that's kind of the smallest surprise.

But from some of the onboards I have seen it's not like Johnston does something wrong. More that Solberg needs someone with authority.
Seb Marshall most likely?

[cali]

Who's next?

Sent from my GM1913 using Tapatalk

[AnttiL]

My guess is Seb Marshall as well

[dupanton]

I don't understand all these codriver changes recently. The most successfull drivers of the past 2 decades, all sticked to their codriver they started with. Loeb, Ogier, Neuville untill recently, Latvala, Hirvonen...

I don't understand the reasons behind it. Sure, it's often not made public. But changing and learning together seems to be a good tactic, if you judge by the past.

[rp]

Hello to Oliver! It seems that he is reading this forum... :)

[seb_sh]

I don't understand all these codriver changes recently. The most successfull drivers of the past 2 decades, all sticked to their codriver they started with. Loeb, Ogier, Neuville untill recently, Latvala, Hirvonen...

I don't understand the reasons behind it. Sure, it's often not made public. But changing and learning together seems to be a good tactic, if you judge by the past.

The recent changes have had a variety of reasons, not all related to performance. Also if you look in history Kankkunen and Makkinen had a variety of codrivers. In the end you need a team with balanced experience and commitment.

[EstWRC]

Who's next?

Sent from my GM1913 using Tapatalk

Ogier and Ingrassia

[TypeR]

Loubet, Gus, Fourmaux, Solberg are logical.. young guys and trying to change something to get better results..

Others haven't just achieved what they want.. WDC.
Ogier and Ingrassia have, Tänak and Järveoja also.
Neuville and Gilsoul have been second overall for like 17 times..
This year the problem has been the Hyundai, not co-drivers..

[doubled1978]

Without knowing exactly why, I would assume a lot of this recent co-driver activity is related to having more experience alongside the younger drivers. I guess we will find out when the replacements are announced, maybe Phil Mills and Nicky Grist should get the maps dusted off! ��

[EstWRC]

Not my account https://twitter.com/rockollector/status/1438461368827535370?s=21

[er88]

Seb Marshall would be the logical choice. Very calm and experienced, already had an event with Oliver.

However I think Solberg might have the same "issue" (looking from the outside) that Meeke had too, in that his notes just seem absolutely overloaded with information. I got lost in the notes watching any of Meeke's onboards under Nagle, but the clearer and calmer voice of Marshall made it a bit easier to follow.

These drivers probably think there is nothing wrong with their notes/ amount of information, and clearly it only matters what suits them best and what they are comfortable with..., but it's just my observation as random rally fan who's watched a lot of onboards.

[Fredouye]

I met Seb Marshall in the plane to Munich, just a few words to tell him I missed him in a big car :)

And I showed this photo to him, great souvenir :D

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210916/4b03e0d7b705fbb66981ca2cf35f293f.jpg

[denkimi]

Seb Marshall would be the logical choice. Very calm and experienced, already had an event with Oliver.

However I think Solberg might have the same "issue" (looking from the outside) that Meeke had too, in that his notes just seem absolutely overloaded with information. I got lost in the notes watching any of Meeke's onboards under Nagle, but the clearer and calmer voice of Marshall made it a bit easier to follow.

These drivers probably think there is nothing wrong with their notes/ amount of information, and clearly it only matters what suits them best and what they are comfortable with..., but it's just my observation as random rally fan who's watched a lot of onboards.
Time slows down when you are at the wheel.

And when you've made the notes yourself it's a lot easier to follow than trying to follow someone else.

[macebig]

Think Oliver may go for Giraudet. He was with them at the testing and has co driven Oliver before.

[doubled1978]

Think Oliver may go for Giraudet. He was with them at the testing and has co driven Oliver before.

I thought he may be the target for Fourmaux!

[wwbroe]

I've heard that the new codriver for Fourmeaux will be the codriver that was with Rossel before.

[Andre Oliveira]

Ogier and Ingrassia

Well, at least they have time without each other. Veillas do the most PET with Ogier.

[AnttiL]

Think Oliver may go for Giraudet. He was with them at the testing and has co driven Oliver before.

No way, isn’t he too old for that? Coaching is a different thing…

[macebig]

https://www.ewrc-results.com/coprofile/29-denis-giraudet/

He is still going.

[AnttiL]

https://www.ewrc-results.com/coprofile/29-denis-giraudet/

He is still going.

Yes but it’s different than doing 13 WRC events a year and testing. And besides, they should be looking at a long collaboration, not something that will end soon.

Another thing that was done correctly for Kalle. He had an old experienced co-driver in the early years and switched to a younger one just as he entered WRC, they will have a long career together.

[the sniper]

Can't see that this has been mentioned, 2022 Season launch back at the Autosport show in Birmingham in 2022:

http://planetemarcus.com/birmingham-choisi-pour-lancer-la-saison-wrc-2022/

[dimviii]

Fourmaux’s co-driver for Rally Finland revealed

Alexandre Coria - who usually sits with Yohan Rossel - will join Fourmaux next month
https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/fourmauxs-co-driver-for-rally-finland-revealed/

[Eli]

https://www.autosport.com/wrc/news/sordo-teases-2022-plans-with-wrc-future-yet-to-be-resolved/6670874/

Out of contract Hyundai WRC driver Dani Sordo says people won’t be surprised by his plans for 2022 as the Spaniard's World Rally Championship future remains up in the air.

Sordo is among the most experienced drivers in the WRC having made his championship debut in 2003, driving for Citroen, Mini, Ford and Hyundai factory teams, winning three rallies across his career to date.

The 38-year-old has been with Hyundai since the marque’s re-emergence on the WRC scene in 2014 but has been driving partial campaigns since 2018.

However, his future for next season is yet to be announced as Hyundai continues to weigh up its options for its third car, after re-signing 2019 world champion Ott Tanak and Thierry Neuville earlier this year.

Sordo has confirmed that plans for 2022 are in the works and that a part-time campaign is expected should a new deal with Hyundai emerge.

“I don’t know, for sure I will do something. We don’t know yet,” said Sordo when asked when he could confirm his 2022 plans.

“I’m just focusing on the rallies coming up. They are very important for us and it is quite busy timing but after that we have to take some time to see what we can do.

“If I do something it will be the same [part-time] conditions.

“I don’t think so,” he added, when asked if his decision for 2022 would come as a surprise.

This season Sordo has been sharing the third with Craig Breen although the Irishman has been heavily linked with a move to M-Sport for 2022.

Breen wishes to contest a full season next year and Hyundai boss Andrea Adamo confirmed to Autosport that his team is unable to offer that to Breen.

“It is clear that Craig thinks he deserves to do the world championship and it is clear that Hyundai cannot offer him the world championship,” said Adamo.

Adamo has confirmed that he is in talks with Sordo and last month he hinted that Hyundai’s WRC2 driver Oliver Solberg could be in the mix to graduate to the WRC next season.

Solberg has been testing Hyundai’s 2022 machine this week along with Thierry Neuville, and the son of 2003 world champion Petter Solberg has also been handed a third WRC outing with the marque at Rally Spain next month.

Hyundai’s decision to hand Solberg the Rally Spain drive has seen the manufacturer sign M-Sport WRC refugee Teemu Suninen to drive Solberg’s vacated WRC2 car in Spain.

Suninen is a free agent for next year following his split with M-Sport and could be a valuable asset to Hyundai for the future given his experience.

So...either retirement or part time in Hyundai once more? If I had to guess I'd say part time again but it seems everybody seems pretty tight lipped for the time being.

[Danny0405]

I think it is pretty set for Solberg, the only question being full-time or part-time. Catalunya may be decisive to show if Sordo is still competitive and what Solberg can do on tarmac.
At least, it is now clear for Breen.

Will Sordo survive again? Quite a strange career for the Spaniard, more than 160 WRC starts in a RC1 car (never paying as far as I know), only 3 wins, 16 consecutive seasons with at least half-season while a lot of drivers had to step down at least one or two seasons.

[skarderud]

I think it is pretty set for Solberg, the only question being full-time or part-time. Catalunya may be decisive to show if Sordo is still competitive and what Solberg can do on tarmac.
At least, it is now clear for Breen.

Will Sordo survive again? Quite a strange career for the Spaniard, more than 160 WRC starts in a RC1 car (never paying as far as I know), only 3 wins, 16 consecutive seasons with at least half-season while a lot of drivers had to step down at least one or two seasons.He had to step down to second place some times under the Citröen years i remember, so he should have a couple more wins. He probably have the most second places in the field?

Edit: he have 49 podiums (28%)

Sent fra min SM-G950F via Tapatalk

[AnttiL]

https://twitter.com/TakamotoKatsuta/status/1440243001675051015



Takamoto Katsuta
@TakamotoKatsuta
·
20m
I will compete Rally Finland with Aaron Johnston! I’m so excited, we’ll do our best!!
And I must say, thanks to Dan for your huge support behind us always ��

[AnttiL]

https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/katsuta-brings-in-co-driver-johnston-after-solberg-split/

[AnttiL]

According to spectator guide, Rally Finland is confirmed for 2022 and 2023 WRC calendars, hosted in Jyväskylä, again in the summer.

[pantealex]

According to spectator guide, Rally Finland is confirmed for 2022 and 2023 WRC calendars, hosted in Jyväskylä, again in the summer.

Yep.
Agreement was signed end of September,
July-August date as you wrote.

Same places which s(h)ell rallypasses, are also selling Official Spectator guides (newspaper shape, price only 2€)

[AnttiL]

Yep.
Agreement was signed end of September

will be signed ;)

[navi]

https://twitter.com/TakamotoKatsuta/status/1440243001675051015

Strange choice for Takamoto. GB has a great pool of codriver talent at the moment.

[lankey555]

https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/skoda-boss-keen-to-see-meeke-drive-a-fabia-in-2022/?fbclid=IwAR0SxHiFgQXZQiFDOk_kdv3v4KJfmMWURKtoykPJ wxZN5R87qeRgCZ-vYAw

[lankey555]

Be nice to see Kris back at some rallys

[Portimao]

https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/skoda-boss-keen-to-see-meeke-drive-a-fabia-in-2022/?fbclid=iwar0sxhifgqxzqifdok_kdv3v4kjfmmwurktoykpj wxzn5r87qergcz-vyaw

yeah

[doubled1978]

Be nice to see Kris back at some rallys

Yeah, it will be good to have a bit of Meeke stage jeopardy back! Will it be a mega time or a mega crash!

[Maui J.]

Yeah, it will be good to have a bit of Meeke stage jeopardy back! Will it be a mega time or a mega crash!

His cark park detour at Mexico '17 is still one of the best moments of the WRC. The faces back at Citroen HQ were priceless.

[lankey555]

The stage end reports have not been the same from he was out of a drive

[AnttiL]

The stage end reports have not been the same from he was out of a drive

What do you mean?

[SubaruNorway]

What do you mean?
https://twitter.com/TorAndreBorrese/status/1172575436603305984

[lankey555]

I like the whole version of this clip and the Adamo bit at the end 😂

https://youtu.be/Cko4smM0ekU

[AnttiL]

We still have Tänak giving grumpy stage end comments :)

[Portimao]

But tanak is just unpolite every interview, it's not entertaining at all.

[mknight]

But tanak is just unpolite every interview, it's not entertaining at all.
"Only" every interview with Molly