2022 WRC News & Rumours

[EstWRC]

About Toyota rally2 car https://www-rallit-fi.translate.goog/rallit-fi-paljastaa-toyotan-rallitiimin-suuri-salaisuus-naki-paivanvalonsa-piilossa-yleisolta/?_x_tr_sl=auto&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=et&_x_tr_pto=wapp

Perfect time for Tänak to join Toyota again and take over the rally2 project with red grey :D

[AnttiL]

https://www.wrc.com/en/news/2022/wrc/breen-reveals-new-co-driver-from-japan-onwards/

James Fulton to co-drive Breen

[Eli]

About Toyota rally2 car https://www-rallit-fi.translate.goog/rallit-fi-paljastaa-toyotan-rallitiimin-suuri-salaisuus-naki-paivanvalonsa-piilossa-yleisolta/?_x_tr_sl=auto&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=et&_x_tr_pto=wapp

Perfect time for Tänak to join Toyota again and take over the rally2 project with red grey :D

It seems he's more likely to hang up his gloves at the end of the season (just a speculation), hope he doesn't but health comes above everything else.

[cali]

Haha, Tänak to Toyota then it's clear as a daylight :D

[Fast Eddie WRC]

It seems he's more likely to hang up his gloves at the end of the season (just a speculation), hope he doesn't but health comes above everything else.

Seems quite a good chance of retirement.

"I haven't decided yet about next season. It's not just about which team, but also whether to know if I will continue. So let's see. Let's see how the end of this season goes and how things are going with my family, and if I need to. to stay at home. At that point I will decide."

Plus he may consider if another title is likely in a different car (Puma)... and against super-kid Rovanpera.

[dimviii]

HOW A SECRET ROVANPERÄ TEST TRANSFORMED HALTTUNEN’S CAREER

https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/how-a-secret-rovanpera-test-transformed-halttunens-career/

[Tauri_J]

With all these silly season shenanigans, I wouldnt be surprised If every fulltime top driver will stay put. ( Rovanpera, Tänak, Neuville, Evans, Breen)

[mknight]

Well I would bet large sums of money on "fulltime top driver" Greensmith staying put.

[meh]

Some more fuel for speculation generators.

If Tänak retires, it's in a way forced retirement - it's not happening as his first choice but family priority just forces to do it.

In my opinion it leaves Tänak available as part time driver.

[bandit12]

When is the deadline, when teams must reveal their next season drivers?
This silly season 2023 and all that fuzz about Tänak is quite annoying allready.

[rallyfiend]

When is the deadline, when teams must reveal their next season drivers?
This silly season 2023 and all that fuzz about Tänak is quite annoying allready.

When entries for Rally Monte Carlo close..... I guess in December?

[Eli]

When entries for Rally Monte Carlo close..... I guess in December?

Usually 5 weeks before the rally so 12th~ of December in this case.

[cali]

Some more fuel for speculation generators.

If Tänak retires, it's in a way forced retirement - it's not happening as his first choice but family priority just forces to do it.

In my opinion it leaves Tänak available as part time driver.
Rally Estonia will get a huge financial blow :D
I'm going anyway

[AnttiL]

Usually 5 weeks before the rally so 12th~ of December in this case.

We have seen M-Sport not announce their drivers until Monte entries are published in early January. They can just send the entries as TBC if needed.

[Eli]

We have seen M-Sport not announce their drivers until Monte entries are published in early January. They can just send the entries as TBC if needed.

I was just answering rallyfiend when the entries close, obviously we won't know next year's line up until M-Sport or any other team wants us to.

[denkimi]

Some more fuel for speculation generators.

If Tänak retires, it's in a way forced retirement - it's not happening as his first choice but family priority just forces to do it.

In my opinion it leaves Tänak available as part time driver.
Tanak and sordo in a shared car :p

[AnttiL]

I was just answering rallyfiend when the entries close, obviously we won't know next year's line up until M-Sport or any other team wants us to.

Yeah, and I wasn't replying directly to you. All good :)

But for comparison last year Tänak and Neuville contracts were published as early as May, while Solberg/Sordo contract (and Breen's M-Sport deal) was announced 6th October (exact same day when they announced Solberg is not continuing)

[EstWRC]

When asked for his thoughts if Toyota headquarters revealed an interest in signing Ott Tanak, whose future for 2023 is yet to be confirmed, he replied: “We will have to discuss carefully what are the benefits.

“I said earlier that Ott is a fast driver and he is one of the fastest. I think him and Kalle are the fastest in the championship but is it good for the team and for the championship? These are the things you have to discuss.

“I think the good thing at Toyota is we have good communication and discussions and I think we can discus and be happy with a decision.”

https://www.autosport.com/wrc/news/toyota-wrc-boss-reveals-growing-interest-in-2023-seats/10386682/

[Jewy46]

Just noticed this interview from Dirtfish with Tanak.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z7g0qiAa_gY

He is asked about Oliver Solberg and if he had any say! He says "I am not like my teammate, who is organising drivers in the team"

Is this a dig at Neuville making some decisions? :lips:
Or am I reading it the wrong way?!

EDIT: Sorry I probably have posted this in the Hyundai thread

[Rallyest]

Just noticed this interview from Dirtfish with Tanak.

He is asked about Oliver Solberg and if he had any say! He says "I am not like my teammate, who is organising drivers in the team"

Is this a dig at Neuville making some decisions? :lips:
Or am I reading it the wrong way?!

EDIT: Sorry I probably have posted this in the Hyundai thread

Seemed to me like Neuville was avoiding and dodging around the answer when Colin asked if he had any say in Olivers departure. Like he was pushing for a 4th car in hyundai, but when that wasnt possible they decided to sack him because he is yet too slow

[wyler]

Just noticed this interview from Dirtfish with Tanak.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z7g0qiAa_gY

He is asked about Oliver Solberg and if he had any say! He says "I am not like my teammate, who is organising drivers in the team"

Is this a dig at Neuville making some decisions? :lips:
Or am I reading it the wrong way?!

EDIT: Sorry I probably have posted this in the Hyundai thread

dislike by neuville side came already at monte, when oliver retired for the smoke in the car. neuville said something like "that's not enough team spirit".
on the other side, tanak is looking for his way in the bottom room of hiunday. team order still hot.

[Managarium]

Just noticed this interview from Dirtfish with Tanak.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z7g0qiAa_gY

He is asked about Oliver Solberg and if he had any say! He says "I am not like my teammate, who is organising drivers in the team"

Is this a dig at Neuville making some decisions? :lips:
Or am I reading it the wrong way?!

EDIT: Sorry I probably have posted this in the Hyundai thread

Well, a fey years ago there was an interview with Mikkelsen (Dirtfish maybe :erm: ) and he told that he had difficulties at Hyunday, because HY is all about Neuville.
He said that car was developed to fit Neuville's driving style. Mikkelsen told that on gravel the car was so so drivable, but on tarmac it was disaster.

[er88]

Well, a fey years ago there was an interview with Mikkelsen (Dirtfish maybe :erm: ) and he told that he had difficulties at Hyunday, because HY is all about Neuville.
He said that car was developed to fit Neuville's driving style. Mikkelsen told that on gravel the car was so so drivable, but on tarmac it was disaster.Mikkelsen was only at Hyundai because Neuville pushed for him in the team in the first place. As soon as big boss Adamo took full authority, Mikkelsen was soon not fancied.

Will be interesting to see if Mikkelsen goes back. If Neuville again has such a big say, you'd expect so. However there will be some in Hyundai who don't want Mikkelsen back - and it's evident he isn't fancied by many teams/bosses in the service park.

[pettersolberg29]

Neuville is the de-facto Team Principal, and has been for years. Even during the Adamo time. He has more power in who drives and what direction the car is going in than anyone else. He controls what setup the drivers are allowed to use.

Thierry was responsible for pushing out a succession of drivers, including Paddon and Mikkelsen, so if they were to return it would simply be to solidify his position as the lead driver. He wants to keep Ott because Ott is fast and doesn't get involved in the politics side in the team.

[seb_sh]

Neuville is the de-facto Team Principal, and has been for years. Even during the Adamo time. He has more power in who drives and what direction the car is going in than anyone else. He controls what setup the drivers are allowed to use.

Thierry was responsible for pushing out a succession of drivers, including Paddon and Mikkelsen, so if they were to return it would simply be to solidify his position as the lead driver. He wants to keep Ott because Ott is fast and doesn't get involved in the politics side in the team.

that's quite some statement, can you back it up?

[TypeR]

Tänak is WDC, Neuville is not. He can think or want whatever he want's, but Tänak isn't some random guy to do something Neuville says :D :D

[EstWRC]

that's quite some statement, can you back it up?

well even Ott said during spring or beginning of summer i think in Estonian media that the team listens more to Thierry regarding the car development but he tries to fight for his own

tells quite a lot...

I would be so surpsised if Ott stays at Hyundai, if he does then he is even more dumb than i thought :D

Of course one demand that Ott can have at this moment is that he is listened more and that could be decisive fact for him staying

[Hüttünen]

Neuville is the de-facto Team Principal, and has been for years. Even during the Adamo time. He has more power in who drives and what direction the car is going in than anyone else. He controls what setup the drivers are allowed to use.

Thierry was responsible for pushing out a succession of drivers, including Paddon and Mikkelsen, so if they were to return it would simply be to solidify his position as the lead driver. He wants to keep Ott because Ott is fast and doesn't get involved in the politics side in the team.

Ott doesn’t get involved in the politics side in the team 😁 Also cows are flying etc 😂

However I keep Ott better overall driver than Neuville. Also he is WDC.

[Hüttünen]

When we will get first rumors that Welshman is getting booted from Toyota? It will happen, sooner than later, with these performances. Maybe not this year, but the next year could be the correct moment.

[EstWRC]

When we will get first rumors that Welshman is getting booted from Toyota? It will happen, sooner than later, with these performances. Maybe not this year, but the next year could be the correct moment.

At rally Japan when they will announce the lineup?

Evans answer to Colin during dirtfish interview on Wednesday was also quite hairy IMO, wasn’t confident

[TypeR]

At rally Japan when they will announce the lineup?

Evans answer to Colin during dirtfish interview on Wednesday was also quite hairy IMO, wasn’t confident
+ Gus said in DF interview that they are waiting for a certain person to make his decision...

As I wrote before.. Evans deciding between Ford and Hyundai?

Can't think of any other driver to make one's mind about a team.

[seb_sh]

well even Ott said during spring or beginning of summer i think in Estonian media that the team listens more to Thierry regarding the car development but he tries to fight for his own

tells quite a lot...

I would be so surpsised if Ott stays at Hyundai, if he does then he is even more dumb than i thought :D

Of course one demand that Ott can have at this moment is that he is listened more and that could be decisive fact for him staying

It's one thing to say Neuville has more influence as he has been there a long time. And I can definitely see him calling driver shots now that they don't have a team leader.

But to say Neuville called the shots when Adamo was there is a bit much. I can see there being a conflict which ultimately lead to Adamo leaving but I doubt Neuville was leading the team from the shadow.

And to say he decides what setups the drivers to use... Maybe he is also telling Tanak the 2019 WDC what setup to put and also when to go to the bathroom...

[seb_sh]

+ Gus said in DF interview that they are waiting for a certain person to make his decision...

As I wrote before.. Evans deciding between Ford and Hyundai?

Can't think of any other driver to make one's mind about a team.

The market doesn't wait for someone like Evans, not after the year he's had with the new cars. It's more like waiting on Tanak's decision of how many rallies and for which team he drives next year. To borrow a phrase, he's the only big dog that needs to decide something, the rest will fall into place as needed.

[EstWRC]

It's one thing to say Neuville has more influence as he has been there a long time. And I can definitely see him calling driver shots now that they don't have a team leader.

But to say Neuville called the shots when Adamo was there is a bit much. I can see there being a conflict which ultimately lead to Adamo leaving but I doubt Neuville was leading the team from the shadow.

And to say he decides what setups the drivers to use... Maybe he is also telling Tanak the 2019 WDC what setup to put and also when to go to the bathroom...

To be clear

I didn’t say or confirm those things. Just wrote what Ott himself has said which relates to this what that user wrote

[EstWRC]

+ Gus said in DF interview that they are waiting for a certain person to make his decision...

As I wrote before.. Evans deciding between Ford and Hyundai?

Can't think of any other driver to make one's mind about a team.

A hint for you

He is a Estonian.

[seb_sh]

To be clear

I didn’t say or confirm those things. Just wrote what Ott himself has said which relates to this what that user wrote

gotcha, wanted to explain what i wanted backed up, certain things are clear for anyone but i think there was some creative writing involved by the other user ;)

[pettersolberg29]

And to say he decides what setups the drivers to use... Maybe he is also telling Tanak the 2019 WDC what setup to put and also when to go to the bathroom...

You'd be surprised... I know it's a cop out to just say 'trust me', but one day the full story will come out and I guarantee people won't quite believe what's gone on!

[cali]

Neuville is the de-facto Team Principal, and has been for years. Even during the Adamo time. He has more power in who drives and what direction the car is going in than anyone else. He controls what setup the drivers are allowed to use.

Thierry was responsible for pushing out a succession of drivers, including Paddon and Mikkelsen, so if they were to return it would simply be to solidify his position as the lead driver. He wants to keep Ott because Ott is fast and doesn't get involved in the politics side in the team.
I've heard similar stuff but since it was from estonian source I disregarded this information and classified as biased and did not thought about it more. The origins from this rumour came from very prominent estonian rallying character (yes estonians have seen him and actually seeing him right now on TV :D)

[Managarium]

Does anyone know which driver's contracts expire at the end of the season?

[Kenneth]

Dietrich Mateschitz died today 78 years old. Rest in piece. It's amazing how much he did for motorsport.

Let's hope that Red Bull will continue with support of motorsport after his departure.

[mknight]

Neuville is the de-facto Team Principal, and has been for years. Even during the Adamo time. He has more power in who drives and what direction the car is going in than anyone else. He controls what setup the drivers are allowed to use.

Thierry was responsible for pushing out a succession of drivers, including Paddon and Mikkelsen, so if they were to return it would simply be to solidify his position as the lead driver. He wants to keep Ott because Ott is fast and doesn't get involved in the politics side in the team.

For comparable perspective, note that Ogier was directly asked who he wanted as his teammate when signing for Toyota at end of 2019 (besides Rovanpera). Drivers that were available and have at least won a rally before: Latvala, Meeke, Lappi, Mikkelsen, Evans.

He picked Evans, who at that time had pretty much mediocre results with only one win due to DMACK tires. During 2 years in same car at MSport he basically never was any threat to Ogier. While Latvala, Lappi and Mikkelsen all beat Ogier in same car on multiple rallies (Lappi even that same year) and Meeke did it in different car.

The official explanation was that he had good working relationship with Evans.

Imo the simpler is explanation was that Evans did not seem like any threat to Ogier. (As a side note Evans wasn't particularly stable driver at that time, especially his 2018 season was horrible).

I have no idea if any rumors about Neuville are true. But drivers pushing what is best for them even at expense of the team (and openly) is not anything new.

[manthey]

For comparable perspective, note that Ogier was directly asked who he wanted as his teammate when signing for Toyota at end of 2019 (besides Rovanpera). Drivers that were available and have at least won a rally before: Latvala, Meeke, Lappi, Mikkelsen, Evans.

He picked Evans, who at that time had pretty much mediocre results with only one win due to DMACK tires. During 2 years in same car at MSport he basically never was any threat to Ogier. While Latvala, Lappi and Mikkelsen all beat Ogier in same car on multiple rallies (Lappi even that same year) and Meeke did it in different car.

The official explanation was that he had good working relationship with Evans.

Imo the simpler is explanation was that Evans did not seem like any threat to Ogier. (As a side note Evans wasn't particularly stable driver at that time, especially his 2018 season was horrible).

I have no idea if any rumors about Neuville are true. But drivers pushing what is best for them even at expense of the team (and openly) is not anything new.

Evans then had his best 2 seasons so far…I Guess he still thinks about the snow at rally di Monza

[AnttiL]

I thought Evans was signed before Ogier. Ogier’s seat was just suddenly opened by Tänak

[bandit12]

I thought Evans was signed before Ogier. Ogier’s seat was just suddenly opened by Tänak

If Evans goes to MSport, there is no pressure in Toyota team to find replacement for him. Ogier hints that he might want to do a full season next, and they have Lappi.

[Rallyest]

So in a estonian podcast there was an intrrview with Toomas Järveoja, and from that interview you can read out pretty clearly that Ott and Martin will be driving an hyundai next season.

[flat_right]

So in a estonian podcast there was an intrrview with Toomas Järveoja, and from that interview you can read out pretty clearly that Ott and Martin will be driving an hyundai next season.

And then there is Ott on Thursday vs today

Thursday's Ott when asked about where will he drive next year?. Ott (looking at his Hyundai t-shirt): In the same team where we are currently.

Today: When we will hear about the future - "We'll see what the time brings".

However, when Ott and this guy Jaan Martinson are talking, it is really hard to listen to it as Ott clearly has something with him as everything is very laconic. I really hope, when everything is finally made public, then someone from inside would give some details what was this all about... Were there talks with all the teams, were there any realistic talks about retiring...

[Tauri_J]

So in a estonian podcast there was an intrrview with Toomas Järveoja, and from that interview you can read out pretty clearly that Ott and Martin will be driving an hyundai next season.

I mean where else could they go? Its Hyundai or home.

[flat_right]

I mean where else could they go? Its Hyundai or home.

There are some other options. As Gus said "everyone's waiting for a particular person to decide where he wants to go".

[Oliverk]

ANNOUNCEMENT ‼️
I would like to announce that I have decided to end our contractual agreement with Hyundai Motorsport and leave the team at the end of the current WRC season.
This is a personal decision and one that I have taken with careful consideration and respect for the team. However, I feel that I am at a stage of my career where I need to embark on a new challenge.
We have had a good partnership over the past three seasons, and I am proud of what we have achieved. We have worked hard together to overcome some difficult moments, and as we’ve shown this year we have moved in the right direction. The second part of this season has shown the performance level we can achieve when things click, but for me the time has come for something new. I thank the team for its understanding and wish them all well.
See you soon in Japan,
Ott

[Danny0405]

Wow ... what a bombshell
Let’s see what happens now but it’s a big hit for Hyundai; they still have Neuville for next year but it could fasten their withdrawal to the end of 2024 or something like that.
Hope it’s more to go to M-Sport than Toyota.

Let’s see what Hyundai will do but really complicated to assemble something efficient in my mind... maybe a sort of mix with Mikkelsen, Suninen, Breen and Sordo to help Neuville.

[mknight]

Yes, totally hope for MSport. Sure Hyundai will definitely be weaker (though maybe they get Evans), but even weaker they should still be thereabouts. MSport was mostly absent for 4 years now.

[EstWRC]

So in a estonian podcast there was an intrrview with Toomas Järveoja, and from that interview you can read out pretty clearly that Ott and Martin will be driving an hyundai next season.

This lasted long. Lol

Like user Cali said, you can never believe what Ott says about his future

[Tauri_J]

Lol he totally lied. Sneaky Ott

[EstWRC]

So at Japan Toyota will announce the lost son is coming back?

[Eli]

So at Japan Toyota will announce the lost son is coming back?

Care to share some information? ;)

[bugwrx]

Noone considers that Ott might end his career after this season, which is highly possible im afraid.

[EstWRC]

Noone considers that Ott might end his career after this season, which is highly possible im afraid.

I think he would have said it already in the press release today

[TypeR]

wtf bombshell to end the week..

As much as I hope him to continue.. such awkwardly timed announcement seems other way..

[Danny0405]

Noone considers that Ott might end his career after this season, which is highly possible im afraid.

He is talking about «*new challenge*» and «*something new*» which does not sound like a retirement (even if technically, Toyota or M-Sport are not new for him).
And to break a clause, normally, there is a financial counterpart (as Ogier in 2019) and I don’t think Tanak would have take a decision like this (by bypassing Hyundai communication) without some financial support; I think communication would have been different for a retirement (but it’s only my view).
Or a new category but sounds doubtful considering his background.

[bugwrx]

More time with his family next year and some selected rallies with Msport would be my guess.

[focus206]

What a bombshell. I totally believed Ott when he was saying he would stay in Hyundai.
Now, will it be Toyota, M-Sport or retirement? My bet is on Toyota, which means Evans would go, unless they plan to run Rovanpera-Tanak-Evans, which would be quite an overkill to the manufacturer championship. But I don't see that happening.

[EstWRC]

What a bombshell. I totally believed Ott when he was saying he would stay in Hyundai.
Now, will it be Toyota, M-Sport or retirement? My bet is on Toyota, which means Evans would go, unless they plan to run Rovanpera-Tanak-Evans, which would be quite an overkill to the manufacturer championship. But I don't see that happening.

My bet is the same. Evans and Tänak will swap places

[denkimi]

Hyundai should now try and get ogier to drive for them. Or rovanpera.

[Oliverk]

Hyundai should now try and get ogier to drive for them. Or rovanpera.

Hyundai is finished

[rp]

What a surprise, but everything is possible with Tänak! Hopefully it´s not Toyota, because it would be total domination next year and Hyundai would definetely withdraw, because they are not able to win anymore. Only good thing would be to see Kalle & Ott battle with the same car and that could be Ott´s aim, because he knew that it will never happen with Hyundai.

[flat_right]

I wonder if it was decided during this weekend? As on Thursday he clearly said he will be driving Hyundai next year + multiple times saying that they need to get the car ready for next year.

And to be honest, as a fan of Ott, I'm relieved that he left. One more year hearing that he can't trust the car etc would have been devastating. Going to Toyota would be a dream come true, but if he'll drive a Ford, I'll be happy also. I think it is a good and drivable car + it will be a full circle in a way as he will probably end his career with Malcolm who gave him the possibility to develop and crash a car or two along the way.

[SubaruNorway]

Something had changed this morning, remember how he took the blame for not figuring out the car

[flat_right]

Something had changed this morning, remember how he took the blame for not figuring out the car

I mean if Sordo and Neuville can do faster times, it is because of the driver then. If Ott would have been the best Hyundai, then he would have had the right to say that I can't do more.

[EstWRC]

Even if he retires, I’m still happy for this decision. It was wrong since the start and hasn’t worked both ways

The only thing weird for me is the timing of this press release.

Usually this are done afternoon during workdays

[AnttiL]

I think he would have said it already in the press release today

Yeah, more respectful to quit career than to quit a job.

[flat_right]

Even if he retires, I’m still happy for this decision. It was wrong since the start and hasn’t worked both ways

The only thing weird for me is the timing of this press release.

Usually this are done afternoon during workdays

I was also thinking about timing but in a different way. What if they finally reached to an agreement with Toyota and they can now announce all the Toyota drivers for next year in Rally Japan.

[EstWRC]

I was also thinking about timing but in a different way. What if they finally reached to an agreement with Toyota and they can now announce all the Toyota drivers for next year in Rally Japan.

I see we think alike a lot ;)

[bomber21]

So this way next year there will be a dream Toyota team and two other teams fighting for positions 4 to 8??

[Eli]

So this way next year there will be a dream Toyota team and two other teams fighting for positions 4 to 8??

Exactly, seems like it, people in this forum withholding information from us ;)

[Eli]

So this way next year there will be a dream Toyota team and two other teams fighting for positions 4 to 8??

With the number 8 Toyota leading the way hopefully ;)

[rp]

Jari-Matti wanted to continue with the current winning team, but the decision will be made purely in Japan and it´s possible that Tänak wants desperately drive again Toyota. It could be that Mr. Toyoda is willing to see it again.

If Ogier is also driving full season next year there will be three Champions in the same team fighting for the title, but the WRC / Rally1 is dead, because it´s only Toyota GAZOO Racing series after that.

[AndersX]

I think there is smth differnt in cooking . We all need to respec those bits of info discussed earlier this year re: family. Though, for me it would be very pity if Tanak would retire - he has some edge that makes the current wrc less boring. ( it is boring, i am sorry)

[seb_sh]

It's quite likely that Toyota will announce their lineup at rally Japan. So not long to wait to see if it includes Tanak and if Evans or Lappi are out. Was interesting that Neuville mentioned Andreas and Elfyn at the press conference after rally Spain. Let's see what happens.

[doubled1978]

WOW…
Looking forward to see who goes where now. Of course for the series it would be great to have Ott back at MSport as if he goes to Toyota it would be hard for any competition, although the battle inside the team would be good.

[Brynmor Pierce]

My gut feeling is a move to msport, partly with WRC in mind but partly because of their Dakar project. Lots to go at there for him

[flat_right]

It's quite likely that Toyota will announce their lineup at rally Japan. So not long to wait to see if it includes Tanak and if Evans or Lappi are out. Was interesting that Neuville mentioned Andreas and Elfyn at the press conference after rally Spain. Let's see what happens.

I also found that strange although straight after that he said that he understands that Elfyn is not available. But why would you bring it up then? As we don't get the video or sound to have the facial and tonal expressions but it might have looked like he said something he didn't want to say and corrected it quickly afterwards :D

[seb_sh]

I also found that strange although straight after that he said that he understands that Elfyn is not available. But why would you bring it up then? As we don't get the video or sound to have the facial and tonal expressions but it might have looked like he said something he didn't want to say and corrected it quickly afterwards :D

Maybe Neuville is the kind of person that can not keep a secret hehe

[Danny0405]

The best repartition for the championship would be something like:

Toyota:
Rovanpera
Lappi/Ogier/Katsuta sharing the 2 other cars
Or Rovanpera/Evans + Ogier/Katsuta sharing the 3rd car

Hyundai:
Neuville
Evans
Sordo/Mikkelsen (sharing 3rd car)
Or Neuville + Lappi/Sordo/Mikkelsen sharing the two other cars

M-Sport:
Tanak
Breen
Whoever they could (something with youngsters such as Solberg or Loubet would be the best but don’t know if they can afford it + Tanak instead of a Greensmith for example).

[flat_right]

So, apart from Estonian sport news reporter Martinson, has anyone else heard that Tänak had a chance to test a Toyota in Puuppola ? Total BS?

[bandit12]

So, apart from Estonian sport news reporter Martinson, has anyone else heard that Tänak had a chance to test a Toyota in Puuppola ? Total BS?

Didn't Toyota move their workshop away from Puupola?

[Rallyest]

This lasted long. Lol

Like user Cali said, you can never believe what Ott says about his future

Yup... when i readed the announcment last night i instantly thought about that interview and the post that i made.

But anyway, now that Tänak is leaving HMS for sure, my crystal ball prediction is that, Evans either goes to hyundai or msport, Tänak to Toyota, and Ogier decides to do a full season aswell, Lappi, hmm what the hell, lets say lappi also goes to Hyundai to share a car with Mikkelsen because Sordo will decide to retire also.

Lets see how well this post ages.

[AnttiL]

Didn't Toyota move their workshop away from Puupola?

Yeah, it's now in Jyväskylä, but even in the Puuppola days they didn't really test the cars in Puuppola

[flat_right]

Yeah, it's now in Jyväskylä, but even in the Puuppola days they didn't really test the cars in Puuppola

So total BS from that journalist.

What about Tänak sharing the 4th car with Ogier? Has more time family and a great car. Win win situation for him.

[AnttiL]

what about tänak sharing the 4th car with ogier?

lol :D

[flat_right]

lol :D

I hope you are right 😁😁

[EstWRC]

So total BS from that journalist.

What about Tänak sharing the 4th car with Ogier? Has more time family and a great car. Win win situation for him.

Everything is BS from him. I don’t even get how he still works, the guy is such a embarrassment

Yesterday after the rally he said confidently that Ott is staying and then told that there is a big chance that Neuville will leave instead and go to Msport cause Wilson officers him a championship winning car.

He also told that Mikkelsen forgot to turn off the intercom with the team And was caught on the liaison talking about how many rallies and what contact would he get if Tänak leaves and the whole Škoda team heard this.

After this sentence the other guys on podcast asked him “wait, on which rally this happened?” And Martinson answered: ”here in Spain” and the guys said to him, “wait, what, Mikkelsen wasn’t in Spain” and then he basically couldn’t answer and in the end said it must have happened in New Zealand then, Mikkelsen also didn’t participate there as we know. What a joke

This is just one example how bad this guy is and I totally get it why Ott doesn’t like him one bit

[meh]

Pure speculation, but ... if Tänak goes to M-Sport and Loeb does some extra rallies, they have driver with 1 title + "visitor driver" with 9 titles.

Toyota have pretty much the same, Rovanperä with one title and visitor Ogier with 8 titles.

... and Hyundai sending Solberg away with announcement, that they want more experienced lineup.

[cali]

Everything is BS from him. I don’t even get how he still works, the guy is such a embarrassment

Yesterday after the rally he said confidently that Ott is staying and then told that there is a big chance that Neuville will leave instead and go to Msport cause Wilson officers him a championship winning car.

He also told that Mikkelsen forgot to turn off the intercom with the team And was caught on the liaison talking about how many rallies and what contact would he get if Tänak leaves and the whole Škoda team heard this.

After this sentence the other guys on podcast asked him “wait, on which rally this happened?” And Martinson answered: ”here in Spain” and the guys said to him, “wait, what, Mikkelsen wasn’t in Spain” and then he basically couldn’t answer and in the end said it must have happened in New Zealand then, Mikkelsen also didn’t participate there as we know. What a joke

This is just one example how bad this guy is and I totally get it why Ott doesn’t like him one bitThe guy is just a fool. Sometimes I wonder how much acid he does on a daily basis :D

Sent from my DN2103 using Tapatalk

[mknight]

Well my biggest fear is we get Rovanpera, Tanak and Ogier (part or even fulltime) at Toyota.

While the internal competition would be fun it would basically completely destroy the series. Hyundai would likely leave soon and MSport will keep running (young) paydrivers only.

[flat_right]

Everything is BS from him. I don’t even get how he still works, the guy is such a embarrassment

Yesterday after the rally he said confidently that Ott is staying and then told that there is a big chance that Neuville will leave instead and go to Msport cause Wilson officers him a championship winning car.

He also told that Mikkelsen forgot to turn off the intercom with the team And was caught on the liaison talking about how many rallies and what contact would he get if Tänak leaves and the whole Škoda team heard this.

After this sentence the other guys on podcast asked him “wait, on which rally this happened?” And Martinson answered: ”here in Spain” and the guys said to him, “wait, what, Mikkelsen wasn’t in Spain” and then he basically couldn’t answer and in the end said it must have happened in New Zealand then, Mikkelsen also didn’t participate there as we know. What a joke

This is just one example how bad this guy is and I totally get it why Ott doesn’t like him one bit

Yeah, you are totally right. That old guy can’t separate dreams from real life anymore.

[Rallyest]

Everything is BS from him. I don’t even get how he still works, the guy is such a embarrassment

Yesterday after the rally he said confidently that Ott is staying and then told that there is a big chance that Neuville will leave instead and go to Msport cause Wilson officers him a championship winning car.

He also told that Mikkelsen forgot to turn off the intercom with the team And was caught on the liaison talking about how many rallies and what contact would he get if Tänak leaves and the whole Škoda team heard this.

After this sentence the other guys on podcast asked him “wait, on which rally this happened?” And Martinson answered: ”here in Spain” and the guys said to him, “wait, what, Mikkelsen wasn’t in Spain” and then he basically couldn’t answer and in the end said it must have happened in New Zealand then, Mikkelsen also didn’t participate there as we know. What a joke

This is just one example how bad this guy is and I totally get it why Ott doesn’t like him one bit


Listened to it at the same time and thought how Delfi still is giving him a job, everyone laughs and mocks his interviews and thanks to the fact that Tänak doesnt respect him, we dont get any decent estonian interviews.
Even the guys who asked him about the rumours almost couldnt hold a straight face and seemed in the end they just gave up trying to find any logic in his statements. I bursted out laughing when he sayd Neuville will go to m-sport, they cannot pay him well but will give him a winning car

[cali]

Pure speculation, but ... if Tänak goes to M-Sport and Loeb does some extra rallies, they have driver with 1 title + "visitor driver" with 9 titles.

Toyota have pretty much the same, Rovanperä with one title and visitor Ogier with 8 titles.

... and Hyundai sending Solberg away with announcement, that they want more experienced lineup.Just let me tell you that all the missing pieces in the puzzle have been put in their respectful places a long time ago. Now we start to hear about them. Remember Akio's statement in Ypres? Solberg fired a week before Catalunya? Tänak and Hyundai split announcement before Japan?

And no, I don't have waterproof information, just try to see some logic behind it.

Sent from my DN2103 using Tapatalk

[meh]

Just let me tell you that all the missing pieces in the puzzle have been put in their respectful places a long time ago. Now we start to hear about them. Remember Akio's statement in Ypres? Solberg fired a week before Catalunya? Tänak and Hyundai split announcement before Japan?

And no, I don't have waterproof information, just try to see some logic behind it.



.. and in Spain there were 2 a bit out of fighting mood drivers, both were a bit lost and "struggling with car setup", one was Tänak and we already got the announcement. Another one was Evans.

[cali]

.. and in Spain there were 2 a bit out of fighting mood drivers, both were a bit lost and "struggling with car setup", one was Tänak and we already got the announcement. Another one was Evans.Bingo!

Sent from my DN2103 using Tapatalk

[jonkka]

Well my biggest fear is we get Rovanpera, Tanak and Ogier (part or even fulltime) at Toyota.

While the internal competition would be fun it would basically completely destroy the series. Hyundai would likely leave soon and MSport will keep running (young) paydrivers only.

I do hope that Toyota has enough sense to avoid that. WRC's lifeline is fragile enough as it is and having all aces in one team would destroy the series beyond recovery.

Tanak-Evans -switch doesn't make much sense. Why would Evans willingly depart to a team that for him is worse choice in every way? Why would Toyota not retain him, assuming they don't want the WRC-destroying line-up of Rovanpera-Tanak-Ogier for next year - and assuming that Latvala spoke truth when he said he'd like to keep current line-up?

What is curious that normally when driver switches teams, new team is announced immediately but this time Tanak simply said that he leaves Hyundai without giving any clues as to where to. The most sensible option, ie. Tanak going to M-Sport, would have been announced on the spot, that desperate M-Sport is. Since it hasn't, I wonder what gives...

These are just my hopes and opinions, zero facts.

[seb_sh]

Maybe it's not a typical situation because even Tanak himself doesn't know yet how many rallies he is doing next year.

[meh]

Tänak's announcement has been food for brain - for him logical, public and known options are M-Sport, Toyota or retirement.

Tänak seems to be "into development and improvement" guy. I have not follow rumors in detail - but my question is - is there any potential new manufacturer to join Rally1? Skoda?

This could be additional option for him.

One random related article:
https://www.motorsport.com/wrc/news/three-brands-evaluating-future-wrc-move-if-rules-are-changed/10333745/

[Tauri_J]

Listened to it at the same time and thought how Delfi still is giving him a job, everyone laughs and mocks his interviews and thanks to the fact that Tänak doesnt respect him, we dont get any decent estonian interviews.
Even the guys who asked him about the rumours almost couldnt hold a straight face and seemed in the end they just gave up trying to find any logic in his statements. I bursted out laughing when he sayd Neuville will go to m-sport, they cannot pay him well but will give him a winning car

Wait what?? Where I can hear this? Sounds hilarious

[EstWRC]

Wait what?? Where I can hear this? Sounds hilarious

https://sport.delfi.ee/artikkel/120087296/kuula-kuues-kaik-vahendame-ponevaid-kuulujutte-ja-raagime-ullatuskulalisega-otse-kataloonia-ralli-poodiumilt

[denkimi]

Well my biggest fear is we get Rovanpera, Tanak and Ogier (part or even fulltime) at Toyota.

While the internal competition would be fun it would basically completely destroy the series. Hyundai would likely leave soon and MSport will keep running (young) paydrivers only.
I wouldn't mind seeing ogier, tanak and rovanapera in the same team, on the condition that they also take in neuville.

All the top drivers in the same car. No excuses about the car being slower than their competitors, just showing who's the best driver.

[wyler]

I wouldn't mind seeing ogier, tanak and rovanapera in the same team, on the condition that they also take in neuville.

All the top drivers in the same car. No excuses about the car being slower than their competitors, just showing who's the best driver.

think about neuville wdc with not so many win, while the best team spitting victories and crash in the fight between the top guys. that would sound extreme! :D

[Fast Eddie WRC]

My bet is Tanak to retire as a WRC driver ...
M-Sport cant afford him and Toyota wont need him or want to rock the boat.

[wyler]

him directing a more structured red grey team is a nice suggestion though. not thinking at an m-sport level, but something like toksport, battling for wrc2 and raising youngster could be a fresh breath for the whole movement

[janneppi]

Now that the British prime minister gig didn't pan out, maybe year or two in rally cross. Would suit his driving style and it's a proven path to WRC if he wants back.
;-)
Sent from my Takapalk.

[Negaiss]

Now that the British prime minister gig didn't pan out, maybe year or two in rally cross. Would suit his driving style and it's a proven path to WRC if he wants back.
;-)
Sent from my Takapalk.

Rallycross is Kind of dead (I am talking about World level).

[bandit12]

Now that the British prime minister gig didn't pan out, maybe year or two in rally cross. Would suit his driving style and it's a proven path to WRC if he wants back.
;-)
Sent from my Takapalk.

Is this some kind of Finnish humor, that i am too sober to understand?

[janneppi]

You know how it goes, one half serius, two thirds tongue in cheek...

Sent from my Takapalk.

[Rallyest]

https://www.wrc.com/en/news/2022/wrc/breaking-ogier-makes-co-driver-switch/?fbclid=IwAR1sSHrzRHh-NvPx1bv6gYIiOpcv7OAIhmUtoWgf470SeUrFhxu0hUbs4bs

Ogier to switch out Benjamin.

Wondering if it was their agreement, for Veillas to get a win in the highest class, and then give a chance to someone new? Or maybe train a more capable co driver for loubet to help keep the French WRC legacy going

[cali]

One of the best silly seasons for decades

Sent from my DN2103 using Tapatalk

[Hartusvuori]

One of the best silly seasons for decades

Sent from my DN2103 using Tapatalk

Late 2016 remains untouchable, but this is turning out to be very good.

[Sal yet again]

Amazed no one has suggested Tanak's been made a squillion $ offer to help build a team around him by the alleged "fourth" manufacturer or did I miss those posts? New challenge quote might be a hint?!!

[bandit12]

Amazed no one has suggested Tanak's been made a squillion $ offer to help build a team around him by the alleged "fourth" manufacturer or did I miss those posts? New challenge quote might be a hint?!!

Who could that manufacturerer be?

[Rallyest]

Amazed no one has suggested Tanak's been made a squillion $ offer to help build a team around him by the alleged "fourth" manufacturer or did I miss those posts? New challenge quote might be a hint?!!

Not 100% sure if it was here, but somewhere i read that subaru will join, Tänak will take a year to develop and will rejoin in 2024 with Solbergs and Subaru. SO it has been suggested

[TypeR]

New rules come from 2025, I doubt that anybody would enter the series before that..(no point to build a car for 1 year)..

[meh]

Amazed no one has suggested Tanak's been made a squillion $ offer to help build a team around him by the alleged "fourth" manufacturer or did I miss those posts? New challenge quote might be a hint?!!

I had this question on my head


Tänak's announcement has been food for brain - for him logical, public and known options are M-Sport, Toyota or retirement.

Tänak seems to be "into development and improvement" guy. I have not follow rumors in detail - but my question is - is there any potential new manufacturer to join Rally1? Skoda?

This could be additional option for him.

One random related article:
https://www.motorsport.com/wrc/news/three-brands-evaluating-future-wrc-move-if-rules-are-changed/10333745/

[WRCStan]

Lappi sellinf Yaris and getting an offer from Hyundai, Ogier taking new young guy to co-drive..

Full season 2023? :D

Nobody has suggestions for the half seat.

[manthey]

Not 100% sure if it was here, but somewhere i read that subaru will join, Tänak will take a year to develop and will rejoin in 2024 with Solbergs and Subaru. SO it has been suggestedIt would be awesome (subaru & tanak)

[AnttiL]

New rules come from 2025, I doubt that anybody would enter the series before that..(no point to build a car for 1 year)..

unless the same rules continue with just small changes

[skarderud]

5 rallies for Ogier 2023, shared car with Lappi.

https://worldrally.se/ingen-full-sasong-for-ogier/

Sent fra min SM-G950F via Tapatalk

[seb_sh]

5 rallies for Ogier 2023, shared car with Lappi.

https://worldrally.se/ingen-full-sasong-for-ogier/

Sent fra min SM-G950F via Tapatalk

You realise what this means, right?

Lappi is getting a new GR road car from Toyota!

[Managarium]

New rules come from 2025, I doubt that anybody would enter the series before that..(no point to build a car for 1 year)..

In 2016 Hyundai had a new car that was used only one season.

[meh]

https://www.wrc.com/en/news/2022/wrc/where-next-for-tanak/ - more news, without any news...

[1988senna]

Dose the rule says there must be at least two full time drive for each team, Can Hyundai have only one full time Neuville ? with the other part time guys like sordo,Mikkelsen ,Suninen ,Lappi ,Paddon ,Meeke

[AnttiL]

Dose the rule says there must be at least two full time drive for each team, Can Hyundai have only one full time Neuville ? with the other part time guys like sordo,Mikkelsen ,Suninen ,Lappi ,Paddon ,Meeke

No such rule. Only that min two cars in every rally

Hyundai basically had this system in 2019, only Neuville had a full season.

And Citroen 2017-2018, no one had a full season!

[1988senna]

No such rule. Only that min two cars in every rally

Hyundai basically had this system in 2019, only Neuville had a full season.

And Citroen 2017-2018, no one had a full season!
so they can really have the perfect part time line up if Evans join Hyundai also

[seb_sh]

so they can really have the perfect part time line up if Evans join Hyundai also

Doubt Evans would take a part time drive...

[bandit12]

Doubt Evans would take a part time drive...
And i doubt bit more, that he will ever want to go to hyundai

[TypeR]

https://www.upload.ee/image/14619519/breaking-news__1_.jpg

[AnttiL]

so they can really have the perfect part time line up if Evans join Hyundai also

No.

[wyler]

TAVARES (ALFA ROMEO CEO): "THE ALFA ROMEO BRAND HAS BEEN RELAUNCHED, IT WILL BE IN MOTORSPORT EVEN WITHOUT SAUBER".
"You have to look at things objectively: the partnership we had with Sauber was a quality agreement, negotiated very well by my predecessor. We exploited it very well during the period of recovery of the Alfa Romeo brand on the market. Today the brand is very profitable and in full recovery.
Conditions are changing and we absolutely do not want to put into F1 the enormity of the resources that will be invested by some of our competitors. So we are retiring cleanly and kindly. With this partnership with Sauber, we have used F1 more than they have used us.
From this point of view, everything that has happened is rational. The job is finished. We will return to another discipline that has not yet been decided. Jean-Philippe Imparato, the head of Alfa Romeo, will submit his options to me.
One thing is certain: the brand will be present in motorsport even after 2023, when our agreement with Sauber ends. Given the history of the brand, there is no doubt that this is the case'.
Source: L'Equipe

[skarderud]

Fingers crossed for rally then, but do they get exposure enough in todays WRC?
Lots of that in F1, but also ridicilous amount if money to.
TCR or something is more "alfa-ish" than rally too.

I hope for a Lancia comeback though.

Sent fra min SM-G950F via Tapatalk

[Rallyest]

2320

[djip]

TCR or something is more "alfa-ish" than rally too.


Alfa has a rich history in rallying, there were a force in the 60s, less so in the 70s (but then they dabbled in french events with one of my favourite car, the monster Alfetta V8 !), then bakcin the 80s with the groupA Alfetta GTVs.
I knoow WRC is not the moost "eefficient" marketing tools these days, but if you do it properly, it can do miracles to re-establish a brand tat nobody really cares of anymore (circa Audi, Peugeot, Subaru). After all, there isn't a simpler message than "drive te same car on the same roads as the champs do". Fingers crossed, but don't raise your hopes too much ...

[AnttiL]

https://www.rallit.fi/nyt-on-hieno-visio-parin-vuoden-paasta-mm-rallia-las-palmasissa/

RACC would like Spain's WRC round to alternate between Catalunya and Las Palmas (Canarias)

[Tom K]

It would be great. Maybe a bit more expensive for spectators but awesome island to spend a time there. One problem could be with number of stages. For ERC event they needed to close middle of the island, so 3-days rally will require finding more roads and probably use also other parts. And let's wait whether we have anybody on the grid in 2025 :)

[WRCStan]

And let's wait whether we have anybody on the grid in 2025 :)

Electric?

[AndyRAC]

Alfa has a rich history in rallying, there were a force in the 60s, less so in the 70s (but then they dabbled in french events with one of my favourite car, the monster Alfetta V8 !), then back in the 80s with the groupA Alfetta GTVs.
I know WRC is not the most "efficient" marketing tools these days, but if you do it properly, it can do miracles to re-establish a brand tat nobody really cares of anymore (circa Audi, Peugeot, Subaru). After all, there isn't a simpler message than "drive the same car on the same roads as the champs do". Fingers crossed, but don't raise your hopes too much ...

I associate Alfa more recently with touring cars, especially the 155 V6 DTM beast of the 1990s.....

From memory, we had Ferrari in F1, Alfa-Romeo in Touring cars (DTM/ITC/BTCC) and Lancia in WRC. Then it was decided the majority of the group's motorsport activities concentrated solely on F1 with Ferrari.

One hopes we see a return but I would imagine the WRC won't be top of their list of series to join......Looking at their cars, none really scream WRC; maybe a Giulia TCR, or a Stelvio/ Tonale Rally Raid/ Dakar car.

[lmmjvss]

The "hype" is LeMans and Dakar right now. Gotta see where the "Hype" is going to be when Alfa leaves F1. Tho I imagine they will stay up until 2025, right? Since Audi is joining only in 2026.
Theres that new eGT coming up and FIA is kinda moving away from TCR to go e-TCR haha u'know? So...eh... Idk what to think about motorsport anymore haha just hoping they stop creating more and more championships, jeezzz. Its just making it super expensive for fans, since each one has its own stream service ($$)

[seb_sh]

The "hype" is LeMans and Dakar right now. Gotta see where the "Hype" is going to be when Alfa leaves F1. Tho I imagine they will stay up until 2025, right? Since Audi is joining only in 2026.
Theres that new eGT coming up and FIA is kinda moving away from TCR to go e-TCR haha u'know? So...eh... Idk what to think about motorsport anymore haha just hoping they stop creating more and more championships, jeezzz. Its just making it super expensive for fans, since each one has its own stream service ($$)

Alfa in F1 ends in 2023.

[lmmjvss]

Alfa in F1 ends in 2023.

Im going to doubt on that simply bcuz F1 is on an 'all time' high right now.
Honda said they were leaving too and look at themm u'know? Its very beneficial to just stay in the championship.
Unless VW is putting money to make them leave. (Like, a contract with Sauber that doesnt allow Alfa to continue in 24 & 25)

[TypeR]

Different thing.. Honda is actual rngine supplier.. Alfa-Romeo is basically just a name/brand on Sauber cars..

[meh]

https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/where-does-sordos-future-lie/ - more new without any news

[er88]

Jeez, clearly Dirtfish or any rally journalists don't have a clue what's going on. I think that's 3 different articles from the same Sordo quotes just rehashed. And Latvala's quoted where he said something along the lines of "why would we change the drivers, but it's not upto me", has also had 3or4 different (but samey) articles trotted out

[seb_sh]

Jeez, clearly Dirtfish or any rally journalists don't have a clue what's going on. I think that's 3 different articles from the same Sordo quotes just rehashed. And Latvala's quoted where he said something along the lines of "why would we change the drivers, but it's not upto me", has also had 3or4 different (but samey) articles trotted out

slow news so they're reheating the same quotes with different article titles

[Danny0405]

For Hyundai, the situation is quite clear paradoxically:
- Sordo 6 to 8 rounds is a no-brainer: he is reliable and can score good points; but full season is not possible because of fast gravel-snow rallies + he needs good road position to achieve a result in slow gravel.
- Mikkelsen sounds also a no-brainer for part-time; he is the most reliable WRC2 driver at the moment and M-Sport drivers have shown nothing this year. But full-time for a return is not realistic to put him in conditions to achieve podiums (they clearly need to play on road positions so part-time.
- it would be non-sense to fire Solberg to hire a Loubet or a Fourmaux or a youngster which is not a no-brainer choice, considering what they said (even if I don’t agree personnally). So the last question is either they succeed to steal Lappi or Evans from Toyota or not. If not, the only reasonable choice is probably Suninen (and it can be only part-time)

So for me, it’s either:

- Neuville 1st car / Lappi or Evans 2nd car / shared 3rd car Mikkelsen-Sordo

- Neuville 1st car/ Mikkelsen-Sordo-Suninen sharing 2nd and 3rd cars (a bit like in 2019 with a 10-8-8 dispatch, and perhaps a 4th driver for a couple of specific rounds like Breen in 2019; why not trying Fourmaux for 1 or 2 tarmac rounds or Paddon for a couple of difficult rallies?)

Only guy who could realistically change this is Breen if freed for nothing by M-Sport as he knows Rally1 car. But considering his season, it cannot be for a full-time seat so it would be instead of Suninen.
Even if I think it will be too short to match Toyota (especially if no Lappi or no Evans in Hyundai) and they should have bet on Solberg’s improvements.

[er88]

The obvious problem Hyundai have is you just can't replace Tanak. They'll be panicking and if we are being honest, have already lost next year's manufacturer title.

I think they'll have to rotate 3 or 4drivers for 2cars to help with road position. Mikkelsen has already shown for 5/6yrs at championship winning teams he can't compete with tier 1 drivers even with better road positions. Even the likes of a mentally broken Latvala(polo) and Sordo(i20) won more rallies in same cars as Andreas.

Mikkelsen should be signed as he's going to be top5ish and maybe better where there's retirements. Sordo 8 events max or he loses his road position advantage which he needs. Maybe they could throw wild cards like Suninen and Meeke in on certain gravel events? Meeke in Mexico /Portugal and Finland for example. Suninen in Sweden, Estonia, Finland etc. Events where they both go well and could have great road positions.

It's not just the manufacturers that's a worry, Mikkelsen and Sordo of this year on their own won't be able to help Thierry in the drivers and take pts away from the Toyota drivers (and Tanak if he ends up anywhere)