WRC2 / WRC3 News & Rumours 2022

[Danny0405]

Moral winner is already Mikkelsen with 2 retirements from big leads with same technical issue that was traced to bad parts and 3 rally wins that nobody can match any more. (obviously we agree that Lindholm didn't really win Finland).
Call me biased, but these are facts.

EDIT: Well Lindholm can get 3 wins if he goes to Japan.

Well, Lindholm has only made 5 rounds so far against 7 for Mikkelsen. If he ties or beats Mikkelsen after Catalunya (with one less rally which could compensate a bit engine-related retirements), he would be a valuable moral champion.

[mknight]

Thanks. At least they will know how NZ went.

I was assuming Linholm is somehow partly paid by Skoda (or maybe that's only for the testing of the new car), and for Skoda it likely doesn't matter which Skoda wins the title. Therefore I though Lindholm would have to pay Japan himself.

[mknight]

Well, Lindholm has only made 5 rounds so far against 7 for Mikkelsen. If he ties or beats Mikkelsen after Catalunya (with one less rally which could compensate a bit engine-related retirements), he would be a valuable moral champion.

But Mikkelsen lost two scores due to engine (and crashed in Greece). Lindholm went in the snowbank in Sweden. So if you want to compare on similar grounds it's the standing right now that is comparable.

Anyway guess we both agree that it is a bit pointless comparison.

[Jarek Z]

Lindholm says that it is his time now. He's planning Rally de España in October and he’d like to go to Japan in November:
https://www.wrc.com/en/news/2022/wrc2/lindholm-its-my-time/?fbclid=IwAR1miZanPVZHJWa5Y9J5999Z1guEF2GUjbJzY4G0-oeWptRkItsS-r2uNsk

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Lindholm also now leads WRC2 Junior after overtaking Ingram who crashed in Greece.

Both are in the Toksport team so it'll be interesting to see how they compete and on which events.

[RS]

In terms of vacant/future WRC1 drives then obviously the likes of Mikkelsen, Lindholm, maybe Rossel & Suninen are where manufacturers are going to be looking and it’s fair to say Andreas has more than proved his speed this year (in fact much more impressive than last year).. I saw the footage from Greece on his Youtube channel and he looked really quick.

But it is a shame that a FIA title comes down to tactics regarding which events to enter and pages of theoretical points calculations on this forum instead of battles on the stages. Kajetanowicz is a good and reliable driver who at times over the last year or two has impressed me with his speed too but if he wins the title I think it’s fair to say it doesn’t really represent the hierarchy in WRC2.

Hopefully the FIA will come up with a better structure for this championship in the future.

[masa90]

Mikkelsen is good driver, but I would be extremely surprised to see him in factory rally 1 ever again.

But yeah the points system here make it possible that the fastest will not win when some drivers with more money can play "games" and take easy points. Not the best stuff but it is what it is. Hope they change it somehow though.

[Lead]

I would love to see one more shot for Mikkelsen in WRC1 car. But one and only realistic chance is if Tanak leaves Hyundai and that opens a spot for him. There is no way Toyota or Msport will sign him. He could be good second driver in Hyundai.

In his youtube channel Mikkelsen said that Greece accident was all his fault. Cold tryes and came to fast over the jump.

[RallyFan13]

Acropolis Rally 2022 Highlights of Rally2 cars
https://youtu.be/nj-19qySBVI

[RallyFan13]

Rally 3 class Highlights from Acropolis Rally
https://youtu.be/6Q0BN-CpTtI

[Danny0405]

But Mikkelsen lost two scores due to engine (and crashed in Greece). Lindholm went in the snowbank in Sweden. So if you want to compare on similar grounds it's the standing right now that is comparable.

Anyway guess we both agree that it is a bit pointless comparison.

Well, for sure, the comparison has no big interest when the gap are quite small considering how particular is this championship with guys not always competing against each other.
+ a lot of what if: would Mikkelsen have did it to the end without engine-related retirements in Sardinia and Portugal? Maybe he would have made a mistake and Suninen could have beaten him in Portugal. What Lindholm would have done in other rallies? And we can ask a lot of questions like this.

The only thing we can do is looking at the global picture and here, there are 3/4 main points:
- Mikkelsen is probably the more versatile driver of the season in Rally2 but as he has some Rally1 experience and was already in this serie last year, he does not give him a big upside to come back for an official manufacturer
- 3 youngsters in the range of 4-6 years of Rally2 experience are better than the rest of the crowd with one having been a bit more efficient so far: Rossel, Gryazin and Lindholm a bit better than the two others this season. They’re not no-brainer talents (so not sure they will ever reach Rally1) but for me, the only one credible to be promoted in Rally1, and in reality, it’s more Lindholm than the 2 others; maybe a question mark on Huttunen with the Fiesta being less efficient than the other cars.
- Other than that, no no-brainer early talent having shown something consistent to be promoted in Rally2 very soon even if Jan Solans or Pajari has made some interesting outings (but they have to confirm next year).
- Let’s recognize than with his results in Europe, Kajto still is a top 5 Rally2 driver at the international level (with Mikkelsen, Lindholm, Rossel, Gryazin). But clearly he is only the big contender because of his abroad rallies + Mikkelsen engine-related retirements.

[Danny0405]

They need to be entered - closing date is 10th of October. And transport? Depends. If you choose ship it needs probably leave early. But you can also do it by plane, and send it after Catalunya. On the other hand, when cargo worldwide is an issue, you probably need to have booked a plane transport in advance. Rally Japan is 10-13 of November. Unpacking, monday test etc, so I think car needs to be there on Sunday 6th at least

Other possibility not to skip would be to rent a RC2 car from a Japanese team or a closer country than Europe.
Well, there are very few RC2 cars in Japan: one to the guy who was in Croatia so almost impossible but the other one is used by Kovalainen usually this season; maybe possible to find a deal between Finnish guys even if Kovalainen wanted to make the rally.
Or to ship the car from a closer country (there are at least some RC2 cars in China or Indonesia from ewrc informations).

[pantealex]

Other possibility not to skip would be to rent a RC2 car from a Japanese team or a closer country than Europe.
Well, there are very few RC2 cars in Japan: one to the guy who was in Croatia so almost impossible but the other one is used by Kovalainen usually this season; maybe possible to find a deal between Finnish guys even if Kovalainen wanted to make the rally.
Or to ship the car from a closer country (there are at least some RC2 cars in China or Indonesia from ewrc informations).

Car of Kovalainen is original R5, "his" team could buy newer Rally2 EVO from Toksport ...

[Jarek Z]

Lindholm says that it is his time now.

Kajto doesn't agree. He says it is HIS time now ;)
“This is our time, and I want to enjoy this as much as I can.”

A very interesting article about Kajto's WRC2 masterplan, and why he'll make no apologies for it. I have to say I like this Dirtfish website more and more.
https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/kajetanowicz-on-his-tactical-strategy-to-win-wrc2/

[Jarek Z]

Interesting story. One of the WRC2 competitors in Rally New Zealand is a racing driver Shane Van Gisbergen. He is a double Supercars race champion who decided to try rallying. He normally drives such cars:
https://www.wrc.com/images/redaktion/Season-2022-News/WRC/June/150622_RBMH-ShaneVanGisbergen-Supercars-2022_002_d6743_frz_1400x788.jpg
but for this event he switched to such one:
https://imageresizer.static9.net.au/soxH22S486AlK3GvwyKbX-5WbQQ=/700x0/https%3A%2F%2Fprod.static9.net.au%2Ffs%2Fbccc85e8-e90d-4d26-ab30-54a36c366f89

More about it here:
https://wwos.nine.com.au/motorsport/wrc-2022-news-shane-van-gisbergen-survives-near-miss-at-world-rally-championship-rally-new-zealand/124390af-2f40-4fa4-bf17-baec22cb2676

[Jarek Z]

WRC2 Rally Highlights from Friday:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8eJvgjPOD6s

[Jarek Z]

WRC2 Rally Highlights from Saturday:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BVsdh7u62AA

[mousti]

Pajari and Lindholm will start in Japan. That's interesting for the WRC2 championship..

Verstuurd vanaf mijn 2201123G met Tapatalk

[pantealex]

Pajari and Lindholm will start in Japan. That's interesting for the WRC2 championship..



That's 4 FINNS (Kovalainen and Suninen)

[Neige]

Interview with Sami Pajari about his win in Lithuania

http://rally-week.com/s-pajari-j-hussi-samsonas-rally-utena-22/

[AnttiL]

https://twitter.com/Emil_Lindholm/status/1581980877273563136?s=20&t=pn6ZdzNIq4sjTI2RkALWcA

Emil Lindholm's WRC2 Junior title confirmed

[Jarek Z]

17 entries in the WRC2 field. Not bad for a country like Japan!
https://www.wrc.com/en/news/2022/wrc/f1-legend-kovalainen-stars-in-japan-entry/

[Jarek Z]

One favourite for the win down in Rally Catalunya. Nil Solans crashed already on a test session, damaged his Hyundai and injured his spine. He is out of the rally. You can see his damaged car here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i1WoYJuhhQU

[Fast Eddie WRC]

He's in hospital...
https://www.instagram.com/p/Cj2WraIsivH/?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=

[Jarek Z]

What a disastrous season he has!

[pantealex]

One favourite for the win down in Rally Catalunya. Nil Solans crashed already on a test session, damaged his Hyundai and injured his spine. He is out of the rally. You can see his damaged car here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i1WoYJuhhQU

He was driving old Hyundai R5, I don't he was favourite for win ...

[Walach]

Kowax team boss Martin Vlček said that him and also Kristensson both prefer driving old i20 R5 as it is much more comfortable to be quick with it, in comparison to new i20 rally2. Sure he is basically gentleman driver nowadays, but it makes you think whether this old spec is actually that big disadvantage.

[SubaruNorway]

Didn't look like such a hard hit, no neck support?

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Kajto down in 8th in WRC2 in Spain. Has he backed off with Lindholm having lost time ?

[AnttiL]

Kajto down in 8th in WRC2 in Spain. Has he backed off with Lindholm having lost time ?

8th already on SS1, 1 s/km down

[Jarek Z]

Kajto down in 8th in WRC2 in Spain. Has he backed off with Lindholm having lost time ?

In the service park Kajto said that he hasn't driven a tarmac rally for a long time and doesn't have the right feeling, so it wouldn't be a good idea to take unnecessary risk. He added that he's still looking for the right rhythm, stays positive and knows that he can drive much faster.

He also made a mistake and had a spin on SS6.

[Jarek Z]

Alejandro Cachon, who was surprisingly fast and was 4th in WRC2 category, crashed on SS6, lost a wheel and is out of the rally:
https://www.ewrc-results.com/media/73368-rallyracc-catalunya-costa-daurada-2022/3834/

[Jarek Z]

Interesting... There are 5 different manufacturers in top 5 after day 1:
1. Hyundai
2. Skoda
3. Citroen
4. Ford
5. Volkswagen

[Jarek Z]

RallyRACC - Rally de España 2022 - WRC2 Highlights from Day 1 (including Lindholm and Kajto going off the road):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hp0InPC8X0M

[Danny0405]

A good news for next year WRC-2 championship: the Stellantis client competition director, during the Catalunya rallye, has announced that they will follow next year with Rossel (team to be confirmed).

[AnttiL]

Lindholm won Catalunya power stage. Thus him and Kajto are now level when going to Japan, both 104 with Mikkelsen 109.

Both Lindholm and Kajto have scored in every rally so their worst result will be omitted. Kajto's worst result is 8 points here on Catalunya, Lindholm's worst result is 3 points in Sweden. So that is in a way an advantage for Lindholm. Complicated scenarios, but for example if Lindholm is 2nd and Kajto 3rd in Japan, the points are 116-114 to Lindholm (sans power stage).

EDIT: in the end Kajto got 0 from power stage

[Danny0405]

Lindholm won Catalunya power stage. Thus him and Kajto are now level when going to Japan, both 104 with Mikkelsen 109.

Both Lindholm and Kajto have scored in every rally so their worst result will be omitted. Kajto's worst result is 8 points here on Catalunya, Lindholm's worst result is 3 points in Sweden. So that is in a way an advantage for Lindholm. Complicated scenarios, but for example if Lindholm is 2nd and Kajto 3rd in Japan, the points are 116-114 to Lindholm (sans power stage).

EDIT: in the end Kajto got 0 from power stage

As neither Lindholm nor Kajto are above Mikkelsen so far so they need to improve their worst result his Japan, it’s easier to start from the classification without the worst results which gives:
1. Mikkelsen 109
2. Lindholm 101
3. Kajto 96
I think you meant Kajto 2nd and Lindholm 3rd when talking about 116-114; but even in that case, in Lindholm scores any point in Power Stage it would give him the title.

Mikkelsen could be champion only if Lindholm scores 8 points or less AND Kajto 13 or less (more wins for Mikkelsen).
Clearly, viewing like this and now that he is going to Japan, it gives Lindholm a small upper hand on Kajto with this 5-point advantage, all the more if Suninen repeats in Japan what he has done in Catalunya; also, some team orders could be issued in Toksport in case of issue (let’s expect that it does not happen); but as the WRC-2 Open entry list is larger than expected, any mistakes can cause elimination from the title race, all the more if the the weather is difficult so it’s far from finished.

[Jarek Z]

I would never have parked my car in such place:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7kQ0pcsc4qI

[Fast Eddie WRC]

The new Skoda Fabia RS Rally2 car is finally making its debut with Andreas Mikkelsen and Toksport (but not in WRC2):

https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/new-skoda-rally2s-competition-debut-revealed/

[meh]

Hmm, https://www.wrc.com/en/news/2022/wrc/breaking-ogier-makes-co-driver-switch/


Ogier Makes Co-driver switch, and goes on with Loubet's current co-driver.

What it says extra for the future for Ogier and Loubet?

edit: wrong topic, not WRC2 :)

[fiscorpun]

Toyota may show its Rally2 car in Japan! THATS AWESOME!!
https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/toyotas-rally2-yaris-to-break-cover-at-rally-japan/

Image? http://rallynoticias.com/nivel2.php?id_noticia=19412

[AnttiL]

Toyota may show its Rally2 car in Japan! THATS AWESOME!!
https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/toyotas-rally2-yaris-to-break-cover-at-rally-japan/

Image? http://rallynoticias.com/nivel2.php?id_noticia=19412

That's the AP4 car.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

The FIA isn’t planning to make any changes to the format of WRC2 next season:

https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/fia-not-planning-any-changes-to-wrc2-format/

[RS]

The FIA isn’t planning to make any changes to the format of WRC2 next season:

https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/fia-not-planning-any-changes-to-wrc2-format/

A case of 'if it is broke, don't fix it'

Good luck Kajto!

[Kenneth]

That's the AP4 car.

And not even image but render

[djip]

The FIA isn’t planning to make any changes to the format of WRC2 next season:

https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/fia-not-planning-any-changes-to-wrc2-format/

Stupid. I understand it might be difficult t select 7 events and please everyone (organizers and competitors), but you don't need to be very smart to imagine you could
- make 3 events mandatory (one tarmac, one fast gravel, one slow gravel)
- count only 2 overseas events (still you could compete in all)
and let the door open for all other events. This would be already a big step forward...

[seb_sh]

Stupid. I understand it might be difficult t select 7 events and please everyone (organizers and competitors), but you don't need to be very smart to imagine you could
- make 3 events mandatory (one tarmac, one fast gravel, one slow gravel)
- count only 2 overseas events (still you could compete in all)
and let the door open for all other events. This would be already a big step forward...

I was thinking the same, again typical all or nothing FIA shortsightedness. It's even better if the 3 mandatory events are at the back of the season, that way during the first half you have different winners and you build up to the final showdown at the end. Sure some events will miss out, so what?

[Jarek Z]

The FIA isn’t planning to make any changes to the format of WRC2 next season:

https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/fia-not-planning-any-changes-to-wrc2-format/

It's so strange when they say they don't even see any problem...

[PLuto]

It's so strange when they say they don't even see any problem...

FIA is always out of reality. They usually dont see problems (where the problem really is) and dont want to do anything really helpful to solve them...

[flat_right]

Maybe, just maybe they have a mantra that any publicity is good publicity.

[Jarek Z]

An "interesting" video was published after Rally Catalunya. It shows Stephane Sarrazin's crash on SS13 and the aftermath. There were some medical problems for the co-driver, but not all drivers stopped to check if everything is fine with the crew. It raised some discussions if the "accident procedure" was correctly obeyed:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WERLsRZYuPE

[PLuto]

An "interesting" video was published after Rally Catalunya. It shows Stephane Sarrazin's crash on SS13 and the aftermath. There were some medical problems for the co-driver, but not all drivers stopped to check if everything is fine with the crew. It raised some discussions if the "accident procedure" was correctly obeyed:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WERLsRZYuPE

This topic was discussed in Rally Catalunya thread just after the race.

[Jarek Z]

This topic was discussed in Rally Catalunya thread just after the race.

I didn't know about it:
https://www.motorsportforums.com/showthread.php?42901-WRC-RallyRACC-Catalunya-COSTA-DAURADA&p=1311813&viewfull=1#post1311813
Thanks!

[Jarek Z]

A serious mistake from Grégoire Munster already on SS1, he was lucky:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O9_PDOy6DBA

[Jarek Z]

According to https://rally-base.com/2022/forum8-rally-japan-2022/?ssId=7268&ssGroupId=1 Kajto had an accident on SS2 and is out of the rally. Congratulations to Emil Lindholm already?

[Danny0405]

According to https://rally-base.com/2022/forum8-rally-japan-2022/?ssId=7268&ssGroupId=1 Kajto had an accident on SS2 and is out of the rally. Congratulations to Emil Lindholm already?

He is still below Mikkelsen and needs to score at least 9 points (Remember Sainz 1998) :)

[Jarek Z]

He is still below Mikkelsen and needs to score at least 9 points (Remember Sainz 1998) :)

I do remember Sainz 1998, but it won't happen again ;)

Here is Kajto's crash right after the exit from the tunnel:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U3w1STMiM7s

[Jarek Z]

WRC2 Rally Highlights Day 1:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b1o6HL-wEVc

[Danny0405]

Let’s see now if Lindholm can bring the car home; he has clearly hold back yesterday in the last one and will probably not push considering his post-stage interview.
Probably a fight between Pajari and Suninen (if Lindholm plays safe and assuming Lindholm and Zaldivar will make it to the end) for the Team title in Toksport vs. Hyundai; only 5s for the younger one so far who made a good 1st day.

And Miele can ensure the Master title if he keeps his 1st position

[Sulland]

So what would be the best way to improve the competition in all support classes, and as much as possible take away "planning the best calendar for me" BS?

[Jarek Z]

Let’s see now if Lindholm can bring the car home; he has clearly hold back yesterday in the last one and will probably not push considering his post-stage interview.

I don't know if he is pushing, but he leads quite comfortably by 47 s after day2. He only needs 9 points, but will probably score 25:
https://www.wrc.com/en/news/2022/wrc2/wrc2-championship-within-grasp-for-lindholm/

[dimviii]

too much pushing imho from him.

[Danny0405]

Well, yeah, extremely surprised to see him pushing that much after seeing the result this morning.

The only reason I can see is that Toksport funded significantly his Japanese trip (because of team championship against Hyundai + driver one not guaranteed for the team) and asked him to push a bit as Kajto’s retirement grants them the driver title (either for Mikkelsen or Lindholm). And in that case, it’s difficult to play safe if Toksport asked him to push.
Let’s see tomorrow, probably less push now with Lindholm 1st and Suninen 1 minute behind (because even if Suninen overtakes Pajari, the title is for Toksport with Lindholm 1).
Let’s hope he can finish without trouble

[Danny0405]

So what would be the best way to improve the competition in all support classes, and as much as possible take away "planning the best calendar for me" BS?

Well, in WRC-2, in the end, with Kajto’s retirement, it will be one of the two best drivers of the season to win the championship (and in Junior, clearly the best one). And honestly, if Lindholm wins, it will not be because he is in Japan (he could have done a top 5 in Portugal for example) as he only is there late because he was already in contention. The main issue that affects the quality of the competition is more the Skoda engine-related issues and drivers or strategy have nothing to do with this.

In WRC-3 Open, well, the issue is more that they should be an automatic free registration of a WRC-3 Junior in the Open championship or something like that. In the end, in terms of competition, it’s better that Joona wins than Cerny (and Pajari had a lot of issues during the season).

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Here is Kajto's crash right after the exit from the tunnel:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U3w1STMiM7s

What a shame for Kajto. I'm sure all the dust obscuring his view at the end of the tunnel played a part in the crash. A really sad way to end his WRC2 victory chance.

[AnttiL]

Emil Lindholm and Reeta Hämäläinen WRC2 champions 2022!

[WRCStan]

In WRC-3 Open, well, the issue is more that they should be an automatic free registration of a WRC-3 Junior in the Open championship or something like that. In the end, in terms of competition, it’s better that Joona wins than Cerny (and Pajari had a lot of issues during the season).

One issue is nobody wants to rally the world at this level and nobody should be expected to. The other is that the car isn't popular.

If I was in charge then overall WRC3 Champions would be dropped for various whatever titles like WRC3 Gravel, WRC3 Tarmac, WRC3 Baltic, WRC3 Female, WRC3 Grand African Shootout, WRC3 Senior.... wherever there should be demand and support. Obviously FIA/Promoter aren't bothered to promote any of this, but maybe M-Sports and Renaults should be enabled to see where the demand is and then turn up at each round running packs of cars.

[PLuto]

One issue is nobody wants to rally the world at this level and nobody should be expected to. The other is that the car isn't popular.

If I was in charge then overall WRC3 Champions would be dropped for various whatever titles like WRC3 Gravel, WRC3 Tarmac, WRC3 Baltic, WRC3 Female, WRC3 Grand African Shootout, WRC3 Senior.... wherever there should be demand and support. Obviously FIA/Promoter aren't bothered to promote any of this, but maybe M-Sports and Renaults should be enabled to see where the demand is and then turn up at each round running packs of cars.

One of the problems to run in WRC3 (or in the previous years in 2WD category) are the money. To be able to start on WRC level you need to have really big budget, much more higher than national events. And if you have enough money, you are usually going directly to R5...

[lmmjvss]

I posted on the erc thread too but...
If theres no new fiestas, polos, c3 (and apparently i20s too?) Being built for 2023, where do the privateers get new parts in case of a big crash?

[Jarek Z]

Kajto congratulates the new champion:
https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=672863954209107&set=a.271930007635839

[manthey]

Yaris Rally2 demo with Rally1

https://youtube.com/shorts/JD9vW2nlZjo?feature=share

[ictus]

Yaris Rally2 demo with Rally1

https://youtube.com/shorts/JD9vW2nlZjo?feature=share

so we learned form this video that the rally2 can't do donuts...

[Andre Oliveira]

https://scontent.fopo4-2.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.15752-9/315942056_881512286593467_609514056916952445_n.jpg ?_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=ae9488&_nc_ohc=CkgTFZL_k7cAX8EEd27&_nc_ht=scontent.fopo4-2.fna&oh=03_AdQOLK-c53HJjGKUwxmkmpJRdAB-pw4zYQoflXXz56Uljg&oe=63A2DE38

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Rallying’s resilient warrior – Chris Ingram’s partnership push:

https://sqn.agency/rallyings-resilie...tnership-push/

[Jarek Z]

Rallying’s resilient warrior – Chris Ingram’s partnership push:

https://sqn.agency/rallyings-resilie...tnership-push/

You gave as a wrong link! ;)
https://sqn.agency/rallyings-resilient-warrior-chris-ingrams-partnership-push/

[Jarek Z]

Kajto's video summary of the whole WRC2 season, 1m 37s:
https://www.facebook.com/KajetanKajetanowicz/posts/pfbid0TZMbCBxAsqJTyr6JtPp8YZ1snHyRrgBMvC2idAYtzh4p 1cCXB1NE3M38VCRmN5qml