2023 WRC News & Rumours

[Eli]

Some good news from Finland, the promoter and the organizers extended Rally Finland's contract until 2026.
https://www.wrc.com/en/news/2023/wrc/wrc-promoter-extends-secto-rally-finland-partnership/

[Eli]

No Saudi Arabia next year (thankfully) USA still trying although more likely 2025 will be their year and Poland replacing Mexico for some reason. https://www.autosport.com/wrc/news/wrc-set-for-13-round-2024-calendar-saudi-arabia-to-miss-out/10505743/
Still 13 events, not surprised considering how expensive the cars are.

[rp]

Hopefully no Poland! There is already next year Latvia which is almost the same and of course Finland. There should be tarmac event like Ypres, Ireland or Spain.

[EstWRC]

Hell yes for Poland.

We need more faster events

[Sulland]

It’s like AMSS said, it’s all about the money.

Money from who too who?

[jcevc]

Money from who too who?

From organizer(s) of rally(s) to promotor's pocket?

[ictus]

From organizer(s) of rally(s) to promotor's pocket?

5 mln € for a WRC event

[AndyRAC]

And what do they do with the money? Not a lot it would seem....

[rallyfiend]

And what do they do with the money? Not a lot it would seem....

The teams get some - certainly for the non-European events

[Andre Oliveira]

I readed somewhere that calendar proposed is:

Monte-Carlo 24/28 January
Sweden 15/18 February
Safari March
Croatia April
Portugal May
Sardignia June
Poland June
Latvia July
Finland July
Acropolis September
Chile October
Central Europe October
Japan November

[HKSjbg]

So Estonia is out for Latvia and Poland comes in for some reason.... Why not just have Latvia take the June date and give Estonia a reprive???

[rallyfiend]

Rally Estonia have admitted they don’t have the funding for 2024.

[Eli]

So Estonia is out for Latvia and Poland comes in for some reason.... Why not just have Latvia take the June date and give Estonia a reprive???

Would rather see another tarmac event instead like Catalunya or Corsica at the time of the central european rally, have the central european rally 3 weeks after Finland and then push Greece to June.

[rp]

I readed somewhere that calendar proposed is:

Monte-Carlo 24/28 January
Sweden 15/18 February
Safari March
Croatia April
Portugal May
Sardignia June
Poland June
Latvia July
Finland July
Acropolis September
Chile October
Central Europe October
Japan November

Definetely there should be Mexico or Argentina. No Poland needed!

[Eli]

Definetely there should be Mexico or Argentina. No Poland needed!

I thought Argentina was on it’s way to replace Chile.

[steve.mandzij]

As far as I know Argentina can only run in the usual location in March/April because other months are too dry and there's a risk of wildfires. There's a different region also bidding in case the April slot (today occupied by Croatia) doesn't free up, but in either case there's not much information about the verdict, just speculation.

[Tauri_J]

I wonder if Safari is at the end of the month or at the beginning. Rally sweden takes place 15-18 february and usually theres at least a monthly brake after that. Which puts rally Kenya right at the start of a monsoon season.

[Eli]

If they’re not adding anything new and simply replacing Mexico with Poland, I’d wish they’d mix up the calendar, maybe bring back Finland to October, it was a unique event to watch and I’d love if the organisers, once every few years would move it to the autumn slot.

[seb_sh]

As far as I know the economy in Argentina is not doing great at the moment, while Chile is looking better, could buget also be an issue?

Maybe this is wrong info but I was under the impression Chile fits well in the calendar because they can ship those parts directly to Japan.

[HKSjbg]

I wonder if Safari is at the end of the month or at the beginning. Rally sweden takes place 15-18 february and usually theres at least a monthly brake after that. Which puts rally Kenya right at the start of a monsoon season.

Perhaps it will run on the Easter weekend?

[Steve Boyd]

Perhaps it will run on the Easter weekend?With a 5-day Circuit of Ireland at the same time please!

[Eli]

Speaking of the devil: https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/wrc-to-unveil-13-round-2024-calendar-before-greece/

[seb_sh]

Speaking of the devil: https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/wrc-to-unveil-13-round-2024-calendar-before-greece/

I criticise the promoters and the FIA a lot but if they want to keep Rally1 this is the right move, it actually gives me some hope until the next rules cycle.



“Our plan is to stay with 13, and the reason to stay with 13 is that we believe it’s in the best interest of the championship that we, together with the manufacturers, are taking the best steps to increase the number of cars in the P1 (Priority 1 – manufacturer drivers) field,” Larkin told DirtFish.

“And that means having the best possible calendar that allows them to invest, allows us to invest as well because we are working on plans where we will also be involved in additional cars for the championship and that means having a relatively stable calendar. That’s where we are.

[AndyRAC]

I'm the opposite; when you have so few top class entries, cutting the number of rounds, and costs is normally the way to go. They could go to 10 rounds and make the ERC more attractive....
The WEC is in far better shape, but still keep the number of rounds sensible.

[seb_sh]

I'm the opposite; when you have so few top class entries, cutting the number of rounds, and costs is normally the way to go. They could go to 10 rounds and make the ERC more attractive....
The WEC is in far better shape, but still keep the number of rounds sensible.

How is that opposite?

EDIT: the context was that they were going to go to 14 next year, so keeping 13 instead of pushing for more is positive in my opinion.

[seb_sh]

https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/suninen-handed-third-rally1-chance-in-chile/

Suninen in Rally1 in Chile

[HKSjbg]

Motorsport Ireland aim to make a return to Ireland for the WRC a reality by 2025:

https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/irelands-bid-for-wrc-2025-calendar-slot-intensifying/

Donegal or Killarney are apparently the two most likely locations so far. I personally like the sound of Killarney, no better stages in ROI than Rally of the Lakes in my opinion

[Managarium]

Subaru is coming back?

https://www.motorsport.com/wrc/news/fia-president-reveals-subaru-wrc-comeback-talks/10517394/

[bomber21]

@SebOgier gives interview to Greek media: No plans for full season in the future / WRC must reduce costs to attract manufacturers / events should be one day shorter / critisizes 2024 calendar

https://www-gazzetta-gr.translate.goog/gmotion/2254255/eko-rally-akropolis-2023-ozie-sto-gazzetta-protimo-na-blepo-ton-gio-moy-na?_x_tr_sl=fr&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=el&_x_tr_pto=wapp

[Eli]

https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/wrc-event-format-change-to-be-discussed/

They have a meeting concerning the issue on the 22nd of September.

[EstWRC]

Larkin does so much taking but not actions. From the article it sounds like I’m not the only one thinking this with teams drives also not being satisfied

In other news. Ogier confirmed in Sunday morning dirtfish interview he will be in Central European rally

[Eli]

https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/wrc-promoter-doesnt-see-ev-as-a-future-option/

Seems like we’re gonna continue as is, in 2027 and beyond.

[AndyRAC]

So nothing will change......WRC Promoter don't really know what they are doing.

[PLuto]

It is all after discussion between FIA, promoter and manufacturers. And nobody of them see future in rallysport in full EV...

[macebig]

There is no room in rallying for full EV. The RX fire proved it beyond doubt. And that was in a closed, monitored environment. Just think what can happen in an off like Linnamae's...

[Mirek]

There is no room in rallying for full EV. The RX fire proved it beyond doubt. And that was in a closed, monitored environment. Just think what can happen in an off like Linnamae's...

The main problem is battery weight. Rallying can go electric but it would still need a combustion engine working as a generator.

[denkimi]

EV's would just lead to much reduced spectator interest, which will lead to reduced sponsor interest, which will lead to reduced manufacturer interest.
Making rallying look boring by taking away the sound will do nothing but kill the sport.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

The long days without service isnt right and its reducing the chances of crews continuing when there are already a low number of Rally 1 cars.

The Teams and mechanics also need to be made part of the story. Like in F1 where the bèst pit stops, running repairs and strategy are an important factor in the races.

[Mirek]

EV's would just lead to much reduced spectator interest, which will lead to reduced sponsor interest, which will lead to reduced manufacturer interest.
Making rallying look boring by taking away the sound will do nothing but kill the sport.

The thing is that WRC is in a vicious circle. It kind of needs to go electric (and the manufacturers want that) but in the same time it can't.

Anyway the WRC shall finally get rid of manufacturer homologations and allow privately developed cars. That could keep the sinking ship afloat for quite some time.

[PLuto]

The thing is that WRC is in a vicious circle. It kind of needs to go electric (and the manufacturers want that) but in the same time it can't.

Anyway the WRC shall finally get rid of manufacturer homologations and allow privately developed cars. That could keep the sinking ship afloat for quite some time.

True is that manufacturers (at least that one currently competing in WRC) doesnt wants to go fully electric...

[Mirek]

True is that manufacturers (at least that one currently competing in WRC) doesnt wants to go fully electric...

Don't get me wrong. They would go for electric propulsion if it was technically feasible but it's not, hence why they don't want because there is no other way. That's the vicious circle :)

[Duvel]

The long days without service isnt right and its reducing the chances of crews continuing when there are already a low number of Rally 1 cars.

The Teams and mechanics also need to be made part of the story. Like in F1 where the bèst pit stops, running repairs and strategy are an important factor in the races.

Long days is not a problem, thats part of the "adventure" of rallying, its also about how to survive these long days! Remote service would be part of the solution.

Agree on teams and mecanics taking more prominent role, thats also a side off rallying not enough known to the (no die hard) spectator!

Make the servicepark more atractive! iff posible run a show stage there, put big screens, put some DJ or music bands.
Food trucks in all different kinds, manufactrors can showcase new models. There should be much more going on there!

In some stages, make a big public area, like in sardinia, there is one at the autocross track near loelle, or the minesite near olmedo! Good for live tv and spectator management!


lots of ideas here, we should open new tread for that, and tan hope wrc reads allong

[HKSjbg]

Make the servicepark more atractive! iff posible run a show stage there, put big screens, put some DJ or music bands.
Food trucks in all different kinds, manufactrors can showcase new models.

My idea of hell right there :D

[bluuford]

Long days is not a problem, thats part of the "adventure" of rallying, its also about how to survive these long days! Remote service would be part of the solution.

Agree on teams and mecanics taking more prominent role, thats also a side off rallying not enough known to the (no die hard) spectator!

Make the servicepark more atractive! iff posible run a show stage there, put big screens, put some DJ or music bands.
Food trucks in all different kinds, manufactrors can showcase new models. There should be much more going on there!

In some stages, make a big public area, like in sardinia, there is one at the autocross track near loelle, or the minesite near olmedo! Good for live tv and spectator management!


lots of ideas here, we should open new tread for that, and tan hope wrc reads allong

Have you been in Rally Estonia? We have stage that even team members can go and spectate, we had even tanks in Service. Rally start was ca 15 min walk in in city center with good bands, big show and everything. Its all there, + huge crowds. Unfortunately this rally is not in calendar for next year. There are a few more good examples (Finland, Mexico, Argentina, Sardegna (Alghero), Ypres, maybe Japan). But in many places we are in the middle of no-where, like in Lamia (ideal spot would have been Kamena Vuorla), Turkey, Germany, GB (last editions), Kenya, Croatia, Spain, Gap, Umea, Porto (so, so), etc.

[wyler]

Have you been in Rally Estonia? We have stage that even team members can go and spectate, we had even tanks in Service. Rally start was ca 15 min walk in in city center with good bands, big show and everything. Its all there, + huge crowds. Unfortunately this rally is not in calendar for next year. There are a few more good examples (Finland, Mexico, Argentina, Sardegna (Alghero), Ypres, maybe Japan). But in many places we are in the middle of no-where, like in Lamia (ideal spot would have been Kamena Vuorla), Turkey, Germany, GB (last editions), Kenya, Croatia, Spain, Gap, Umea, Porto (so, so), etc.

Germany start in trier + panzerplatte was good

[Eli]

https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/where-is-the-wrc-going-in-2025-and-beyond/

Nothing new really, seems it will be a while before we get Australia/New-Zealand back in the calendar, on the other side of the planet it seems Argentina might be back at the latest in 2025.

[wyler]

http://www.areacorse.com/tanak-figliol-prodigo-bis/

italian media: tanak back in hiunday almost done.

[meh]

I don't know how much there have been "searching for clicks" involved with some certain articles, but via media it seems that Neuville and Lappi are not in too friendly relationship with Tänak. From that point of view, if 2 drivers want to develop car in one direction and one driver in another... does not seem like a bright future coming.

[cali]

I don't know how much there have been "searching for clicks" involved with some certain articles, but via media it seems that Neuville and Lappi are not in too friendly relationship with Tänak. From that point of view, if 2 drivers want to develop car in one direction and one driver in another... does not seem like a bright future coming.... Or one is leaving

Sent from my CPH2493 using Tapatalk

[EstWRC]

I don't know how much there have been "searching for clicks" involved with some certain articles, but via media it seems that Neuville and Lappi are not in too friendly relationship with Tänak. From that point of view, if 2 drivers want to develop car in one direction and one driver in another... does not seem like a bright future coming.

Exactly my thoughts about the car, they are so different in that regard

About the relationships, IMO it didn’t seem that bad between him and Thierry and in Tänak the Movie:Series both Lappi and Tänak say they got a long extremely well

The last sentence there in the article is weird or it’s wrong translation?

“On the other hand, it is evident that there is no desire or intention to move forward, at least on Ott's side.”

[wyler]

Exactly my thoughts about the car, they are so different in that regard

About the relationships, IMO it didn’t seem that bad between him and Thierry and in Tänak the Movie:Series both Lappi and Tänak say they got a long extremely well

The last sentence there in the article is weird or it’s wrong translation?

“On the other hand, it is evident that there is no desire or intention to move forward, at least on Ott's side.”

correctish as move forward = continue. but i read as the other side is m-sport.

[EstWRC]

Ah yes. I guess that’s what they mean

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Such a pity that Tanak didnt come back to M-Sport earlier and help develop the Puma for his driving style.

Changing the team direction and having another top driver already in residence was never going to be easy at Hyundai.

[Eli]

Such a pity that Tanak didnt come back to M-Sport earlier and help develop the Puma for his driving style.

Changing the team direction and having another top driver already in residence was never going to be easy at Hyundai.

Would’ve been nice seeing him & Breen in M-Sport last year but I guess it wasn’t meant to be.

[meh]

Such a pity that Tanak didnt come back to M-Sport earlier and help develop the Puma for his driving style.

Changing the team direction and having another top driver already in residence was never going to be easy at Hyundai.

My understanding is that Tänak went to Hyundai to be able to be important part of building new car for his liking but Hyundai as a team failed big time during that process so it was wasted time for him.

And at the moment - Tänak is "too confident" in the interview and say out that he wants to continue (compare with last year) - so I guess the actual deal is done or really close to it. But what the deal is - I have no idea.

[Duvel]

Have you been in Rally Estonia? We have stage that even team members can go and spectate, we had even tanks in Service. Rally start was ca 15 min walk in in city center with good bands, big show and everything. Its all there, + huge crowds. Unfortunately this rally is not in calendar for next year. There are a few more good examples (Finland, Mexico, Argentina, Sardegna (Alghero), Ypres, maybe Japan). But in many places we are in the middle of no-where, like in Lamia (ideal spot would have been Kamena Vuorla), Turkey, Germany, GB (last editions), Kenya, Croatia, Spain, Gap, Umea, Porto (so, so), etc.

Never been to Estonia, but good to hear they do it like that there! Finland is like you say also good example.

[denkimi]

The long days without service isnt right and its reducing the chances of crews continuing when there are already a low number of Rally 1 cars.

The Teams and mechanics also need to be made part of the story. Like in F1 where the bèst pit stops, running repairs and strategy are an important factor in the races.
I agree. What could be small problems become big problems because there is no more service to fix them. It has taking much of the old heroism away, there's no more point to try and get to the end of a stage on 3 wheels or something similar after an accident since there's nobody there to help you anymore.

Midday service should be the least.

[denkimi]

The thing is that WRC is in a vicious circle. It kind of needs to go electric (and the manufacturers want that) but in the same time it can't.

Anyway the WRC shall finally get rid of manufacturer homologations and allow privately developed cars. That could keep the sinking ship afloat for quite some time.
It doesn't need to go electric. It doesn't even needed to go hybrid.

All it needs to do is put on some fancy names and stickers saying green, blue, electric,...
It's all just a facade for the manufacturers anyway, so why even bother to make it real?
The actual fans don't care about it, and the people that really do care about it hate motorsport anyway.

It's nothing but greenwashing towards those that know nothing about the sport.

[Eli]

https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/what-we-learned-from-ben-sulayems-acropolis-visit/

Talking a lot without saying anything, spoken like a true politician.
I honestly don’t know why they aren’t doing a global fans survey like they did back in 2014, boggles the mind.

[Sal yet again]

https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/what-we-learned-from-ben-sulayems-acropolis-visit/

Talking a lot without saying anything, spoken like a true politician.
I honestly don’t know why they aren’t doing a global fans survey like they did back in 2014, boggles the mind.

There is a quote allegedly attributed to one of our most famous/infamous politicians Winston Churchill which could be paraphrased for WRC Fan surveys " The best argument against Democracy is a five-minute conversation with the average voter.”. I've seen some of the survey responses in the past and most of them seemed to be divided between events in the responders home country and bringing Group B back!

I think we are at a low ebb with the current promoter when it comes to fan satisfaction which I think is a mistake however you would like to hope between the FIA, the manufacturers and the crews that they would be able to have some realistic and constructive input. Its times like this that I miss CB42 more than ever as his was the type of "fanboy" enthusiasm that needs to be harnessed.

[Eli]

There is a quote allegedly attributed to one of our most famous/infamous politicians Winston Churchill which could be paraphrased for WRC Fan surveys " The best argument against Democracy is a five-minute conversation with the average voter.”. I've seen some of the survey responses in the past and most of them seemed to be divided between events in the responders home country and bringing Group B back!

I think we are at a low ebb with the current promoter when it comes to fan satisfaction which I think is a mistake however you would like to hope between the FIA, the manufacturers and the crews that they would be able to have some realistic and constructive input. Its times like this that I miss CB42 more than ever as his was the type of "fanboy" enthusiasm that needs to be harnessed.

If I recall correctly when they did the survey back in 2014 it resulted with the 2017 cars which were pretty awesome imho and everybody loved (for the most part), and for now some of the FIA & Promoter's ideas seem ridiculous.

[PLuto]

https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/what-we-learned-from-ben-sulayems-acropolis-visit/

Talking a lot without saying anything, spoken like a true politician.
I honestly don’t know why they aren’t doing a global fans survey like they did back in 2014, boggles the mind.

Because they are not interested in opinion of fans...

[Fast Eddie WRC]

WRC drivers pushing for more compact event schedules...

https://www.autosport.com/wrc/news/wrc-drivers-pushing-for-more-compact-event-schedules/10523294/

[AndyRAC]

More compact??
Though to be fair, they're saying something that has frustrated me for years - lots of liasion/ road kms for very few competitive kms - which is where the 'cloverleaf' format falls down with the repeated stages.

[seb_sh]

Cloverleaf was just one of David Richard's bad ideas I hope they get rid of it sooner rather than later. It's a product of a time of greed that put the sport in danger for almost a decade.

[AndyRAC]

Cloverleaf was just one of David Richard's bad ideas I hope they get rid of it sooner rather than later. It's a product of a time of greed that put the sport in danger for almost a decade.

Well yes; the theory was reasonable (even if I disagreed with it). Shorten events, cut costs, allow the TV crews to get the films back to be produced for the highlights the same night......The money, and sponsors would roll in and everything would be fine.....

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Reducing the road sections and making the days more compact makes sense for the coverage of the WRC too though.

Days starting at the crack of dawn but having a 3-4 hour break in the middle of the day isnt good for getting or keeping fans watching live. Quick remote services and back to the stages would be better.

The guests & fans at the main SP will just have to enjoy the cars and drivers at the start and end of the days (which wont be so early/late).

[EstWRC]

Nice news https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/scott-martin-steps-in-for-wrc-competitor-role/

[Eli]

https://www.autosport.com/wrc/news/wrc-lists-china-and-usa-as-key-expansion-targets-/10525609/

USA in 2025 (as previously reported) and China will soon follow after, at least that's the initiative.

[jonkka]

Days starting at the crack of dawn but having a 3-4 hour break in the middle of the day isnt good for getting or keeping fans watching live. Quick remote services and back to the stages would be better.

This is very much doable remembering that some events have already given up on the midday service altogether.

[Andre Oliveira]

Veillas with Loubet.

[EstWRC]

Full standings

https://planetemarcus.com/saison-wrc/

[TypeR]

Cool ,,old-school Top Gear,, style video from Rovanperä :D :D this made me think that, maybe he really just wants to have fun and enjoy youngster life.

Good easy watching :)

https://youtu.be/6D394uGU0zg?si=VNW4rVqll7eF-w3Z

[wwbroe]

Cool ,,old-school Top Gear,, style video from Rovanperä :D :D this made me think that, maybe he really just wants to have fun and enjoy youngster life.

Good easy watching :)

https://youtu.be/6D394uGU0zg?si=VNW4rVqll7eF-w3Z

He just want to enjoy his life together with his friends, funny video tough.:D

[meh]

It's a really nice video. Do we have a special topic for Rovanperä to collect this kind of stuff?

[Rallyper]

Cool ,,old-school Top Gear,, style video from Rovanperä :D :D this made me think that, maybe he really just wants to have fun and enjoy youngster life.

Good easy watching :)

https://youtu.be/6D394uGU0zg?si=VNW4rVqll7eF-w3Z

I think this is very important for him. Just be relaxed and not think 100% WRC all the time...And he will be even more hungry for victories.

[BleAivano]

Rally Sweden 2024: Itineraries, rally guide + overview map

https://rallysweden.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/rally-sweden-2024-rally-guide-1-appendix-1.pdf
https://rallysweden.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/rally-sweden-2024-rally-guide-1.pdf
https://rallysweden.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/rally-sweden-2024-rally-guide-1-appendix-2.pdf

[WRCStan]

2023 FIA Action of the Year for WRC?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qj_yTroILW0

:|

[skarderud]

2023 FIA Action of the Year for WRC?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qj_yTroILW0

:|What?:)
I think we had more action than that one!

Sent fra min SM-S901B via Tapatalk

[TypeR]

I'm sure we could make a long list of better ,,action of the year'' than this..

If talking about ,,two-wheel'' saves, I quickly remembered this one:
1) Zaldivar's highspeed save
https://m.youtube.com/shorts/ZbhFEoMF0Zg

[ictus]

2) McErlean slow speed save
https://m.youtube.com/shorts/lhLrWtC1oQM

that's '22 ;)

[TypeR]

that's '22 ;)
Yes, thank for correcting. It felt like not so long ago, but 22' it was.



2) Suninen's lucky save in Finland
https://m.youtube.com/shorts/VMcKo6gdbZQ
3) Sordo's slow landing on nose
https://m.youtube.com/shorts/PS5IyVBxSBU
4) Solberg's big slide/sae in Chile
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=eM7AXhpLeQQ at 15:30

Ofcourse there are many more moments.. but okay, if they decided Fourmaux's one then let it be.
5) His Sardegna Powerstage crash from the lead would be even more action..
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=xmMrRWRXdA4&pp=ygUdd3JjIHNhcmRpbmlhIDIwMjMgaGlnaGxpZ2h0cyA%3D at 1:15

[drive]

2023 FIA Action of the Year for WRC?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qj_yTroILW0

:|

could be edit of the Year... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GSPONn4UnO8