2024 WRC News & Rumours

[Myrvold]

Post 2026 Rally1- based on 'frame', its freedom for models... rally2+ based on egsisting rally2 cars, so 'new rally1' concept keeps open doors to enter wrc for new 'tuners' without factory homoglogated rally2... good ��

I do wonder how the bolded will work though: bodywork based on production models including B-class, C-Class, compact SUV or a Concept Car. A concept car is not a production model is it? :P

[HKSjbg]

I think it was meant as:

Production models including B-class[segment], C-class[segment], compact SUV or;

Concept Car

Parts of this are poorly written, like it was given to the work experience lackey to type up. Some parts are written as if from 2026 the cars will be breaking new ground (‘common safety cell’, possibility to be based on B- or C-segment models, SUVs), but isn’t that just what has been the case since 2022?

[drive]

Hmmm i think same as Puma or Yaris or i20 now on tube chasis, mentioned segments B C Suv etc its only says what shape would be allowed... I mean like no maserati as it is now 😀

[HKSjbg]

Where did you hear the ‘Maserati to WRC’ rumours? I heard it was Bentley 🤣

(Also side note; thank you for making me realise I can now use proper emojis on posts here and not the archaic forums smileys!)

[WRCStan]

I think it was meant as:

Production models including B-class[segment], C-class[segment], compact SUV or;

Concept Car

Parts of this are poorly written, like it was given to the work experience lackey to type up. Some parts are written as if from 2026 the cars will be breaking new ground (‘common safety cell’, possibility to be based on B- or C-segment models, SUVs), but isn’t that just what has been the case since 2022?

I also agree concept car. If they don't want to change the sport to attract manufacturers and want to attract drivers instead, you don't have to have production touring cars.

[Morte66]

Can anybody explain what the bit about "concept car" means?

If Porsche shows a mockup of a "Cayman Dakar" as a concept at the Geneva Motor Show, can they enter a working version in RMC the next year at WRC1-2 power levels? Without it being stuck in a hamstrung "GT" ghetto?

[becher]

Can anybody explain what the bit about "concept car" means?

If Porsche shows a mockup of a "Cayman Dakar" as a concept at the Geneva Motor Show, can they enter a working version in RMC the next year at WRC1-2 power levels? Without it being stuck in a hamstrung "GT" ghetto?


If that Caymen is a Rally 1 chassis with Caymen look alike bodywork yes. I think it's more meant that Hyundai for example could build a Rally1 car without any ties to the i20 and just style it after one off their concepts (Vision 74 for example).

[WRCStan]

Can anybody explain what the bit about "concept car" means?

If Porsche shows a mockup of a "Cayman Dakar" as a concept at the Geneva Motor Show, can they enter a working version in RMC the next year at WRC1-2 power levels? Without it being stuck in a hamstrung "GT" ghetto?

Possibly, yes. Depends on the tight technical and homologation rules. I missed Myrvold's question and other points so will try to explain what I believe.

Concept means a design specifically for use in the WRC, but the concept probably includes still looking like a (grand) touring car and not a barebones cross cart or side-by-side.

A production car is one of a number of identical cars built to sell, that's manufacturing. Doesn't have to be in large volume. Some manufacturers only do a run of 20 cars for example.

(Large Scale) Series production cars had a minimum number, was 400, 5000, 25,000, 2,500 at various points by various FIA motorsport rules.

B-segment, C-segment etc usually means cars have road use type approval and insurance categories etc by industry bodies and authorities. But even cars built in the private garage can be given road approval without being categorised. I believe, but it's outside my knowledgebase, road homologation rules are generally more relaxed for smaller builders, rules like the height of the bonnet and such. Tight-ass rules for volume manufacturers are one reason why most cars seen on the road all look the same.

Touring car is an old fashioned word meaning a car that can go distances comfortably with passengers and luggage and are weatherproofed; not like a racecar, sportscar, microcar, bumper car, clown car.

Up to now, rallying has always used "series production (grand) touring cars" as the basis for rally cars, even if extensions changed the outcome into racecars.

New rules say manufacturers and tuners can build. Nothing clear yet says who can be a tuner, if they need manufacturer relationship or if they have to make theirs available for sale. But if you allow concepts as well as tuners, it must be because the manufacturers don't exist. So there may be a Toyota GR Rally1 (concept) or a Toyota Gr Yaris Rally1 (production), or even a Motorsport Forums Rally1. If they have that then Porsche, Maserati and Bentley can do their thing too, if they want.

[Morte66]

If that Caymen is a Rally 1 chassis with Caymen look alike bodywork yes.

Ah-hah, I think I get it.

If they enter an actual Cayman with a roll cage and different shocks and so on, it has to go in the GT class which has rules designed to stop it from winning anything except the GT class.

But if they put a Cayman silhouette on a Rally 1 chassis, they can be a new manufacturer in Rally 1 competing for rally wins with a pretty sports car. [I like pretty sports cars.]

Alas, I expect they'd use a Macan silhouette if they actually did this... ;)

[becher]

Ah-hah, I think I get it.

If they enter an actual Cayman with a roll cage and different shocks and so on, it has to go in the GT class which has rules designed to stop it from winning anything except the GT class.

But if they put a Cayman silhouette on a Rally 1 chassis, they can be a new manufacturer in Rally 1 competing for rally wins with a pretty sports car. [I like pretty sports cars.]

Alas, I expect they'd use a Macan silhouette if they actually did this... ;)

In that sense nothing changed in the regulations, Porsche could have entered already with a scaled Macan silhouette on a Rally1 chassis.

[Myrvold]

In that sense nothing changed in the regulations, Porsche could have entered already with a scaled Macan silhouette on a Rally1 chassis.

But with the new rules, you don't need Porsche to sign off on it as I understand it.

[Eli]

https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/why-rally2-plus-wont-last-in-the-wrc/

[Fast Eddie WRC]

https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/why-rally2-plus-wont-last-in-the-wrc/

A £5000 parts kit that will let a Rally2(+) driver get close to a Rally1(-) car next year. Surely it cant be that cheap & easy. And if it was, why would a WRC1 manufacturer sell it and create more competition for their Rally1 car drivers ?

[Kenneth]

I suppose that without a WEC-style BoP, Rally1 will always have an edge thanks to better balance, weight, center of gravity etc.

[steve.mandzij]

I suppose it would be cool if that's how the category worked: Rally2+ vs new Rally1 sort of like late Grp A vs early WRC

[WRCStan]

Class wise, it'll be more old Rally1 v new Rally1.5 until old Rally1 becomes the newer Rally1.5 and the new Rally1.5 is scrapped - according to Dirtfish.

Unless you get a new 2026 Rally1 (Rally1.5 level), and there's no incentive for the current manus to do that, you won't see parity.

[TypeR]

That 5000 price tag for ,,wrc-kit'' sounds more than unreal..
If so then how do you explain the difference..
-300k rally2 + 5k wrc-kit (that is very close to rally1 car)
vs
-ca 400k rally1 car

Where does that 100k go in the rally1 then..? If the rally2+ is supposed to be really close to top class..


Other than that, I am waiting for the next seasons :D

[Maui J.]

But with the new rules, you don't need Porsche to sign off on it as I understand it.

That's my understanding as well, especially with 'tuners' mentioned. This is great news if it's true. Something I've mentioned on this forum for years... ditch the manufacturer approval. Let the tuners develop, build and then go rallying in the car of their choice. It may work, or they may fail terribly, but at least it will add some flavour to the cake.
And if a tuner's car does well, it may encourage the manufacturers to take note and possibly back them. Bring it on.

[WRCStan]

But with the new rules, you don't need Porsche to sign off on it as I understand it.

Yes you would because you're making something that looks like a Porsche and probably calling it a Porsche but it isn't a Porsche and putting it in the public eye.

Ain't happening in Rally1, very different to taking an actual Porsche and 'tuning' it for R-GT.

[Mirek]

That 5000 price tag for ,,wrc-kit'' sounds more than unreal..
If so then how do you explain the difference..
-300k rally2 + 5k wrc-kit (that is very close to rally1 car)
vs
-ca 400k rally1 car

Where does that 100k go in the rally1 then..? If the rally2+ is supposed to be really close to top class..


Other than that, I am waiting for the next seasons :D

That's complete misunderstanding of how any small scale production works. I tried to explain in another thread some time ago so sorry for repeating myself.

The far majority of the price of any part is the development cost. You can bolt a cheap thing on a car but first you need to spend huge sum to develop the car. The reason why Rally2 car is cheaper than Rally1 is the production volume. Unlike Rally1 the Rally2 work on market basis. If you build 5 Rally2 cars per season and sell none the price of one car will be most likely similar to the Rally1 car.

Also don't forget that the performance of any car is mainly driven by the rules. If by rules you design a hybrid-powered rocket with large restrictor and than remove the hybrid and make the restrictor smaller to fit the speed of cheaply upgraded Rally2 cars you automatically get a car which is grossly overpriced. But that's not an error in the design. The error is in the change of the rules and in this case FIA deliberately chose to make the Rally1 cars look ridiculous for the one season before new cars come.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Rally Canarias in WRC from next season say reports...

https://rallyjournal.com/what-news-the-world-rally-championship-is-heading-to-a-tourist-favourite-destination/

[Eli]

Apparently Saudi Arabia is a done deal for next year: https://rallyjournal.com/a-new-addition-expected-for-the-world-rally-championship/
Taken from the article:
"According to the French magazine Autohebdo, confirmation for the Saudi Arabian event is expected as early as March."

Aren't they supposed to have a candidate event if they're to hold a WRC event next year?

[TypeR]

Hey, You can't be so naive.

It is Saudi Arabia. They don't need candidate event.
I thinl that if they wanted, they could buy out an event even for 2024 season.

If we leave all that politics bs aside(as we can't change it anyway), I believe it would be an awesome event for a rally fan.

[PLuto]

Hey, You can't be so naive.

It is Saudi Arabia. They don't need candidate event.
I thinl that if they wanted, they could buy out an event even for 2024 season.

If we leave all that politics bs aside(as we can't change it anyway), I believe it would be an awesome event for a rally fan.

In fact, nobody needs to be a candidate event...

[Andre Oliveira]

Madeira was WRC candidate some years before IRC starts.

[satnav]

You don't have to run a candidate event now, you just have to run a stage to full WRC status during an event, to show that you are up to the task as will happen in Ireland if the money comes available. And at the minute the money still hasn't appeared...

[Eli]

Hey, You can't be so naive.

It is Saudi Arabia. They don't need candidate event.
I think that if they wanted, they could buy out an event even for 2024 season.

If we leave all that politics bs aside(as we can't change it anyway), I believe it would be an awesome event for a rally fan.

I'm not, but I'm pretty sure last time they realized it, they didn't have an event the following year; I'll admit as a rally it would probably produce a good show.

[WRCStan]

Saudi has been a for sure for several seasons now, yet I looked past ten years on ewrc, not a single rally results on there. Was there ever one? Look on the SAMF website, a rally is a rally raid. I can see it not happening again.

[focus206]

Saudi has been a for sure for several seasons now, yet I looked past ten years on ewrc, not a single rally results on there. Was there ever one? Look on the SAMF website, a rally is a rally raid. I can see it not happening again.

No, there has never been a Saudi rally in the Middle East Rally Championship nor a rally worth of note. There's the Hail Baja/Rally and of course the Dakar but no traditional rally, unless they're small regional rallies we don't know about.

[EstWRC]

Canary Islands join the calendar next season

https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/canary-islands-land-wrc-slot-for-2025/

[Eli]

Canary Islands join the calendar next season

https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/canary-islands-land-wrc-slot-for-2025/

I wonder if it'll come instead of Croatia (since they still need to renew their contract) or Ireland (which have yet to secure funding), assuming Saudi Arabia is the 14th event slot.

[Andre Oliveira]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GIYm7_3WoAAZ1rr?format=jpg&name=large

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Rally Canarias in WRC from next season say reports...

https://rallyjournal.com/what-news-the-world-rally-championship-is-heading-to-a-tourist-favourite-destination/

Nice to see this was correct and Rally Journal is a good source of info for the future...

[Backa]

It's nice addition to calendar but seems like future of Croatia in WRC is at risk.

Best way to handle it would be WRC/ERC rotation for those rallies and similar rotation for Poland, Estonia and Latvia.

[Eli]

It's nice addition to calendar but seems like future of Croatia in WRC is at risk.

Best way to handle it would be WRC/ERC rotation for those rallies and similar rotation for Poland, Estonia and Latvia.

With all due respect to Croatia, I think this will be a cooler event, and this is also proof the WRC can have island events, ehm Corsica, ehm.

[Backa]

this is also proof the WRC can have island events

Sardegna is doing rather well. Maybe difference is that stages aren't spread across whole island like it usually was in Tour De Corse.

Anyway, with so many decent canditates to host the rally in Europe, I think rotating spots with ERC is way to go for less iconic rallies.

[Eli]

Sardegna is doing rather well. Maybe difference is that stages aren't spread across whole island like it usually was in Tour De Corse.

Anyway, with so many decent canditates to host the rally in Europe, I think rotating spots with ERC is way to go for less iconic rallies.

Sardegna pays nicely, one of the only European events to survive covid-19 back in 2020.

[manthey]

It's nice addition to calendar but seems like future of Croatia in WRC is at risk.

Best way to handle it would be WRC/ERC rotation for those rallies and similar rotation for Poland, Estonia and Latvia.

Croatia got an extended contract and rally base is going to be located in Istria

[NoFear85]

Croatia got an extended contract and rally base is going to be located in Istria

is this information reliable? this has been talked about since the very beginning of WRC Croatia

[manthey]

is this information reliable? this has been talked about since the very beginning of WRC Croatia

there was an article about posted on thsi forum

[Managarium]

is this information reliable? this has been talked about since the very beginning of WRC Croatia


there was an article about posted on thsi forum

https://istarski.hr/node/94195-wrc-ce-se-voziti-u-istri-ali-postoji-jedan-uvjet

Here it is.
Šaškin says that WRC Promotor is offering them a contract until 2027.
Nothing is confirmed.
So, the route will be the same this year, but from 2025. it will be in Istria.

[AlanaFord]

https://istarski.hr/node/94195-wrc-ce-se-voziti-u-istri-ali-postoji-jedan-uvjet

Here it is.
Šaškin says that WRC Promotor is offering them a contract until 2027.
Nothing is confirmed.
So, the route will be the same this year, but from 2025. it will be in Istria.
He said it will be some changes from 2025.-2027., he didn't say it will be held in Istria.
It's quite complicated to move everything in Istria...

[Jarek Z]

A real Lancia 037 Rally was present at the Italian premiere of the movie "Race for Glory - Audi vs Lancia" in Turin. Have a look at the photos:
https://www.media.stellantis.com/em-en/lancia/press/lancia-proudly-welcomes-the-arrival-of-race-for-glory-audi-vs-lancia-in-italian-theaters

[Tauri_J]

Too bad the movie sucked ass.

[sti123]

Too bad the movie sucked ass.

This is a badly made movie, pity that they couldn't pull this out..

[Jarek Z]

Lancia unveils the new HF logo, which will make its debut on the new Lancia Ypsilon HF:
https://www.media.stellantis.com/em-en/lancia/press/lancia-brand-unveils-hf-logo

[Andre Oliveira]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GJIwGdKXQAAPf8U?format=jpg&name=large

[tonirali]

Don't know how reliable, but Portuguese FB groups have been gossiping about a possible Portuguese Rally1 entrant in Portugal? Not one of the main national title contenders, for sure, from what I've read. Does anyone more in the know want to spill the beans or give us a hint as to when it's confirmed?

[WRCStan]

Don't know how reliable, but Portuguese FB groups have been gossiping about a possible Portuguese Rally1 entrant in Portugal? Not one of the main national title contenders, for sure, from what I've read. Does anyone more in the know want to spill the beans or give us a hint as to when it's confirmed?

Kris Meeke and his new passport.

[Andre Oliveira]

Diogo Salvi in Ford Puma Rally1. Old dream of him not allowed sooner cause FIA requirements. He is very rich and razonable driver. Droves only gravel rallies after big crash in tarmac some years ago. Son of 1977 portuguese champion Giovanni Salvi (Italian decendent).

[Andre Oliveira]

Kris Meeke and his new passport.

Portugal is Portuguese national round too.

[TypeR]

BREAKING NEWS!

Abiteboul will be Lappi's new co-driver for the rest of 2024 season!
https://www.wrc.com/a/news/w27576

[manthey]

BREAKING NEWS!

Abiteboul will be Lappi's new co-driver for the rest of 2024 season!
https://www.wrc.com/a/news/w27576

let's start with the jokes on 1 April

[Katvala]

let's start with the jokes on 1 AprilYou have yet to discover time zones?

Sent from my M2012K11G using Tapatalk

[Negaiss]

Mārtiņš Sesks Rally1 drive ir WRC Latvia 2024 91% probillity. Car still unknown (i would bet on Yaris)

[Backa]

91% is quite specific lol.

Sesks is good driver with Rally1 potential. It will be interesting to see how good result he will get with combination of his experience on Latvian gravel and his lack of experience in Rally1 car. If he could debut on similar Poland stages 3 weeks earlier, it would help but I guess getting budget for two rounds could be too difficult.

[Negaiss]

91% is quite specific lol.

Sesks is good driver with Rally1 potential. It will be interesting to see how good result he will get with combination of his experience on Latvian gravel and his lack of experience in Rally1 car. If he could debut on similar Poland stages 3 weeks earlier, it would help but I guess getting budget for two rounds could be too difficult.

Exactly ! There are some news on Latvian media about some surprise which will be revealed shortly. Sesks and his supporters have some money but not a lot like Bertelli for example. But I think that some Rally1 team might have contracted him not just because of money, but because that he has the best knowledge of Latvian WRC round roads, he knows some of the roads by hearth and he already actually is a good driver on fast gravel (have beaten Paddon in same conditions in Poland).

[Eli]

https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/millener-the-wrc-is-not-broken/

Our boy Rich thinks the WRC isn’t broken…although he does think the regulation changes are a step too far, I wonder when or if at all will Latvala comment on next year’s changes.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/millener-the-wrc-is-not-broken/

Our boy Rich thinks the WRC isn’t broken…although he does think the regulation changes are a step too far, I wonder when or if at all will Latvala comment on next year’s changes.

Maybe now they finally developed the Fiesta Rally2 and that is pulling in sales. So they dont need to fret about not selling more than one Puma Rally1.

Plus they are getting some good results with Fourmaux and the WRC is looking a bit more competitive.

[Negaiss]

Martins Sesks posted today on facebook about super exciting announcement which will come out april 22 ~10:00 UTC (~12:00 Latvian time). Highly likely it will be about WRC Latvia Rally1 start. From this point Martins Sesks Rally1 drive in WRC Latvia round is a 95,56% prabability. Let's wait.

[TypeR]

Sesks with Puma rally1 (no hybrid) car in Poland and rally1 with hybrid in Latvia:

https://www.wrc.com/a/news/w27739

[AndersX]

Oho, this is interesting turn of events; they are opening new chapter for all the new prospects, with the non-hybrid R1 car. Very interesting.

[RS]

This seems like a sensible way to do it, with a warm up event and minus hybrid. A bit surprised it's not in a Toyota as he switched to that for ERC but great news anyhow.. i expect him to turn a few heads in Latvia.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

https://www.autosport.com/wrc/news/erc-star-sesks-secures-wrc-rally1-graduation-with-m-sport/10601871/

This is a better idea than the 'Rally2+ kit' going forward until 2027. Just need Hyundai and Toyota to also provide cars for locals.

[Us44]

Facebook video about Sesks in MSport base - https://www.facebook.com/share/v/wSNtNo2cVuqEGeY1/?mibextid=KsPBc6

[steve.mandzij]

Rally1 with no hybrid is really stupid imo, less power but still with the added weight of the hybrid.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Rally1 with no hybrid is really stupid imo, less power but still with the added weight of the hybrid.

Maybe it's to do with not upsetting the balance of the car ?

[WRCStan]

Rally1 with no hybrid is really stupid imo, less power but still with the added weight of the hybrid.

Not as stupid as giving a red-blooded novice a lighter car for two of the fastest rallies going - not being a comment on Sesks' ability.

A hybrid-equipped car is 3.3kg/hp under the engine, to 2.5 with the acceleration boost. Without hybrid weight it's 3.1kg/hp all the time.

Somebody will say that doesn't mean everything but it's a good guide.

[Eli]

It’s for 2025 rather but anyhow: https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/wrc-investigating-live-team-radio-for-broadcasts/

[Kenneth]

Wow I don't like that at all. It doesn't make any sense to me on a sporting level. WRC promoter probably forgot that in F1, team radio isn't there just to broadcast funny lines. I don't think there is anything so important that teams would need to say that to the crew during the stage.

[satnav]

It’s for 2025 rather but anyhow: https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/wrc-investigating-live-team-radio-for-broadcasts/

Seen this today, i've listened since the early 90's to rally comms and the only thing you ever heard was stage clear messages and stage times , even when Carlos's engine let go in 98 apart from Bruno Thiry on the radio to John Milly nothing to note.

I notice that Larkin is comparing all this to F1 ??

Just looks like another stupid idea from the WRC Promotor to try and spice up something that doesn't need it.

[PLuto]

It’s for 2025 rather but anyhow: https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/wrc-investigating-live-team-radio-for-broadcasts/

For me this is completely stupid idea...

[saco0o]

great. sports became enterteinment and now the enterteinment is becoming just 'distractions'. noticed how motogp, supercross and now wrc wants 'radio'? its literally for content. to upload "funny radio compilations' after the race, like f1 does because no one finds joy on watching that anymore. f that, this is getting so lame. i havent even watched the 3 min highlights for croatia, i just read the results. idk bout you fellas, but im basically done with wrc =/
sorry for the rant.

[ictus]

Rally1 with no hybrid is really stupid imo, less power but still with the added weight of the hybrid.

you do realize that the power form the hybrid unit is not constant... It's there only for very short periods. So for a first time out it won't make a big differance

[Walach]

The question is how much of a difference this non hybrid makes in terms of the rental. Even if it is some 10 % cheaper (doubt it is as much) it does not solve the current WRC issues, at all.

[rallyfiend]

great. sports became enterteinment and now the enterteinment is becoming just 'distractions'. noticed how motogp, supercross and now wrc wants 'radio'? its literally for content. to upload "funny radio compilations' after the race, like f1 does because no one finds joy on watching that anymore. f that, this is getting so lame. i havent even watched the 3 min highlights for croatia, i just read the results. idk bout you fellas, but im basically done with wrc =/
sorry for the rant.

Yet here you are posting on a forum for the most hardcore of hardcore fans....

If you read the article, it seems like having usable radio could help the performance of the crews, and even be useful for keeping cars in the rally...

[tonirali]

Having base-to-car radio comms used to be common, right? The only truly novel thing would be having it be open for broadcasting purposes. So yeah, imo radio is fine, but using it to milk entertainment doesn't seem like a good idea.

[denkimi]

It’s for 2025 rather but anyhow: https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/wrc-investigating-live-team-radio-for-broadcasts/
It seems like that's an idea by someone who has absolutely no idea what rally is. Someone who doesn't know there's a codriver constantly talking and a driver constantly listening.

The only time any radio messages will be send is when they are not on stage, but often they will then not be in the car and will use their phone and not some radio. Perhaps some funny remarks could be made now and then, but it will never be comparable with circuit racing.



Having base-to-car radio comms used to be common, right? The only truly novel thing would be having it be open for broadcasting purposes. So yeah, imo radio is fine, but using it to milk entertainment doesn't seem like a good idea.
They all have base to car comms, it's called a smartphone. They can even stream video in both directions.
They also have a system so that the director of the rally can send them messages, and they can send them back.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

The question is how much of a difference this non hybrid makes in terms of the rental. Even if it is some 10 % cheaper (doubt it is as much) it does not solve the current WRC issues, at all.

If it's enough reduction to enable some extra Rally1 cars with WRC Promotor help it's only a good thing if only for the next 18 months.

WRC Promoter’s Senior Director of Sport, Peter Thul added: “We identified the need to put more resources into supporting the next generation of potential WRC world champions and assisting them in making the challenging step from the support categories to our sport’s highest echelon."

[skarderud]

Mikkelsen in Rally1 in Poland.

Sent fra min SM-S901B via Tapatalk

[Franky]

I agree with denkimi. Someone doesn't know what their product is.

[Sulland]

Rally1 with no hybrid is really stupid imo, less power but still with the added weight of the hybrid.


Should think they remove the whole Hybrid unit(s), but leave the cables++ that does not weigh much. Aprox 90-100 kg lost.
Enginewise it is more than enough for Sesks to handle in the beginning!!

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Mikkelsen in Rally1 in Poland.

Sent fra min SM-S901B via Tapatalk

No Lappi is really strange unless Hyundai enter 4 Rally1 cars.

[greencroft]

If it's enough reduction to enable some extra Rally1 cars with WRC Promotor help it's only a good thing if only for the next 18 months.

WRC Promoter’s Senior Director of Sport, Peter Thul added: “We identified the need to put more resources into supporting the next generation of potential WRC world champions and assisting them in making the challenging step from the support categories to our sport’s highest echelon."


I feel bad that I can never see Peter Thul's name without recalling this clip, especially his quote at the end "I am an idiot, sorry", a reflection of how once something is on the internet, it's there forever:

https://youtu.be/98ldPqI0CUk?si=yNweP9GZbCmXQg5q

[Eli]

Mikkelsen in Rally1 in Poland.

Sent fra min SM-S901B via Tapatalk

Source? Please.

[TypeR]

Source? Please.
https://www.rallit.fi/hyundain-wrc-tallilta-yllatys-esapekka-lapilta-jaamassa-nopea-mm-ralli-valiin/

However, Mikkelsen revealed that his next driving gig for Hyundai will be at the Polish Rally.

[Eli]

https://www.rallit.fi/hyundain-wrc-tallilta-yllatys-esapekka-lapilta-jaamassa-nopea-mm-ralli-valiin/

Thanks, also saw Rally Journal publishing it.

[WRCStan]

Should think they remove the whole Hybrid unit(s), but leave the cables++ that does not weigh much. Aprox 90-100 kg lost.

Nope, Article 12.1.3 has this covered, must use ballast or dummy unit.

[mknight]

https://www.rallit.fi/hyundain-wrc-tallilta-yllatys-esapekka-lapilta-jaamassa-nopea-mm-ralli-valiin/

That is indeed very strange. Before the season he said 5 rallies (4 tarmac+1).

Acropolis was by far the most logical, based on recent results. Yes historically he has good results in Poland, but it's not an easy rally to do as first gravel in the car and there is a big question of Latvia and Finland afterwards. Surely you'd want same driver on all of them?

If it is true then it does sound like 4th car entry.

[Eli]

https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/sordo-will-he-stay-or-will-he-go/

My guess is that we’ll see him at least once more in the Canary next year.

[mknight]

Sordo has never quite got along with the hybrids. With the previous generation and road position advantage it was fight for win on every slow gravel rally. With hybrid only Portugal last year was on same level.

But Lappi does not seem to work as 3rd driver on these kind of rallies and Mikkelsen hasn't driven this car on gravel yet. Guess they will wait and see how these two do on their next rounds.

[CeskyOndra]

Will Hyundai go with just 3 cars (Neu,Tan and Mikkelsen) to Poland? If its true, It seems like a bad choice to me. They need good amount of points and Lappi is always fast, atleast he can make good points on Sunday

[WRCStan]

They can only nominate 3 for points, what's the point in a fourth if it can't take any away?

[Backa]

Will Hyundai go with just 3 cars (Neu,Tan and Mikkelsen) to Poland? If its true, It seems like a bad choice to me. They need good amount of points and Lappi is always fast, atleast he can make good points on Sunday

Hyundai already made weird choice with making Mikkelsen their tarmac specialist which even Mikkelsen admit that he is confused about. Mikkelsen's result were quite good in Poland in 2014-2017 period, most of Lappi's rally1 experience come from years Poland wasn't in calendar.

It could be decision based on wanting to check how Mikkelsen is performing in type of rally that suits him or maybe even some contractual promise that he will get one gravel opportunity.

[CeskyOndra]

They can only nominate 3 for points, what's the point in a fourth if it can't take any away?

They can nominate Tanak Neuville Lappi for points and do not risk Mikkelsen and just let him go for "practice"

[er88]

I think Lappi or Sordo will be drafted in later in the season to score manufacturer pts instead of Mikkelsen, in CER or Japan

[TypeR]

Pajari with Yaris rally1 hybrid in Latvia, with Promoters help(like Sesks):

https://www.wrc.com/a/news/w28010

[CeskyOndra]

Pajari with Yaris rally1 hybrid in Latvia, with Promoters help(like Sesks):

https://www.wrc.com/a/news/w28010

That is great news, we will see nice comparison between Pajari and Sesks. Really looking forward!

[CeskyOndra]

Maybe I'm just a bit naive, but this could mean that Ogier or Evans won't drive Toyota next year, when they are trying to test Pajari's skills.

[macebig]

Think it's straight forward that if Evans doesn't win the title (or is at least a realistic contender until Japan), he's out.

[er88]

You really think Toyota are going to pay Evans off (as he's under contract), because of some bad rallies, or if he doesn't win the title? C'mon.
He's still one of the better drivers in the championship. Toyota will have Kalle, Evans and Katsuta doing the full season, with Ogier and Pajari rotating in a 4th car

[WRCStan]

Maybe I'm just a bit naive, but this could mean that Ogier or Evans won't drive Toyota next year, when they are trying to test Pajari's skills.

I think be prepared for a heck of a lot of change for next season, but not necessarily anything you've said.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

As discussed in the TGR Thread, some think that Toyota are close to a 'crisis point' with their full-time driver's this season. Evans and Katsuta just aren't cutting it.

Plus rally leading Ogier cant assist Evans when Evans is in 4th or 5th place. (That's assuming he'd slow down anyway !)

And Kalle hasn't been consistent enough and possibly isnt fully-focusses as a part-timer.

Losing both Titles to Hyundai is now looking more likely than for years.

[Eli]

As discussed in the TGR Thread, some think that Toyota are close to a 'crisis point' with their full-time driver's this season. Evans and Katsuta just aren't cutting it.

Plus rally leading Ogier cant assist Evans when Evans is in 4th or 5th place. (That's assuming he'd slow down anyway !)

And Kalle hasn't been consistent enough and possibly isnt fully-focusses as a part-timer.

Losing both Titles to Hyundai is now looking more likely than for years.

But don't forget Kalle will do full seasons starting from next year. However, it's clever on their side to check their options for the future (past 2027), however with all due respect to Katsuta, he's not on the same level as Evans and I doubt anyone here thinks he'd be even remotely close to mounting a title challenge like Evans has back in 2020-2021, sure he didn't succeed but I would still pick him over Katsuta at any day of the week. No offense to any Katsuta fans out there but that's the way I see it. Also if I were Hyundai I would check more names than the one they already did, if they do end up staying until the end of this decade, they will at some point need to replace both Ott & Thierry.

[Tauri_J]

Finnish media after Tänak's test (use google translate)

https://www.rallit.fi/ott-tanak-tykitti-suomessa-virolaistahden-testeista-kantautui-pelottava-tieto-toyotalle/

Toyota guys are nervous

[bandit12]

Heh. Just mind games.

[EstWRC]

Finnish media after Tänak's test (use google translate)

https://www.rallit.fi/ott-tanak-tykitti-suomessa-virolaistahden-testeista-kantautui-pelottava-tieto-toyotalle/

Toyota guys are nervous

English version of the site https://rallyjournal.com

[Eli]

As predicted: https://www.fia.com/news/stability-wrc-and-2026-regulations-formula-1-top-fia-world-motor-sport-council-agenda-samarkand

“Technical stability agreed for FIA World Rally Championship

Technical stability has been agreed between all stakeholders for the 2025 and 2026 FIA World Rally Championship seasons. The World Council has confirmed that, following extensive feedback and discussions, the WRC Technical Regulations for Rally1/2 cars will remain unchanged for the coming two years.

All stakeholders are working positively together on the direction of the regulations for 2027 and beyond, and there is a good consensus between the World Council members and the manufacturers on the key targets that are aimed primarily at increasing participation at the highest level as previously set out by the FIA. It is a strong expectation of the World Council that the current manufacturers will commit to the long-term future of the sport well in advance. These regulations will be presented for approval at the December meeting of the World Council, allowing more than two year’s lead time for manufacturers to adapt.

Following a clear pledge to invest from the WRC Promoter, the FIA will strengthen its team across the Commercial and Communications Departments to extend their support for the Promoter and the key stakeholders around the Promotional Working Group.

There will be a strong focus on managing the sporting regulations following the creation of the WRC Sporting Working Group, with a key emphasis on increasing the opportunities for media activation and reducing the costs for its competitors. The final versions of these Sporting Regulations are to be proposed in the October session of the WMSC.

FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem commented on these conclusions, saying: “The WRC is hugely important to the FIA, it is the pinnacle of the rally discipline and I have had a lot of conversations with the manufacturers over the past weeks about its future direction. It is clear now that we all need to have technical stability for the next two years, but at the same time it is important for the FIA that, in providing this stability, we receive the same positive commitment from the manufacturers.”

Speaking in reaction to this confirmation by the World Council, other WRC stakeholders have also added their thoughts.

WRC Promoter Managing Director Jona Siebel said: “As the WRC Promoter this is a hugely important moment for us, as we can move forward with unity and consistency over the next two years from a technical perspective while we are investing heavily in new and exciting ways to grow the fanbase of the sport and deliver for our fans.”

Jari-Matti Latvala, TOYOTA GAZOO Racing World Rally Team Principal said: “We have a very solid commitment to the World Rally Championship, and we are really supportive of a continued collaborative approach to ensure the strongest competition for all of us.”

Hyundai Motorsport President and Team Principal Cyril Abiteboul said: “We have worked very closely together with the FIA over the past months and while we all believe that stability of the technical regulations for 2025 and 2026 is the right thing, the very substantial steps made on the governance will provide for a more unified and positive approach towards the short term improvements and long term breakthroughs that we all agree the sport needs.”

Malcolm Wilson, M-Sport Ford World Rally Team added: “This is a really positive step for us in the coming years. We have seen some good proposals on the promotion side, on the marketing side and the plans for event operations and now the work to make those things happen needs to start, and with a consistent proposition on the technical side, I think the scope is there to achieve our ambitious targets for the WRC.”

Anna Nordkvist, General Manager of Rally Sweden, said: “From the side of the organisers, there are a lot of positive initiatives starting now that are going to bring a big benefit to the sport and the fans. All of the rallies are different, but with more flexibility and more focus on the fan experience, everyone will benefit. The work being done on the Sporting Regulations is really important for us.”

Thierry Neuville, Driver for Hyundai Motorsport, said: “It is good to hear today that we have the stability the teams have requested and from the meetings we had in Sardinia, it looks like there are some interesting proposals on the table for the future development of the sport. In addition to this, the FIA’s increased promotional efforts promise to elevate our sport’s profile and deliver greater value to all stakeholders. As a driver, I am excited to see the changes that will not only maintain but enhance our connection with fans worldwide, ensuring that the sport continues to grow and thrive.”

Additionally, the World Council approved that, for promotion purposes, two designated team personnel for each registered manufacturer will now be allowed to be present within one kilometre of their competing cars on road sections for filming and social media content creation. Additional positions in the car were also accommodated for the fitting of onboard camera lens.

To provide continuity and stability in the Junior WRC Championship, the extension of the exclusive car supply contract (M-Sport Poland Ford Fiesta Rally3 EVO) for the 2025 season was approved.”

And of course no word about the 2027 regulations, or next years’ events formats or even the calendar, guess that’s too much for them to handle…..’sigh’.

[TypeR]

Ogier confirmed for rally Latvia also, so it will be 5 events im a row. Going for the title..?

E: Kalle also starting

[Backa]

Ogier confirmed for rally Latvia also, so it will be 5 events im a row. Going for the title..?

It could be quite interesting shenanigan - Ogier deciding to fight for title and starting in all rounds but not announcing that.

[Sal yet again]

Elfyn's chance of the drivers title ended when he fell off the side of the road on the Monza rally. He's never seemed the same since and Ogier playing these games will see Seb become the challenger to Neuville for this years crown. Latvala as a driver who never won the title doesnt appear to want to support the Welshman for whatever reason be it the Manufacturers crown or something else.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

More likely Ogier is being drafted in to support Toyota's fight for the Manufacturers Title.

Pajari is also being switched to Finland for his Rally1 drive...

[PLuto]

Elfyn's chance of the drivers title ended when he fell off the side of the road on the Monza rally. He's never seemed the same since and Ogier playing these games will see Seb become the challenger to Neuville for this years crown. Latvala as a driver who never won the title doesnt appear to want to support the Welshman for whatever reason be it the Manufacturers crown or something else.

I think that problem should be also that Monza was last year with "old" WRC cars. Since next season hybrid versions came up and some drivers were not able to be on same speed like with older cars...

[Fast Eddie WRC]

More likely Ogier is being drafted in to support Toyota's fight for the Manufacturers Title.

Pajari is also being switched to Finland for his Rally1 drive...

Seems I was right...

Latvala on WRC.com

“We are strongly committed to developing young drivers for the future, and also to maximising our results in the present,” the Finn explained. “This is why we will still bring four cars to Latvia and now take the opportunity to have Sébastien there alongside Kalle, Elfyn and Takamoto. Seb has been very strong so far this year and, with the championship being so tight, we want to bring all the strength and experience we have to keep up the fight."

[mknight]

I think that problem should be also that Monza was last year with "old" WRC cars. Since next season hybrid versions came up and some drivers were not able to be on same speed like with older cars...

Evans crashed from his title in 2020. Last year with old cars was 2021.

That said it is true that Evans and Sordo are seemingly a step worse in hybrids.

[CeskyOndra]

Guys, don't decide the season in June. I have a feeling that Evans will be very fast in Poland, Latvia and Finland. He will bounce back, definitelly.

[flat_right]

Esapekka Lappi will participate in ORLEN Lietuva Rally 12-13. July. I wonder, does Neuville also drive somewhere? Ott will drive in ERC Rally Estonia this weekend, Lappi will drive next weekend.

Edit: https://www.autosport.com/wrc/news/neuville-wants-more-hyundai-wrc-seat-time-to-prepare-for-latvia-finland/10630384/ - Hyundai’s WRC programme manager Christian Loriaux says the team will look into Neuville’s request. “It is not in the plan at the moment, but there is always a chance, but we will have to look into it,” he told Autosport.

So Tänak and Lappi will get a chance and Neuville not? :D

[TypeR]

About Neuville's testing..
https://www.autosport.com/wrc/news/neuville-wants-more-hyundai-wrc-seat-time-to-prepare-for-latvia-finland/10630384/


,,I definitely need more seating time on those fast roads.”

Hyundai’s WRC programme manager Christian Loriaux says the team will look into Neuville’s request.

“It is not in the plan at the moment, but there is always a chance, but we will have to look into it,” he told Autosport.

“Budgets are not infinity, and we need time and the test car available. But for sure it is not to be excluded.”

Although I don't buy that budget story (yea right no car for wdc current leader) :D

E: flat right was faster :D

[flat_right]

yea, I don't buy that theory also :D no way there is a situation where Tänak and Lappi can have the budget but Thierry not. I think they have something planned but just can't tell at the moment.

[EstWRC]

Idk some weird stuff going on.

Neuville said that his contract talks depend on Hyundai confirming the remaining jokers, now he doesn’t get a test rally and Colin Clark said in his driver rating article that he senses a little shift in focus at Hyundai

[mknight]

For me it would seem logical to get an extra drive to Lappi cause he didn't drive in Poland unlike everyone except Ogier. Then if you have one more car it is better to give the drive to Tanak cause Neuville will lose ages as first on the road anyway.

[flat_right]

For me it would seem logical to get an extra drive to Lappi cause he didn't drive in Poland unlike everyone except Ogier. Then if you have one more car it is better to give the drive to Tanak cause Neuville will lose ages as first on the road anyway.

Yes, all that is logical but if your championship leader is asking for more driving and they publicly tell that they don't have budget, yet Tänak and Lappi are driving, you have to admit that sounds a bit odd

[sti123]

Yes, all that is logical but if your championship leader is asking for more driving and they publicly tell that they don't have budget, yet Tänak and Lappi are driving, you have to admit that sounds a bit odd

Only one test car available for local events. Also Tänak and Lappi outings were agreed earlier and now Neuville got a wake up call.

[masa90]

Lets see if wrc teams will enter HYA Center rally this year. Last year they had #69, #33 and Loubet (can't remember the number lol)

[Jarek Z]

Martins Sesks - "We could have gone faster, but this weekend was not the time for it" :)

source:
https://www.fiaerc.com/a/news/w28142_Sesks:-ERC-helped-stunning-Rally1-debut

[Andre Oliveira]

Lappi in ORLEN Lietuva Rally (LTH)
Tänak in Delfi Rally Estonia Nationals (EST)

[Eli]

https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/wrc-promoter-launches-female-junior-talent-program/

Some good news for once.

[PLuto]

https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/wrc-promoter-launches-female-junior-talent-program/

Some good news for once.

I remember few years ago when FIA decided to stop Ladies Trophy in ERC, despite both promoter and competitors were against. FIA told that there cannot be any championship or cup based on gender...

[rallyfiend]

That's a pretty comprehensive programme. Fair play.

[WRCStan]

I remember few years ago when FIA decided to stop Ladies Trophy in ERC, despite both promoter and competitors were against. FIA told that there cannot be any championship or cup based on gender...

Good.

Seems there's a difference between a talent program and a championship/cup/trophy that they can skirt the rule. Skirt lol.

[PLuto]

Good.

Seems there's a difference between a talent program and a championship/cup/trophy that they can skirt the rule. Skirt lol.

No. There is difference in FIA ideas among the years. It was same with "senior" category. In ERC it was refused and few years later introduced in WRC...

[Backa]

I remember few years ago when FIA decided to stop Ladies Trophy in ERC, despite both promoter and competitors were against. FIA told that there cannot be any championship or cup based on gender...

I am not little girl that can be inspired to became rally driver but if I would, I think I would be more inspired if I see female driver competing like equal with male drivers than see female drivers having their own little competition.

From rally fan perspective, I also don't like Lia Block choosing circuit racing route.

[seb_sh]

I am not little girl that can be inspired to became rally driver but if I would, I think I would be more inspired if I see female driver competing like equal with male drivers than see female drivers having their own little competition.

From rally fan perspective, I also don't like Lia Block choosing circuit racing route.

The selection pool for female competitors is very small in all motorsport so it's statistically improbable to have competitors at top level. Such programmes are intended to show that it's possible and increase interest with the idea that with increased interest there will be a higher selection pool and therefore a higher chance of someone talented appearing. It's perhaps anecdotal but interesting how 15 years after Leena Gade was featured in Audi's Truth in 24 II Le Mans film there are several female race engineers and strategists working at high level including F1.

[Backa]

The selection pool for female competitors is very small in all motorsport so it's statistically improbable to have competitors at top level. Such programmes are intended to show that it's possible and increase interest with the idea that with increased interest there will be a higher selection pool and therefore a higher chance of someone talented appearing. It's perhaps anecdotal but interesting how 15 years after Leena Gade was featured in Audi's Truth in 24 II Le Mans film there are several female race engineers and strategists working at high level including F1.

I am not arguing about programme. I like idea to make sure top female talent would get funding. I am arguing against women-only cups.

Same with Toyota promoting Japanese drivers. I think it's cool they are doing it but "non-European drivers championships" would be silly.

[Mirek]

I am not arguing about programme. I like idea to make sure top female talent would get funding. I am arguing against women-only cups.

That's intertwined. First you need to get the female competitors on board and by not having this female cups where they and their sponsors get attention you end with having no female competitors at all because in past fourty years no woman has been able to make it in the rallying top level on her own.

I wouldn't take it as a gender thing. For me it's basically the same like when you create a cup for juniors. You do that because you want to help them in their career which would otherwise be much harder.

[Backa]

I wouldn't take it as a gender thing. For me it's basically the same like when you create a cup for juniors. You do that because you want to help them in their career which would otherwise be much harder.

For me it's more like you are supporting driver of specific nationality, like Toyota did with Katsuta and Hiroki Arai. You find some young drivers with potential and not exactly let them "make it on their own" but make sure they have right opportunities to develop. Female driver would quite naturally get attention once she will reach solid WRC2 skill level, also from sponsors.

Ladies Trophy didn't bring too much attention, if Search Tool doesn't lie, it didn't even had own thread on this forum despite being run by many years.

[Mirek]

Ladies Trophy didn't bring too much attention, if Search Tool doesn't lie, it didn't even had own thread on this forum despite being run by many years.

It still brough more girls to the international rallying than any other activity in decades.


For me it's more like you are supporting driver of specific nationality, like Toyota did with Katsuta and Hiroki Arai. You find some young drivers with potential and not exactly let them "make it on their own" but make sure they have right opportunities to develop. Female driver would quite naturally get attention once she will reach solid WRC2 skill level, also from sponsors.

Sadly nobody has succeeded in what you propose in past fourty years. In theory it's of course right but in real life it never worked that way.

[Backa]

It still brough more girls to the international rallying than any other activity in decades.

Sadly nobody has succeeded in what you propose in past fourty years. In theory it's of course right but in real life it never worked that way.

Were even serious attempts to do it in past 40 years?

[flat_right]

Esapekka Lappi will participate in ORLEN Lietuva Rally 12-13. July. I wonder, does Neuville also drive somewhere? Ott will drive in ERC Rally Estonia this weekend, Lappi will drive next weekend.

Edit: https://www.autosport.com/wrc/news/neuville-wants-more-hyundai-wrc-seat-time-to-prepare-for-latvia-finland/10630384/ - Hyundai’s WRC programme manager Christian Loriaux says the team will look into Neuville’s request. “It is not in the plan at the moment, but there is always a chance, but we will have to look into it,” he told Autosport.

So Tänak and Lappi will get a chance and Neuville not? :D

And he does get a chance! Neuville will also participate in Orlen Lietuva Rally 2024

Interesting to see what cars they will be using. I have understood that there is one testing car which was used by Tänak in ERC Rally Estonia. So I assume they could repair that?

[Eli]

No please & No thank you:
https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/capito-would-consider-wrc-leadership-role-if-asked/

[rallyfiend]

Didn't he leave WIlliams under a cloud of fraud allegations?

Even without this, the WRC doesn't need him around...

[Fast Eddie WRC]

I have understood that there is one testing car which was used by Tänak in ERC Rally Estonia. So I assume they could repair that?

Surely not...

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GRyxmujXoAETDOc?format=jpg&name=900x900

[TypeR]

ORLEN Lietuva Rally facebook:

Many of you have probably already seen Ott Tänak's breathtaking crash during Rally Estonia 2024. 🤯

How is this related to ORLEN Lietuva Rally 2024?

The car driven by Ott was supposed to arrive in Mažeiki today, but a painful accident changed the plans of the entire Hyundai Motorsport team, and although the team tried hard to assemble a new car in a few days, due to the lack of details and time resources, T. Neuville unfortunately, but we will not see in our gravel.

[CeskyOndra]

So championship leader won't get any test before gravel rallies because his teammate just destroyed the car. Great job, Ott

[bandit12]

So championship leader won't get any test before gravel rallies because his teammate just destroyed the car. Great job, Ott
Do you really think, that it was intentional?

[EstWRC]

So championship leader won't get any test before gravel rallies because his teammate just destroyed the car. Great job, Ott

lol. Neuville destroyed the car 3 years ago (before 2022 season) at the most critical time when they had to do the final tests before the car homologation. (bcs of that they couldnt test on gravel at all)

but of course you dont remember that.

[TypeR]

So championship leader won't get any test before gravel rallies because his teammate just destroyed the car. Great job, Ott

well.. Tanak didn't get to test either :D

To me it is weird that Hyundai is big manu team and you can't find an extra car.. Yes, such crashes rarely happen, but with so tight schedule there should be plan ,,what if..''

[Fast Eddie WRC]

well.. Tanak didn't get to test either :D

To me it is weird that Hyundai is big manu team and you can't find an extra car.. Yes, such crashes rarely happen, but with so tight schedule there should be plan ,,what if..''

Tanak tested it to destruction !

And I agree that they should have another car. I saw a visit to M-Sport a few weeks ago and I'm sure there were 7 Puma's in the workshop.

[Eli]

Tanak tested it to destruction !

And I agree that they should have another car. I saw a visit to M-Sport a few weeks ago and I'm sure there were 7 Puma's in the workshop.

Remember when Paddon crashed the Fiesta WRC before Neste Rally Finland 2019?

[WRCStan]

well.. Tanak didn't get to test either :D

To me it is weird that Hyundai is big manu team and you can't find an extra car.. Yes, such crashes rarely happen, but with so tight schedule there should be plan ,,what if..''

But then you have to ask what if and what if some more. What if 2 or 3 are written off in Latvia with Finland so soon? To justify another build they'd need to also expand the testing programme, which they can't and wouldn't want to; or either expand the extra rallies program or find customers in WRC, both which is against the idea of Rally1 and involves a high risk/reward ratio - they just wrote one off for nothing.

[becher]

So championship leader won't get any test before gravel rallies because his teammate just destroyed the car. Great job, Ott

Ah surely this is bait?

I can't remember someone on this forum criticising Tänak legitimately, let alone having a needless dig at an honest mistake of him.

[becher]

lol. Neuville destroyed the car 3 years ago (before 2022 season) at the most critical time when they had to do the final tests before the car homologation. (bcs of that they couldnt test on gravel at all)

but of course you dont remember that.
Be honest, back then there were plenty of posts about how Neuville is an idiot and screwed the whole team.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

It is unclear if Neuville’s withdrawal from Lietuva Rally is a direct consequence of Tänak’s accident damage, but it would appear likely.

In a statement supplied to DirtFish, Hyundai confirmed: “We decided that due to other activities, Thierry will not participate in the rally in Lithuania. EP will be there as planned.”

Hyundai will also be in the UK this weekend, attending the Goodwood Festival of Speed with Dani Sordo present. DirtFish understands Neuville was originally scheduled to attend before he was entered into Lietuva Rally.

https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/hyundai-withdraws-neuvilles-latvia-warm-up-entry/

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Remember when Paddon crashed the Fiesta WRC before Neste Rally Finland 2019?

The car he was testing in and crashed was his car for the rally. He wasnt an official M-Sport driver either.

[Negaiss]

The car he was testing in and crashed was his car for the rally. He wasnt an official M-Sport driver either.

Remember, that Lukyanuk also had one chance to do WRC round - it was aproximetly 8 - 10 years ago in WRC Finland. He crashed hard, almost destroyed Fiesta WRC at pre event tests and his WRC dream was over. Sad.

[mknight]

well.. Tanak didn't get to test either :D

To me it is weird that Hyundai is big manu team and you can't find an extra car.. Yes, such crashes rarely happen, but with so tight schedule there should be plan ,,what if..''

It is not.
I would think they could get another car but not on a less than a week notice.

Car and parts are under overhaul or moving around between rallies.

[CeskyOndra]

Ah surely this is bait?

I can't remember someone on this forum criticising Tänak legitimately, let alone having a needless dig at an honest mistake of him.

It wasn't a joke, I'm not afraid of hating Tanak here. Neuville is hated basically every day, so why not?

[CeskyOndra]

I have nothing personal against Tanak, I'm just complaining about his driving.

[focus206]

It wasn't a joke, I'm not afraid of hating Tanak here. Neuville is hated basically every day, so why not?

Because you can rise above the people who hate (big word, let's say constantly complain about / make up every reason to criticize) another driver because it's not their favourite driver.
It's obvious Tanak didn't have a big crash on purpose, he wasn't able to test much either. In any case, I doubt much changes for Neuville: he's first on the road anyway, it's probably going to be dry and it's fast gravel... even with some more testing for the new engine mapping, he'll lose tons of time regardless. He should bring it home hoping others hit trouble, no chance for a big result based on speed. Hopefully he'll get to test for later rallies.

[trykmann]

Because you can rise above the people who hate (big word, let's say constantly complain about / make up every reason to criticize) another driver because it's not their favourite driver.
It's obvious Tanak didn't have a big crash on purpose, he wasn't able to test much either. In any case, I doubt much changes for Neuville: he's first on the road anyway, it's probably going to be dry and it's fast gravel... even with some more testing for the new engine mapping, he'll lose tons of time regardless. He should bring it home hoping others hit trouble, no chance for a big result based on speed. Hopefully he'll get to test for later rallies.

Lets no forget how Neuville crashed the first hybrid test car and postponed their whole development for weeks.

[CeskyOndra]

Because you can rise above the people who hate (big word, let's say constantly complain about / make up every reason to criticize) another driver because it's not their favourite driver.
It's obvious Tanak didn't have a big crash on purpose, he wasn't able to test much either. In any case, I doubt much changes for Neuville: he's first on the road anyway, it's probably going to be dry and it's fast gravel... even with some more testing for the new engine mapping, he'll lose tons of time regardless. He should bring it home hoping others hit trouble, no chance for a big result based on speed. Hopefully he'll get to test for later rallies.

How do we know it's gonna be dry? It still more than a week away.. But yeah, I agree that not much changes for him. Big time will be lost

[focus206]

Lets no forget how Neuville crashed the first hybrid test car and postponed their whole development for weeks.

I don't see what does that have to do with what I wrote. And that was quite academic, since the Hyundai of those years was a trashcan on 4 wheels and testing wasn't going to fix nor redesign suspensions, turbo etc.

[focus206]

How do we know it's gonna be dry? It still more than a week away.. But yeah, I agree that not much changes for him. Big time will be lost

I said probably, because it's July... unless in the Baltic countries summer is rainy?

[CeskyOndra]

I said probably, because it's July... unless in the Baltic countries summer is rainy?

Today there are huge storms, so lets see

[flat_right]

I don't see what does that have to do with what I wrote. And that was quite academic, since the Hyundai of those years was a trashcan on 4 wheels and testing wasn't going to fix nor redesign suspensions, turbo etc.

This is not true. Why would they bother testing at all if it didn't accomplish anything, especially for a brand-new car? The main issue was that Hyundai started very late. As a result, they had only a limited number of days to test everything. Because Neuville crashed so badly, they couldn't test their new car on gravel at all, which meant they had to homologate the car without knowing how it would perform on gravel. If they had done some testing, they would have had some idea of what was working and what wasn't, giving them a better base to move forward. Instead, they had to guess and homologate based on what they had.

[focus206]

This is not true. Why would they bother testing at all if it didn't accomplish anything, especially for a brand-new car? The main issue was that Hyundai started very late. As a result, they had only a limited number of days to test everything. Because Neuville crashed so badly, they couldn't test their new car on gravel at all, which meant they had to homologate the car without knowing how it would perform on gravel. If they had done some testing, they would have had some idea of what was working and what wasn't, giving them a better base to move forward. Instead, they had to guess and homologate based on what they had.

No, you can't fix something so flawed with just few more test days, especially because they were already running late. Even if let's say the suspension broke during testing (they were testing on asphalt, vast majority of their suspension problems were on gravel), they would have assumed it was just a regular failure. And even if they realized a bigger flaw, would have they been able to change much in such a short time before homologation? Hardly.
The reality is that neither Tanak nor Neuville could have won the championship driving that "amazing quality" Hyundai against Kalle's Toyota, not in a milllion years.

[Eli]

https://www.autosport.com/wrc/news/wrc-confident-it-can-keep-manufacturers-amid-hyundai-future-rumours-/10633633/

Peter Thul WRC Promoter’s Senior Director of Sport told Autosport/Motorsport.com: "....I also hope if we have good [2027] regulations done by the end of the year..."
and in other news, Wales Rally GB will be back by 2027....they hardly managed getting these regs in time, I highly doubt they'll do that for 2027, I hope they prove me (& any other doubters out there) wrong.

[becher]

It wasn't a joke, I'm not afraid of hating Tanak here. Neuville is hated basically every day, so why not?

Fair enough. I might not agree with your original comment, but I do share your general sentiment.

It adds a bit of variety to the forum, which sometimes looks like a Tänak appreciation society.

[Tauri_J]

I said probably, because it's July... unless in the Baltic countries summer is rainy?

Depends, coud be miserable every day and could be a month long drought. You never know whats your gonna get here.

But looking at the forecast it looks to be like a high pressure zones over eastern/central europe next week. So looks to be like a dry and dusty rally coming....for now.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

WRC set for major presence at Goodwood Festival of Speed starting today

https://www.wrc.com/a/news/w28206_WRC-set-for-major-presence-at-Goodwood-Festival-of-Speed

Rally Stage stream (only Sordo here I think, others will do the Hill Climb)...

https://www.youtube.com/live/6OfKXRwV5M4?si=zBvZ1QSu5pDRi7-G

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Evans to test for Finland on the HYAcenter Rally:

https://rallyjournal.com/elfyn-evans-to-compete-in-finnish-test-rally-ahead-of-wrc-rally-finland/

[EstWRC]

This weekend’s rally will provide a valuable litmus test for new technology designed to boost the fan viewing experience next year

https://www.motorsport.com/wrc/news/wrc-to-test-new-2025-live-data-system-in-latvia/10635666/

[saco0o]

This weekend’s rally will provide a valuable litmus test for new technology designed to boost the fan viewing experience next year

https://www.motorsport.com/wrc/news/wrc-to-test-new-2025-live-data-system-in-latvia/10635666/

i still dont understand that. the promoter is spending money to add a little bit of "radio" and visual indications of the hybrid power and flat tire's to the rallyTV broadcast in order to... make it more interesting for the 15k hardcore fans that already watch the series? then during the week they can post a "funny radio compilation" video on YouTube ? is that really it or am i reading this wrong? cuz idk man. dirt fish does a good job with a shit ton of infirmation and good videos during the week. also we basically know how to find "fan footage" of everything on twitter. are they really thinking "a radio compilation" clip on youtube make wrc big again? or am i getting this all wrong?

[rallyfiend]

i still dont understand that. the promoter is spending money to add a little bit of "radio" and visual indications of the hybrid power and flat tire's to the rallyTV broadcast in order to... make it more interesting for the 15k hardcore fans that already watch the series? then during the week they can post a "funny radio compilation" video on YouTube ? is that really it or am i reading this wrong? cuz idk man. dirt fish does a good job with a shit ton of infirmation and good videos during the week. also we basically know how to find "fan footage" of everything on twitter. are they really thinking "a radio compilation" clip on youtube make wrc big again? or am i getting this all wrong?

Ummm - you do know that it's all really made for broadcasters rather than for their own platform, right? That's where the real audience is....?

[saco0o]

hmm i dont know much about people watching rally outside the hardcore internet fans tbh. but my question is real. what is this comand center? graphics and YouTube clips with "funny radio"? i honestly never understood.

[EstWRC]

SHOULD THE WRC RE-INTRODUCE QUALIFYING? THE TEAMS HAVE THEIR SAY

https://www.motorsport.com/wrc/news/should-the-wrc-re-introduce-qualifying-the-teams-have-their-say/10637900/

[Eli]

SHOULD THE WRC RE-INTRODUCE QUALIFYING? THE TEAMS HAVE THEIR SAY

https://www.motorsport.com/wrc/news/should-the-wrc-re-introduce-qualifying-the-teams-have-their-say/10637900/

Please no, I wish Neuville would stop complaining like Ogier did back when he was full-time, we've tried qualifying stage before, there's a reason it was taken off, if they wanna sort out the fact they're road cleaning so much, then maybe not have 7 consecutive gravel events on the trot....just bringing an idea, but as usual with our beloved championship, they'll take something that's bad/needs to improve or simply doesn't need to change and then make it worse.

[Dontcut]

And in what order they go qualifying? :) Still, someone is unhappy.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

SHOULD THE WRC RE-INTRODUCE QUALIFYING? THE TEAMS HAVE THEIR SAY

https://www.motorsport.com/wrc/news/should-the-wrc-re-introduce-qualifying-the-teams-have-their-say/10637900/

The Toyota and M-Sport argument doesn't cut it for me. Giving young drivers an easier start position isnt what a World Championship is for.

Also the part-timers shouldn't get the privilege either.

The best and fastest drivers should be able to compete for the podium on every rally, not running at the back desperately trying to to scramble a few points.

[Backa]

Reversing road order for second loop of friday stages would be good enough

[Fast Eddie WRC]

How about any drivers not committed to the full Championship start at the front, with whoever had the done fewest rounds going first ?

[focus206]

I don't normally mind having the championship leader open the road on the first day. But then you have rallies like Latvia and this year's Sweden, when the skills of who opens the road matter little and luck matters a lot.
Other drivers have problems and drop down? Nice, you don''t have the sweep the road on saturday as well. Nobody has problems? Unlucky, you open the road on saturday too and can only hope for others' problems, your speed is irrelevant.
In all rallies a driver's result is dependant also on others' mistakes, but in this cases it's almost only down to it and it feels very much luck based.

[CeskyOndra]

Mid-Summer Tarmac rally is missing. Then it would be better. Neuville is right that you CAN'T keep the championship lead 7 gravel rallies in a row. Kalle did, but he was quite lucky and had some rain. Neuville had big snowfall in Sweden and Bone-Dry gravels...

[denkimi]

And in what order they go qualifying? :) Still, someone is unhappy.
All rc1 cars drive the stage twice, time of second pass counts.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

All rc1 cars drive the stage twice, time of second pass counts.

Yep. Use the same stage as Shakedown with several runs then finally as Qualifying.

[AndersX]

Mix events evely and this wont be an issue. This year, especially, callender is the problem - 7 gravel rallies in the row.

[denkimi]

The main issue is that the 2 best drivers do partial seasons.
No matter how you mix it, the championship contenders will never have a chance against an ogier or rovanpera with a 5 place advantage on gravel. This is a problem we didn't have in the past.

Unless we go back to qualifying, or some form of penalty for partial drivers, we will have to accept that the championship contenders will win almost no rallies.

[saco0o]

Yep. Use the same stage as Shakedown with several runs then finally as Qualifying.

hmm. interesting. like: 1st run on championship points order, 2nd run reversed

[Steve Boyd]

Reversing road order for second loop of friday stages would be good enoughI think it would be better to keep Friday as it is but use the reverse of the Friday start order for Saturday, instead of reverse classification order, and only use reverse classification order for Sunday.

[saco0o]

read something that made me think: could making part time drivers run before the 6 full timers reduce the number of events these guys actually care to do? cuz they would not win (like for seb or kalle) and these random 3rd entries in hyundai would become less effective, so why bother?

[doubled1978]

I quite like the idea of reversing the starting order from Friday on Saturday. It would at least make things pretty fair all round assuming weather stays similar.
If they make all part timers go first there wont be any part timers.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Rally Latvia was an exception with 100km of single-use Friday stages

On the Friday in Finland the 4 main stages are run twice, so Neuville will only be fully road cleaning for the morning.

As in Poland, I expect Neuville to score quite well and the road position argument will die away again

[CeskyOndra]

https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/ogier-not-ruling-out-fight-for-a-ninth-wrc-title/

It is becoming more and more possible. Good result in Finland + Good starting position in Greece and Chile = Good starting position for tarmac also potentionally.

[deephouse]

https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/ogier-not-ruling-out-fight-for-a-ninth-wrc-title/

It is becoming more and more possible. Good result in Finland + Good starting position in Greece and Chile = Good starting position for tarmac also potentionally.

Of course he will do, it's easier than the last couple of years. Thanks to the points system and those freakin' 7 event sweeping.

[CeskyOndra]

So If I am right, Ogier "told us" that if he won't score more points than Neuville in Greece then he wouldn't compete in Chile? It would make sense tho.. That means that Greece is absolutely crucial for this championship

[Backa]

Thanks to the points system and those freakin' 7 event sweeping.

Agree about sweeping as this reduce possibilities for leader to run away from the rest of field but don't see change of point system being that beneficial for part-timer fighting for title. If anything, now as long as driver enters rally, there is less risk he will end it with 0 points as sunday is kind of new rally. I would say new points system helped Neuville to some extent reduce damage that comes from friday sweeping.

[mknight]

The part where I fully agree with Ogier is that now it is much harder to make a gap. Before the 25 vs 18 point step from first to second was much more pronounced.

So as as Ogier says they should keep those points for overall (given at end of Sunday) and add Sunday points and PS on top. That would also remove the part where your "Saturday" points depend on finishing Sunday.

[Morte66]

They seemed very keen to keep the 30 points for winning everything the same as last year. I think that causes a lot of the complexity.

I think the fixed 30 max is nice for comparing year to year and so on, but it's not really important. If a system with variable points is more satisfactory, take it.

[focus206]

So If I am right, Ogier "told us" that if he won't score more points than Neuville in Greece then he wouldn't compete in Chile? It would make sense tho.. That means that Greece is absolutely crucial for this championship

Where did you read that? That doesn't sound right... especially when you consider that if something happens to Neuville on CER or Japan, who is going to stop Ogier from bagging maximum points on asphalt? Tanak is not confident with Hyundai on asphalt, maybe Evans but he could be asked to slow down if he's not fighting for the title anymore and everybody else is too slow on asphalt. Only changeable conditions or car trouble could get in the way of Ogier.

[deephouse]

So If I am right, Ogier "told us" that if he won't score more points than Neuville in Greece then he wouldn't compete in Chile? It would make sense tho.. That means that Greece is absolutely crucial for this championship

So is he afraid of losing it while he tries? Try till the end, like everyone else during his domination.

[becher]

Where did you read that? That doesn't sound right... especially when you consider that if something happens to Neuville on CER or Japan, who is going to stop Ogier from bagging maximum points on asphalt? Tanak is not confident with Hyundai on asphalt, maybe Evans but he could be asked to slow down if he's not fighting for the title anymore and everybody else is too slow on asphalt. Only changeable conditions or car trouble could get in the way of Ogier.

If Rovanperä does CER, I can see him at the front. He was fast last year before Evans crashed and he decided to roll through the stages in sightseeing pace and he was brilliant in Croatia 2022 when the conditions were pretty bad.

[focus206]

If Rovanperä does CER, I can see him at the front. He was fast last year before Evans crashed and he decided to roll through the stages in sightseeing pace and he was brilliant in Croatia 2022 when the conditions were pretty bad.

But Kalle is not fighting for the title, so surely he would give up the 1st place to Ogier. I think Toyota's "no team orders" will disappear in the last rounds.

[becher]

But Kalle is not fighting for the title, so surely he would give up the 1st place to Ogier. I think Toyota's "no team orders" will disappear in the last rounds.

Surley could be. Evans would feel properly shafted in that case I guess.

[Myrvold]

So is he afraid of losing it while he tries? Try till the end, like everyone else during his domination.

Based on his comments after Finland, it seems more like he doesn't really want to travel around the globe (as he will. Europe - South America - Europe - Asia), and that he would like to spend time home with his family.
However, he also feels like he has an obligation to do it now that he seemingly is the best bet Toyota has. I guess it is a bit like Rovanperä replacing Ogier in Poland. Toyota have no issues paying the two good money for a part-time campaign, but if they are needed, they are needed.

[EstWRC]

The WRC offered Motorsport.com a sneak preview of its plans to boost its television broadcast for fans from 2025

https://www.motorsport.com/wrc/news/how-the-wrc-plans-to-lift-the-lid-on-untold-stories-/10643183/

Sounds good but remains to be seen how it works out. They haven’t still managed to get wrc+ working for everyone without faults through all these years

[trykmann]

The WRC offered Motorsport.com a sneak preview of its plans to boost its television broadcast for fans from 2025

https://www.motorsport.com/wrc/news/how-the-wrc-plans-to-lift-the-lid-on-untold-stories-/10643183/

Sounds good but remains to be seen how it works out. They haven’t still managed to get wrc+ working for everyone without faults through all these years

Sound good for hardcore rally fans, but on the other side there are average people, who are behind the paywall. They should show all live coverage on youtube and for hardcore fans there should be exclusive options available.

[rallyfiend]

But Kalle is not fighting for the title, so surely he would give up the 1st place to Ogier. I think Toyota's "no team orders" will disappear in the last rounds.

Only after some serious negotiation over bonus payments....

I remember Elf saying that he didn't think he could afford to compensate Ogier for a win earlier in the season....

Kalle and Ogier doing part-time programmes has for sure screwed their teammate

[saco0o]

The WRC offered Motorsport.com a sneak preview of its plans to boost its television broadcast for fans from 2025

https://www.motorsport.com/wrc/news/how-the-wrc-plans-to-lift-the-lid-on-untold-stories-/10643183/

Sounds good but remains to be seen how it works out. They haven’t still managed to get wrc+ working for everyone without faults through all these years

IMO this is just useless. honestly
this year is becoming "the moment" we realize nobody in charge of wrc knows what to do with the championship, none of the teams know what they want, none of the team principals know what direction the sport should move, none of the drivers has a vision to improve the championship.... we fans also dont know whats best too, cant never reach to a logical central point. arent u guys going crazy about this? cuz im always angry about this. we need to improve, but theres NOTHING..Nothing, only people saying "we gotta improve the championship". best thing we had this year was sesksmania haha

[Backa]

I remember Elf saying that he didn't think he could afford to compensate Ogier for a win earlier in the season....

I wouldn't pay too much attention to post-stage interviews, sometimes they say things for fun. When championship battle is clearing up, it's for Latvala to manage team and drivers needs.

[Eli]

IMO this is just useless. honestly
this year is becoming "the moment" we realize nobody in charge of wrc knows what to do with the championship, none of the teams know what they want, none of the team principals know what direction the sport should move, none of the drivers has a vision to improve the championship.... we fans also dont know whats best too, cant never reach to a logical central point. arent u guys going crazy about this? cuz im always angry about this. we need to improve, but theres NOTHING..Nothing, only people saying "we gotta improve the championship". best thing we had this year was sesksmania haha

It’s like Mirek said, that’s what happens when you don’t assign a clear vision; I think for us as fans we just want to see the fastest (within the limits of safety and say nothing crazy like a Bugatti Chiron-cost wise) B/C segment hatchbacks (preferably 3 doors) on the planet, rallying on every terrain known to man during daytime & night time(!) across the globe, sounding amazing while they do and having 4 full time manufacturers going at each other, each with 3 full time drivers, trying to set the world a light, while having all possible (in the limitation of logistics) coverage with proper commentators and not ones that keep telling me: “they finished the stage for us….’or shouting: ‘oh noooooo!!!! Katsuta’s stopped!’ As if all the fans and viewers have only just finished kindergarten… & if that’s too much for the FIA & promoter to do, then please, hand the reigns to someone who’d be willing to do it and can. That’s all I’m gonna say about it ‘cause honestly I feel (& probably am) like a broken record at this point.

[typhoon]

The WRC offered Motorsport.com a sneak preview of its plans to boost its television broadcast for fans from 2025

https://www.motorsport.com/wrc/news/how-the-wrc-plans-to-lift-the-lid-on-untold-stories-/10643183/

Sounds good but remains to be seen how it works out. They haven’t still managed to get wrc+ working for everyone without faults through all these years

We're going the right path, good job Promoter.

Some friends here in Northern Greece, when we watched some WRC stages together, they were totally confused watching on TV and were asking me why/when things. Data will help a lot to understand what happened, rather than waiting mid-day reports or stage-end interviews...

So, this TV Data implementation is the third aspect I was critical in the past (I have many others, but one at a time hahaha), but looks good so far.

Recapping:
- Calendar expansion, (almost, I want 16 with US in) done
- Social Media, dramatically improved
- TV storytelling, to be implemented but under development

[AE1WRC]

Hello everyone, I am newly registered to the forum but have been following you guys for a while by reading your threads. I am a very big fan of rallying especially WRC (since I was a very small child) and have a huge respect and love for the history of this sport. I have been following the sport very closely since especially the beginning of All live in January 2018. Glad to be here with all passionate and knowledgeable rally fans!!

[saco0o]

https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/what-we-know-about-wrcs-command-center/

im still lost. the command center will "provide information about the whole car immediately for the live broadcast".
so... if we will know everything immediately, so will the reporter on the end of the stage (or not, BUT WE WILL).
then what will they ask drivers??? if all the info is provided immediately on the broadcast? end stages talk are about to get even worst.
and not only that. if this is only happening behind the pay wall, whats the point? how would that help the sport as a whole?
im honestly lost. i cannot even find little things to be more optimistic anymore hahah help

[Rallyper]

Hello everyone, I am newly registered to the forum but have been following you guys for a while by reading your threads. I am a very big fan of rallying especially WRC (since I was a very small child) and have a huge respect and love for the history of this sport. I have been following the sport very closely since especially the beginning of All live in January 2018. Glad to be here with all passionate and knowledgeable rally fans!!

We all welcome you to this community AE1WRC.

[EstWRC]

Maybe stop this whining before the thing is launched and judge it after?

I get that the series isn’t in the best shape but this constant whining here about everything is getting tiresome

[flat_right]

https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/what-we-know-about-wrcs-command-center/

im still lost. the command center will "provide information about the whole car immediately for the live broadcast".
so... if we will know everything immediately, so will the reporter on the end of the stage (or not, BUT WE WILL).
then what will they ask drivers??? if all the info is provided immediately on the broadcast? end stages talk are about to get even worst.
and not only that. if this is only happening behind the pay wall, whats the point? how would that help the sport as a whole?
im honestly lost. i cannot even find little things to be more optimistic anymore hahah help

It's completely vice versa! Now there are tons of stories to come because we (media and rally fans) have more info and know exaclty what to ask. Even some things that otherwise wouldn't come up because the driver doesn't tell and the team is silent, all of this would add to the story. Like all the "small things" like slow punctures, hybrid not working or bigger ones like engine issues etc... we will hopefully all know this during the stage and can already discuss.

[saco0o]

Maybe stop this whining before the thing is launched and judge it after?

I get that the series isn’t in the best shape but this constant whining here about everything is getting tiresome

fair enough

[Managarium]

���� THE PLAN TO RETURN
Rally Croatia still has a chance to return in the WRC calendar.
The organizers have until August 29 to complete and deliver the missing documentation that forced the FIA ​​to exclude the event from the 2025 calendar.
The agreement between the organization and the FIA ​​provides for a year of presence in the European championship calendar (ERC 2025) plus two years in the WRC calendar (2026-2027).
The agreement between the parties is there but the guarantees of some local institutions are missing.
At this point, either the agreement is finalized or there is a risk that the WRC will not return to Croatia at least until 2028.

https://fb.watch/tUPalpNWTd/

[skarderud]

Is it confirmed that Ogier doing all the rallies remaining?
Seems so.

Sent fra min SM-S901B via Tapatalk

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Yep...

https://rallyjournal.com/sebastien-ogier-drops-a-bombshell/

[pedro16]

https://www.reuters.com/sports/world-rally-championship-promoter-explores-550-mln-sale-sources-say-2024-08-15/

That's some news...

"World Rally Championship promoter explores $550 million sale, sources say"

[skarderud]

Thats, quite some.
I love rally, but is wrc in todays stake actually worth this kind of money?
But, of course, it is ridicolus money for something extremely boring like fotball to....

Sent fra min SM-S901B via Tapatalk

[Backa]

Thats, quite some.
I love rally, but is wrc in todays stake actually worth this kind of money?


Liberty Media bought controlling interest in F1 for $4.4 billion in 2016. That's $5.8 billion adjusting for inflation. 2016 was also before F1 get that solid increase in popularity and had few teams struggling to keep racing.

Promoter wanting 10% of that seems like ok deal and could be worthy for some company believing WRC has unfilled potential to grow.

[AndyRAC]

https://www.reuters.com/sports/world-rally-championship-promoter-explores-550-mln-sale-sources-say-2024-08-15/

That's some news...

"World Rally Championship promoter explores $550 million sale, sources say"

Have they added a "0" by mistake........;)

Be careful what you wish for.......Liberty already own F1, and a stake in Dorna (MotoGP) .....

[rallyfiend]

More than 20 times EBITDA does indeed seem quite ambitious, depending on what sort of fixed contracts / commitments it has in its pocket.

But half that would not be so ambitious and still a LOT of money....

[Eli]

https://www.reuters.com/sports/world-rally-championship-promoter-explores-550-mln-sale-sources-say-2024-08-15/

That's some news...

"World Rally Championship promoter explores $550 million sale, sources say"

Wow, just seen this now, is everyone there tired of the WRC??? I wonder what will happen to all the calendar deals made with the current promoter, I’m guessing that at least for the year of transition (or 2) they would be respected, but it’s going to be a whole different ball game.

[rallyfiend]

Wow, just seen this now, is everyone there tired of the WRC??? I wonder what will happen to all the calendar deals made with the current promoter, I’m guessing that at least for the year of transition (or 2) they would be respected, but it’s going to be a whole different ball game.

The contracts and the rights under them would transfer with the ownership of the company. That's completely normal.

[RS]

Will Red Bull want to keep propping up M-Sport if they no longer own the WRC rights?

[rallyfiend]

Will Red Bull want to keep propping up M-Sport if they no longer own the WRC rights?

They sponsored teams in the WRC long before they were Promoter - just as they do in basically every other motorsport series.....

[Eli]

The contracts and the rights under them would transfer with the ownership of the company. That's completely normal.

Okay, thanks for clarifying that, wasn’t sure.

[WRCStan]

They sponsored teams in the WRC long before they were Promoter - just as they do in basically every other motorsport series.....

There's a difference in getting cars to the start ramp, and putting logos on a car that's going to the start ramp. If they don't want to do the former and nobody takes it on, they can't do the latter.

[erikli2]

Let's just hope that it will be buyers from the western parts of the world.

[saco0o]

dirt fish counting its money

[deephouse]

https://www.blackbookmotorsport.com/news/wrc-world-rally-championship-us-ireland-event-calendar-2026/ They touch many points on where they will & want to go.

[Andre Oliveira]

https://www.fia.com/news/wrc-finalists-beyond-rally-womens-driver-development-programme-announced?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR2MtMnZevM38vW _hTCZZYufFRrLCdIITuwYD4AZSezIXi-xSnucuuZR-4I_aem_Oscumj9vGFzoUeinNP0hfg

[Negaiss]

Martins Sesks will Drive Puma Rally1 NON Hybrid in WRC of Chile 2024 - https://www.go4speed.lv/lv/news/wrc/12786-oficiali-sesks-francis-startes-ciles-wrc/

[saco0o]

hmmmmm why a non hybrid tho??
i mean... its not like he never raced the HY... or maybe the costs?

[Eli]

Know this this is regarding 2026 however: https://www.autosport.com/wrc/news/wrc-eyeing-extra-asphalt-round-for-2026-calendar/10648477/
Looking for 5 tarmac events out of a total of 14, with Ireland (as ever) in discussions for 2026.

[deephouse]

hmmmmm why a non hybrid tho??
i mean... its not like he never raced the HY... or maybe the costs?

To promote the car. You know that M-Sport has a business plan to sell those cars. And he could throw a glow in the face of hybrid technology again.

[deephouse]

Know this this is regarding 2026 however: https://www.autosport.com/wrc/news/wrc-eyeing-extra-asphalt-round-for-2026-calendar/10648477/
Looking for 5 tarmac events out of a total of 14, with Ireland (as ever) in discussions for 2026.

And then they will replace one tarmac event for another, not add extra as usual. I would not be surprised if they actually replace one in favor of gravel USA.

[saco0o]

so theres more places trying to host a wrc round? interesting. I'd guess right now the championship was not looking atractive but eh, maybe the "event" itself is seeing as something positive overall? interesting.

[AndersX]

Can anyone explain why Paddon is forgotten by all the big teams? What has he done? Is it personal somehow? Look what he is doing in ERC - fast on every surface, consistent, somehow got that half-dead R2 Hyundai beating all the skodas and toyotas. This looks really strange to me.

[EstWRC]

thats a good question, ive been wondering the same. IMO he deserves at least one try with the Rally1, actually i even think Hyundai owns him one drive considering how loyal he has been to the brand.

[Jarek Z]

That's becase he doesn't have such connections as Munster, Katsuta, Fourmaux or Serderidis.

And don't exaggerate with this "beating all the skodas and toyotas". In this year's ERC he only won one rally :)

[focus206]

Can anyone explain why Paddon is forgotten by all the big teams? What has he done? Is it personal somehow? Look what he is doing in ERC - fast on every surface, consistent, somehow got that half-dead R2 Hyundai beating all the skodas and toyotas. This looks really strange to me.

He's a good and consistent driver by all means, but he's beating Franceschi and Marczyk, who I wouldn't consider among the fast Rally2 drivers. And you can't say Paddon was fast in Roma and especially in Barum. The car he's driving is not the best for sure, but if we'd see him in Rally1, I wouldn't expect him to do better than the Hyundai part timers Mikkelsen, Lappi or Sordo.
With that said, Rally1 desperately needs a bigger field, and Paddon would worthy... if only there were more seats available.

[AndersX]

That's becase he doesn't have such connections as Munster, Katsuta, Fourmaux or Serderidis.

And don't exaggerate with this "beating all the skodas and toyotas". In this year's ERC he only won one rally :)

I generalized it. I think he was dropped by Hyundai under Adamo ruling time for some known only to him reasons. Paddon is the only other than Tanak who rise through the Pirelli Star Drive scheme and ever reached the WRC (if i am correct). Hyundai actually has very limited choice for the 3rd driver - Mikkelsen, Sunninen and Solberg (i really do not believe that Fourmaux would cash-in and go for being 3rd from being top guy in M-Sport). Why not to at least test Paddon?

[WRCStan]

I generalized it. I think he was dropped by Hyundai under Adamo ruling time for some known only to him reasons.

I think Mikkelsen was a Nandan signing for 2018-2019 (remember the 2 year full time drive contract dispute?). Adamo went for rotation in 2019, with Sordo and Loeb in 2019, then in 2020 they got WDC Tanak, Loeb and Neuville and there were fewer seats without Citroen. Paddon is a top driver, but not shifting these guys or the plethora of available 3rd drivers since.

[Rallyper]

Being lojal to Hyundai maybe the point that harmed him...
Doesn´t for example Ford selling cars in NZ?
Paddon in MSport would be a boost. But someone has to pay. That would maybe be Ford NZ if they exist...

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Elfyn Evans thinks Rali Ceredigion could return the WRC to the UK...

https://www.autosport.com/rally/news/evans-rali-ceredigion-has-potential-to-grow-to-wrc-status-/10650560/

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Being lojal to Hyundai maybe the point that harmed him...
Doesn´t for example Ford selling cars in NZ?
Paddon in MSport would be a boost. But someone has to pay. That would maybe be Ford NZ if they exist...

Ford don't even fully-fund their existing WRC team (M-Sport), so there's no chance of a Ford importer in NZ paying for a Paddon Rally1 drive.

This was the best they could do, sponsoring local AP4 Fiesta on their home rally...

https://www.ford.co.nz/about-ford/newsroom/2022/ford-new-zealand-confirms-sponsorship/