2024 WRC News & Rumours

[deephouse]

He was great for Hyundai. He beat Ogier straight and by quite a margin at that Argentinian rally. Then he had that off in Monte, and a fan died. He couldn't do anything about it. His career started to fall off. Then he was out, and he tried to get back, his chances were reduced because of the covid situation too. It gets even harder... He tried with Ford on one rally, and he crashed the car on a test and it was the last nail in the coffin. Since then he wasn't even considered at all... Despite being so loyal to the Hyundai brand, he actually did great marketing on a probably shitty rally2 car. And for so long now, of course, with the help of Hyundai NZ, think that the whole motorsport department didn't care too much or even bother because the team is completely private. They rather ''try'' to invest in Sunine and Lindholm and we see where their careers went with some random team, despite him being so loyal and practically the only one who could do impossible. If I'm not mistaken, Meeke is next, who is doing a good job, but it's not his story... Paddon does have a successful project in the EV department which even the official motorsport company didn't achieve till this day, despite their blabering about the whole situation. We don't know what Nandan and Adamo did or he did, so he isn't considered at all. And I think that Cyril barely knows the guy. The last thing I caught this year was, that he got a shot at an old spec WRC rally car he drove at Goodwood Speed Festival and that's it.

My opinion is that they should hire him to attack WRC2 officially, but I think they realize how the car is not capable of winning so they don't bother. I think that they admit in some articles that on a national level, the car is decent or is capable of fighting for a win or a podium, but not on a world stage... But clearly, that's not true... ERC has a tough field everywhere, I think that more than WRC2 (because of regs, the guys are avoiding most of the direct fights).

So shame, I guess.

If I were him, I would go for a Toyota Rally2 program. The brand has the best sales in the country and he could convince some bosses at least for that program. He would do a great market on a national level or even more. Sorry for the language but fu*k Hyundai.

[Rallyper]

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/

Yeah. Know all that. But there should be a but...
Market shares is another.
One small bit of selling cars (not all, as been discussed here before) is rallying. Even in NZ. I´m not saying Ford importer neither should pay. Maybe some, but Ford as a whole world wide company could be on the toes... MSport themselves are doing well without Ford backing 100%...

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Nice comments on Paddon, he's a top driver and been super-impressive in the ERC.

Also some good ideas... in theory. However he's so hugely connected to Hyundai NZ that he has to go back there all the time for his business, plus also compete in the NZRC. So that means WRC (Rally1 or Rally2) is a non-starter now. His time and chance has been and gone.

[Eli]

He was great for Hyundai. He beat Ogier straight and by quite a margin at that Argentinian rally. Then he had that off in Monte, and a fan died. He couldn't do anything about it. His career started to fall off. Then he was out, and he tried to get back, his chances were reduced because of the covid situation too. It gets even harder... He tried with Ford on one rally, and he crashed the car on a test and it was the last nail in the coffin. Since then he wasn't even considered at all... Despite being so loyal to the Hyundai brand, he actually did great marketing on a probably shitty rally2 car. And for so long now, of course, with the help of Hyundai NZ, think that the whole motorsport department didn't care too much or even bother because the team is completely private. They rather ''try'' to invest in Sunine and Lindholm and we see where their careers went with some random team, despite him being so loyal and practically the only one who could do impossible. If I'm not mistaken, Meeke is next, who is doing a good job, but it's not his story... Paddon does have a successful project in the EV department which even the official motorsport company didn't achieve till this day, despite their blabering about the whole situation. We don't know what Nandan and Adamo did or he did, so he isn't considered at all. And I think that Cyril barely knows the guy. The last thing I caught this year was, that he got a shot at an old spec WRC rally car he drove at Goodwood Speed Festival and that's it.

My opinion is that they should hire him to attack WRC2 officially, but I think they realize how the car is not capable of winning so they don't bother. I think that they admit in some articles that on a national level, the car is decent or is capable of fighting for a win or a podium, but not on a world stage... But clearly, that's not true... ERC has a tough field everywhere, I think that more than WRC2 (because of regs, the guys are avoiding most of the direct fights).

So shame, I guess.

If I were him, I would go for a Toyota Rally2 program. The brand has the best sales in the country and he could convince some bosses at least for that program. He would do a great market on a national level or even more. Sorry for the language but fu*k Hyundai.

Just want to add, he also was supposed to have an opportunity with M-Sport for Rally Australia 2019 (if my memory serves me right) but the bushfires (remember that?) made sure to extinguish his chances, and like you said Covid didn’t do anyone any good (and indirectly) so did a certain French mark leaving the WRC at the end of 2019. Lots of what might have been and could have been but like many here said, sadly it wasn’t to be. With that in mind, still curious as for who will be the third driver for Hyundai next year and if we’ll see them at the start line for 2027.

[Morte66]

I think the only hope for Paddon is that cyril@hyundai might be interested in a reliable third driver who finishes every rally, rather than Adamo's rotation to exploit road position. And Paddon is one of two drivers to finish every rally in ERC so far this year.

I think the problem with Hyundai is that they don't just need "a reliable driver" or a "tarmac driver" or whatever, they need someone who clicks with their tricky WRC1 car. And I think the only way they can get that is by giving a lot of people trials to see what happens. And they don't seem like long-term planners.

[deephouse]

We all know that the team doesn't want to give many opportunities (or long ones to build up experience). They just want straight results. And Paddon not even driving these new cars it's much harder to get him on board. But he could surprise like Sesks and Pajari. I know he has lots of experience and is way older (he is in those years like Neuville, Tanak, and Evans pack, at the last stages of their career). But as Toyota did with 5 cars in Finland, why the hell did Hyundai not give him at least one outing his year, so they would at least see, where he is. That way they would have Mikkelsen, Lappi, Sordo, Paddon, Solberg, Sesks, and Fourmaux in consideration for next year.

Regarding of finishing every rally. He did mention some time ago, that he does realize, that he doesn't need to win everything, just being there. That brings him an ERC crown and this year it's looking like he will get another.

[AE1WRC]

Paddon is one of the most reliable drivers you can find on the world. Sure 2017 season was not part of that but 2018( not to mention 2016) season was quite okay in terms of speed and consistency combined. If Hyundai wants to go for the manufacture title, they better grab a driver who is consistently bringing points as a third driver. We know Sordo is there but he is at the very end of his career, Mikkelsen is reliable (he is not bad in terms of reliability especially in recent years) but his speed is unpredictable in Rally1 so far (I know that with Paddon we cannot guess what he can do with Rally1 yet but I find Hayden to be more versatile than Andreas). Of course, at the end of the day you would want to invest in young guns but if the experienced drivers are still available and doing good things I still prefer the latter since experience is something that you can't buy. Hyundai at the moment does not have a consistent third driver (apart from Dani who is not even doing half of a season). We know Lappi is a good driver, but this season is not what he wanted apart from his win in Sweden and during his whole career he has had huge problems with consistency despite having a solid speed.

IMO, Fourmaux is a perfect choice as a third driver for Hyundai. He has the tools for it and can do good things in every surface.

[mknight]

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.

At end of 2018 Mikkelsen had 1 year left of his contract and Paddons contract was ending. Someone (I believe still Nandan, but maybe Adamo) signed Loeb who just won Catalunya in C3.
Kinda hard to argue about that.

Paddon wanted to run 2019 Finland and Australia on own money, crashed in pre-event test in Finland and Australia was cancelled. One could argue that Hyundai could have used Paddon in Finland in 3rd car but Adamo went for Breen instead. Which led to some-mini outrage among many.
Then COVID happened and he was just not in Europe to run rallies.

When he came back he took basically a year to get to decent speed and even now while good he is not significantly better than many Rally2 drivers, from Solberg and Pajari to even Greensmith and Gryazin. Hard to say how much of that is the car.

[Fitz]

Re Paddon (who I have a lot of respect for) I believe his ex gf is now with Neuville.
Not sure of the timings or if there was an overlap.

[drive]

Re Paddon (who I have a lot of respect for) I believe his ex gf is now with Neuville.
Not sure of the timings or if there was an overlap.

not true - from the 2018 article:

'Paddon parted ways with his fiancée Katie Lane after a 10-year relationship. The marketing manager from Napier had been Paddon's co-driver in life - organising and promoting his career from their base in Frankfurt.'

'Lane married Thomas Villette a PR Manager for Hyundai in Europe'

Source https://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/motorsport-hayden-paddon-gets-life-back-on-track-after-fatal-crash-and-split-from-ex-fiancee/VOC65PW6246XVMJC4INM34H7HE/

and Neuville became a father on July 8, 2019, as he and his girlfriend Déborah Ghys welcomed their daughter, Camille - no conection to this rumour at all

[Fitz]

I'm not really wanting to turn this into anything more but....

article written in August '18, split in May but married someone last month (July) 🤷

July 19 birth of child do the dates & work back to November 18.

Paddon crash Jan 17.

What happened before all of this you 'paint'.

Let's draw a line under this but I maybe would suggest don't go giving out alibis.

[WRCStan]

I'm not really wanting to turn this into anything more but....

article written in August '18, split in May but married someone last month (July) 🤷

July 19 birth of child do the dates & work back to November 18.

Paddon crash Jan 17.

What happened before all of this you 'paint'.

Let's draw a line under this but I maybe would suggest don't go giving out alibis.

Excuse me if I keep this alive out of curiosity. Not sure how you are linking Neuville to Paddon here. How many children are you counting, and who are their parents?

[saco0o]

OFF TOPIC but with Hyundai kinda leaving for WEC and there was some talk about Toyota interested in F1... i was watching the F2 race in Monza to watch brazilian Bortoletto's performance (he won starting from last), and I kept seeing a Gazoo Racing car there on track. just one. its Ritomo Myiata, a 25 y.o. toyota driver who is current super formula AND super gt champ!! also a super formula lights and japanese f4 champion. jeeez this kid is a monster! cool to see an open wheel gazoo car. not sure toyota would enter a whole team because of this kid tho. just wanted to share this info. theres a black GR car in F2

2558

[Fast Eddie WRC]

2025 Points proposals under review. Four proposals to amend the points system for next year have been submitted and are currently being evaluated by the WRC Commission.

https://www.autosport.com/wrc/news/new-wrc-points-proposals-under-review-for-2025/10652666/

[CeskyOndra]

2025 Points proposals under review. Four proposals to amend the points system for next year have been submitted and are currently being evaluated by the WRC Commission.

https://www.autosport.com/wrc/news/new-wrc-points-proposals-under-review-for-2025/10652666/

I hope that they wíll do some nice points system. Please keep Super Sunday and add the value of the overall winner!

[TypeR]

Pajari with rally1 in Chile and Central Europe rally!

and Taka skips Chile.

[EstWRC]

And people said in Chile thread Taka won’t be moved at any costs anytime soon cause he is Japanese

I’m telling ya. Todays contracts and stuff doesn’t mean a thing

[Eli]

And people said in Chile thread Taka won’t be moved at any costs anytime soon cause he is Japanese

I’m telling ya. Todays contracts and stuff doesn’t mean a thing

If you check the crystal ball thread I did write there that he’d be replaced for Finland so I got the replacement right just not the event :D

[meh]

And people said in Chile thread Taka won’t be moved at any costs anytime soon cause he is Japanese

I’m telling ya. Todays contracts and stuff doesn’t mean a thing

Japanese marketing for the Japanese market is something you should not underestimate, I did not say anything on the topic, but I am a bit surprised by that move.

The move indicates Pajari to Rally1 sooner or later, the question is - replacing who? I still doubt Taka will be removed completely, maybe back to a separate team.

[macebig]

Told ya heads will roll at Toyota. Didn't expect the rolling to begin so soon, though...

[flat_right]

Can't see that Toyota would replace Katsuta because both are from Japan but maybe Toyota is thinking about replacing Evans so they want to evaluate Pajari.

[deephouse]

They could get him a Rally2 car like M-Sport is doing to boost the experience. Maybe he could get a WRC2 title, since he is doing great in Rally1 car until he bin it.

[Eli]

Told ya heads will roll at Toyota. Didn't expect the rolling to begin so soon, though...

You Did! Makes Silly Season 2025 even sillier.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

It's just a nice opportunity to rest Katsuta while giving another chance for Pajari. Latvala has already conceded the titles so why not.

And if he wasnt Japanese, Katsuta wouldnt be in a Rally1 car in the first place...

[EstWRC]

Toyota needs to have at least three full-time drivers contesting the 2025 World Rally Championship, according to team principal Jari-Matti Latvala.

When asked if he felt there was a lot of work ahead to finalise the team’s 2025 line-up, he added: “There's things we need to now consider and we need to think about.

“I can't speak about the line-up, not yet.”

https://www.motorsport.com/wrc/news/latvala-toyota-needs-three-full-time-wrc-drivers-in-2025/10653177/

[skarderud]

I quess Katsuta back in the 4th car, and a fulltime 3rd driver, Rovenpära, Pajari and maybe Evans?
Or can it be some surprises, like Solberg, Sesks, or Fourmaux?

Sent fra min SM-S901B via Tapatalk

[Rallyper]

Of course everything is communicated with management at Toyota. It´s playing with fire making decisions on your own in Finland.

I think it came to a point where smth had to be done. Katsuta can´t be put aside more than this at the moment.
What we´ll might see is changes for next year and this is first signal.

Next year: Fourth car between Katsuta and some other big shot or young driver. Katsuta in WRC2 while fourth car is occupied.

Let´s wait and see.
Any comments Pantealex?

[saco0o]

its cool that toyota tries to bring japanese guys to the world stage but taka its just not at that level.
yuki yamamoto and hiraku kogure had some run in wrc2, right? nothing exceptional.
looking at recent results in the japanese championship, these names are on rally2 cars swapping results between them: daiko arai, norihiko katsuta, osamu fukunaga. they also did a round in the asia-pacific on the front. maybe toyota could try one of these next? idk, taka its a fun character, but hes just not at that level imo

[Danny0405]

From my understanding, Latvala’s speech sounds like:
- Rovanpera in 1st car full-time
- Evans in 2nd car full-Time
- Pajari full-time between 3rd car and 4th car (depending on Ogier being there)
- Ogier part-time in 3rd car
- Katsuta part-Time in 4th car Ogier is not there + Rally 2 program


They will probably try to convince Ogier to do full-Time but I think there is no way it works.

Probably some discussions with Japanese to convince them to scale back Katsuta part-time.

[deephouse]

They will probably try to convince Ogier to do full-Time but I think there is no way it works.

Of course, he will never do it. He doesn't want to be overshadowed by his way younger and better team-mate. You know he is here only for the win. And the way Neuville is winning it right now, he is pretty much nervous, making stupid mistakes and accepting drastic measures to try to ruin it. Even Evans wants a little help from him when he was in the game for the title, but he rather was egoistic and didn't want to do that. He is not Sordo. Sadly.

[macebig]

Don't see Evans having much of a future with Toyota after this year. Maybe he stays for 2025 if they can't get someone better, but unless he regains form, he is out after that.

[focus206]

looking at recent results in the japanese championship, these names are on rally2 cars swapping results between them: daiko arai, norihiko katsuta, osamu fukunaga. they also did a round in the asia-pacific on the front. maybe toyota could try one of these next? idk, taka its a fun character, but hes just not at that level imo

Norihiko Katsuta (Takamoto's dad) and Fukunaga are old veterans, 50+ year olds. Hiroki Arai was one of the two Toyota young guys and in the end they chose Takamoto over him.

[AE1WRC]

I really want to see young drivers getting seats in Rally1. Sesks and Pajari have started but I really hope we get Solberg back. Rossel, Gryazin can be also considered imo. Because the "older" generation (Evans, Tanak, Neuville, Ogier) will retire soon since they are in their late 30s and ogier is almost 41. However if Kalle decides to continue doing the championship for a long time, good luck to others beating him !! but Kalle is not type of a guy who wants to chase Loeb's and Ogier's records. IMO he will retire with 4 or 5 championships.

[deephouse]

Don't see Evans having much of a future with Toyota after this year. Maybe he stays for 2025 if they can't get someone better, but unless he regains form, he is out after that.

Realistically if Hyundai will be gone, probably the sport will die, since Toyota would not be having a challenge. And I know that the sport had only two teams back then and survived... Back then the privateers did the job of competing at the top with the top cars. Right now, there is no one else who could save it, if this scenario will realized. So not only Evans, all of them will be out.

Kalle will seek another challenge in his career probably not so far from here as he is young, ambitious, multi-talented, and has an excellent resume. I kinda have a feeling he is bored all the time behind the cars. Except the next year and all afterwards there will be close battles everywhere and the titles very hard to achieve.

[ik1911]

its cool that toyota tries to bring japanese guys to the world stage but taka its just not at that level.
yuki yamamoto and hiraku kogure had some run in wrc2, right? nothing exceptional.
looking at recent results in the japanese championship, these names are on rally2 cars swapping results between them: daiko arai, norihiko katsuta, osamu fukunaga. they also did a round in the asia-pacific on the front. maybe toyota could try one of these next? idk, taka its a fun character, but hes just not at that level imo

katsuta is a main favorite to rally japan 24 win!

[macebig]

Don't think WRC dies when Hyundai quits. Either Rally 2s take over or they do a Kronos-Citroen 2006 and allow FIA to buy some time to bring a new manufacturer from 2027 onwards.

[deephouse]

Don't think WRC dies when Hyundai quits. Either Rally 2s take over or they do a Kronos-Citroen 2006 and allow FIA to buy some time to bring a new manufacturer from 2027 onwards.

Dude, really? I didn't see any new team being interested even in renting a Rally1 car for one event. Even in WRC spec cars (2017-). And since Toyota joining in 2017 it's been just talking from other manufacturers. FIA holding those crucial meetings every now and then doesn't help either. They are grinding those regs for 2027 and even existing teams doesn't have a clue for a direction WRC is heading. All existing and ''those who are interested'' (I honestly believe that there isn't many or probably even none) should be already working on a new cars, but instead they are considering of leaving the sport. It's worrying situation and seems like it's not going to be easy for all.

[macebig]

It's not gonna be easy, but the championship will continue in some way. It's guaranteed. WEC pulled through with Toyota and a cast of misfits from 2018-2021, WorldRX is still trundling along after all, even touring cars keep going. Yes, it may not be the prettiest or the most competitive world championship, but WRC will still go on even after Hyundai.

[deephouse]

It's not gonna be easy, but the championship will continue in some way. It's guaranteed. WEC pulled through with Toyota and a cast of misfits from 2018-2021, WorldRX is still trundling along after all, even touring cars keep going. Yes, it may not be the prettiest or the most competitive world championship, but WRC will still go on even after Hyundai.


WTCC died. The touring championship doesn't have anything with FIA now. Maybe WRC and World RX should be bought out too and saved from somewhere else since FIA clearly doesn't have a clue what they're doing.

I'm just worried it's too soon for them to leave. I'm trying to be positive. But if no radical decisions are accepted soon, the window for new car makers will be ''closed'' (since brands usually enter in those times, when everybody has an equal chance).

[macebig]

It's still the FIA TCR World Tour. Yes, it may not be as illustrious as the mid 00s WTCC or have the driver list of the late 10s WTCR, but it's still going.

[saco0o]

Norihiko Katsuta (Takamoto's dad) and Fukunaga are old veterans, 50+ year olds. Hiroki Arai was one of the two Toyota young guys and in the end they chose Takamoto over him.

for real? whoooa, interesting! haha on the yokohama tires page they post japanese championship results and some footage, didnt knew these guys, was only reading the names haha. thanks for the info

[Kenneth]

Norihiko Katsuta (Takamoto's dad) and Fukunaga are old veterans, 50+ year olds. Hiroki Arai was one of the two Toyota young guys and in the end they chose Takamoto over him.

Iirc Arai was little bit bellow level of speed back then when he was in academy alongside Taka, but was even more inconsistent.

But Toyota have new bunch of academy drivers now, I'm pretty soo one of them will be in Rally1 in year or two.

[Walach]

The second generation of academy drivers is already 27 years old Yuki Yamamoto https://www.ewrc-results.com/profile/185506-yuki-yamamoto/ and Hikaru Kogure (23) https://www.ewrc-results.com/profile/250475-hikaru-kogure/ and looking at their performances, there is very little reason to believe that one of them will be in Rally1 in a year or two, they have plenty to do even with rally2 for now.

[deephouse]

Actually, Katsuta was very consistent a while ago, I don't know what got him at the moment. And the speed. He wasn't doing good but finished the rallies. I was quite sure, he would never get faster. Now he is fast but inconsistent. Remember that Neuville was the same. Even Tanak bin it quite often. Breen, Meeke...

[CeskyOndra]

Actually, Katsuta was very consistent a while ago, I don't know what got him at the moment. And the speed. He wasn't doing good but finished the rallies. I was quite sure, he would never get faster. Now he is fast but inconsistent. Remember that Neuville was the same. Even Tanak bin it quite often. Breen, Meeke...

I would give him last chance next year, every champ began with mistakes

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Can this be true !?

Jorge Basualdo @jorge_basualdo:

We have confirmed that there is an order for 9 Rally1 cars from Paraguayan drivers for the 2025 Paraguay WRC Rally.
The expectation is at its maximum !!

[becher]

Can this be true !?


Jorge Basualdo @jorge_basualdo:

We have confirmed that there is an order for 9 Rally1 cars from Paraguayan drivers for the 2025 Paraguay WRC Rally.
The expectation is at its maximum !!

Sounds a bit crazy, would there even enough chassis around and the will by Toyota and Hyundai to offer/run them?

[TypeR]

don't tell fia and wrc about it.. otherwise they take it as ,,You see, so many cars, we don't need to change anything about WRC's future''.

:D

[macebig]

Do they still think it's Group A days? Nobody can supply them with 9 cars. Even if the teams had the ability to do it, it makes no sense for them to get so many chassis up and running for just one event.

[saco0o]

Can this be true !?

Jorge Basualdo @jorge_basualdo:

We have confirmed that there is an order for 9 Rally1 cars from Paraguayan drivers for the 2025 Paraguay WRC Rally.
The expectation is at its maximum !!

"renting" cars, right? not buying, i assume.
im south american, gonna keep an eye on the rally midia here. thats really interesting tho

[denkimi]

Sounds a bit crazy, would there even enough chassis around and the will by Toyota and Hyundai to offer/run them?
Why not? It's a year till then, they have plenty of time.

[Danny0405]

You don’t build a chassis just to be used one time.
And I don’t believe at all there will be 9 additional Rally1 in Paraguay

Maybe 9 people has asked how much it would cost but only a pair of them will be able to pay it - all the more that you have Chile consecutively so except if there are clients for running it in Chile, it will be more expensive.

[saco0o]

but its for renting. a chilenean fella rented a msport rally1 last year. it something like that. theres even articles from when Paraguay was confirmed about 2 or 3 paraguayans already talking about renting rally1s for '25. interesting to see if they will all get msports or cars from the other brands tol. they sure have a few of them at their shops

[becher]

Why not? It's a year till then, they have plenty of time.
Because there are likely not enough usable chassis around and the teams would have to charge a ridiculous amount to build up an old spare chassis for basically one event.

We also have three teams at the moment wich means on average three additional cars per team, that is not possible with the available staff and probably difficult for the respective facilities in the service park.

Additionally both Toyota and Hyundai rarely ever rented a car and ran it for their customer let alone sold one to be run by a private party. As far as I know there is maybe one Puma in private hands rund by someone other than M Sport.

Sure would be nice to have six Pumas, five i20 and six/seven Yaris but I don't see it happening.

[Co-driven]

One thing is sure, money is not a problem for these guys in Paraguay...

[Fast Eddie WRC]

I watched a video a few months back of a visit to M-Sport and I think I counted 8 Pumas in the workshop...

[denkimi]

Because there are likely not enough usable chassis around and the teams would have to charge a ridiculous amount to build up an old spare chassis for basically one event.

We also have three teams at the moment wich means on average three additional cars per team, that is not possible with the available staff and probably difficult for the respective facilities in the service park.

Additionally both Toyota and Hyundai rarely ever rented a car and ran it for their customer let alone sold one to be run by a private party. As far as I know there is maybe one Puma in private hands rund by someone other than M Sport.

Sure would be nice to have six Pumas, five i20 and six/seven Yaris but I don't see it happening.
The teams build the chassis, if they wanted to build 100 new ones they could do that.

I also doubt there will be 9 cars, but selling or renting old cars without hybrid is very well possible.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

eWRC shows the number of Rally1 car chassis that are active:

https://www.ewrc-results.com/cars/163-ford-puma-rally1/

https://www.ewrc-results.com/cars/165-hyundai-i20-n-rally1/

https://www.ewrc-results.com/cars/164-toyota-gr-yaris-rally1/

[Andre Oliveira]

2 Puma are of privateers.

[saco0o]

eWRC shows the number of Rally1 car chassis that are active:

https://www.ewrc-results.com/cars/163-ford-puma-rally1/

https://www.ewrc-results.com/cars/165-hyundai-i20-n-rally1/

https://www.ewrc-results.com/cars/164-toyota-gr-yaris-rally1/

jeeez! imagine removing all these hybrids, not adding 100kg of ballast, changing that rear wing for a simpler one, changing this exagerated general aero kit (body) for a simpler one and saying "these are the cars for 2025-26, no updates allowed".
if that would not attract smaller teams and privateers, then wrc is just dead

[becher]

eWRC shows the number of Rally1 car chassis that are active:

https://www.ewrc-results.com/cars/163-ford-puma-rally1/

https://www.ewrc-results.com/cars/165-hyundai-i20-n-rally1/

https://www.ewrc-results.com/cars/164-toyota-gr-yaris-rally1/

Cool I that became a premium feature.

[denkimi]

eWRC shows the number of Rally1 car chassis that are active:

https://www.ewrc-results.com/cars/163-ford-puma-rally1/

https://www.ewrc-results.com/cars/165-hyundai-i20-n-rally1/

https://www.ewrc-results.com/cars/164-toyota-gr-yaris-rally1/
I always wonder what they do with them. They don't sell them, they don't rent them out. They just seem to store them.

[Eli]

https://x.com/lancia_official/status/1834624218438271327?s=61

Lancia launched the Ypsilon Rally4 today, don’t know how far they’ll go and if they have plans to develop a Rally2 and then later a Rally1, guess everything now rests on the regulations that hopefully will (& need) to come before the end of this year for 2027.

[macebig]

Stellantis will probably rebody the C3 Rally 2s into Ypsilons, as this Rally 4 is pretty much a restyled 208 Rally 4.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Latvala on the Katsuta decision...

https://rallyjournal.com/jari-matti-latvala-reveals-more-about-toyotas-big-decision/

[Steve Boyd]

Latvala on the Katsuta decision...

https://rallyjournal.com/jari-matti-latvala-reveals-more-about-toyotas-big-decision/He could always copy MSport & give him a year in the British (or Finnish) Championship to reset!

[deephouse]

He could always copy MSport & give him a year in the British (or Finnish) Championship to reset!

With their resources they could get him all the rallies in WRC but in a rally2 car. Kinda like Gryazin this year. And I bet Katsuta could actually do very good in WRC2. The car did prove that it's quite good and can challenge Skoda. And yet boost marketing for that car, and Toyota as a whole. If he could clinch a WRC2 title it would be something too for Japan. Because realisticaly he probably will never get WRC title, maybe just 1 or few rally wins.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Worrying comments from Malcolm Wilson to Dirtfish today... :disturb:

"M-Sport's managing director is confident he can keep Fourmaux if M-Sport remains in the WRC."

"Unfortunately, we can’t continue like we have been,” Wilson added. “But let’s wait and see. I mean, as you know, it’s the last thing I want to do is walk away from WRC. It’s been my life."

“[Ford is] exactly like myself, they want to stay in rally. There’s a big commitment now to Dakar. There’s no question Ford is moving more to the off-road world.

"So, yeah, there’s definitely a desire, but at the end of the day, it’s about return on investment and that’s the big target at the moment."

[EstWRC]

This is a copy paste talk from Wilson from past years.

[deephouse]

This is a copy paste talk from Wilson from past years.

Well Ford will probably decide what they will do from 2027 onwards. If the regs will suit them, they will commit fully, if not they will take out that little they give to the M-Sport.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

This is a copy paste talk from Wilson from past years.

One of these years he wont be crying wolf.

But if Hyundai leave or go to PH Sport, maybe Ford will see it as an opportunity to compete properly.

[deephouse]

One of these years he wont be crying wolf.

But if Hyundai leave or go to PH Sport, maybe Ford will see it as an opportunity to compete properly.

Who knows maybe they will still get a quite of chunk of money for the programme. And them actualy do better than official works team. And that would be a call for everyone to step up with a team who knows how things run.

[Managarium]

Janne Ferm has announced his retirement

https://rallyjournal.com/esapekka-lappis-co-driver-announces-major-news-career-comes-to-an-end/

[Managarium]

It seems that there is no WRC in Croatia in 2026 also

https://www.jutarnji.hr/autoklub/aktualno/probijen-i-drugi-rok-izgleda-da-u-hrvatskoj-wrc-utrku-necemo-gledati-ni-2026-15507192?fbclid=IwY2xjawFm8aZleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHWyW vapDLWQOpqiUWUd94O0JchIcgh8RSjDIg0LfHMqDmvnTctnmFb JGdQ_aem_pXwB6Fxa_FvXAXUa5cq9Xg

[manthey]

It seems that there is no WRC in Croatia in 2026 also

https://www.jutarnji.hr/autoklub/aktualno/probijen-i-drugi-rok-izgleda-da-u-hrvatskoj-wrc-utrku-necemo-gledati-ni-2026-15507192?fbclid=IwY2xjawFm8aZleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHWyW vapDLWQOpqiUWUd94O0JchIcgh8RSjDIg0LfHMqDmvnTctnmFb JGdQ_aem_pXwB6Fxa_FvXAXUa5cq9Xg

croatia deserves a place in the wrc

[deephouse]

Of course, it does, but we see the government clearly doesn't care too much. I hope that at least one new tarmac will be added in the middle of seasons in the future. Or they should replace that Sardegna with legend Sanremo, mixed or tarmac event.

[becher]

croatia deserves a place in the wrc

+10 Its a great event.

[GigiGalliNo1]

croatia deserves a place in the wrc

lol

[TypeR]

https://www.wrc.com/a/news/w28722_Neuville:-Driver's-title-now,-manufacturers'-crown-next

,,It’s important not to have an internal fight and to get things done to be ready to beat the Toyotas in the manufacturers’ championship.''

In short: we have to push to catch Toyota, but ,,Tanak shouldn't fight me''.

Very logical. Huuge lead, but feet are shaking..

[AE1WRC]

Kalle said he fulfilled the expectations from his part time season. Does this mean that Chile was the final round for him ?

Anyway summarising his season 4/7 is still good. However this could have easily been 7/7 and to be honest except Safari he didn't even really capitalise his road position advantage on Fridays IMO

[macebig]

He's 100% doing Japan. Toyota want all their drivers for their home rally.

[spyros]

Imagine if Ott wins at CER and Thierry crash.......

[TypeR]

Imagine if Ott wins at CER and Thierry crash.......

bUt Tanak pushed too much!!

[CeskyOndra]

It makes sense that Neuville wants to decide drivers title in CER, then he can push in Japan and doesnt need to be cruising trough to secure title and he can fight for manu title with no stress about WDC.. And Neuville is absolutely key factor for Hyundai, if he won't be pushing on Sundays, Hyundai will hardly get a title..

[macebig]

It will take a major turnaround from what we saw in RMC and Croatia for Tanak in the i20 to beat Ogier and Evans on tarmac. Maybe even Fourmaux will give him a run for his money.

[mknight]

It will take a major turnaround from what we saw in RMC and Croatia for Tanak in the i20 to beat Ogier and Evans on tarmac. Maybe even Fourmaux will give him a run for his money.

I agree and same goes for Mikkelsen vs Katsuta and Fourmaux.

But Hyundai needs points from someone else than Neuville (who should be more focused on not crashing in CER). So you could argue that someone else than him should be getting extra testing/seattime before CER.

If they get little testing the chance of any turnarounds gets even smaller.

[EstWRC]

It will take a major turnaround from what we saw in RMC and Croatia for Tanak in the i20 to beat Ogier and Evans on tarmac. Maybe even Fourmaux will give him a run for his money.

This!

[deephouse]

As I said, Neuville and Tanak have equal chances of winning the title, but have equal chances to crash in both rallies. Neuville is on the top step from the start of the season, he was cleaning, have many issues, even punctures and crashes, but he still manage to get the most out of every rally, thaks too to the new point system. Tanak was always in the middle, I could say worse, but have better start position almost a whole season and start to manage points too. Right now N have we could say one good rally points advantage and advatage because there is only two tarmac rallies. And I think that if he would still have problems, he will somehow manage to get at least something.

More importantly is, no matter who of those two will win, it should be Hyundai and I mean both titles. That way the bosses (I hope) will reconsider and saw that it's worth of being in the WRC. I mean it's too soon to leave. Not now, when finally some people started trying to save it.

[focus206]

It's obvious that if Neuville won't run into trouble, he'll get the title, there's no catching him with only speed. But Thierry seems willing to push a bit in CER to avoid a risky retirement in Japan... imagine he has driveshaft failure on Sunday in Japan and gets 0 points...
Tanak needs something to happen to Neuville, but he also needs to keep Ogier behind. Ogier is fast on asphalt, would you be surprised if he won both CER and Japan? If Ogier can gain 10-11 points over Neuville in CER, then he's still in the fight in Japan. So we go back to everything being decided by the chance of something happening to Neuville on Japan's Sunday.

[Managarium]

�� FOURMAUX-HYUNDAI
Adrien Fourmaux will be Hyundai’s third driver in the 2025 season. His contract includes a FULL TIME agreement and therefore Fourmaux will join Neuville and Tanak in all events of the next season.
As we anticipated last August 5, contacts between Fourmaux and Hyundai were already underway but the definitive “yes” arrived during Rally Chile.
M-Sport’s attempts to retain Adrien have been in vain.
No confirmation has arrived from the interested parties (but it will be confirmed very soon) and on the duration of the contract which will most likely have a 1+1 formula: a certain year (2025) plus a possible extension in the case Hyundai will still have a program in the 2026 WRC season.
At this point Hyundai will release Sordo, Lappi and Mikkelsen while M-Sport will have the first driver’s seat free.

https://www.facebook.com/wrctvitaly

[deephouse]

�� FOURMAUX-HYUNDAI
Adrien Fourmaux will be Hyundai’s third driver in the 2025 season. His contract includes a FULL TIME agreement and therefore Fourmaux will join Neuville and Tanak in all events of the next season.
As we anticipated last August 5, contacts between Fourmaux and Hyundai were already underway but the definitive “yes” arrived during Rally Chile.
M-Sport’s attempts to retain Adrien have been in vain.
No confirmation has arrived from the interested parties (but it will be confirmed very soon) and on the duration of the contract which will most likely have a 1+1 formula: a certain year (2025) plus a possible extension in the case Hyundai will still have a program in the 2026 WRC season.
At this point Hyundai will release Sordo, Lappi and Mikkelsen while M-Sport will have the first driver’s seat free.

https://www.facebook.com/wrctvitaly

such a stupid thing to do.

[TypeR]

such a stupid thing to do.
Signing a big manu contract for full season in WRC is the top thing to reach in rallying.
Yes, M-Sport is also in top class, but in Hyundai he will also make good money.
And on the other hand, I think Wilson is also proud about the fact that his youngster is getting a big deal.

IF this happens.

[Krigen]

Signing a big manu contract for full season in WRC is the top thing to reach in rallying.
Yes, M-Sport is also in top class, but in Hyundai he will also make good money.
And on the other hand, I think Wilson is also proud about the fact that his youngster is getting a big deal.

IF this happens.

Sorry that M-Sport`s only ambition is to develop drivers. Get`s boring

[AndersX]

This is still a speculation. Has anyone checked credibility of the source? Motorsport guys are fighting so hard to get paid and there are so few who really gets over that fence, that it is understandable that one would take money, plus there must be investors behind, plus, i red one comment somewhere that Malcolm and MSport actually also gets cut if their development project gets paid ( i am not sure if this is true, though).

[ik1911]

[QUOTE=manthey;1353160]croatia deserves a place in the wrc[/QUOT


Hope , is not over!

https://istarski.hr/node/105961-vlada-je-dala-garancije-najbolji-svjetski-relijasi-ponovno-dolaze-vrlo-blizu-istre-no-hoce-li-prijeci-ucku

[mknight]

I also see this as some kind of speculation atm. Hopefully there will be confirmation either way soon.

[skarderud]

Sorry to say, but beeing 3.d driver at Hyundai is with todays car is ruining your carriere.
Only sordo is the only one.

Not many options to get paid in this business, but he hasn't droved for free at M-sport i presume.

Mikkelsen developing the Rally2 car these days, is Hyundai offer him a full season in that with a good paycheck instead of the Rally1 drive?

Sent fra min SM-S901B via Tapatalk

[rallyfiend]

Sorry to say, but beeing 3.d driver at Hyundai is with todays car is ruining your carriere.
Only sordo is the only one.

Not many options to get paid in this business, but he hasn't droved for free at M-sport i presume.

Mikkelsen developing the Rally2 car these days, is Hyundai offer him a full season in that with a good paycheck instead of the Rally1 drive?

Sent fra min SM-S901B via Tapatalk

Hyundai have admitted they've given up on the Rally2 car for WRC - they will just try to turn it in to a tarmac-only car for national use.

I don't see paychecks coming to anyone to drive Rally2 - and if there were, for sure Paddon would be top of the list. Truly the only driver in the history of that car to really enjoy any kind of success.

[trykmann]

Sorry to say, but beeing 3.d driver at Hyundai is with todays car is ruining your carriere.
Only sordo is the only one.

Not many options to get paid in this business, but he hasn't droved for free at M-sport i presume.

Mikkelsen developing the Rally2 car these days, is Hyundai offer him a full season in that with a good paycheck instead of the Rally1 drive?

Sent fra min SM-S901B via Tapatalk

Being 3rd driver at Hyundai might be not that bad. Obviously you have to be in the shadow of Neuville and Tänak, but you still can show your speed. If you are in a position where you have to slow down to give points to your teammates, then you have done something right. This would still have an positive impact to your career, because you are seen as a team player if needed and also you have the speed to fight with the best. Tänak was doing the same thing in 2017, when he had to slow down for Ogier and if Ogier was not in the position, then he was able to fight for his wins.

[mknight]

At MSport this year at basically every rally Fourmaux is behind the top 5 (Rovanpera/Ogier/Evans/Neuville/Tanak) on speed and gets to 3-4 ish after retirements. (Some rallies with heavy cleaning being exception)

Whether that is due to his speed, car speed or tactics is hard to tell.

Anyway if he would do that in Hyundai how would that impress anyone? If he would instead push and crash a bit more (he does crash a fair bit now too) it would be even worse.

Historically we know that most rally drivers seem to overestimate their skills. But if this happens (the source current rumor source doesn't look very reliable) it does remind of Duval to Citroen.

[deephouse]

So 3 guys will lose their job and surely it's the end of their careers as WRC drivers.

As we can see the WRC 2024 lineup will be:
-Hyundai:
-Neuville
-Tanak
-Fourmaux

-Toyota:
-Rovanpera
-Evans
-Katsuta/Pajari/Ogier (Shared 3rd or sometimes 4th car)

-M-Sport:
-Sesks (probably)
-Munster

I see this very bad for the championship, because if somehow some new team find a way to enter, they would not have enough guys being sharp. In a 2 years no one will look at those who felt out right now.

[trykmann]

I see this very bad for the championship, because if somehow some new team find a way to enter, they would not have enough guys being sharp. In a 2 years no one will look at those who felt out right now.

A new team would definitely need at least one experienced driver to lead the car development, but speed wise there are young drivers already knocking on the door. I believe Solberg and Rossel would show similar speed as Fourmaux in a Rally1 car after some testing.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

�� FOURMAUX-HYUNDAI
Adrien Fourmaux will be Hyundai’s third driver in the 2025 season. His contract includes a FULL TIME agreement and therefore Fourmaux will join Neuville and Tanak in all events of the next season.
As we anticipated last August 5, contacts between Fourmaux and Hyundai were already underway but the definitive “yes” arrived during Rally Chile.
M-Sport’s attempts to retain Adrien have been in vain.
No confirmation has arrived from the interested parties (but it will be confirmed very soon) and on the duration of the contract which will most likely have a 1+1 formula: a certain year (2025) plus a possible extension in the case Hyundai will still have a program in the 2026 WRC season.
At this point Hyundai will release Sordo, Lappi and Mikkelsen while M-Sport will have the first driver’s seat free.

https://www.facebook.com/wrctvitaly

I'll be gutted if this is true. But it wouldn't be a surprise as you cant really turn down a full-time contract with a factory team.

Fourmaux could've stayed at M-Sport but then he may never get another chance to earn the sort of money Hyundai will pay. It may also have been seen as a lack of ambition too.

Hopefully Sesks can take his place and he's shown some good speed and a brilliant personality which will help him and the team have future success.

[NoFear85]

WRC Croatia back in 2026?

https://sportske.jutarnji.hr/sn/sport-mix/ostali-sportovi/jedna-od-najvecih-sportskih-manifestacija-vraca-se-u-hrvatsku-vlada-rh-ce-izdvojiti-4-4-milijuna-eura-15508511

[mknight]

A new team would definitely need at least one experienced driver to lead the car development, but speed wise there are young drivers already knocking on the door. I believe Solberg and Rossel would show similar speed as Fourmaux in a Rally1 car after some testing.

I am not so sure about the constant excitement for "new" drivers. Since 2015 the only "new" drivers that made it to consistent fight for win level were Tanak, Evans and Rovanpera.
While many drivers that seemed like the next big thing very early just couldn't consistently deliver - Suninen, Breen and Lappi being prime examples, not to mention the likes of Lefevbre, Loubet etc.
At the same time many "old" drivers keep the same or almost same level no matter what, apart from the obvious Loeb and Ogier there is Latvala, Sordo and Mikkelsen.

A good speed/result even very early (i.e. Lappi) does not really guarantee that it will stay that way, and even less that consistency in both speed and reliability improves.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Another source of Fourmaux to Hyundai...

http://www.areacorse.com/in-cile-fourmaux-dice-si-a-hyundai-2/?fbclid=IwY2xjawFrbZlleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHUYtlQwr9Qms ONntQgRirt-aN2nB3P2DN9kxJ9XKITi-kGjVvnB13X__Iw_aem_QqDY1Gszb3PsiAQFjMd6Cw

[trykmann]

I am not so sure about the constant excitement for "new" drivers. Since 2015 the only "new" drivers that made it to consistent fight for win level were Tanak, Evans and Rovanpera.
While many drivers that seemed like the next big thing very early just couldn't consistently deliver - Suninen, Breen and Lappi being prime examples, not to mention the likes of Lefevbre, Loubet etc.
At the same time many "old" drivers keep the same or almost same level no matter what, apart from the obvious Loeb and Ogier there is Latvala, Sordo and Mikkelsen.

A good speed/result even very early (i.e. Lappi) does not really guarantee that it will stay that way, and even less that consistency in both speed and reliability improves.

The issue about the current best drivers is their age. Most of them are already in their mid thirties. I am not sure we will be seeing Neuville, Tänak or Evans driving a full season in their forties. The generational change will happen in 4-5 years.

[deephouse]

If they will have a good and stable team behind, they will drive at least few seasons. But sure one by one will leave and not all at once.

[becher]

I'll be gutted if this is true. But it wouldn't be a surprise as you cant really turn down a full-time contract with a factory team.

Fourmaux could've stayed at M-Sport but then he may never get another chance to earn the sort of money Hyundai will pay. It may also have been seen as a lack of ambition too.

Hopefully Sesks can take his place and he's shown some good speed and a brilliant personality which will help him and the team have future success.
I see it the opposite way, if Fourmaux doesn't deliver at Hyundai, which is very likely alongside Neuville and Tänak, he will be seen as a failure. If he improves his reputation further at M Sport then the others will keep looking at him. Imagine Tänak jumping ship to Hyundai in in 2017 for example, his career could have ended up a lot less successful.

[deephouse]

Of course Adrien will not deliver better than in M-Sport. He will not be allowed to. As usual. And it would be surprise if he would be good in that car straigh away, as no one, even WDCs didn't manage to deliver it straight away. Only Neuville and Sordo can somehow drive everywhere, but they are in the team from the start. One year is not enough.

It's possible that Wilson did sell him out like he did with all previous talents. And manage to increase his value through development and saying how he will try to keep him, but realisticaly they are doing business. If we don't had him and his team, we never had half the grid, we have right now in the WRC. Probably would be Ogier, Neuville, Latvala and some Serderidis like, millionaire uncle backed kids with no talent, and likes of overrated drivers with ''good'' connections. And that way the gaps would be far bigger, dominance from one and killing the sport step by step.

Tanak have enouh time to adapt to the car and team and only in second half of the season he start delivering. I bet if he would not perform well they would reconsider his seat too, although he have one title around his belt and this maybe save him. I wonder what would happen if Hyundai would not offer him a seat this year. Would M-Sport take Adrien along or it would even have funds to run a WDC for another year. Is it possible they got some money to buy out Tanak from M-Sport?

[Fast Eddie WRC]

I see it the opposite way, if Fourmaux doesn't deliver at Hyundai, which is very likely alongside Neuville and Tänak, he will be seen as a failure. If he improves his reputation further at M Sport then the others will keep looking at him. Imagine Tänak jumping ship to Hyundai in in 2017 for example, his career could have ended up a lot less successful.

I dont say I like the decision (or even agree with it), but there will be reasons from all concerned.

I'm sure a lot will come out once it's made official and there will have been discussions with other drivers once Fourmaux decided to go which may make it make sense for M-Sport.

[Andre Oliveira]

Can FFSA support Rossel now? He deserves the support.

[deephouse]

Don't know why Citroen did back him and Gryazin with official programme this year after absence for so long time and with quite ''old'' Rally2 car model, but my guess is they are looking at 2027 what it would be. It could be they are maybe just boosting their car recognition but doing that would be sensible when they build it (2018), not now when car manufacturer have completely new model of C3. Maybe they are preparing the terrain for Lancia to come and take their experience and build similar machine, since they are quite serious about rallying. So having already drivers with experience is better to showcase straight away than hiring someone new. But this is just my guess, only reffering to that article about their looking closely at FIA.

Supporting him by FFSA at this stage when he can become WRC2 champion, I think it doesn't have a point, just making him some more money. It would make sense if he would be in JWRC or show talent, and being young. That way he could afford outing on a WRC level, but he already have it by Citroen.

[Managarium]

https://i.postimg.cc/R0GbbJTK/viber-slika-2024-10-04-13-34-40-046.jpg (https://postimg.cc/3y4BkRVx)

[rallyfiend]

Can FFSA support Rossel now? He deserves the support.

He is supported by FFSA.

He is branded by FFSA, and for sure the YACCO sponsorship comes from this direction....

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Rossel is a good shout for an M-Sport seat. He appears to be very much like the previous French stars in his attitude and professionalism. He also has good experience from WRC2 (although mainly tarmac). Let's see if he has enough backing to get ahead of Sesks or Solberg.

[deephouse]

I forgot to mention before, thanks to Citroen this year, and Pajari in Toyota Rally2 somehow backed, we now have exciting battle ahead for the remaining two events in WRC2 and not Skoda winning everywhere and way before season ends. Shame that Hyundai can't recognize true potential in Paddon and Meeke to bring them up and spice things up. And M-Sport could do it too with Sesks and some other talent.

As regarding M-Sport in WRC. I saw every episode now for that documentary and is quite obvious that Munster have this bad feeling that he is dissapointing the team. He could be degraded next year as many before them, build up experience and come back if step up would be shown. It worked for many drivers before. That way M-Sport could bring Sesks up, try with him do a full season, and maybe snatch Solberg, Rossel, Gryazin, Mikkelsen, Lappi or even Evans. I think that after this year if anyone will get the offer they will not refuse.

I found and old article about future of WRC, at least something is mention, if anyone is interesed https://rallyjournal.com/did-you-notice-these-new-decisions-in-the-world-rally-championship-at-least-one-wrc-team-is-pleased/

[becher]

https://i.postimg.cc/R0GbbJTK/viber-slika-2024-10-04-13-34-40-046.jpg (https://postimg.cc/3y4BkRVx)
Great news!

[turdzi]

I'm not so sure about that Fourmaux move to Hyundai thing. I think it is not a good news for us and for him himself.
The obvious thing is that that automatically close the door for Young Solberg and his chance to get a seat in Rally1 car which he truly deserves. Unfortunately I can't not see that he can drive for M-sport unless he ends his cooperation with Monster. Formoux however will than end up as no. 3 driver with a lot of pressure and I will take time for him to could challenge Tanak and Neuville as a no.1.

I mean the general problem is that there is nothing enough Rally1 cars on the top level and unless that changes the manufacturers always will take safe choices when it comes to drivers. In my opinion a WRC2 plus it is still the best way to go as a lot manufacturers has already finished developed chassies. It would also make it possible for privet teams to drive in the top class and top level as it was in the old days.
At least I hope tat a next gen Rally1 car won't have a tubular chassis wich is a complete nonsense.

[becher]

I'm not so sure about that Fourmaux move to Hyundai thing. I think it is not a good news for us and for him himself.
The obvious thing is that that automatically close the door for Young Solberg and his chance to get a seat in Rally1 car which he truly deserves. Unfortunately I can't not see that he can drive for M-sport unless he ends his cooperation with Monster. Formoux however will than end up as no. 3 driver with a lot of pressure and I will take time for him to could challenge Tanak and Neuville as a no.1.

I mean the general problem is that there is nothing enough Rally1 cars on the top level and unless that changes the manufacturers always will take safe choices when it comes to drivers. In my opinion a WRC2 plus it is still the best way to go as a lot manufacturers has already finished developed chassies. It would also make it possible for privet teams to drive in the top class and top level as it was in the old days.
At least I hope tat a next gen Rally1 car won't have a tubular chassis wich is a complete nonsense.

In before we launch a whole new Rally2 discussion, Rally2 and WRCars already had a tubular chassis, it was just combined with a cut up road car shell and therefore pretty expensive to develop.

[Eli]

Unrelated to Fourmaux or Croatia but it saddens me to think it’s 5 years (to this weekend) since the last Wales Rally GB :(

[turdzi]

In before we launch a whole new Rally2 discussion, Rally2 and WRCars already had a tubular chassis, it was just combined with a cut up road car shell and therefore pretty expensive to develop.

But it is still based on a road car so there are a lot of panels you do not have to make. It has to be a massive cost to build those Rally1 shells. 2566

[Mirek]

But it is still based on a road car so there are a lot of panels you do not have to make. It has to be a massive cost to build those Rally1 shells. 2566

With rally2 the manufacturers have to use a suitable stock bodyshell which might not be in their production at all or when there is some it is definitely far from optimal. That itself prevents some manufacturers from entering the sport and makes the life hard for the everyone at the same time.
Any changes to the bodyshell to optimize the rally car must go through all processes of the stock production. Everyone who works or worked in the automotive knows that this is extremely time consuming, expensive and ofthen simply impossible process to do. The extreme case is Toyota Yaris GR where they developed a road going rally car like in the 80' to have best-suited possible bodyshell for the Rally2 however that was possible only because the Toyota management are crazy in rallying. The cost behind creating this car was definitely enormous and with any other manufacturer the managing board would kill it when it was still a power point presentation.
There are less and less usebale bodyshell being produced as the car industry changes, for the new cars the space frame will be necessary even for Rally2 because the pool of usable cars is drying.
The body panels for the future Rally2 may not be made of carbon. If the rules are different they can be pretty cheap glassfibre fabric produced by whomever. It's only about how the rules are written.
For the manufacturers a spaceframe prototype is an easier option because it allows them to separate the motorsport development from stock production.

[saco0o]

can we finish THIS subject on the 2027 rules topic? i posted there an image, i'd like your thoughts. leave this topic for wrc news

[Managarium]

I'm not so sure about that Fourmaux move to Hyundai thing. I think it is not a good news for us and for him himself.


Of course he will move up to Hyundai. It is nothing new. Just like Tanak, Ogier and Evans did it before him. If you look at Tanak's case, he departed from statistical best team in 2017.
More money for driver and more financial team stability makes the move. Even Neuville said that in 2014. he moved to Hyundai, even it was for him the same wage as in M-Sport, but he moved to more financial stability team.
But, on the other way, Fouurmaux could come back to M-Sport any time and he would be welcomed, just like Hirvonen and Tanak before him.



The obvious thing is that that automatically close the door for Young Solberg and his chance to get a seat in Rally1 car which he truly deserves.

He is good driver, no need for discussion there. But he had an golden opportunity and he blow it up in 2022.
His job was to finish events and pick up manufacturer points. Of 8 rallyes he crash in 3 of them (one burnt car) + one when he hit a rock. So that made him a much difficult job to convince Rally1 teams that he learned his lesion.

[Rallyper]

Of course he will move up to Hyundai. It is nothing new. Just like Tanak, Ogier and Evans did it before him. If you look at Tanak's case, he departed from statistical best team in 2017.
More money for driver and more financial team stability makes the move. Even Neuville said that in 2014. he moved to Hyundai, even it was for him the same wage as in M-Sport, but he moved to more financial stability team.
But, on the other way, Fouurmaux could come back to M-Sport any time and he would be welcomed, just like Hirvonen and Tanak before him.



He is good driver, no need for discussion there. But he had an golden opportunity and he blow it up in 2022.
His job was to finish events and pick up manufacturer points. Of 8 rallyes he crash in 3 of them (one burnt car) + one when he hit a rock. So that made him a much difficult job to convince Rally1 teams that he learned his lesion.

Fourmaux to Hyundai does mean money to Malcolm Wilson as well, doesn´t it?

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Fourmaux to Hyundai does mean money to Malcolm Wilson as well, doesn´t it?

Maybe. But I'm sure he'd prefer to keep Fourmaux and be more competitive in WRC next year than be starting over again with another young driver...

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Rovanpera re-charged and ready for 2025 full-time return:

https://www.motorsport.com/wrc/news/rovanpera-recharged-and-ready-for-2025-wrc-full-time-return/10660781/

[Managarium]

Fourmaux to Hyundai does mean money to Malcolm Wilson as well, doesn´t it?

Why?
Fourmaux's contract expires at years end, so there is nothing legally binding him to M-Sport.

[Morte66]

Why?
Fourmaux's contract expires at years end, so there is nothing legally binding him to M-Sport.

M-Sport has had deals where they gave drivers a seat in return for a percentage of future earnings should they go to a higher-paying team.

I think Elfyn Evans was one such, they made money when he moved from M-Sport to Toyota?

I've a feeling they might have had a deal like that with Suninen, but it didn't pay off.

[becher]

Why?
Fourmaux's contract expires at years end, so there is nothing legally binding him to M-Sport.

Wilson has a management contract with him as well I guess. Taking a part of their salary when they move to another team is part of his business model I believe.

Regarding pay at M Sport vs Hyundai in Neuville's case I seem to remember an interview where he (or Gilsoul) said they didn't really earn anything in 2013 and moved back in with their parents.

[saco0o]

Rovanpera re-charged and ready for 2025 full-time return:

https://www.motorsport.com/wrc/news/rovanpera-recharged-and-ready-for-2025-wrc-full-time-return/10660781/

oh, he won races in the porsche series?? man i missed that news, just saw he posted a vlog on that. so cool, going to watch it later. that was a good news! how did i missed that
https://youtu.be/dnoeH57h480?feature=shared

[Rallyest]

I'm not so sure about that Fourmaux move to Hyundai thing. I think it is not a good news for us and for him himself.
The obvious thing is that that automatically close the door for Young Solberg and his chance to get a seat in Rally1 car which he truly deserves. Unfortunately I can't not see that he can drive for M-sport unless he ends his cooperation with Monster. Formoux however will than end up as no. 3 driver with a lot of pressure and I will take time for him to could challenge Tanak and Neuville as a no.1.

I mean the general problem is that there is nothing enough Rally1 cars on the top level and unless that changes the manufacturers always will take safe choices when it comes to drivers. In my opinion a WRC2 plus it is still the best way to go as a lot manufacturers has already finished developed chassies. It would also make it possible for privet teams to drive in the top class and top level as it was in the old days.
At least I hope tat a next gen Rally1 car won't have a tubular chassis wich is a complete nonsense.


I dont really believe in the Monster/Redbull clash in M-sport, i mean Serderidis and Sesks have been driving an puma withouth a single Redbull logo on their livery, why Solberg would be different?
Surely they can play it somehow different if there even is any discussion in getting Solberg into a puma.

[AndersX]

It changes the game only if MSport has the deal with RB as a team; but if RB logos and co-financing appear on Pumas only via Driver contracts, then there should not be an issue to run 3 or even 4 pumas on different liveries. I think Solbergs issue is different to RB/Monster - could be even Mikkelsen level matter, where Solberg family is not ready to pay for Olivers drive, as they know that he is fast and there is nothing to prove left. Maybe only matter of consistency can be questioned.

[turdzi]

It might be as with all M-sport youngsters that Malcolm will want his cut in the future for developing Oliver and Solbergs think tha it would be unfair and don't want to share with him. But if they miss Fourmaux then will need someone course Sesks and Munster won't do the job.

[mknight]

I also think that Solbergs would expect MSport to pay Oliver to drive, while Malcolm expects the opposite. But yes if Fourmaux leaves that might change things.

Olivers consistency on gravel improved a lot this year. But he needs to drive more tarmac if he aims for full seat.

On a related note it would be somewhat ironic if, after being hailed as best Rally2 an seemingly using lot of money on Solberg+testing, Skoda would end with no titles this year (no ERC or WRC2). Last time something like this happened was in 2020. (C3 won WRC2 and ERC, i20 won WRC3).

[deephouse]

On a related note it would be somewhat ironic if, after being hailed as best Rally2 an seemingly using lot of money on Solberg+testing, Skoda would end with no titles this year (no ERC or WRC2). Last time something like this happened was in 2020. (C3 won WRC2 and ERC, i20 won WRC3).

And how many did they won against others?

[mknight]

And how many did they won against others?

I think you mean how many titles Skoda won vs others?

Simple and somewhat stupid answer would be almost all of them as there is always someone doing most of the season in a different Rally2.

If you mean how many they won vs competition that really tried for championship it is still quite a few in the last few years, though Hyundai has a tendency to give up when results don't come early in the season

2023 - WRC2 vs Citroen (Rossel) and Hyundai (Lindholm, Suninen)
2022 - WRC2 vs Citroen (Rosser) and Hyundai (Suninen)
2021 - WRC2 vs Citroen (Østberg), MSport (Suninen and Hutunen) and Hyundai (Solberg) and ERC vs Citroen (Lukyanuk)

Though I do agree that some of the earlier years Skoda was doing as much or more testing as some teams in the top class while the other teams were all more client-style. But it was the Skoda dominance in that period (before 2020) that led those to run more "factory" like teams later.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Hybrid power could yet be dropped for 2025...

https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/hybrid-could-yet-be-dropped-for-wrc-2025/

[TypeR]

No hybrid, yes hybrid, no hybrid.. :D

Weird that teams have to pay for faulty duracells..

[saco0o]

hybrid power could yet be dropped for 2025...

https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/hybrid-could-yet-be-dropped-for-wrc-2025/

oh for f sake!

[rallyfiend]

The FIA really aren't good at much, are they?

[deephouse]

FIA just released the book How to destroy the championship 101.

Why I have a feeling they will choose full EV and then nobody will care. Like they don't see what is going on that brands are turnig their backs on that technology because it will ruin their companies.
https://www.motorsport.com/wrc/news/fia-ev-hybrid-ice-power-on-the-table-for-wrc-2027/10661637/

[saco0o]

aaaand Toyota Gazoo started a partnership with Haas. they say its just technical stuff for now tho, but eh, eye balls are in F1. if we can have aston martin honda (26) alpine mercedes (25?) and ford stickers on redbull engines (25?), then suure, lets have Toyota also back in F1

[deephouse]

https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/solbergs-chile-appeal-to-go-ahead-after-fia-intervention/?fbclid=IwY2xjawF2b29leHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHTe_pAX71uqT I9tUSzZtyZcj4e8OJlLFfO0I0TmuijFW8s-kA_eYlVA13g_aem_13jZwWPBKJlDxpsPjqj8oA

I think someone activated mommy

[becher]

aaaand Toyota Gazoo started a partnership with Haas. they say its just technical stuff for now tho, but eh, eye balls are in F1. if we can have aston martin honda (26) alpine mercedes (25?) and ford stickers on redbull engines (25?), then suure, lets have Toyota also back in F1
That partnership is basically a thing because TMG (GR Europe or whatever it is called now) has a lot of unused capacity nowadays, probably mostly because of the low tech, fixed homologation nature of the current Hypercar regulations. The effect of getting pretty cheap (or maybe even free) publicity via F1 is a big bonus obviously. The long term plan for TMG is not to badge an engine or replace one of their proper motorsport projects with a badging deal, but make a bit of money by helping Haas designing and building parts, at some point maybe even build the whole chassis for Haas.

[saco0o]

That partnership is basically a thing because TMG (GR Europe or whatever it is called now) has a lot of unused capacity nowadays, probably mostly because of the low tech, fixed homologation nature of the current Hypercar regulations. The effect of getting pretty cheap (or maybe even free) publicity via F1 is a big bonus obviously. The long term plan for TMG is not to badge an engine or replace one of their proper motorsport projects with a badging deal, but make a bit of money by helping Haas designing and building parts, at some point maybe even build the whole chassis for Haas.

...and probably getting one of their japanese drivers into f1 already for 2026. probably myiata. he has not performed that well in f2 this year but boy, the guy won supergt, sflights, super formula. hes older (25) but he is really good. occon will not last there hehe or if someone gets bearman for performance.

[Rallyper]

https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/solbergs-chile-appeal-to-go-ahead-after-fia-intervention/?fbclid=IwY2xjawF2b29leHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHTe_pAX71uqT I9tUSzZtyZcj4e8OJlLFfO0I0TmuijFW8s-kA_eYlVA13g_aem_13jZwWPBKJlDxpsPjqj8oA

I think someone activated mommy

If the case is looking over properly I don´t see any wrong. Oc Pernilla won´t be in the investigation team.
The case itself looked kind of weird.

[mknight]

The facts are that Rossel was 1-2 secs behind Gryazin (who won the stage) on the splits before getting to Oliver. These splits already included some foggy sections.

After Oliver pulled out right in front of him in the fog it is basically ridiculous to measure any seconds.
During first few corners he can see Olivers car in the fog, then visibily drops to a few meters. Pushing in that case when you know there is a car potentially 10-20meters ahead that you can't see would be downright crazy.

What would be even more ridiculous is changing the results and removing title chances from Rossel weeks after finish. For sure Rossel could go a few seconds faster on Sunday if he had been given different time.

The big unanswered question from me is why didn't race control signal Oliver that he should let Rossel pass. Don't Rally2 have same system as Rally1?

[rallyfiend]

The facts are that Rossel was 1-2 secs behind Gryazin (who won the stage) on the splits before getting to Oliver. These splits already included some foggy sections.

After Oliver pulled out right in front of him in the fog it is basically ridiculous to measure any seconds.
During first few corners he can see Olivers car in the fog, then visibily drops to a few meters. Pushing in that case when you know there is a car potentially 10-20meters ahead that you can't see would be downright crazy.

What would be even more ridiculous is changing the results and removing title chances from Rossel weeks after finish. For sure Rossel could go a few seconds faster on Sunday if he had been given different time.

The big unanswered question from me is why didn't race control signal Oliver that he should let Rossel pass. Don't Rally2 have same system as Rally1?

It's not compulsory to have to pull over if you're signalled. So he possibly was given the signal, but chose not to - especially knowing the championship rival was behind him.

There is noting in the regulations that you have to move over - it's a pure sportsmanship. Perhaps Oliver should be getting more criticism for NOT pulling over.....

[mknight]

If he got the signal the answer should be simple. Rossel gets the time based on splits and onboards until he met Solberg. Like he already did - a few secs behind Gryazin.

Still the few seconds Solberg managed to save for himself by that almost got him ahead of Greensmith, so it was not necessarily a bad decision for himself. The complaining afterwards is.

[becher]

To me it looks more and more like Solberg is mentally not strong enough and his parents can't quite deal with the realities their son has to face in the sport. The whole "being mistreated" at Hyundai in 2022 saga makes sense to me now.

[becher]

Looks like Peter Windsor discovered rallying:

https://youtu.be/NDDllXyX3RU?feature=shared

Interesting talk about the difference between Michelins and Pirellis in relation to cleaning and road order.

[BleAivano]

Stages for Rally Sweden 2025

Friday
19:05; SS01 Umeå Sprint 1 5.16km.
09:18; SS02 Bygdsiljum 1 28.06km.
10:19; SS03 Andersvattnet 1 20.60km.
11:27; SS04 Bäck 1 10.80km.
14:48; SS05 Bygdsiljum 2 28.06km.
15:49; SS06 Andersvattnet 2 20.60km.
16:57; SS07 Bäck 2 10.80km.
19:05; SS08 Umeå Sprint 2 5.16km.

Saturday
09:10; SS09 Vännäs 1 15.65km.
10:05; SS10 Sarsjöliden 1 14.23km.
11:08; SS11 Kolksele 1 16.60km.
14:10; SS12 Vännäs 2 15.65km.
15:05; SS13 Sarsjöliden 2 14.23km.
16:08; SS14 Kolksele 2 16.60km.
18:05; SS15 Umeå 1 10:08km.

Sunday
07:27; SS16 Västervik 1 29.40km.
09:57; SS17 Västervik 2 29.40km.
12:15; SS18 Umeå 2 10.08km.

https://www.emotorsport.se/nyheter.php?in=2&nyhets_id=25948

[Rallyper]

To me it looks more and more like Solberg is mentally not strong enough and his parents can't quite deal with the realities their son has to face in the sport. The whole "being mistreated" at Hyundai in 2022 saga makes sense to me now.

I wouldn´t say it was common realities happened. and it isn´t Petter, or Skoda appealing, it´s FIA themselves, if I get it right. So don´t come with fake statements, please.

[becher]

I wouldn´t say it was common realities happened. and it isn´t Petter, or Skoda appealing, it´s FIA themselves, if I get it right. So don´t come with fake statements, please.

I haven't written anything in regards to the re evaluation. And my opinion can not be called a fake statement full stop. Only BS falsely proclaimed as a fact can be called a fake statement.

[philippebugalski]

Coming with this out of nowhere but I haven't seen anyone mentioning it anywhere. Did someone watched full onboard of Adrien Fourmaux in this year's Acropolis rally?
Absolutely mind blown, there were at least 3-4 proper moments with maximum speed saved and executed to perfection (although sometimes it seems like he's all over the place I would say that is perfectly driven with the ruts and lines that were available)

If you have spare 10 minutes then you know where to spend it ;), props to Adrien.

[EstWRC]

But in the end that driving got him

[mknight]

Yep he simply crashed out on Friday due to hitting front right corner before a crest, basically very much like in Croatia.

[Rallyper]

I haven't written anything in regards to the re evaluation. And my opinion can not be called a fake statement full stop. Only BS falsely proclaimed as a fact can be called a fake statement.

Someone said "mommy" and you were hanging on that talk, and also developed it into what his parents seemed to take action for. So same discussion.

[becher]

Someone said "mommy" and you were hanging on that talk, and also developed it into what his parents seemed to take action for. So same discussion.

Ah yes because it is absolutely abnormal to voice an opinion on a forum about a topic that is currently being discussed in one way or another by other people. And yet again you are putting words in my mouth, I don't appreciate that.

[Krigen]

Stages for Rally Sweden 2025

Friday
19:05; SS01 Umeå Sprint 1 5.16km.
09:18; SS02 Bygdsiljum 1 28.06km.
10:19; SS03 Andersvattnet 1 20.60km.
11:27; SS04 Bäck 1 10.80km.
14:48; SS05 Bygdsiljum 2 28.06km.
15:49; SS06 Andersvattnet 2 20.60km.
16:57; SS07 Bäck 2 10.80km.
19:05; SS08 Umeå Sprint 2 5.16km.

Saturday
09:10; SS09 Vännäs 1 15.65km.
10:05; SS10 Sarsjöliden 1 14.23km.
11:08; SS11 Kolksele 1 16.60km.
14:10; SS12 Vännäs 2 15.65km.
15:05; SS13 Sarsjöliden 2 14.23km.
16:08; SS14 Kolksele 2 16.60km.
18:05; SS15 Umeå 1 10:08km.

Sunday
07:27; SS16 Västervik 1 29.40km.
09:57; SS17 Västervik 2 29.40km.
12:15; SS18 Umeå 2 10.08km.

https://www.emotorsport.se/nyheter.php?in=2&nyhets_id=25948

The stages in Värmland was so much better :/

[Morte66]

The stages in Värmland was so much better :/

I liked them too. But in the last years it was a mud rally, not a snow rally. What can you do?

[Krigen]

I liked them too. But in the last years it was a mud rally, not a snow rally. What can you do?

That is just woke shit. I have recordings of all the swedis rallys from the 70`s 80`s 90`s 00`s many off those where the same or worse than the last one. and many of the last one was not bad at all. It just that fia got this we have too have meter high snowbanks or else you can not have the rally. Even in winter it is different weather, what if one year it is all melting up in Umeå but cold down in Värmland ? Will move to the northpole then? I also remember both drivers and commentators talked about it, like this year it`s no snowbanks, the drivers really likes it, now they can make big cuts and gäna throug the corners ..

[Krigen]

Coming with this out of nowhere but I haven't seen anyone mentioning it anywhere. Did someone watched full onboard of Adrien Fourmaux in this year's Acropolis rally?
Absolutely mind blown, there were at least 3-4 proper moments with maximum speed saved and executed to perfection (although sometimes it seems like he's all over the place I would say that is perfectly driven with the ruts and lines that were available)

If you have spare 10 minutes then you know where to spend it ;), props to Adrien.

Full onboard, what stage? Full onboard of the rally is sure more than 10 minutes .

[doubled1978]

Looks like Peter Windsor discovered rallying:

https://youtu.be/NDDllXyX3RU?feature=shared

Interesting talk about the difference between Michelins and Pirellis in relation to cleaning and road order.

Yes, I found that comparison interesting as well. I haven’t heard it spoken about before really.

[Backa]

I liked them too. But in the last years it was a mud rally, not a snow rally. What can you do?

I am curious what weather was mid-February in Varmland since rally was moved to Umea. I will check it later.

EDIT: February averages in Celsiuses for 2022-2024:

-6, -4 and -6 in Umea when Karlstad had 0, 0 and -1.

[philippebugalski]

Full onboard, what stage? Full onboard of the rally is sure more than 10 minutes .

My bad, powerstage onboard :)

[Rallyper]

Ah yes because it is absolutely abnormal to voice an opinion on a forum about a topic that is currently being discussed in one way or another by other people. And yet again you are putting words in my mouth, I don't appreciate that.

It was just a remark of your quote.

[Rallyper]

I am curious what weather was mid-February in Varmland since rally was moved to Umea. I will check it later.

EDIT: February averages in Celsiuses for 2022-2024:

-6, -4 and -6 in Umea when Karlstad had 0, 0 and -1.

Did you check the snow?

[Backa]

Did you check the snow?

Unfortunately I have no idea if there is data somewhere recording how snowy roads were on particular days.

I prefer Varmland stages too but for Sweden most important thing is snow. Extra ~5 Celsius degrees less in Umea on average makes decision sensible for me.

[kirungi okwogera]

That is just woke shit. I have recordings of all the swedis rallys from the 70`s 80`s 90`s 00`s many off those where the same or worse than the last one. and many of the last one was not bad at all. It just that fia got this we have too have meter high snowbanks or else you can not have the rally. Even in winter it is different weather, what if one year it is all melting up in Umeå but cold down in Värmland ? Will move to the northpole then? I also remember both drivers and commentators talked about it, like this year it`s no snowbanks, the drivers really likes it, now they can make big cuts and gäna throug the corners ..

I love it! "woke"! haha! the woke FIA! good lord. what semantic dissolution we live through

[wyler]

I love it! "woke"! haha! the woke FIA! good lord. what semantic dissolution we live through

it is not semantic, it is cognitive!

[Eli]

Not much news regarding the WRC for 2025 onwards, following the WMSC held virtually today:

https://www.fia.com/news/future-regulations-across-multiple-categories-confirmed-during-world-motor-sport-council

“In the WRC sporting regulations, the option of a Remote Service Zone (RSZ) has been introduced as an alternative to the Remote Tyre Fitting Zone (TFZ), providing WRC organisers with greater flexibility in planning the itinerary, helping to reduce road section distances or reach special stages that would otherwise be out of range.

It also allows competitors and teams to carry out repairs or adjustments when there is no return to the rally base at midday, hence helping to keep cars in the competition. Three team members per crew are permitted to transport designated tools and spare parts to the RSZ and perform work alongside the crew within the zone. “

Also: “The World Motor Sport Council has approved the appointment of Hankook as the tyre supplier for the 2025-2026 FIA ERC Junior Championship.”

[wyler]

Not much news regarding the WRC for 2025 onwards, following the WMSC held virtually today:

https://www.fia.com/news/future-regulations-across-multiple-categories-confirmed-during-world-motor-sport-council

“In the WRC sporting regulations, the option of a Remote Service Zone (RSZ) has been introduced as an alternative to the Remote Tyre Fitting Zone (TFZ), providing WRC organisers with greater flexibility in planning the itinerary, helping to reduce road section distances or reach special stages that would otherwise be out of range.

It also allows competitors and teams to carry out repairs or adjustments when there is no return to the rally base at midday, hence helping to keep cars in the competition. Three team members per crew are permitted to transport designated tools and spare parts to the RSZ and perform work alongside the crew within the zone. “

Also: “The World Motor Sport Council has approved the appointment of Hankook as the tyre supplier for the 2025-2026 FIA ERC Junior Championship.”

let's hope rally organizers will use this!

[Eli]

let's hope rally organizers will use this!

I’m still annoyed they’re not adding more night stages to tarmac rallies, while keeping us in the dark regarding the hybrid for next year, not to mention 2027 to which they probably have no idea what they’ll do or what they want to do.

[wyler]

I’m still annoyed they’re not adding more night stages to tarmac rallies, while keeping us in the dark regarding the hybrid for next year, not to mention 2027 to which they probably have no idea what they’ll do or what they want to do.

What do you mean? Organizers are free to put any number of stages at night, I guess. It's their choice. Making it mandatory from Fia, I think, is too much.

on the rest, I guess there's still a big fuss inside among manu/stakeholders to have some final decisions.

[Eli]

What do you mean? Organizers are free to put any number of stages at night, I guess. It's their choice. Making it mandatory from Fia, I think, is too much.

on the rest, I guess there's still a big fuss inside among manu/stakeholders to have some final decisions.

I’d encourage the event organisers to add them to the tarmac events.

[saco0o]

all-new entry-level touring car category – Touring Car Lite – approved the regulations that will enable cars that already comply with FIA Rally4, Rally5, and Rally5 Kit Regulations to undergo minor adaptations and have their homologations extended to circuit racing.

getting "TCR" and Rallying close could be a good idea? loads of teams and builders in TCR.

[rallyfiend]

all-new entry-level touring car category – Touring Car Lite – approved the regulations that will enable cars that already comply with FIA Rally4, Rally5, and Rally5 Kit Regulations to undergo minor adaptations and have their homologations extended to circuit racing.

getting "TCR" and Rallying close could be a good idea? loads of teams and builders in TCR.

TCR is a shadow of what it was 10 years ago. Many national championships have folded.

I suspect this is a way to try to make new TCR categories more viable?

[Mary Mary]

It was said here recently, that TCR is a private regulation licensed to the FIA. This TCL looks to make cars more usable, but is probably done for the racing industry at local level rather than looking to enhance any prominent championships.

[Eli]

https://www.autosport.com/wrc/news/wrc-points-system-change-set-for-fia-vote/10665688/

Set to change, but without saying what exactly.

[deephouse]

Thanks we get all possible situations for scoring and not scoring during the season, and I really hope that it won't end at MAYBE. I really don't think they should decide this thing for a couple of years.

[TypeR]

Rookie Neuville and Mikkelsen starting on another extra tarmac rally in Spain before Japan.. they must be in such desperate mode atm..

[Mary Mary]

Rookie Neuville and Mikkelsen starting on another extra tarmac rally in Spain before Japan.. they must be in such desperate mode atm..

They are professional rally drivers, it's odd you have a problem with them driving in rallies. I rather you don't try to justify to me why you said that, just try explain it privately to yourself.

[TypeR]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GbOLkV6XAAAx8YI?format=jpg&name=small

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Hyundai leaving no stone unturned in prep for Japan...

https://www.autosport.com/wrc/news/neuville-steps-up-wrc-title-decider-prep-with-national-rally/10670703/

[Fast Eddie WRC]

WRCWings
Hyundai tested today during the Rally La Nucia test days a version of the i20 N Rally1 with the hybrid system cooling rear outlets blocked, in preparation for the non-hybrid car to be potentially used in 2025...

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GbusQlyWIAUZj5A?format=jpg&name=small

[PLuto]

https://i.imgur.com/OCaimmGl.jpeg

[CeskyOndra]

Neuviille CHAMP, Hyundai in Trouble and Tanak in tears.. OMG

[AE1WRC]

Right guys !! Once again congrats to Thierry and Martijn for their title and also Toyota for the manufactures championship. Now that the season is officially completed:
1) What are the top 3 performances of the season?
2) Best 3 drivers of the season ?
3) The most disappointing drivers of the season?

[focus206]

Now that I think about it... first time that (in recent memory) we've had 3 fast gravel rallies in the calendar instead of 2, first time Neuville gets the title, even though it's his least favourite type of rally.

[focus206]

1) What are the top 3 performances of the season?
2) Best 3 drivers of the season ?
3) The most disappointing drivers of the season?

1) I'll give you the 4 that impressed me: Neuville at Monte (only perfect score and won in Ogier's backyard), Kalle in Poland (little preparation), Neuville at Acropolis (only one avoiding punctures and mistakes), Tanak in CER (finally very fast on asphalt)
2) Neuville, Fourmaux and Sesks (who just edges Pajari... the other "big" drivers made too many mistakes)
3) Many have reasons to be disappointed in their championship (Tanak, Evans, Ogier), but I say Ogier for 3 consecutive serious mistakes that put him out of the title chase

[deephouse]

https://rallyjournal.com/hyundai-boss-delivers-scathing-feedback-to-ott-tanak-after-costly-mistake/?fbclid=IwY2xjawGwZANleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHbp8HuE6-Kiqil5cgwmeRYmz8qlMiM1tBgUvgWPDsiyxmfDRrAHId6BwwA_ aem_qt4zkXb0UJmn64ZRxOpPBg

To me it's clear that he was after driver's title more than manufacturer.

[TypeR]

https://rallyjournal.com/hyundai-boss-delivers-scathing-feedback-to-ott-tanak-after-costly-mistake/?fbclid=IwY2xjawGwZANleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHbp8HuE6-Kiqil5cgwmeRYmz8qlMiM1tBgUvgWPDsiyxmfDRrAHId6BwwA_ aem_qt4zkXb0UJmn64ZRxOpPBg

To me it's clear that he was after driver's title more than manufacturer.
Yes, Tanak fkd up with that crash and point loss.. but now once the team leader got the WDC, Mr Yabadabaduu starts to blame it all to him..? ,,super clear instructsions'' my ass..

All the year there have been ,,clear instructsions'' but at the end they are still the same ,,Tanak can push to the max, but not too much to annoy Neuville''.

[macebig]

It was obvious that Tanak's off wasn't gonna sit well with Hyundai executives from the moment it costed them the title. Think there will be more coming in the future...

[CeskyOndra]

Yes, Tanak fkd up with that crash and point loss.. but now once the team leader got the WDC, Mr Yabadabaduu starts to blame it all to him..? ,,super clear instructsions'' my ass..

All the year there have been ,,clear instructsions'' but at the end they are still the same ,,Tanak can push to the max, but not too much to annoy Neuville''.

Yes, the instructions in this case were super clear, don't bin the manufacturers title.

[EstWRC]

It was obvious that Tanak's off wasn't gonna sit well with Hyundai executives from the moment it costed them the title. Think there will be more coming in the future...

What exactly? They gonna torture him?

[Eli]

What exactly? They gonna torture him?

Send him back to Toyota ;)

[TypeR]

Send him back to Toyota ;)

...and Latvala to share a i20 with Teemu.. only rumours :D

[Eli]

Man I wish Craig was here to help them, especailly with those Tarmac rounds, would love to see that #42 on that car next year, still feels like we were robbed :(
Sorry for bringing it up, it's just hard to watch these rallies when you know he'd more than likely be in those events, potentially securing them the podium (at the very least).

[AndersX]

Somebody has forgotten to tell Mr.A, that Netflix cameras are not even near, he can avoid those long lines of complex forms of sentences that say smth , but in reality hold the correct form. Rally is not a cirquit racing - this sh... can happen to everyone. Wasnt Ogier asked not to crash in Chile or CER? These top dog guys are driving on so narrow line that one can call luck, that 1cm to the left or right can decide titles. Maybe if that super car of Neuville would keep together, they would not find them selves in the situation where mistake of 1 of 3 drivers can decide entire season? Maybe if they would make up their minds and chose Mikkelsen for Gravel and Sordo for Tarmac, then they would not have come so far down? Etc etc - it is easy to blame a driver that drives on the edge. Hyundai management need to look in the mirror first, before blame Tanaks mistake on lost WMC.

Btw, in March i wrote that there were signs of TN having champions luck un his side this year. I was right. He deserved it.

[CeskyOndra]

Somebody has forgotten to tell Mr.A, that Netflix cameras are not even near, he can avoid those long lines of complex forms of sentences that say smth , but in reality hold the correct form. Rally is not a cirquit racing - this sh... can happen to everyone. Wasnt Ogier asked not to crash in Chile or CER? These top dog guys are driving on so narrow line that one can call luck, that 1cm to the left or right can decide titles. Maybe if that super car of Neuville would keep together, they would not find them selves in the situation where mistake of 1 of 3 drivers can decide entire season? Maybe if they would make up their minds and chose Mikkelsen for Gravel and Sordo for Tarmac, then they would not have come so far down? Etc etc - it is easy to blame a driver that drives on the edge. Hyundai management need to look in the mirror first, before blame Tanaks mistake on lost WMC.

Btw, in March i wrote that there were signs of TN having champions luck un his side this year. I was right. He deserved it.

I do remember your sentence very well, wasn't it during Safari?

[AndersX]

I do remember your sentence very well, wasn't it during Safari?

Yes, you are right. after Safari I just said about TNs year, but after Croatia about those small things that show that Neuville has finaly gotten champions luck on his side. If I rememmber there was smth about weather that turned on his favour.

All those years when Ogier was dominating, even when Kalle was running over all, we used to read in different comments about their luck. You can call it luck or whatever, but sometimes you can note that there is a critical mass of small, sometimes tiny lucky events that lead to the very top.

Lets say - that deer in Pol could have jumped in front of anyone, few min difference.

[focus206]

Yes, you are right. after Safari I just said about TNs year, but after Croatia about those small things that show that Neuville has finaly gotten champions luck on his side. If I rememmber there was smth about weather that turned on his favour.

All those years when Ogier was dominating, even when Kalle was running over all, we used to read in different comments about their luck. You can call it luck or whatever, but sometimes you can note that there is a critical mass of small, sometimes tiny lucky events that lead to the very top.

Lets say - that deer in Pol could have jumped in front of anyone, few min difference.

Well, if we talk about unfortunate events outside of the driver's control, Thierry got 2 serious technical problems (Safari and Japan) and then had Latvia, which was a combined ultra cleaning effect + nobody having trouble, resulting in Neuville scoring less points than in Sardegna, when he retired on day 2, despite not making mistakes.
Evans had 2/3 reliability problems too, although the only one that really had a big impact was Finland. Ogier only had the turbo problem in Acropolis, if I remember correctly. Tanak incredibly had no big reliability problems, his misfortunes were the deer in Poland and a somewhat unfortunate crash in Safari (the arch on the road in Latvia had no impact on his rally).
So I don't feel Neuville was lucky this season, the others just made too many mistakes. Maybe Neuville's biggest luck was Kalle taking a sabbatical year?

[TypeR]

If mr Adamo was in charge this weekend.. the manu's title would be in Hyundai's garage.

Ofc he was one of a kind principal and there were people, who didn't like him brcause of his decisions, but he was respected and listened.

But oh well.. this season ended like it did.

[trykmann]

Abitebouls interview probably was done, when there was still a bit to much of emotion in the air.

Still he seems to be a bit to harsh towards Tänak. You cannot blame losing the championship only on one driver at the last rally. It is a total of all the errors the whole team had throughout the year. For example no one is currently mad towards Lappi for being to slow on Sunday in Sweden or crashing in Finland.

But I agree. According to splits on SS17, Tänak was pushing and things went terribly wrong.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Hyundai were handed a great chance for the Manufacturers Title by Toyota having THREE 'Black Sundays' and they totally blew it.

Looking at 2025 they wont get such a good chance again.

[tbtstt]

If mr Adamo was in charge this weekend.. the manu's title would be in Hyundai's garage.

Ofc he was one of a kind principal and there were people, who didn't like him brcause of his decisions, but he was respected and listened.
Not sure "respected" is the term that the team would use to describe Adamo. There was at least one public story about his treatment of staff and numerous other tales about his behavior.

Definitely a dramatic end to the season. I don't dislike Neuville, but I still don't see him as a deserving Champion. Still, he has led the entire season, so perhaps I need to adjust my view on him (I don't think he'll ever win another title though).

Superb push from Tanak at the end, but then a bit too much of a push Sunday morning. Must have been a few red faces among the drivers at Hyundai on Sunday afternoon as the manufacturers title slipped away from them. I think it is good for the team (and the sport) that they have taken a title though.

Good win for Evans but, considering the whole season, it was a shame not to see him closer to the sharp end throughout. Second certainly isn't anything to be sniffed at though.

[deephouse]

I calculate 2023 points system and 2025 (proposed changes) on this year's results. And guess what Neuville would still won it on both occasions. Probably on 2023 system many of them wouldn't bother to attack on sunday, but still.. 2025 clearly shows that he was the best this year on point scoring. He managed to get the best out of every rally. Others didn't and that's why they failed.

We could also say that this year there was open window for anyone, since there wasn't Rovanpera, but TN did get a proper challenge till the end.

[becher]

Not sure "respected" is the term that the team would use to describe Adamo. There was at least one public story about his treatment of staff and numerous other tales about his behavior.

Definitely a dramatic end to the season. I don't dislike Neuville, but I still don't see him as a deserving Champion. Still, he has led the entire season, so perhaps I need to adjust my view on him (I don't think he'll ever win another title though).

Superb push from Tanak at the end, but then a bit too much of a push Sunday morning. Must have been a few red faces among the drivers at Hyundai on Sunday afternoon as the manufacturers title slipped away from them. I think it is good for the team (and the sport) that they have taken a title though.

Good win for Evans but, considering the whole season, it was a shame not to see him closer to the sharp end throughout. Second certainly isn't anything to be sniffed at though.

I do wonder sometimes how such conclusions come to mind?

Neuville undeserving, but Tänak superb for fighting of Evans on two days and then having really good splits on a tricky stage before he binned it? Evans good for finishing second to a undeserving champion?

If Neuville and Tänak situations would be reversed we would have ten pages of Neville is useless and needs to retire?

[focus206]

Definitely a dramatic end to the season. I don't dislike Neuville, but I still don't see him as a deserving Champion. Still, he has led the entire season, so perhaps I need to adjust my view on him (I don't think he'll ever win another title though).


Who would have deserved more this year? All of the other contenders crashed more than Neuville, and none were consistently faster. Kalle was part time, but what can you do, you can't just award the title to Kalle because "he'd probably win the title if he was full time", especially after 3 DNF out of 7 starts...

[becher]

All the year there have been ,,clear instructsions'' but at the end they are still the same ,,Tanak can push to the max, but not too much to annoy Neuville''.

Ah yes the seven figure hiring gets screwed again because of "reasons". Adamo, Moncet and now Abitebul were/are all out to get him. I bet they even personally tinker with his setup to make sure he never fells comfortable with the car.

[240RS]

Strange that a very ambitious Enni Malkonen wasn't given the chance to accompany Sami Pajari further:

https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/malkonen-reacts-to-codriving-split-with-pajari/

[deephouse]

Strange that a very ambitious Enni Malkonen wasn't given the chance to accompany Sami Pajari further:

https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/malkonen-reacts-to-codriving-split-with-pajari/

It seems it is Pajari's call at the end. I thought that Toyota had different plans or maybe FIA step in for some woman driver/co-driver co-operation, since they intend to develop them.

[focus206]

Ah yes the seven figure hiring gets screwed again because of "reasons". Adamo, Moncet and now Abitebul were/are all out to get him. I bet they even personally tinker with his setup to make sure he never fells comfortable with the car.

The funniest part being... in 2024, Neuville suffered 2 major Hyundai troubles (Safari and Japan), Tanak 0. Imagine if that was reversed, the claims of sabotage and conspiracies :D

[ik1911]

Whole 2024 Season Without Stage Cancelled!!

[saco0o]

not sure this affects Citroen (and Lancia... and Peugeot) directly on rallying but.... eh....
https://apnews.com/article/stellantis-ceo-resigns-sales-struggle-df052376ff0ace08fd94a7821cb73317

[Eli]

not sure this affects Citroen (and Lancia... and Peugeot) directly on rallying but.... eh....
https://apnews.com/article/stellantis-ceo-resigns-sales-struggle-df052376ff0ace08fd94a7821cb73317

A year earlier…yeah, doesn’t bode well for them, then again having 14(?) brands under the same roof….was questionable at best…at least in this case, unlike Skoda some years ago, they didn’t have a (concrete) plan to come to the WRC in 2027 (not that we know of anyhow) & since it’s already happening now, they’ll still have 18 months (under the new CEO) to prepare for whichever regulations the FIA & Promoter decide on for 2027.

[deephouse]

So manufacturers is looking closely on FIA for 2027, we could say at least two (Skoda and Lancia?/Citroen?). And when FIA will probably decide it will be too late (I honestly don't believe it will be on 11th december), or completely mess things up (again).

[Eli]

So manufacturers is looking closely on FIA for 2027, we could say at least two (Skoda and Lancia?/Citroen?). And when FIA will probably decide it will be too late (I honestly don't believe it will be on 11th december), or completely mess things up (again).

Potentially but at the rate this is going we might not see anyone arriving until the end of this decade...Even if we do get someone in 2027, that'll be 10(!) years since the last manufacturer joined...Toyota. Just cast your mind back to 2014 with VW & Hyundai joining...Now, besides the rumours we've heard about Alpine & Skoda, are there any other manufacturers even looking that way? Mercedes? Audi? BMW? Dacia? (which from the 3rd of January will be in Dakar), Mazda? Just sad honestly..that for supermini cars that cost a third of a super-car (assuming we're looking at Buagtti and co.), can drive on all terrains, the coolest thing ever and yet there's probably a tick-tock video out there with more interest than WRC. Okay not a great comparison but you're catching my drift (pun intended).

[deephouse]

2024 season was something special. With new point system it creates so much confussion but at the same time the spectacle we didn't saw for many years now. There was so much going on, those undecided decisions, sunday spectacles, Fourmaux surprised consistency, Ogier being in contention for 9th title on part-time programme and at the same time crashing like never before, weird fines from FIA, stupid p-system, Rovanpera did not have motivation to drive all season, Sesks catapults himself in non-hybrid car upfront, introducing many new things through the year for next season, H and T together at festival, finale showdown on the last stage being on the same points under same tenth and bitting their nails, Neuville finally get it together, Toyota won M title at the last kilometres...

If that season will not raise some value in WRC then nothing else won't.

[saco0o]

If that season will not raise some value in WRC then nothing else won't.

interesting to read your point of view. 2024 was so lame for me. i think i didnt even bothered watching the redbulltv daily highlights (those three 25 min stuff) after Hrvatska. I did watched for the rounds sesks and pajari competed, but thats it. there was two rounds that i only opened ewrc to see the results on monday! for me it was a really weak season. the 2x champ kalle not interested said a lot about the state of the sport tbf. the non hybrid car doing really well (road position, ok,) that jeeez then WHY HAVE hybrids at all? u'know? idk. erc was my favorite championship again this year.
but eh... just my opinions

[focus206]

interesting to read your point of view. 2024 was so lame for me. i think i didnt even bothered watching the redbulltv daily highlights (those three 25 min stuff) after Hrvatska. I did watched for the rounds sesks and pajari competed, but thats it. there was two rounds that i only opened ewrc to see the results on monday! for me it was a really weak season. the 2x champ kalle not interested said a lot about the state of the sport tbf. the non hybrid car doing really well (road position, ok,) that jeeez then WHY HAVE hybrids at all? u'know? idk. erc was my favorite championship again this year.
but eh... just my opinions

I was entertained by the 2024 season, we got 4 drivers still in contention at the penultimate round and quite some drama in Japan. Opposite of you, I watched highlights more often :D Past 2 years have been more boring to me: Kalle domination, Evans not fast enough, Neuville and Tanak in cardboard cars. We had some moments, like great Rovanpera performances and Loeb beating Ogier to win Monte, but championship wise it was one way.
This doesn't mean WRC "improved" this season, it was a matter of circumstances of Kalle not doing full season and Hyundai being more reliable.

[Rallyper]

Yeah. Full of drama. That was 2024. Full competiton also on Sundays. And championship not decided until last round.

(only bad thing was me having to cancel my Rally Finland session, after Thursday shakedown...)

[Krigen]

Whole 2024 Season Without Stage Cancelled!!

Can´t be right ..

[SubaruNorway]

Whole 2024 Season Without Stage Cancelled!!

Didn't catch Poland, did you

[ik1911]

Didn't catch Poland, did you

SS 3 Cancelled After 4 Competitors! ( Neuville Win SS!)

[Eli]

https://www.autosport.com/wrc/news/latest-fia-departure-as-road-sport-director-andrew-wheatley-leaves-position/10679422/

Apparently Wheatley is out…

[Andre Oliveira]

SS 3 Cancelled After 4 Competitors! ( Neuville Win SS!)

Not cancelled. Neutralized.

[Krigen]

Not cancelled. Neutralized.

Ok. then stages was Neutralized in Chile and Japan also.

[Eli]

Confirmed, his deputy will replace him: https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/wheatley-replaced-as-fia-road-sport-director/

[Andre Oliveira]

https://scontent.fopo4-2.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/469280653_965786955586433_94535142727225022_n.jpg? _nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=833d8c&_nc_ohc=JMv_haeHcTsQ7kNvgGakr24&_nc_zt=23&_nc_ht=scontent.fopo4-2.fna&_nc_gid=A1QHx__77nfjSKG-FJGcB2v&oh=00_AYDL1LLsJ7XBXrPasekkC4Qjczc-ZVHibaGGzOS3YiiomA&oe=6757F3E2

[saco0o]

a really cool onboard with sordo in monza. latvala talking to him in the end
https://www.facebook.com/DirtFishRally/videos/559083886883578

[saco0o]

looks so light to touch. how it doesnt get completely destroied after each stage?
https://youtube.com/shorts/Q7UpJvXXNQc?feature=shared

[focus206]

at 13:00 (Central European time), there's official live stream from Monza Master Show (sort of 1v1 superspecials) for both Rally1 and Rally2.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ODqwr94w-YQ