Latvala, most improved driver of 2007?

[Langdale Forest]

Latvala has probably been the most improved driver of 2007, especialy in Finland and in Italy. I think he will win a WRC rally in the next two years.

[jacko]

Latvala has probably been the most improved driver of 2007, especialy in Finland and in Italy. I think he will win a WRC rally in the next two years.

Well, i think specially Atkinson has improved a lot this year, this year is the first time Latvala has a top-car so let's wait and compare him next year. Also Sordo is doing a fine progression, drivers for the future..

[ZequeArgentina]

I have some doubt to name who has improved more:

Probably Hirvonen: he has achieved consistency at toplevel speeds. He has chased Loeb and marcus in some rallies, but in the rest he was just right there.

Latvala: has shown the most impressive raw speed. Icluding beating or equalling Seb and Marcus performance when the super-duo were given it all (eg. this weekend in some specials). But still has a tendency to go off.

Atkinson: good performance improvement, specially in tarmac (Germany), still some consistency missing.

[MikeD]

I also think that Latvala and Hirvonen are the biggest improvers this year. Latvala lloks like a specialist on a certain type of gravel (the more lose stuff).

Hirvonen victory in Norway was amazing and his charge in Finland was equally impressive.

That being said hirvonen is still no match for Loeb and if Gronholm retires then none of these two drivers will be able to challenge Loeb on a consistent basis.

[White Sauron]

none of these two drivers will be able to challenge Loeb on a consistent basis.

Maybe that's what Marcus is waiting for in his decision whether to retire or not? I mean he wants to be sure that when he quits there will be someone who can beat Loeb.

[Josti]

Maybe that's what Marcus is waiting for in his decision whether to retire or not? I mean he wants to be sure that when he quits there will be someone who can beat Loeb.

Well, a move from Solberg to Ford, could be an answer...

[White Sauron]

Well, a move from Solberg to Ford, could be an answer...

that's not an option I think... There must be a person with potential to develop, while Solberg, as I think, is at his max level for the moment... if not decreasing (2003-4 could be his best years)

[Priorat]

We must take into account that Latvala has no testing time as opposite to Sordo, Atkinson and Hirvonen.

[Josti]

that's not an option I think... There must be a person with potential to develop, while Solberg, as I think, is at his max level for the moment... if not decreasing (2003-4 could be his best years)

That's the problem. Solberg is not on his usual level. Maybe with a bit of confidence (Ford) under his butt, he'll perform better. I'm sure he can reach his max again, which he had from 2003 till early 2005 if he has a car, which he can put his trust in. Though I hope he'll stay at Subaru.

As for most developed. Atkinson for sure in the last few rally's. Latvala still not enough I think, but he's fast at some times. Hirvonen, Sordo are ones to be mentioned for sure.

[Koppomsbo]

Well, i think specially Atkinson has improved a lot this year, this year is the first time Latvala has a top-car so let's wait and compare him next year.



And what year did Atkinson had a top car?

[duff]

Latvala is doing extremely well. I definitely think he is the man for the future for the Finns as long as he learns more he calms it down a little at times. He really has some speed!
Hirvonen is doing very well, Norway and Finland were excellent rallies for him. But I think the worrying thing for him is that he is still far off the pace of Seb and Marcus on many rallies. I don't think he'll be fighting with Seb the way Marcus does if Marcus retires next year.
Atko is keeping it together at the moment and the encouraging thing is that he is showing near rally winning speed in a cr*p car.
Sordo is learning still and will definitely be a rally winner soon. It just might take a few years for that win to come on gravel!

[ST205GT4]

And what year did Atkinson had a top car?

He hasn't had one yet.

[Koppomsbo]

He hasn't had one yet.

just my point aswell

[Maui J.]

I think Atko has has shown the the last few events that things are falling into place. The teething period, like we saw with McRae and Solberg, is hopefully finished.
The communications dude at Subaru was saying (at Rally NZ) that the new partnership with Prevot is working well. Put Atko in a Focus, or something that works better than the Impreza, and watch out!

Latvala is so mature for his experience at this level. Not quite the consistent speed of Hirvonen yet, but it won't be long. If I was Finnish I'd be very happy with the 'next generation' of Flying Finns.

Sordo IMO is not getting any faster, but not slower either. He seems to have just plateau-ed off.

[GigiGalliNo1]

Atkinson.... I don't follow his progress.

Latvala. Very good guy, learning faster then Atkinson ever did.

[cut the b.s.]

Atkinson.... I don't follow his progress.

Latvala. Very good guy, learning faster then Atkinson ever did.

Latvala is in WR cars longer than Atko, and has I'm sure bent as many, the season isnt over yet so a bit premature to give out awards but for me Atkinson(particularly since Prevot) is the driver who has performed above my expectations of them most often

[cut the b.s.]

And what year did Atkinson had a top car?

Is how good his car important? You 'team mate' is your main competition in this sport and the best way to gauge performance

[Roy]

My view about Latvala is here well known: a crash test dummy, new Duval. Offcourse he is fast, but in to many rallies he is gone off. Some times J-M brake the car. He is young and can learn a lot. I hope he do. Next year second full wrc year by Stobart will be crucial. I hope he will stay on the road and don't loose his place (like in NZ) and his car (like MC, Finland etc.) I hope he is good enough, then he is in 2009 diver for BP Ford Abu Dhabi WRT.

Atkinson is for my a suprise. After his former codriver left I thought: 'Now its over for Atko." But Atkinson is better with Prevot and getting better. He outplaced Solberg (It is not the car of Solberg it is between his ears). Chris doing great. I know he was fast on tarmac, but is growing on gravel too.

Hirvonen showing his speed what I thougt. 3rd places and where possible 2nd places. I hoped for more. I hoped (but was not thinking about) Mikko fight with Loeb and Gronholm, but he can't so far.

My most improved driver? Atkinson.

[A.F.F.]

If I was Finnish I'd be very happy with the 'next generation' of Flying Finns.


Believe me, we are/ I am :)

[Lalo]

Definitly Jari-Matti es the one who has improved more this season. I believe 2nd is Mikko (specially after his win in Norway, having both Sèb and Marcus to fight against, not the same story than in Australia 06), and third would be Atko.. Anyway, I'm looking forward to see what the Australian can do in Japan. On the other hand, Dani Sordo has shown sort of a set back rather than developement... Too bad for him.

Latvala, future member of the BP-Ford squad and definitly a flying finn on the making. ;)

[TheTiger]

I think only HIRVONEN has really been standing out as a whole new driver this year... he's clearly been the 3rd best driver in the championship this year (behind Loeb and Marcus).

While before the season, many would regard him as quite equal driver with drivers like: Stohl, Atkinson, Latvala, H. Solberg etc.

On the other hand... it will be interesting to follow H.Solberg and Latvala in their second full season together and see how much they will improve...

After all they have much less testing than the full works drivers, and often spend the first part of the rallies to adjust their cars...

[Roy]

...
After all they have much less testing than the full works drivers, and often spend the first part of the rallies to adjust their cars...

Agree! :up: That's why H.Solberg could do better in Finland. In the Leg 2 he was faster then his near opponents (Sordo and Atkinson). I hope Stobart can find more money for test for next year.

[jso1985]

Hirvonen ain't a new driver anymore so I won't consider him as most improved driver of 2007.
Atkinson, on his 3rd year still seems way too erratic, while Latvala on his 1st full WRC year as already led a rally and I'm seeing him on a podium finish really soon, so my vote goes to Latvala as Sordo seems to be going backwards performance-wise

[jacko]

Sordo seems to be going backwards performance-wise
well no way man, Sordo is doing really a good job there, this is his second year and histimes are really good compare to Loeb, even Marcus admitted that this guy really had potential..
We can say that this year some drivers have improved yes, Hirvonen as the best of the rest and his performance in Norway and Finland was superb, Atkinson and Latvala both set fastest times when the battle for the lead was still going on, i notice only a 2 seconds loss from Atkinson in the long last stage in NZ while Loeb&Gronholm where on full atack, another sign the Subaru is a very good car!!)
Drivers who doesn't seem to find that extra progression are the teammates last year, Stohl and H. Solberg. The last never seem to find that superb feeling you need and the same goes for Stohl, he did on the same last long stage in NZ a fantastic time, already set 1 quickest time in Mexico i believe, the car is good (Duval was showing it), even Galli set some brilliant times in Norway (or was it Sweden..) in a Xsara, but to be fast in a whole rally.. no.. they don't have that this year..

[A.F.F.]

well no way man, Sordo is doing really a good job there, this is his second year and histimes are really good compare to Loeb, even Marcus admitted that this guy really had potential..
We can say that this year some drivers have improved yes, Hirvonen as the best of the rest and his performance in Norway and Finland was superb, Atkinson and Latvala both set fastest times when the battle for the lead was still going on, i notice only a 2 seconds loss from Atkinson in the long last stage in NZ while Loeb&Gronholm where on full atack, another sign the Subaru is a very good car!!)
Drivers who doesn't seem to find that extra progression are the teammates last year, Stohl and H. Solberg. The last never seem to find that superb feeling you need and the same goes for Stohl, he did on the same last long stage in NZ a fantastic time, already set 1 quickest time in Mexico i believe, the car is good (Duval was showing it), even Galli set some brilliant times in Norway (or was it Sweden..) in a Xsara, but to be fast in a whole rally.. no.. they don't have that this year..


I agree. Stohl whom I kept very consistent and secure driver has now had to drive to the limit. Has he got any good times? No. Has he made any mistakes? Yes.

Both, Stohl and Henning seemed to be in better pace with 307s.