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Or even perhaps if some of the current manufacturer entries were competitive, tactics wouldn't have to play such a large part.Quote:
Originally Posted by AndyRAC
If you take out the Fords as some of you obviously want, I can't see Subaru and Suzuki suddenly being competitive and challenging citroen.
Ye gods, if that was to happen even Rautencrash would be in with a chance of a podium. :mad:
Now that would be a very sad day for the sport...................
Some people like the idea of privateers being able to win rallies.....Quote:
Originally Posted by Camelopard
What IF Ford has told M-Sport that if you don't win manufacturers championship this year, there will be no Fords in next year's championship? No M-Sport, no Stobart, no Munchi, nothing. If you were in Malcolm's pants, wouldn't you do anything to save your and your employees jobs?
This is ofcourse pure speculation, but because Ford is considering their future in WRC, I am sure Ford is anxious to get some success to ease their decision.
I don't like it, but I understand it very well.
It's certainly a possibility, but how much do Ford actually contribute to the 'works' team? Isn't the bulk of the budget provided by BP-Castrol/Abu Dhabi?Quote:
Originally Posted by Zes
Surely they would be able to continue as 'Privateers' albeit in a reduced way. But I see your point.
Didn't that very nearly happen once already this year?!Quote:
Originally Posted by Camelopard
Actually, I think this may be a good option for Ford next year. Like Citroen did with Kronos for one year. They are already thinking about pulling out, but there is still no promoter for next year, still no new rules finalised. Maybe they should run as privateers and M2 teams in 2009 and begin to develop an S2000 car on the new Fiesta platform for the future.Quote:
Originally Posted by AndyRAC
Are the M-Sport Focus WRC cars still the property of Ford? I don't think so as M-Sport try to sell every car. It seems to me that Ford only provide funding and homologations.Quote:
Originally Posted by Zes
You can't homologate a car without manufacturer approval can you? I do think Ford gives M-Sport a bit of a budget but not much......Quote:
Originally Posted by Lousada
Including me, because unexpexcted winners are part of motorsport, and works teams aren't the be-all-and-end-all if independent outfits are truly professional and competitive. Would anyone, for example, have begrudged it if Jimmy McRae had managed to win the 1987 RAC in his RED-run Sierra Cosworth, or if Malcolm Wilson had done so a few years later in his Michelin Pilot Escort Cosworth? And let's not forget Vatanen winning the 1981 title in a non-works car against factory opposition. Different days, I know, but I think the point stands.Quote:
Originally Posted by Daniel
Daniel.... its actually quite scary that you have over 28,000 posts.... :crazy:Quote:
Originally Posted by Daniel