Nice to see Ogier back at citroen to close his career as the second most successful rally driver in history.
Printable View
Nice to see Ogier back at citroen to close his career as the second most successful rally driver in history.
can't agree more... Ogier back at citroen so he can lose more titles to better drivers like he did before when he was there...Quote:
Originally Posted by dimviii
Autosport:
"Ogier's move back to Citroen had been expected as it became increasingly clear that Ford's level of manufacturer backing and financial input to M-Sport was not sufficient to keep him in a Fiesta WRC for a third season."
Disappointing if this is true.
Both Wilson and Ogier said this a few rallys back, so what is there not to believe. Otherwise another typical D. Evans' article, based on his own thoughts and what is obvious.
The worst hidden secret finally out!
Great news but at the same time feeling sad for m-sport.
I guess lappi stays in Toyota then ?
I just dreamed an asphalt rally,with c3 driven by Loeb,Ogier and Meeke.
To make the dream better,Boudar saying that who will be first at the end of day 2,will be the choosen for the championship.
I don't think it's decided yet.Quote:
Originally Posted by EstWRC
Well, makes sense. Estonians and Finns are very slow decidingQuote:
Originally Posted by AnttiL
The most interesting line today isn't the obvious Ogier to Citroen deal, it's the Meeke edging towards Toyota bit that interests me. I get that he made a bad job of it with Citroen, but I think any true rally fan would like to see him fighting for wins amongst the other top drivers. And just maybe the Toyota allows him to drive without throwing it up the road all the time.
https://www.autosport.com/wrc/news/1...ter-ogier-exit
He was the first to say this move would happen in authoritative fashion, which then helps make it 'obvious' later down the line.Quote:
Originally Posted by Tarmop
His interview with Wilson also ties down Suninen too.
When the roulette table stops spinning, it's M-Sport that loses out. Sadly.
I think it's decided. My vote goes for him leaving TGR.Quote:
Originally Posted by AnttiL
It was obvious when both Wilson and Ogier said that the expected more and faster...in July. Add to that Germany for instance, when Ogier said after every stage end, how he`d like to be in the Yaris...and not only on that rally.Quote:
Originally Posted by tomhlord
Much as he has his faults, and if we are to presume Latvala is stating at Toyota, then Meeke is the only driver available who is a proven multiple rally winner. I'd say MSport need that more than Toyota.Quote:
Originally Posted by T16
Ford didnt place a bet despite having the best odds. :(Quote:
Originally Posted by tomhlord
Aha, right, sorry, you seem to have known the 2019 lineups since July. Silly me.Quote:
Originally Posted by Tarmop
Lol, Meeke definetily wont end up in M-Sport.Quote:
Originally Posted by RS
Anyone else a bit worried for Breen next year?
I'm pretty convinced Lappi is off to Citroen. And if they want to continue their current set up with Mads + a bit of cash in the third car then that could leave him in a tricky position. Maybe. And that's before you take Al Qassimi into account.
The Red Bull/Abu Dhabi backing and how that will work is an interesting subplot too.
Wasn't that thought to be a stumbling block last year? Both were incompatible.....time will tell if that's no longer the case.Quote:
Originally Posted by Simmi
I hope the Abu Dhabi backing ends up at M-Sport. That's the dream.Quote:
Originally Posted by AndyRAC
I think Breen will be the 3rd driver alongside Seb and Lappi. He's been with the group for years and binning him off now, just as the team is rebuilding and has signed a multiple world champion, isn't maybe the best idea.
He's still got potential and deserves a full season IMO. Unless Mads can bring a lot of budget I don't see Citroen choosing him over Breen, as with the extra red bull backing Citroen will be pretty sound financially anyway. They mean business again.
But if Breen doesn't get a new contract with Citroen, I can still see him being an option for Msport. I'd actually take Breen over Evans, and they could have Pontus, Suninen and Breen. Quite an exciting line-up still.
Paddon should be on the phone to Malcolm too, because if he accepts another half season at Hyundai things don't look great for his future. A full season with Msport would be a lot more beneficial for his career.
Wonder who decided the timing of the Ogier news ? It's not very good for M-Sport just before their home rally...
Lets see, if annouces Meeke before...
Why? It stops it becoming a sideshow while there's championships still to be won. Everyone pretty much knew Seb was going back to Citroen anyway, unless you were living in cloud-cuckoo-land.Quote:
Originally Posted by Fast Eddie WRC
If Lappi goes Citroën maybe Breen will have to share car with Østberg, or ideally Breen drives 3rd car and Østberg pays for some rallies himself. I don't really care about Østberg he has had his fair share of chances and he can always drive (paying) a few rallies with Fiesta. At the same time Breen has had terrible season since his 2nd place in Sweden, so it's not looking good for him.
What difference do you think it will make to M-Sport whether it's before or after their home rally?Quote:
Originally Posted by Fast Eddie WRC
Just thinking with the fans having their no.1 driver performing here but now knowing he's definitely heading elsewhere. The support for Ogier may be a bit muted.
Lappi news to follow shortly :)Quote:
Originally Posted by Hartusvuori
Welcome back, champ!Quote:
Originally Posted by AnttiL
Lappi in, Breen out
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DoMbo5LW...pg&name=medium
Or go all in with a third car?
As expected, that is Elena saying he and Seb are done at WRC level
"For us, bye bye the WRC. The number 9 remains our lucky charm."
Btw Elena has deleted that post and reposted without the reference to Lappi.
I wouldn`t be surprised, if they waved bye a few years ago, but when the circumstances are right, who knows...:D
I am sure. Breen out.
Lappi contract would have been overshadowed by Ogier had it been announced today. More media exposure to do it later.
Well if that's true I feel sorry for him. Hopefully he could drive at Msport, but Malcolm is extremely cynical when it comes to drivers and money.Quote:
Originally Posted by Andre Oliveira
For Toyota Meeke or Sordo sound most likely. Sordo if they want "safe" championship, Meeke if they want maximum PR and are willing to risk. Cant really see Tidemand there.
If Abu Dhabi doesn`t go back to Ford, especially after RB moves back to Citroen.
Breen to Toyota please. Perfect
Sounds like Abu Dhabi was only the name with no money put in it.Quote:
Originally Posted by er88