Weird they turned down Ogier to WEC but are supporting Kalle to SF. We will see how that goes.
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Weird they turned down Ogier to WEC but are supporting Kalle to SF. We will see how that goes.
Well, all I have to say is "Holy fuck." I guess that solves the Solberg conundrum.
All the best to Kalle, he should still be young enough to make that switch.
Hope he will get Pajari's seat.. showed almost nothing with no pressureQuote:
Originally Posted by rallyfiend
So Tänak replaces Kalle and Oliver replaces Ogier. Am I right?
Nope.Quote:
Originally Posted by flat_right
Kalle out- Oliver in.
Tanak retires.
In all likelihood, this may mean Elfyn Evans will remain as the senior full-timer, and Ogier as the dependable star-man on a part-time basis.Quote:
Originally Posted by flat_right
Oliver Solberg should slot-in as the team's third driver with Katsuta and Pajari operating outside the official team entries when Ogier is present.
This is definitely now a change for Tänak
Damn can’t edit on phone.Quote:
Originally Posted by EstWRC
Wanted to say chance not change.
I’m not surprised at all about this decision. He has looked so unmotivated all season long
For Tänak the only chance at TGR WRC would be if Evans does not get a new contract. In my opinion at least.
Stars like Kalle has always been going new ways. Testing their possibilities and skills in new surroundings. And let´s hope he will be happy with racing for a while.
But I put it here already: Kalle will eventually find out that rallying is his thing. And coming back to WRC within 4-5 years, maybe even earlier....
Tanak may be an option, but I would think Ogier would have to either retire or go fully part time for that to happen.
Exactly and we haven’t heard yet what he has decidedQuote:
Originally Posted by macebig
I think Toyota will be tempted to hire Tänak. They need another experienced driver alongside Evans to compete for the manufacturers’ title. Kalle is leaving and won’t even do a partial program, while Ogier has said he won’t do as many rallies next year. Oliver is still a question mark — yes, he won in Estonia, but we don’t yet know how he’ll perform on other surfaces and different types of rallies.
More on Kalle's move: https://www.autosport.com/super-form...ters/10766321/
I agree, it would be too optimistic to expect good results from Oliver throughout the whole season. He would be a good fit for a third driver and be better than Katsuta.Quote:
Originally Posted by flat_right
,,Oliver to Kalle's place''.. you think that if Kalle had continued, then Oliver would have been just sitting in service and picking nose? :D
Sure he would drive either way..
Well, if Oliver doesn´t fit, you guys can´t ever more suggest any other driver for years to come. Name any other than Oliver who would belong in at Toyota? You are talking old guys who peaked. Now there´s a door open for at least one more youngster.Quote:
Originally Posted by flat_right
I like the fact that it’s been quiet here this entire time and then news like this breaks out and so does the silence, absolutely love this forum.
Rovanpera official video about his new plans: Super Formula 2026 and the target is F2 2027
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U3DMUQ0CihU
Oliver will fit anyway but he is not ready yet to take the full responsibility. That what he is saying.Quote:
Originally Posted by Rallyper
Tänak maybe peaked but he is still one of the best drivers out there atm
I'm not really surprised, a driver who takes a sabbatical year from WRC after just 4 seasons... maybe winning the title so early in his career took away some motivation, as his rallying goal was already achieved. And Kalle seems to have never enjoyed driving these new hybridless cars on Hankook.
Too bad for us rally fans...
Rallying isn't about peaking, it is all about experience. Ogier is driving like never before, so is he peaking at the moment?Quote:
Originally Posted by Rallyper
Don't get me wrong, Oliver belongs to Rally1 and would be massive disappointment if he isn't doing a full season next year. But we have seen this with Lappi. Won on his favorite surface in Finland but rest of the career wasn't as everyone hoped and expected. So the question is that is Toyota willing to take the risk?
I hope he returns.Quote:
Originally Posted by Rallyper
Same. He just turned 25. So even if he will do single seaters for couple of years, maybe he will miss winning and return to WRC. As I understand, the plan is Super Formula '26, F2 in '27. So couple of years that and if there is nothing that will get him into F1, I hope he returns.Quote:
Originally Posted by becher
If we take that Rally1 has a total of around 10 seats available, then if one of those clearly occupied seats is getting free, it is really big news and makes the grand opening for the silly season.
WRC and Rally1 are interesting - every rally driver dreams of getting there, and those who are there are not willing to stay too long. It shows how overly demanding it is.
But one thing is for sure - neither Rovanperä nor Ogier has anything to lose with the last rallies this season, so they can go "all in" and the win-it-or-bin-it mode.
A real surprise to me but a brave decision and hope it works out as may well silence the roundy roundy boys once and for all! His move certainly puts into perspective Ogier's searching for yet another title.
Quote:
Originally Posted by meh
Add Tänak to that list since he is not driving for manu points anymore, so im hoping we get a very interesting end to the season
For the title fight, Tänak is too far behind, but for rally wins, sure.Quote:
Originally Posted by Rallyest
Nah, after next seasonQuote:
Originally Posted by bandit12
Despite the rumours and his demeanor recently this is still a big shock that Kalle is totally quitting to go racing. We've never seen anything like this before.
Toyota spoke about needing competition in rallying to make their achievements worthy.
I hope they dont take Tanak as this would seriously weaken Hyundai and make the last year of Rally1 a real one-sided Championship.
Agree on that, But that shouldn´t hinder full time in 2026.Quote:
Originally Posted by EstWRC
Judging Oliver in the shadow of Lappi? Nah. Why? here we have the guy, of all youngsters counting, who should and will have a seat at Toyota. Why question him?Quote:
Originally Posted by flat_right
I think I have on my feet at this time, regarding Oliver to Rally1. ;) ;)
For me it didnt enjoyed driving rally cars last two seasons, no matter the hybrid or Hankook. It looks like he just lost motivation...Quote:
Originally Posted by focus206
As he says himself, he never went for as many titles as possible. Respect to that.Quote:
Originally Posted by PLuto
I guess he's a new generation of rally driver who isnt motivated by records,. Plus although young in age he's been driving rallly cars for many years already.
Good luck to him and itll be fascinating to see how he does in racing. Imagine if he goes and shines at that too and proves 'rally drivers' are truly the best of all !
Rovenpara possibly didn’t think he’d find it so easy to dominate so early and that why he had a break.
The thought of going after Loeb’s record is probably a bit boring to him, and he’s probably set himself a higher target of becoming F1 champion now. He probably just wants to challenge himself.
Also, the WRC isn’t in a great state, so any achievements are going unnoticed in the wider world of sport; whereas, F1 is riding a wave of popularity and investment. Basically, being F1 champion is far more impressive and challenging than WRC champion.
I cant believe he retires from rallying, these gen Z youngsters has other priorities, i 'll miss him.
In a finnish interview Kalle said that it will be Toyota supporting him all steps of the way, including the final step to F1.Quote:
Originally Posted by flat_right
Of course there is the Haas-connection already now, but wouldn't be surprised if Toyota announces an F1 team for '28 race season. Hopefully Kalle is one of the drivers.
F1 being more popular doesn't make being F1 champion more impressive or challenging than being WRC champion, only more famous. I doubt Kalle took this decision because he wants notoriety as a F1 driver, but I agree he's probably bored/dissatisfied with WRC...Quote:
Originally Posted by Doon