VW closer than ever to WRC

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17th December 2009, 15:00
Buzz Lightyear

Quote:

Originally Posted by jonkka

Is this thread about Monte Carlo Rally or Volkswagen?

Both as far as I can seen. Monte Carlo / VW were both mentioned in the opening post of the thread.
17th December 2009, 15:02
DonJippo

Quote:

Originally Posted by jonkka

Is this thread about Monte Carlo Rally or Volkswagen?

I think it's about VW looking an opportunity to join WRC and wanting classic events, such as MC, to be back on the calendar so in my opinion is about both plus additionally if you want it could be also about Safari as it's a classic event that is missing from the calendar.

Happy now jonkka :p :
17th December 2009, 15:15
jonkka

Quote:

Originally Posted by DonJippo

Happy now jonkka :p :

Not until Xmas boozing season begins and my boss gives me a raise... :crazy:

Oh well, seriously then.

Monte Carlo. It's a classic event, that's for sure and one I've always seen as the proper way to fire off the new season. At it's best, it's demanding and interesting rally where result is never sure until finishing line as f.ex. Delecour well knows. Monte has a special flavour that is hard to put into words.

Having said that, I am very disgusted with those spectators who spread snow on blind corners. That's irresponsible, unsafe and stupid. Also, I've understood that ACM is the most arrogant organisers anywhere. If Rally Australia & Connelly gang are the most pleasant organisers, ACM is at the other end of the spectrum.

Volkswagen. It is high time for them to make a serious attempt at WRC. They've practised that with their Audi, Skoda and Seat brands with varying degree of success. They have plenty of aces on hand - from Carlos Sainz to rally-raid experience and relatively solid financial position.

What comes to demands towards ISC/FIA that "we won't come unless you meet our demands" is a bit two-edged sword. FIA should not try to please every involved party - they should remain impartial and seek solutions that are best for the whole, not pleasant to just one actor in the show. Having said that and coupled what I said above about Monte, I'd like to see it back but not unconditionally.

Also, VW's limit of 12 events per year is ridiculous. If something is good, there can't be too much of it and if it's not good, why bother at all. From financial point of view I understand that during these times it's wise to keep number of events down but when economy picks up again, I'd like 51 rallies a year. One weekend off is enuff...
17th December 2009, 15:30
Simmi

I'd prefer probably 14 rallies a year as a realistic calendar. I would hope that the number of events is something VW would budge on. I think 12 events is the current minimum and will never be a maximum like VW would prefer.

I agree with jonkka in that you can't bend completely to meet the wants of a team who isn't even in the championship yet. But Kris Nissen did say he feels VW essentially wants the same thing for the WRC as all car makers.
17th December 2009, 15:55
Rallyper

Quote:

Originally Posted by jonkka

Not until Xmas boozing season begins and my boss gives me a raise... :crazy:

Oh well, seriously then.

Monte Carlo. It's a classic event, that's for sure and one I've always seen as the proper way to fire off the new season. At it's best, it's demanding and interesting rally where result is never sure until finishing line as f.ex. Delecour well knows. Monte has a special flavour that is hard to put into words.

Having said that, I am very disgusted with those spectators who spread snow on blind corners. That's irresponsible, unsafe and stupid. Also, I've understood that ACM is the most arrogant organisers anywhere. If Rally Australia & Connelly gang are the most pleasant organisers, ACM is at the other end of the spectrum.

Volkswagen. It is high time for them to make a serious attempt at WRC. They've practised that with their Audi, Skoda and Seat brands with varying degree of success. They have plenty of aces on hand - from Carlos Sainz to rally-raid experience and relatively solid financial position.

What comes to demands towards ISC/FIA that "we won't come unless you meet our demands" is a bit two-edged sword. FIA should not try to please every involved party - they should remain impartial and seek solutions that are best for the whole, not pleasant to just one actor in the show. Having said that and coupled what I said above about Monte, I'd like to see it back but not unconditionally.

Also, VW's limit of 12 events per year is ridiculous. If something is good, there can't be too much of it and if it's not good, why bother at all. From financial point of view I understand that during these times it's wise to keep number of events down but when economy picks up again, I'd like 51 rallies a year. One weekend off is enuff...

:up:
17th December 2009, 23:23
Rally Power

VW plans for motorsport are a bit confusing...two weeks ago Hans Stuck was saying VW could be in F1 as engine suplier!

http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/80348
19th December 2009, 04:04
koko0703

I think VW is definitely looking into the motorsports beyond their Raid Program, and they are exploring every form of motorsports from being Formula 1 engine supplier to full works WRC or WTCC programs. It would be great if VW chooses the WRC as their commitment but at the moment the future of WRC isn't that clear to anyone. I hope Jean Todt and FIA can clear up the regulations etc soon and provide manufacturers a good view of how WRC will be ran over next 5, 10 years.
19th December 2009, 15:07
AndyRAC

I really hope VW do come to the WRC, all that prestige and financial clout (VW, Audi, Seat, Skoda, etc -and connections to Porsche). While it would be wrong for FiA/ISC do bend over backwards for them, they should at least listen to their position. We don't want them ending up in another series. Add in BMW-Mini it's a bit different to Hyundai, Suzuki, and can challenge of Ford/Citroen in backing.
19th December 2009, 15:26
Simmi

Quote:

Originally Posted by AndyRAC

I really hope VW do come to the WRC, all that prestige and financial clout (VW, Audi, Seat, Skoda, etc -and connections to Porsche). While it would be wrong for FiA/ISC do bend over backwards for them, they should at least listen to their position. We don't want them ending up in another series. Add in BMW-Mini it's a bit different to Hyundai, Suzuki, and can challenge of Ford/Citroen in backing.

I think bringing back the Monte is achievable for the WRC. They have another manufacturer entering which they wanted. Surely VW entering is a great way to entice more manufacturers for the future.

But their 12 round minimum call is going to be in vain. The 2011 calendar is going to be more like 14 I believe. I doubt they will remove two rounds for 2012. Hopefully having events in lucrative markets will soften that blow.
19th December 2009, 18:32
Motorsportfun

Quote:

Originally Posted by Simmi

I think bringing back the Monte is achievable for the WRC. They have another manufacturer entering which they wanted. Surely VW entering is a great way to entice more manufacturers for the future.

But their 12 round minimum call is going to be in vain. The 2011 calendar is going to be more like 14 I believe. I doubt they will remove two rounds for 2012. Hopefully having events in lucrative markets will soften that blow.

A suitable calendar not only for Volkswagen, but for all Manufacturers, could be this:

01.Monte Carlo
02.Sweden/Norway
03.Mexico/Brazil
04.Argentina
05.Portugal
06.Italy
07.Greece
08.Turkey
09.Poland
10.Finland
11.France
12.Spain
13.New Zealand
14.Abu Dhabi

I think these rallies are important for the WRC promoter (new sponsors can committ to the sport), teams (sponsors for their liveries, like Abu Dhabi or TMN or Galp Energia), media (more spectators, more fun, more interest and curiosity to see the - eventually new - sport on tv), etc.

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