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Well he's right on one thing. Rallying needs attention.Quote:
Originally Posted by N.O.T
We have Ogier who has broken through as a winner this season, and noone outside rally fans knows who he is.
Probably not the most enticing investment for sponsors.
It's not a clown he wants but someone who the masses can relate to.Quote:
Originally Posted by N.O.T
A driver's job is two-fold. A driver of course but also a sales rep. They are employed to sell the product, a spokesperson for the manufacturer, it's tyres and other sponsors.
Colin McRae was a great ambassador for Subaru.
Downunder, Possum Bourne did wonders for that brand as well. Not only did he win rallies, but he had such a strong positive personality that he become a household name in this country, and because of him Subaru enjoyed a strong share of the market.
When a team finds a fast driver with a good personality it's a great asset to the manufacturer. Solberg is another that fits that mould.
Will the Mini WRC even be eligible for the BRC against the Group N cars?Quote:
Originally Posted by m.lowe
I'm not absolutely sure but at least the Super production variant (S2000 with 1.6T) should be allowed everywhere. The question is also since when...
FIA said that 1.6T will be allowed everywhere..
"Will be allowed" doesn't mean you could get championship points. If championship rules say that cars fighting for the glory are group n cars then it's simple.
For exemple in Finland FRC class 1 is Gr.N & S2000 4WD, I can't imagine they would allow 1.6T WRC's... But 1.6T will surely be allowed to drive in another class (as current WRC's are now) outside the championship.
Sure rallying needs attention, and im sure it will get some too, after all its a marginal sport compaired to many other motorsports so it gets what it deserves, and the attention varies much in different countries aswell i belive.Quote:
Originally Posted by theugsquirrel
There was an interview with Ogiers manager a little before 1000 lakes, he did not complaine anything about some difficulties to find sponsors.
I hope for one that not only the cars in the WRC will be good to watch, but the importers will start running teams again in their championships in their countries
Quote:
Originally Posted by N.O.T
Once again I must strongly disagree with you.
It's the attention of 14 year old boys that Richards and the Blockies of the world think is so vital.
Even Finns (well some of them like Markku Alen and Ari) had a public persona almost bigger than their driving ability! These were guys you could rely on to come out with something memorable in interviews or to the fans at service parks, but also whilst driving the door handles off anything they sat in. I couldnt see anywhere where DR (and I'm hardly his biggest fan) states the candidates wont need skill however compared to the wet fish we have in the sport at the moment with PR people making sure they brush their teeth every morning, anything has got to be better than nothing.Quote:
Originally Posted by Tomi
The mercurial Mr Loeb is a great driver regardless of how much competition he's had in recent years and his achievements will likely never be topped however what has he done to broaden his appeal other than grow his hair slightly longer and have a bit of facial fuzz every now and then ?!! Compare that to the likes of Colin who would think nothing about driving his car up ski slope in Sweden (spotaneously I may add and not at the behest of a sponsor) or some other crazy stunt. He was a guy who's name and persona were pretty big and he was as well known amongst people who had never seen him drive as those that had.
As much as we may hate or try to deny it the world is looking for different things from it's sporting idols these days. Look at who the new drivers (Pastrami and Blockhead) from what is seen as the WRC's new holy grail the USA name check it's Colin for his driving style but also his persona and approach to life i.e. full on not Seb for his personal grooming.