[WRC] News & rumours (part II)

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Originally Posted by Juha_Koo

Finnish MTV3 reports that Malcolm Wilson is planning to make Mikko a clear first driver in the 2010 season, leaving JML as a second driver. Even before the season starts. Cars will be identical but all decisions will favour Mikko. This isn't 100% sure yet though, Malcolm wants to discuss with both drivers in January.

I can't express how deeply lugubrious I am. This decision is a blow against my - and all other people supporting JML - face. After this terrible season I was so eager to see JM fighting for the victories. He would have been mentally ready more than ever before. But no. Most likely he will not be allowed to win.

I honestly believe this will just cause more trouble to JM. He will make mistakes and lose valuable points. JM is not a guy who you leave to bring those sure points home. JM is a driver who lives for winning. He needs to get to the attack groove. Malcolm, please, do not do this.

I can't remember when I would have felt more doleful over rally.

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On paper it does look bad, but the scenario only really came up once this season, and had they stepped in Mikko could be champion now.

I dont really think it will be a problem for one reason. Sebastien Loeb. Because on the few occasions a Ford driver is fastest, you can pretty much bet Seb will be splitting the Fords. Where I see this being implemented is not going to be at the expense of a victory for Jar-Matti, but to swap around podium positions when they are second and third.

If Jari can make enough pace on leg one he can get himself into the position for a win still IMO. Also if Mikko has a bad start to the season then this will be out of the window anyway.

I honestly dont see a time where (barring retirements) both Finn's will be ahead of Seb going into the final leg. JML has to improve significantly for this to happen.

Whereas I share Juha's distress on the matter, like Simmi mentioned, before being allowed to win you must be able to win.

However, as this matter now comes up pre-season and Sweden being the season opener, it's good to think and discuss this beforehand rather than at the end of leg 2 in Sweden JML 30 sec ahead of Mikko... *woke up and found myself at work*

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Originally Posted by Juha_Koo

I can't express how deeply lugubrious I am. This decision is a blow against my - and all other people supporting JML - face. After this terrible season I was so eager to see JM fighting for the victories. He would have been mentally ready more than ever before. But no. Most likely he will not be allowed to win.

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Although I agree that this is rather crappy, the blame lies with Citroen not Ford. Citroen made it obvious this year that they'll make all their drivers surrender a win to Seb. If Ford refuses to do the same, Mikko will have basically no chance at the title.

We saw this year how team orders made Seb world champion. It isn't fair to Mikko to deny him the same opportunity.

So while I'd much prefer neither team doing this, if one does it then they both should.

I dont think you can blame either one Citroen or Ford, when it comes to credit they both do what it takes to win the title, good desition from Wilson, now J-M knows his place and what the team is expecting, for sure.

Latvala to do only tarmac events.. lol

ISC and Mr Chandler down, Eurosport rules..

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Originally Posted by Barreis

ISC and Mr Chandler down, Eurosport rules..

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I have been thinking of asking this question for a while now. I feel kibnd of ignorant but i cant resist in anymore.

Who the is this Mr Chandler guy that everybody is talking about?

NZ man doing rally stuff for FIA (and more for ISC)..

Marcus news.. http://planetemarcus.free.fr/saison2010.htm

hope .. right decision soon..

Janne Tuohino will drive 7 rallies in WRC/S2000 Cup next season with Fiesta S2000. It's a private team but car is M-sport built.