Sibiu Rally

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Originally Posted by Jarek Z

I personally don't find this entry list very exciting. Just two top ERC drivers and 38 crews in total. We can only wonder how many stages Kopecky will win.

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Yes, it´s even weaker than Jänner or Liepaja-Ventspils - rather dissapointing

Does anybody know why Aigner was replaced by Arai? Rallye Sibiu was originally on Aigner´s plan this year.

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Originally Posted by Fiat-131-Abarth

Does anybody know why Aigner was replaced by Arai? Rallye Sibiu was originally on Aigner´s plan this year.

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Aigner needs more starts in first half of the season, so after changes in calendar he was starting on Corse.

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Originally Posted by PLuto

Aigner needs more starts in first half of the season, so after changes in calendar he was starting on Corse.

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In my opinion he didn´t need more starts in the first half of the season, becuase he did Tour de Corse instead of San Marino. This is the reason why it seems strange to me, that he he is not present on the entry list of Rally Sibiu.

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Originally Posted by WUff1

Yes, it´s even weaker than Jänner or Liepaja-Ventspils - rather dissapointing

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I agree that there are only 2 top drivers on this rally but what stopped other top driver to come? There are over 60 crews on the list. Obviously Kopecky is the big favorite. If he win the rally he will increase the gap in the standing and will be almost the new championship. More interesting is the fight for Production Cup. At least 4-5 drivers will fight for the victory.

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Originally Posted by cosmin_sb

I agree that there are only 2 top drivers on this rally but what stopped other top driver to come? There are over 60 crews on the list. Obviously Kopecky is the big favorite. If he win the rally he will increase the gap in the standing and will be almost the new championship. More interesting is the fight for Production Cup. At least 4-5 drivers will fight for the victory.

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- High transport costs
- Low return (far away and relatively low competition, so won't be mentioned much in international media)
- Gravel (most, like the Saintéloc team, will prefer tarmac events)
- Stages proved to be very fragile last year
- Possible issues with customs when crossing borders (not in Shengen area)
- Unknown organisation and event to most teams

I think this stops them from coming... ;)

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Originally Posted by tommeke_B

I think this stops them from coming... ;)

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Exactly! I would also add another reason - too many events in the ERC calendar, which leads to drivers skipping rallies. I would consider Sibiu a victim of the overloaded calendar.

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Originally Posted by tommeke_B

- Gravel (most, like the Saintéloc team, will prefer tarmac events)

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They have been there last year ;)

In this conditions I didn't consider the entry list rather disappointing. It is only the second international appearance. We can compare which other traditional races. Anyways it is a great opportunity to take many point for some drivers. I shall go on weekend to SS Santa to see how it is. I know that the organizer try to make the road much smooth.

Bryan Bouffier has just announced on his FB page that he is driving a Peugeot 207 S2000 with Team Delta Rally on the Sibiu Rally.