You could be right, the 'new' Ogier, as we are now seeing driving for VW, does seem a different man, controlled and calm at the front. Deep down I'm expecting Ogier to run away with the drivers title. My heart though wants to see a fight this season to the end and Mikko up there in the mix. If the sport ends up dominated by one driver one manufacturer for the next 5 or so years, it seems to me nobody wins!Quote:
Originally Posted by alleskids
I agree Sprocket. This is the first season since about 2004/5 that we could have a genuine fight for the title. My gut tells me that VW will be dominant for the few years but I want them not to have it all their own way this year. I am just not sure who in the current field could do that. I do not want to see a 'procession of drivers' following a Sebastien like we have seen in recent years.
I also agree with Sprocket. The marks of the future season are worrying and I honestly have to admit I didn't expect Ogier to be this strong. I hoped for a good season competingwise but it may be that it'll only happen in tarmac rallies where Sordo is the one to put pressure to Ogier. Of course this is the start of the season and the old wisdom say anything can happen in rallying. But if we be realistic, the fire in Mikko's eyes has faded away and with the attitude he has, is not the one to challange Ogier who is overly confident with the biggest balls right this moment. I only hope Jari-Matti will find a suitable setting to Polo and drive for the win. Or Östberg or any other for that matter. Otherwise this could be another "dull" season and nothing has really changed.
Wholly cow, now he said in the public that he was happy with his driving in Mexico? WTF, he loses over three minutes and is HAPPY? And thinks its the car? Come on, the fault is between the steeringwheel and the seat.
Actually the factor everyone is overlooking, and that I suspect is the reality, is that VW have perfected the engine management for altitude and the car was just so superior in speed that Ogier was quick and had something to spare. JML did a damn good set of times as a sweeper too.
Not a point I missed, I did wonder if things would be more even in Portugal, then I remembered Sweden.Quote:
Originally Posted by Mintexmemory
Whatever it is I've no doubt the VW is just faster than either Fiesta or Citroen. Not sure about the JML times, I was watching the splits and I do not think he was faster than Hirvonen. Not much sweeping either, he swapped position to test mid-field, times were about the same apart from stages where Hirovonen obviously backed off for tactical reasons. I end up with thinking the VW is fast, but Ogier is the man to drive it this season.
Another pathetic performance from Mikko in Greece. Ok, sme problems, but not a single proper time.
What would it take to convince Loeb to replace Mikko for the rest of the season?
True.Quote:
Originally Posted by COD
Ogier's absence.Quote:
Originally Posted by COD
This is getting close to the SL vs.... thread and not so much about Mikko :) ...but then there isn't much left to say. Maybe a poll on whether this thread should be closed?Quote:
Originally Posted by SlowSon
No need to close topics like these I think, at the end of the season some member will still have the need to express their disappointment about his pace. :DQuote:
Originally Posted by Mintexmemory