Silly Season 2026

I will just leave this here…
https://youtu.be/kiZQDUDdooI?si=msUJboJ5tViBvmXe

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Originally Posted by EstWRC

I’m in shock at the moment, don’t even have any words to say

This is the last option I was expecting

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I'm only surprised due to all the rumours of Toyota, but in my own mind I thought retirement was more likely. I never saw him going to Toyota and his demeanor meant a big change was coming so that was only quitting.

A huge blow to WRC as the guy is a star and generated so much interest and discussion. And TBH I dont see him coming back as a full-time driver in a WRC2027 or Rally2 car after the performance he's experienced in Rally1.

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Originally Posted by spyros

If Seb leaves also that means 3 WDC out of the sport and only 1 (Thierry ) stay. The lack of Manus and FIA mistakes destroys our sport,shame.

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Not destroyed, everyone calling for Rally2 and local drivers every podium is getting what they campaigned for.

Safer cars that could be adapted to acommodate SUV bodies were the plan. It didnt worked
Hybrids engines were the plan. It didnt worked.
RedBull had 30min highlights from EACH DAY of the events FOR FREE on their website. It didnt worked
WRC tried to ramp up social media. It didnt worked
Dirt Fish entered the game doing an awesome jobe on the events. It didnt worked (well it did for us hardcore fans)
Seb dont want to do full seasons anymore, Kalle took a year off and now is leaving, Ott is taking a year off or so,
Hyundai wanst to leave, Msport dont have money. Manufacturers dont care about rallying

I have no idea what anyone can do to help WRC.
Maybe its just a "timming" thing. Maybe things get cooler again in 3 years "Just Because".
Who knows.

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Originally Posted by WRCStan

Not destroyed, everyone calling for Rally2 and local drivers every podium is getting what they campaigned for.

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theres no other option tbf. i doubt fia just sat with every shareholder one day and said "rally2s, screw it". they did tried other ideas, but no one wanted

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Originally Posted by becher

I think he was smiling because it dawned on him that 2024 really was his last chance to win a championship and he took it.

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Or... since we have, in this thread, in the last 24 hours, learned that Ogier is going to Hyundai, perhaps Neuville is smiling because he knows he'll drive for Toyota next year?

:)

I would not bet on that

Neuville already signed with Hyundai according to the Wikipedia contract tracker.

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Originally Posted by WRCStan

Neuville already signed with Hyundai according to the Wikipedia contract tracker.

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I was poking fun (I find this thread very silly), but there's a contract tracker? Wow, cool.

I came across this video on YT with headline, Ott leaving WRC from DirtFish. Just shocked. We finally have got 4,5 title contenders, and now it will reduce again, and if Ogier will leave too, it will be down to 1 or 2. I don't see anyone else right now or in the next 2, 3 years challenging enough to say, they are on the same level than all of those guys... Except if Neuville and Evans will walk out too. Then it will be between Katsuta and Fourmaux (and maybe Solberg)