Imagine a huge list with the names of all drivers from the whole world :) That is 'The Prodrive driver list'. They want every driver who pay them money ;)Quote:
Originally Posted by Zeakiwi
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Imagine a huge list with the names of all drivers from the whole world :) That is 'The Prodrive driver list'. They want every driver who pay them money ;)Quote:
Originally Posted by Zeakiwi
Is there gonna be a website for the Mini WRC team? The Prodrive is no use in finding any real news, data about the Mini Countryman WRCar
No wonder there's no fecking manufacturers in the WRC. As soon as a new one joins you all instantly write them off without the car even turning a wheel in competition. Why is this car destined to be like Hyundai/Seat/Skoda? Do any of you work for Prodrive and know all the facts? Do any of you know the cars capabilities?
+1Quote:
Originally Posted by 306 Cosworth
Quote:
Originally Posted by 306 Cosworth
Not sure exactly why really but I think almost everyone who commented has questioned themselves why they/we feel this way.. hunch?.. or are going by input from drivers who have driven it.
Or could it be that Im simply kidding myself and somewhere deep down Im secretly hoping that such an ugly, unorthodox car doesn't become the pinnacle of the WRC ?
No, I think its just a hunch for me, however If the power is good I do believe the high speed events may favour the cars longer wheelbase and inherant stability.
Which is why those of us harbouring doubts have all, as far as I can see, said that it's nothing more than a hunch and expressed our fervent hope that our doubts are misplaced. I genuinely have no idea why I think the Mini entry might not be up to much. It isn't a feeling I have in relation to a VW entry. Why? I don't know. And I very, very much hope to be proved utterly wrong, because it would be fantastic to see Mini being successful.Quote:
Originally Posted by 306 Cosworth
The recent history of Prodrive has troubled the view of most on the forum. They had full support form Subaru, money wise and technical support, but failed in making a good rallycar for the last 4 years (2004-2008). The new BMW/Mini project is not fully supported by BMW, only done with permission to use the name and the engine. Prodrive had huge succes when they only concentrated on rally, but the succes has gone since they done other sports of Motorsport, like GT, Le ans and puttng a lot of effort to be a Formala 1 team. The feeling on the forum is, that they lost the touch in making a succesful rallycar.
Plus a great number of drivers has tested the Countryman WRCar, but almost no one is given enthousiastic responce. Marcus Gronholm can be seen as an expert on rallycars, and if he refuses an offer to drive the car, it is bad advertisment for the car.
We all sillently hope that Prodrive will have a great surprise and makes the Mini a real competator for the Fiesta/DS3.
Prodrive has still few months time to develop the car.
But in generally I don’t say yes either no. After we know the performance, I could write, “what did I say” and know one will remember what I wrote.
The car will be faster than we can expect and they are going to surprise us all (almost all)! One podium during the season for sure!
When it becomes true, then I will be at the end of the last SS in first World Championship round that takes place in Estonia and offer a free beer to every (http://www.motorsportforums.com) forum member that has shown negative attitude in this topic (until now).
Yes, when the positive scenario happens then I am going to dig out my post from the history books :-)
When it does not happen then I am sure that someone does it for me :-P
Maybe it is also the colour scheme of the test car and livery of the show car that is an issue.
Perhaps the rally car should be in black paint like this road car, it looks serious.
http://www.wekop.com/tag/2011-mini-c...man-wheel-base