Colin Clark's Kitchen Table suggests Gus Greensmith will do a mix of WRC2 and some WRC events (like Suninen in 2017) and perhaps Eric Camilli is doing the same.
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Colin Clark's Kitchen Table suggests Gus Greensmith will do a mix of WRC2 and some WRC events (like Suninen in 2017) and perhaps Eric Camilli is doing the same.
That would mean only 1 seat left at Msport and possibly not even that if they go with 2 cars.
I believe Citroen ends with Loeb sharing with either Østberg (if they need money) or Breen (if they don't).
So for Msport it might be between Evans, Paddon or Breen. Hard pick, though I rank Evans lowest from those 3, given this being his 4th full season.
Quote:
Originally Posted by mknight
I can't believe the "story" about Loeb and M-Sport...he's linked to PSA group again in 2019 ;)
Wilson has said they clearly cant do what they did in the last two years and his priority has to be paying the wages of everyone working at M-Sport.
So it sounds like will only be drivers with money and sponsors there in 2019. Evans therefore looks very vunerable...
Breen sharing with Loeb would probably be frustrating for him, Loeb would probably want to do all tarmac rounds.Quote:
Originally Posted by mknight
Yeah even that aside, it doesn't sound like M-Sport is in no position to support a non-British non-paying driver this year.Quote:
Originally Posted by sollitt
Do you know what MSport are planning for 2019? Or are you just parroting the unintelligentia without any actual informationQuote:
Originally Posted by kirungi okwogera
Mate, it's a thread called Silly Season 2019. There is plenty of unfounded speculation in here, that's the nature of it.Quote:
Originally Posted by sollitt
Speaking of which, I can't imagine Hyundai and Paddon will part, the two clearly have a good corporate relationship in New Zealand and Mikkelsen's disappointing year and Sordo's increasing age means there's a higher chance of a full-time seat opening for him there in 12 months time.
Just seen quotes from Wilson saying to the effect of "we know we can't do what we've been doing for the past two years with Ogier, our priority is paying our workers and keeping the lights on" - am I misreading that?Quote:
Originally Posted by sollitt
There's a bunch of other guys challenging for that seat as well. Hyundai didn't sign Huttunen for nothing and Rovanperä will more than likely take one of the WRC seats in 2020 (meaning either Meeke or Latvala will be available). Whatever their program will be, I'd say 2019 is quite a critical year for careers of both, Mikkelsen and Paddon. Sordo's somewhat different in this context as he's not even chasing a full-time seat.Quote:
Originally Posted by dodge33cymru
Anyone have any insight with Paddon/Marshall as to who parted company with whom?
If I were Seb Marshall I would really think carefully about the kind of physical risk that comes from being sat next to Kris Meeke in a very fast car. Not trying to offend the Meeke fans, just being honest. I feel that being Meeke's co-driver is a more dangerous job than being Paddon's co-driver.
Well nobody actually involved has confirmed it at all as far as I know, so it might still just be speculation.
That said, if Seb had a good offer for a full season with Kris at Toyota and Hyundai were only offering a part season with Hayden I can understand him taking it.
It's Motorsport, all drivers/co drivers know the risks.Quote:
Originally Posted by sonnybobiche
If we can believe what Kris has said, in the interview that has been posted on here, that his instruction was to go out and win, in a car that had an inherent design fault, then I believe he will be no more of a risk in the Toyota.
Makinen is not an idiot, he's been there before. He won't be telling his driver's to win at all costs, and the Toyota appears to be more predictable in its handling characteristics than the C3 is, or was.
I understand your concerns, but I think Kris' situation has changed enough for those concerns to be reduced.
However, having said that, I refer back to the first line of my post. Could happen to anyone.
Paddon had a pretty serious accident in Portugal...the Sardegna 2017 one must have also been pretty bad.Quote:
Originally Posted by sonnybobiche
In Portugal Meeke was P7 when he crashed and last year huge roll in Argentina took place in Super Rally mode. Some minor off’s also happened when he wasn’t fighting for the wins.Quote:
Originally Posted by Norm75
Hopefully, not being Toyota’s leading driver nor responsible for the Yaris development will help him taking pressure off, but we shouldn’t forget his error prone driving started a long way before the C3.
Some codrivers are just a bit crazy. Say for example those sitting next to Novikov after all the crashes that happened cause he just didn't listen.
Trying to think of some possible factors from Sebs POV why he'd join Meeke;
Probably more chance of wins with Meeke.
Better pay and full season.
British driver (if that is even relevant)
And if Hayden was to get a full season at Msport, then Seb would be at a full manufacturer team vs a private outfit if he joined Meeke.
Relationship with Paddon might not be the best?
Reasons to stay with Paddon;
Already know each other and have built up an existing relationship. Would be easier choice to stay put.
Paddon is younger, so could have a lot longer in the sport if he can kick on.
Paddon doesn't crash as much as Meeke.
Purely speculative. Also it's possible Seb was going to be replaced further down the line by Paddon anyway, but I doubt it at this stage.
I think that Breen and partly Citroen 3rd car is not possible. Breen told that he would drive a WRC next year earlier than Ogier sign Citoren and Peugueot dropped WRX and let Loeb free. In first Citroen plans it still 2 car 2019 year, and both seats was signed. And Breen on that time have some contract/agreement for 2019 season. Probably with M-Sport.
So 3rd car for Citroen could be Loeb/Ostberg/AlQasimi
You're over complicating the matter. The man was offered a programme by Meeke at a time when there was nothing certain from Paddon.Quote:
Originally Posted by er88
There is another alternative that nobody has mentioned yet but wouldn't be a complete surprise.Quote:
Originally Posted by KKS
if your afraid, motorsport is not for you.Quote:
Originally Posted by sonnybobiche
sonnybobiche's post had nothing to do with anybody being "afraid".Quote:
Originally Posted by wrc2017
Doesn't sound too positive:
https://autoaction.com.au/2018/11/13...ally-australia
Hayden Paddon’s future in the World Rally Championship remains uncertain heading into the final round, Rally Australia.
Entering his final event under his current contract with Hyundai, in which he finished on the podium last year, the Kiwi driver is still yet to confirm his plans for the 2019 season in what has been a busy driver market.
“Your guess is as good as mine, I’ve got absolutely no idea at the moment.” said Paddon when quizzed by Auto Action about his 2019 plans ahead of Rally Australia.
“It’s doubtful we’ll be doing Monte Carlo, regardless of what happens.”
“It’s now just about sitting tight and being patient, and I’m not normally a very patient person so that doesn’t help.”
“Luckily we’ve got a rally to keep us occupied in the meantime.”
Busy market? Only option for a full drive is MSport or shared at Hyundai with Sordo...
Doesn't sound anything other than somebody remaining tight lipped until ink is dry and announcements planned.Quote:
Originally Posted by Grundo Farb
Regarding Hayden, it does seem he's running out of options unfortunately. I do like your optimism Sollit about him being in a full time drive next year, but looking at the options available it seems like a share-drive with Sordo is probably his best bet. If that is actually on the table.
The M-Sport option is a possibility, but it feels like a pay-to-drive seat, with the driver needing a multi-million dollar sponsorship package for it to happen. Paddon to my knowledge does't have that kind of backing.
If Sordo is content with a part season, then Hayden is the one to share it.
A part time WRC package combined with a possible Hyundai foray into the supposedly revamped 2019 APRC (with either a R5 or AP4 i20) could be his best option.
Don't quote me on the 2019 APRC, I just recently read that moves are in place to resurrect back to his higher profile of the 80/90/00s. Just thinking about his other options.
Optimism is hardly the correct word. I have little interest one way or the other. But I do believe that there is sufficient information already in the public domain to suggest that much of the speculation aired on these pages is incorrect and that there are more doors still open than is being portrayed.
The article mentioned Paddon wanting to be running his own team around the world in the future. I wonder whether perhaps he could be working on a deal along the lines of running as the 3rd car on events Sordo sits out, then running as a fourth car on Sordo's events? Hyundai provide the car/parts and Paddon Rallysport (and sponsors) run the car on the event itself. That could explain the delay in Sordo's announcement as presumably in such a scenario Paddon wouldn't want to do flyaway events with his own team.
Yeah, it's a silly idea, but it is silly season...
Not too silly. Paddon has had talks with big investors in your land. What that means for his future nobody knows... A fourth car under his own team sounds like a good idea if he can make it work.Quote:
Originally Posted by CahunaKiwi
At this rate I think he will be sharing the car with Sordo for 2019.
Probably Paddon could end up with a Petter Solberg/ Citroen Xsara situation, running an old factory car on a tight budget.
I guess if Paddon were to run his own car on events where paddon is not allocated the WRC team car, paddon is probably going to get a slower old spec wrc or R5 to drive to make sure paddon is more likely to finish behind the official team cars. Even then one could potentially expect to see Paddon waiting on the side of the last stage to allow a hyundai team driver (that may have had problems on the event) to catch up.
Struth! It's little wonder NOT has so much fun with some of you.
Hayden Paddon is almost certain to continue with Hyundai in the 2019 World Rally Championship.No decisions have been made, and no contracts signed, but Hyundai WRC team boss Michel Nandan has given a hugely positive commitment to Paddon’s future.The French team boss, talking exclusively to Speedcafe.com ahead of Rally Australia in Coffs Harbour, says he is optimistic about offering a sixth year to the New Zealander in a Hyundai i20 WRC.“Let’s say, it’s 80 percent,” said Nandan.“I cannot guarantee anything. But it looks like the same again as this year.”Paddon has scored a single win and a further five podium places during his WRC career with Hyundai, including a podium finish at Rally Australia in 2017.But he has been forced to share the third car in the team’s three-car lineup through this year’s championship with Spanish veteran Dani Sordo, usually taking priority on gravel events with his team-mate taking the car for bitumen rallies.The car pooling approach comes as Hyundai is committed to a full program in all 14 events with its two lead drivers, championship contender Thierry Neuville and former Volkswagen driver Andreas Mikkelsen.Nandan’s view is good news for Paddon, who is still waiting to hear from Hyundai.“I know nothing. We’ve been talking for two months and nothing is finalised,” said Paddon.“Do I want to stay? 100 percent. Not just for here in the WRC but also with Hyundai in New Zealand.”Nandan is not planning any contract talks until Rally Australia is done, as his team and leader driver Neuville are both in contention for world title success.“I think we will wait a little bit. We want to put all our effort to the championship. Let’s sort the other things first.”But he confirms that, with more driver moves for 2019 than in any recent season, the shared approach for the third Hyundai works for the team.“For sure the third car will be shared, because it is a good option. It’s true that, even if we have not talked about or fixed anyone for the third car, we do not have a lot of options.”
speedcafe.com
Again talk about Camilli trying to get a program to M-Sport for 4-5 WRC rallies https://www.rallit.fi/ranskalaiskulj...allikaveriksi/
M-Sport is picking a lot of guys lately.
Mikkelsen need Ford, Does not fit the i20.
Ford need Mikkelsen
I think it would be safe and good bet to let Mikkelsen and Sordo do the uber ride share together and let Paddon do his thing.
Split it up 3 ways. Unfortunately Mikkelsen doesn't deserve two full seasons vs Sordo and Paddon doing half programs two years running. Hyundai have an issue there
Possibly the most likely solution with Paddon & Mikkelsen doing 12 each and Sordo 6. Paddon won't go to Monte Carlo or Corsica anyway.Quote:
Originally Posted by er88
If Nandan was only offering Paddon the half season as happened this year and that was his only option the deal would have been done by now.
Before SS11 on AllLive, is it me or does Budar talk about discussions are ongoing for Loeb in a fourth car in 2019?
Throwing around numbers of starts is one thing, another is looking at each round. I would guess leadership is interested in getting best results.Quote:
Originally Posted by racerx1979
Is Paddon a better choice on tarmac? Very doubtfull as he has never been fast on it and his 2017 speed on it is similar to Mikkelsen's this year.
So on the other rallies which ones would Paddon or Sordo do better? Definitely not Sordo in SW, GB or FIN, neither in AUS (both this and last year Mik has good speed).
In Turkey, Sar and Portugal he also had top pace this year as well as with other cars before.
So the real candidates are Mexico (where Paddon has not manage good result yet) and Argentina (where Paddon won in 2016), not many.