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What would make me think of Mikkelsen as a manager after Australia is that does he really have that performance in him? Pushing and/or beating Ogier? If yes, then why he didn't really do it before (except for once in Sweden)? Why only after he was out of his job?Quote:
Originally Posted by OnlyRally
now after reading the last few days, things are even more up in the air concerning Ogier (and by default Mikkelsen, Latvala and the other potential unsigned drivers). as said before i can understand why Toyota and M-Sport pulled their best efforts to attract Ogier, but IF this potential VW private team arises (and IF he goes there), then he will have some serious competitor knowledge at his finger tips having tested both the yaris and ford. With a driver of Ogier's calibre, traditionally "weaker" rival teams surely don't need to give him any additional help in this area. And this is why i reiterate that Citroen and Hyundai (though both seem unlikely, Hyundai more unlikely, but you never know) should not entertain him unless he first signs a contract, even if for a year. It's just too risky a proposition.
the teams do have some bargaining power that they can exercise, especially Citroen and Hyundai...just as Ogier is exercising his and rightfully so
when its all done and over, i just hope the Ford, Citroen, Hyundai and later on Toyota are very similar performance and reliability wise, as i believe this would make it an interesting championship.
if Ogier still hasnt announced his plans by wednesday or this week then im starting to believe in this VW private team.
Colin Clark: 'Looks like a piece of the driver jigsaw has fallen into place today, just not the main piece. Tell you more tomorrow.'
Latvala to Toyota I expect.
Is this site credible? It says Latvala signed with Toyota: http://urheiluuutiset.com/jari-matti...oyota-leiriin/
TBH I was hoping Ogier would be tempted by Makinen offer but it doesn’t look that way. Maybe he’s still hoping to have some feedback from Citroen, but time is running out and it seems he’ll have to choose between MSport and the possible private team run by VW Motorsport.
Atleast the writer is credible - Miiro Koivula knows both Mäkinen and Latvala, so you can assume the story's true. So Latvala to Toyota then... guess it's him and Hänninen driving full season and Lappi joining them once the third car's ready.Quote:
Originally Posted by Rally Power
Mikkelsen said he held back a bit this year with focus on consistency rather than wins, now he's starting to be able to push for a whole rally with out mistakes so it's looking good! He didn't have anything to loose in Australia so no point not to push. The performance against Ogier in Poland was also very good.Quote:
Originally Posted by TWRC
Not (yet?) on Ogier's level but for sure better option than Latvala in my opinion.
So:
Latvala - Toyota
Mikkelsen - MSport
Ogier - Private VW-team
No,
Ogier - Ford
Latvala - Toyota
Mikkelsen - Private Ford