He had his chances, he squandered them...
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I'm just glad he had a couple of decent shots in the end. He easily could have never had a full season in the WRC, which would have been pretty tragic. If he hadn't, there'd have always been that big 'what might have been' question. But realistically, we got the answer to that question. It was an interesting ride with some great memories (I will never forget watching the Mexico 2017 Powerstage live), but I think we can say that, for better or worse, we were able to see what he was capable of.
My gut says if it was Lappi it would have been done by now. I think it will be a combination of drivers, if I was them I would be looking at Paddon and Mikkelsen very seriously. Perhaps not Mikkelsen if he has a program with Hyundai in the background, but M-Sport will certainly consider all their options.
They also need to get ready for the hybrid era so a driver that can help that in the background would be very useful.
Msport with the pay drivers Suninen and Greesmith plus whoever else pays. Let's hope Lappi can get a deal even though that will involve some budget/ or his future career earnings linked back to Malcolm.
Shame when they could've taken 2 of the drivers without a drive alongside Suninen. Disappointed in them tbh.
But they've obviously decided without a Tanak/ Ogier, what's the point in supporting or hiring other drivers properly.
A shame yes; not sure about wasted. He did eventually get the long awaited break in the WRC; as there was a time when it seems everything was against him - a lack of seats and unable to raise funds, not helped by his nationality.
One wishes him good luck in the future; he seemed pretty happy in his Instagram post - Andorra is an outdoor activity paradise.
Love it..
Typical Meeke.. while others are selling their organs.. he steps away, and let them fight for scraps. Don't believe he ever paid to drive a rally car... and stuck by that principle.
Still think we will see him in WRC in 2020.
This part was interesting
Quote:
Piloting a WRC Ford is a no-go.
“M-Sport is just not an option for us ... We’ve got to respect what Hyundai New Zealand are doing to support us and that’s the brand that we’re going to stay loyal to.’’
Michelin will not do their WRC videos anymore, and supposedly some other company is carrying over the Sweden tests (with Michelin tyres though)
https://www.facebook.com/10000070181...2095346157163/
This article also suggests they're not sponsoring the series anymore (it also includes talk about the control tyre tender). Meanwhile, Fiore Brivio from the bankrupt DMack works now at MRF.
https://www.pressreader.com/uk/motor...82033329049506
Maybe MRF will take over in 2021?
The thing is M-Sport did mention him for cooperating in 2020, besides Mikkelsen, Breen, Greensmith and Lappi. Other drivers was named ''others''. But I think that after 2 failed attempts at the Fiesta's wheel the universe did told him to stay away. Hyundai should call him for NZ drive in main team or B one. From marketing aspects they would hit the lotto.
Are there any possibilities to see Bouffier in MC?
Rubén Pérez
@RubnPerez
Interesting to see the Citroën C3 WRC again test.
Yoann Bonato, champion of the #CFR in 2017 and 2018, will be during today and tomorrow test with the vehicle of the French brand.
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/ELlAnq0W...jpg&name=small
https://twitter.com/RubnPerez/status...65432086056965
Possible participation in any #WRC test privately with said vehicle ?. #WRC We'll see.
Rallirinki / Teemu
@HartusvuoriWRC
ˇ
39m
Kalle Rovanperä quit his military service. Reconsidering the continuation on November 2020.
Kalle has plenty of time to finish it, November 2020 sounds like it comes quite fast. I guess he has some four to five months to go and as long as he serves them before turning 28, he's got nothing to worry about. Maybe he'll rejoin in 2025 with few titles under his belt ;)
it was a good bye to C3WRC for Citroen staff ;) ► http://bit.ly/2M3X5FB
Michelin waves goodbye to rallying
https://twitter.com/MichelinTyres/st...15824602882048
So everybody's leavin'?
Sent from my ONEPLUS A5010 using Tapatalk
I hope the MRF money will be worth it... Michelin and Pirelli were strong brands for the WRC to be associated with.
No more achievements of Michelin like “500th victory”... lol unique tyre suplier
Rallirinki / Teemu
@HartusvuoriWRC
A recent interview with @JariMattiWRC
in @hsfi
today.
- He has received an offer from TMR for Sweden and Finland and has "made his decision".
- 200 000e per event
- He's considering Wales but 3 events seems maximum.
- No longer working with manager Jouhki
https://twitter.com/HartusvuoriWRC/s...16387275649024
At least Jouhki leaving is one positive.
Obviously he cannot pay for Jouhki's services without a works deal. And on the contrary, Jouhki probably doesn't want to "invest" in Latvala at this point of his career.
Latvala seemed quite assured he won't do more than two rallies (Finland and Sweden). Even adding Wales as a third event looked uncertain.
Unless it's purely for pleasure, doing Wales as a privateer is a bit silly. 200k to have a horrible road position where the surface is all cut up.
https://www.rallit.fi/wrc-promoottor...ole-takarajaa/
Ciesla has said in Motorsport News that there could still be a fourteenth round on the 2020 WRC season, they haven't stopped searching for a replacement to Chile.
Rally Poland is running 26-28 june. The closest rallies on WRC are Sardegna (4-7 jun) and Kenya (16-19 jul). I mean it's the most possible by my opinion and they said that tey want to get back as soon as possible. Estonia is pretty close after Kenya so I don't think that this could be replacement. Canada have few rallies next year scheduled. Croatia could mix up but I think that there is money issue. The remaining interested countires who want to host the rally on WRC calendar could seen this opportunity to jump in. India, Russia, Korea, Ireland...
https://www.is.fi/ralli/art-2000006344797.html
Citing the famous sources, Finnish media IS reports it's the C3 WRC that Östberg will compete with in 2020. Make of that what you will.
As many events as he can afford... One event, two maybe five?? Hope it's a good amount if the rumor is true. Will be nice to see the new aero if at all possible...
Will Ostberg drive 2019 c3 or the one with all those aero upgrades?
An Irish Event would be more than capable of stepping up at Late Notice, a cross border event or indeed an entire event in the Republic of Ireland would make for an ideal replacement, International events in Ireland are known for their excellent Preparation and Organization.