M-Sport Ford World Rally Teams

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Originally Posted by Jarek Z

Yes, very important rally. I hope it will be a breakthrough for M-Sport.

It's also important from another point of view. The first 2 rallies clearly showed how slow drivers Loubet and Greensmith are. Tanak comes, jumps in the new car and fights for the win almost from the very beginning.

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Quote from Petter Solberg from All Live: "We've been on stages today and watched all drivers. Tänak has been the cleanest from them all." He knew that they lack top speed and performance in general and went for tyre saving option and attacked where he knew others do not have studs left- meaning you can gain more time against others on a short distance. He is one of the best in tyres saving, right after Ogier. I do not think Greensmith or Loubet think about that too much. They destroy tires too early and suffer then all remining rally.

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Originally Posted by tcrown

I must have missed it but what are plans for Greensmith for 23 season? Is he doing some events with WRC or not? WRC2?

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WRC2 with Toksport, starting from Mexico

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Originally Posted by sinepikohv

I think Loubet was quite decent in Monte when he didn't have any problems. Better than Taka, for example.

Also, as he showed in Greece last year he can be really quick on gravel too with a favourable starting position. Mexico might be a good indicator whether Greece was a one off or has he actually stepped up in terms of pace.

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It would be fantastic if Loubet could take advantage and actually support Tanak on the upcoming gravel rallies.

The other vital aspect on this tough surface and temperatures will be car reliability.

I am hoping that Loubet can get a good result in the next rally, otherwise Malcolm will do something. They need a good wingman to support Tanak, and give input on deveoping the Puma.

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Originally Posted by Sulland

I am hoping that Loubet can get a good result in the next rally, otherwise Malcolm will do something.

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Eh, no....they are doing this season with these two guys, no matter the results.

The wingman thing is a bit over rated imo. You need someone to beat Rovanpera, good luck finding anyone. Only one wingman ever made a difference in the last 20 years and that was Sordo for Loeb beating Gronholm and Hirvonen a few times. What they need is a car that is fast enough and the power steering and window defogger doesn't fail. Tanak can do the rest.

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Originally Posted by Sulland

I am hoping that Loubet can get a good result in the next rally, otherwise Malcolm will do something. They need a good wingman to support Tanak, and give input on deveoping the Puma.

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Didn't they say they put everything on one card this year?

I wiah Loubet learn from Ott nad become a very good driver, he has potential.

Wilson: I knew this was possible – it’s why we did the deal.

https://www.wrc.com/en/news/2023/wrc...-did-the-deal/

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Originally Posted by Jarek Z

Didn't they say they put everything on one card this year?

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Yes, in terms of priority for just the one driver to win the Ch'ship... but support from Loubet could still help this to happen.

Loubet may not be faster than other top guys, but if they have problems he could still take points off them if he isn't far behind on times.