[WRC] News & rumours (part II)

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by alleskids

I read on eWRC.cz that Henning Solberg is skipping Argentina, officially because he is out of budget, but the real reason is the reliability of the Fiesta WRC?

---

He'd be better off in a limited program with citroen. At least he would have a strong car and not be prioritised over Wilson. Even Mini would be a better place to be.

The order of car preference for Ford would be something like
1. Hirvonen and Latvala
2. Wilson
3. Ostberg (or other stobart nominated driver)
4. Fast customers (novikov and pg)
5. Then Henning, but even then he might be prioritised lower than Block depending on marketing priorities)

In Argentina Henning would probably get least priority of technical support due to it being Villagra's home rally and Block's higher profile status in the Americas. In reality Mini and Citroen are better alternatives.

Henning would have better use of his resources, sponsors money if he concentrated on SWRC. Reading AW' s blog should make it clear to anyone where you stand as a customer in a works team.

Renault a while back started a feasibility study of whether or not to join the WRC.

Toyota did have that secret test a while back with a Yaris WRC test mule.

Maybe Tommi Makinen Racing is in talks with Hyundai/Kia. That could be one of the manufacturers. Pro-Rally's post seems to make sense if Hyundai/Kia is being mentioned. After all, Tommi Makinen Racing wants to join the WRC with a new manufacturer.

You could also add GM and Suzuki to the list of potential masochists who could join the WRC

We have to hope that The People's Republic of China takes to rallying, like they have taken to golf and we could have Great Wall, Geely, Dongfeng and loads more competing! (said with tongue in cheek).



http://www.chinacarforums.com/chines...facturers.html for a list.

MSport seems to be pushing Tanak. How good is he on tarmac. That has been a problem for Ford. They should be looking at a Neuville before Citroen take him. Do you think Ford expect Latvala or Hirvonen leave at year end. If Loeb retires, and VW needs to top flight driver. I doubt Citroen will give Solberg full work drive.

2012

Ford - Hirvonen / Tanak
Citroen - Ogier / Latvala
MINI - Sordo / Meeke
VW - Hanninen / Nasser?

Ogier and Latvala at Citroën would kill the competition! Would be awesome, win the rally or have a few really big crashes! I don't know why Ford would keep Hirvonen

too early for speculations.....2013 is far far away many things may change.

Both Finns at ford are crap.