Subaru and Mitsu should both come back, two iconic brands in rally history!
Both also had a lot of return from the sport I think, selling Lancers and imprezas.
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Subaru and Mitsu should both come back, two iconic brands in rally history!
Both also had a lot of return from the sport I think, selling Lancers and imprezas.
At least in Norway, thru the Petter Solberg years. 2003 and 2004 was 40% up from 2002.
Now, i dont know, but 70% down from 2002? Much lesser new cars on the road, i live in winter wonderland Lillehammer, snow 5-6 months a year. Even i has sold my Impreza and buyed a volvo xc60:)
Motorsport sells cars, when the marketingdepartment know how they do theire job!
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I don`t see motorsports selling cars TODAY, except racing. Maybe the brand itself, yes, but that`s also quite hard. People want SUVs, entertainment, economy, long warranty and a low monthly payment- when we aren`t talking about premium car. Also pretty hard to create cars for a petrolhead because of all the safety and eco demands. They all weigh a million because of many airbags and driveraids and cost a lot. Times when RS`s, STIs and Evos were popular from clubman events to grp n. are over, fun while it still lasts and hopefully the "oldtimers" are also maintained not only used and they`re around for some 10 years+.
Same happened with Citroen, when Petter had a stint with Xsara and C4, in private team.Quote:
Originally Posted by skarderud
Citroen Norway used Petter activly in commercials, and sold more cars.
This. Unequal length exhaust headers and single scroll turbo setup, what we get in UK, US and Europe sound very different from Japan spec with equal length headers, twin scroll setup. I don't recall the later wrc imprezas having so much burble, certainly nothing like the legacy's and early imprezas.Quote:
Originally Posted by Gregor-y
Was it a black estate from the 90s with an STI front bumper? That and one of Solberg's cars at a museum were the only two Subarus I saw in Norway, both around Lillehammer.Quote:
Originally Posted by skarderud
Lokal? No, it was a dark grey hatcback:)Quote:
Originally Posted by Gregor-y
It is lots of Subarus around, mostly Forester, XV, and legacy.
It's atleast 6-7 WRX's around, some STIs too, a wellknown cameraguy has one:)
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I live 20km south of Lillehammer with my 03 STI that Solberg used for some PR (6 Subaru's in my family), you might have spotted some video of mine running on two big screens in that museum with Solberg's 02 WRC ;)Quote:
Originally Posted by Gregor-y
If we remind Lancia’s long agony after leaving the WRC, till nowadays almost extinction, it’s hard to agree with you; motorsport and Rally can still have positive effects on the auto industry, from R&D to marketing and sales. Besides, the current SUV fashion won’t last forever (a bit like the MPV’s in the 00’s) and most of those SUV’s are mainly Hatches on steroids, making possible to adapt them to rally.Quote:
Originally Posted by Tarmop
Suv-s a passing trend...don't think so, new technology in roadcars yes...can't be said about motorsports in general. The amount of teams and the risk of their withdrawl says otherwise. Also roadcars are cheap, in comparison to wrc budget and car price.
For a manufacturer to invest in motorsport it is all about branding and brand awareness. It is a totally another form of advertising.Quote:
Originally Posted by Tarmop
Possibly the old saying "win on Sunday, sell on Monday" may not be so true anymore but having a regular appearance in motorsport will constantly remind people of brands. When a buyer makes a decision to buy a new vehicle, those brands with the higher profile due to motorsport or just pure TV or print advertising will always be higher up the preferred list of options.
In a similar way to what happened in Norway regarding Petter & Subaru and the sales increases, that happened in NZ as well in the 1990s with Possum Bourne. He had a very high profile and was always associated with Subaru. Subaru sales here reflected that as well. Possum never won anything like Petter did but he did amazing things for Subaru NZ and its branding. Hayden Paddon is doing similar things, (not quite to the same extent though) with Hyundai NZ branding.
Subaru is anyway on a different level and good cars like STIs are honoured also today, second (4. 5th hand) with JDM verisons imported etc...much like any other car with a normal price tag and performance, regardless of its brand, but i don`t know one person who would run into the dealership and buy a new Yaris because of its success in WRC. Especially when you take into account things that matter...taxes, equipment, economy, warranty, monthly payment etc. Ofc there are some, but compared to the teams budget vs the profit from manuf. it and spare parts...
They wouldn't use the WRC to gain exposure if they didn't think they were getting adequate return from it. They all do their sums. Some think it's a good investment and some (Ford as an example) don't.Quote:
Originally Posted by Tarmop
Peugeot reckoned that the 206 WRC car accounted for 12% of 206 sales in Europe (granted - a different era, but still an incredible figure).
I've seen a lot of these N Performance Hyundais around in recent weeks in the UK, usually with the blue-grey WRC colouring. I think their brand image is improving. Obviously, not exclusively with WRC, but if WRC helps convert some 'petrolheads' opinions of the brand, they will likely be 'influencers' within a circle, so it's hard not to draw a minor correlation.
Is there a sporty model of the C3 or the Yaris?
No (C3), Yes (Yaris)Quote:
Originally Posted by dodge33cymru
Anybody watch the Australia preview? There's a segment where they're talking about an FIA delegation sent to Japan. In the film we can see the Japanese, Ciesla, Mouton, LEHTINEN, a few others, but no Matton. Lehtinen, from what I recall, was expected to get the FIA Rallies director job before Matton swept in at the last second.
Anybody know anything more about this?
Toyota Yaris GRMN (gazoo racing something or other)Quote:
Originally Posted by dodge33cymru
1.8 litre supercharged engine as found in Lotus Elise, Sachs suspension, white body colour with graphics that have a hint of WRC car about it, so possibly the most rally *inspired* car that's been produced for a while.
* In essence, not execution.
https://rallysportmag.com/interviews...lly-australia/
Nice interviews with the Toyota drivers. Lappi's recent bad mood could also be partially explained by him missing the family.
I believe Jarmo Lehtinen is working for WRC Promoter these days.Quote:
Originally Posted by sonnybobiche
In a what kind of position?Quote:
Originally Posted by rallyfiend
Making money position.
When I 1st started taking my 15 year daughter to the WRC, she turned to me and said the Hyundai's was her favorite car of the year. Whereas I probably carried favoritism from the 70's and 80's and would look to the Fords and not consider a Hyundai.Quote:
Originally Posted by Tarmop
Roll on 4 years and now she's just picked up a Hyundai I30N. Granted it is a fantastic car, but WRC had some influence as the only colour option she wanted was the rally blue or performance blue I think they call it. I also after watching the i20 for the last few years would have the I30n on a very short list next car change.
My perception of Yaris has changed and even I was looking at the Yaris GRNM as a possible replacement for the Wife's car but they've all sold out.
The manufacturers don't seem to market on the back off the WRC these days. Fiesta St did get an M-Sport make over but nothing official. Its only the Yaris that is the same model that gets the full treatment.
This is where i could see Hyundai being different and would imagine they'd do something on the back of a driver or manufacturers championship win.
Guess we are niche market these days or poor marketing.
Now that's a cool rumor.. j/k. I remember the old days when we had the TME Evo and Carlos Sainz GT4. They should do more of that.Quote:
Originally Posted by redlancer555
Actually, that’s quite interesting. After reading your post I went to check the new F Type Rally YouTube video views and in just 2 days it has more than 25k; that’s quite impressive if we realize that in 13 monthes the i Pace electric racing car video has a total of 39k views.Quote:
Originally Posted by redlancer555
Even more interesting is to realize that the WRC is the 3rd most popular motorsport series/events (2 wheels apart) in the social media, only (and largely) beaten by F1 and Nascar. The WRC is followed by the Dakar (also a bike and truck event), Le Mans/WEC and vacuum cleaner races (aka Formula E marketing sessions).
Yep, despite the huge (payed?) time and space in general and specialized media the FE has only one third of WRC Facebook likes and half of WRC Twitter followers. So, is Rallysport a niche market or is everybody being told to believe so?
Where did you find those video's? I'm seeing one with 26k...Quote:
Originally Posted by Rally Power
Where do you find information to support this claim?Quote:
Originally Posted by Rally Power
The views numbers were correct; I just forgot to convert the Portuguese m for the English k. Now, it's 26k for the FType and 39k for the iPace. i Pace video here: https://youtu.be/MVOmNnK-6T8Quote:
Originally Posted by SubaruNorway
Btw, FB and Twitter figures can be checked on the series/events official pages. In FB case the numbers will immediatly appear on the google search: WRC 2.561.405 likes; FE 886.926 likes.
Yes but the FE social accounts have only been in existence for a third of the time the WRC ones have. It takes time to grow that following. That FE growth is very impressive.Quote:
Originally Posted by Rally Power
Nicolas Gilsoul codriver of Neuville saying that their title winning change is 60% giving Ogier only 30% and Tanak 10%. Quite optimistic
Why are they obsessed with chance percentage? If it's to play "mind tricks" by showing they're confident, I doubt Ogier and Tanak give a damn about these fantasy percentages...Quote:
Originally Posted by Jakem
It's more mindset I believe. In order to win you must first believe you can win... I'm sure Ogier and Tanak believe the same.
It may be impressive, but anyone can feel that FE growth is artificial, just like its races are. FE is mainly a marketing case study rather than a genuine motorsport form; the promoter, the FIA and the manus involved keep pushing the media to cover it in an inflated way; the general media does it because eco mobility is a trendy topic and the specialized media does it to survive, as they depend on manus.Quote:
Originally Posted by Simmi
In result of this, we have tradicional and popular motorport forms getting less media exposure, despite a real growing interest by the public on them, in WRC case mainly due to a fantastic new generation of WRC cars, a top driving level and a positive effort from rally organizers and the promoter.
No matter what mainstream media and marketing wizards are trying to sell, Rally still is and will remain to be a top motorsport form, with worldwide popularity and a lasting heritage.
PS: the F Type Rally video is now over the 30k views. Well done Jaguar!
Or well done you :)Quote:
Originally Posted by Rally Power
Jaguar appear to very good at marketing.
If as you say WRC is the 3rd most followed car motorsport after F1 and Nascar, then that puts it the top motorsport for cars that resemble the ones we see on the road.
So still don't get Ford Europe not pushing the wins last year, even more so as it wasn't a factory team. Putting Ken Block into the odd rally opens up new audiences, but don't see any marketing from Ford.
I'm sure the Scooby, Evo and Ford specials of the past help keep brand/car awareness. Would of thought a WRC Fiesta St on the outgoing model would of been produced if we were in the 1990's
Evan's comments on stage 6 confirm he's not got a ride next year.
Also seemed from the commentators that Ogier was mentioning and fighting his case to MW.
Also on WRC+, Julian Porter (I think it was him) confirmed that Seb Marshall will be in the car with Meeke last year. From the comment of Becksy afterwards, it was obvious that he wasn't suppose to say this out loud.
Elfyn Evans stated how disappointed he was to have to concede time to Ogier in Australia, saying it was even more so as he doesnt have a seat for 2019.
Sounds like he knows he's not got the money or performances to get him a place next year and isnt able to show any prospective employer a good result in Aus either.
I think he may be only kept as a test driver by M-Sport and then perhaps have a role in the new Fiesta R5.
Elfynished Evans...
He didnt seem to hold any grudges after SS6 and the position drop to help his team leader.
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DsGUxs7VsAANxhF.jpg:large
I hope Elfyn gets a drive of some kind next year.
Worst case scenario, WRC2? Shame for him anyhow....Quote:
Originally Posted by Fast Eddie WRC
some interesting bits in recent interviews with Tommi and Latvala in estonian media (at least for me)
ill start with Latvala
You have been in the same team with two title contenders, with Tänak and Ogier. How different they are?
Lets say Ogier doesnt focus so much on details as Tänak. Of course behind the wheel Ogier is very focused but out of the car he doesnt focus so much on little details. But they both are very similar, very determined and unbelievably hard workers. I have seen now that Tänak works on every little detail, he has his personal trainer, he is following his diet very very closely. It all starts from little things.
How did you come out of your low time this season?
By the way, for the first time in my career I had to use super-rally system, in five rallies! In fact, I could not finish two of these five - Corsica and Argentina. If you do not get a result in half a year, you will start to doubt. The only way to return is by concentrating and persuading yourself. First of all, I needed a top five result, so I got something to build on this result. But this requires faith. And it takes time.
Your renewal with Toyota was revealed only during the Welsh rally. Were you afraid that your contract would not be extended?
Of course. Spring was very scary time for me. If you had asked me before rally Finland, I would have replied to you that maybe I will not continue. After Kris Meeke's dismissal I was still behind him in the general standings. That was not the best time for me.
I thought then that now I'm next. Everyone has tough times, but the question is how long it lasts. Thinking of Thierry and Sebastien, Rally Finland's was a disaster for them, but in the Germany they were quik again. In Wales at one point it looked that Sebastien was out of the game but then he came back. However, this is the key to the world title. That the bad times dont last too long and you climb out of it quickly.
After Wales rally Citroën announced that Esapekka Lapp will be driving in their team besides Sebastien Ogier. Esapekka has said that Toyota he was no longer comfortable and the team did not pay enough attention to him. Do you agree? Do you also feel that Ott has attracted the attention of the entire team?
Personally, I have had the maximum team support, but I can not deny that when Ott arrived, things changed slightly. We knew that he was fast and the main focus now is more on him. This is a normal situation: if youre not the leading driver then less attention will be paid to you. Last year, we had no one that could compete on behalf of the world title. Now we have Ott. However, this isnt something new to me, since I've been teammates with Sebastien, but for Esapekka it was a completely new situation.
Do you already have a list of what changes have to be made on the car for next year?
We have already changed a few things before the last rally, and I am very happy about it. We tried to do everything in order to be completely satisfied with the car and I would be comfortable, but this journey has been long. Of course, there are still some nuances that should be corrected, but we say that the major changes have been made. And these have been important milestones.
What were these changes?
I can not tell you these details because this information is spreading very fast. Neuville will read this interview and put ideas behind his ear. However, I can say that we have hardly worked on the differentials. And, of course, on the suspension.
and now the Tommi part
Next year Toyota will have three leading-drivers - Tänak, Latvala and Meeke all want to win and to be World champions. Is it good if there is no number two and three in the team?
Latvala and Meeke are clever and experienced drivers and know how things are working. We had long discussions with them before signing about teamwork and how to succeed together. On the other hand, you never know how all this will fall out. I believe we can handle it. One of the reasons why I wanted Meeke myself - he is very famous in the rally world and especially in Europe. Rally fans love Meeke. He has many followers - the very first video where Meeke tested Toyota already got impressive number of viewers. So hiring Meeke is also a part of Toyota's reputation project design.
Do you want see to points or wins from Kris?
First of all points. Both Meeke and Latvala are at such a level that they can be on podium on every rally. But Ott can win every rally. So we can say that we have roles shared, we have the strongest and most experienced drivers, and a great opportunity to win both championships.
We start with Monte Carlo rally and let's see what the situation will be, and then decide. However, Meeke's "best before" is running out. Also, Latvala has been in the series for a very long time and im not sure how long he will continue.
The experts are saying that the supertalent Kalle Rovanpera will be in Toyota in 2020 and Tänak will continue.
There is no contract with Rovanpera yet and no new agreement has been signed with Ott. Unfortunately, because I want both to be in Toyota for a long time. On the other hand, it's clear that the earlier contracts are signed the better, everyone would have a secure future, tensions down, and a team could focus on full-time work.
Tommi's part is very interesting... it seems he didn't want Latvala to renew the contract in the first place.Quote:
Originally Posted by EstWRC