[WRC] News & rumours (part IV) 2016

for me this Ogier-Msport deal is basically done.

i mean, he wont go to Toyota, Hyundai is full and not interested, Matton will pick up his call and have a chat IF Ogier calls but according to him they dont have the resources to make a fourth car and he wont fire/rotate the young ones, plus the fact that Meeke doesnt want him there.

This then leaves M-sport for Ogier. Wilson has stated that they are already negotiating(while Matton is waiting the call) and he will do anything to get him and it seems to me that Ogier himself is very interested to work with him. The question now is will anyone suffer? Tänak was promised nr.1 status but that is gone now but it isnt a big suffer if at all. Will Camilli be devoted to Dmack or Evans will lose his Dmack seat because the Dmack car is going for a third car in the main team?

Time will tell and i dont rule out that in the end he will go to Citroen.

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Originally Posted by EstWRC

for me this Ogier-Msport deal is basically done.

Matton will pick up his call and have a chat IF Ogier calls.
This then leaves M-sport for Ogier. Wilson has stated that they are already negotiating(while Matton is waiting the call).

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I totally agree with you on that point.
Citroen is acting as if we were talking about Duval whereas Wilson is proactive on the subject.
Citroen's behavior looks like: "he Will come to us with our conditions because we have the best car". The issue is that Ogier is provint this year that he can beat easily someone with an almost equal car (Hyundai) and he has been better than Latvala and Mikkelsen in the past 4 years.

I think it would be best for the sport that Ogier teams up with M sport or Toyota, since they seem to be the weakest teams for now. I really hope Red Bull stays in the WRC, hopefully with M-sport.

But then there is Mikkelsen and Latvala...

Interesting times! It's a pitty VW has quit, but it has opened the competition a lot! If not Hyundai nor Citroen gets Ogier, I'm really looking forward to the next season!

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Originally Posted by HaCo

I think it would be best for the sport that Ogier teams up with M sport or Toyota, since they seem to be the weakest teams for now. I really hope Red Bull stays in the WRC, hopefully with M-sport.

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That would be ideal. More than anything, I want Ogier to not be the-best-driver-in-the-best-car-dominating-everything again.

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Originally Posted by EstWRC

for me this Ogier-Msport deal is basically done.

i mean, he wont go to Toyota, Hyundai is full and not interested, Matton will pick up his call and have a chat IF Ogier calls but according to him they dont have the resources to make a fourth car and he wont fire/rotate the young ones, plus the fact that Meeke doesnt want him there.

This then leaves M-sport for Ogier. Wilson has stated that they are already negotiating(while Matton is waiting the call) and he will do anything to get him and it seems to me that Ogier himself is very interested to work with him. The question now is will anyone suffer? Tänak was promised nr.1 status but that is gone now but it isnt a big suffer if at all. Will Camilli be devoted to Dmack or Evans will lose his Dmack seat because the Dmack car is going for a third car in the main team?

Time will tell and i dont rule out that in the end he will go to Citroen.

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If M-Sport somehow manages to find the money.

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Originally Posted by Mirek

If M-Sport somehow manages to find the money.

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I don't think it would be a money issue, because for sure he'll get paid by VW for stepping away from the sport and leaving him without a seat so late in the season.

Apart from that, I'd bet Red Bull would take on the bills if he's going to drive for M-Sport.

He isn't going to drive for free just because he likes Wilson. Let's see but I am quite sure that money is what Wilson is now trying to sort out.

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Originally Posted by Mirek

He isn't going to drive for free just because he likes Wilson. Let's see but I am quite sure that money is what Wilson is now trying to sort out.

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I didn't say he'd drive for free. But, if for example he wants 6 Millions a year and VW gives him 3 as contract buyout, M-Sport would only have to find 3 Millions. And don't you think Red Bull won't pay that sum to place its stickers on the Fiesta?

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Originally Posted by smsgrafica

I don't think it would be a money issue, because for sure he'll get paid by VW for stepping away from the sport and leaving him without a seat so late in the season.

Apart from that, I'd bet Red Bull would take on the bills if he's going to drive for M-Sport.

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I think Mirek means, the money for developing the car and team through the season at the same level as Citroën and Hyundai.

But I personally think the Ogier/M-Sport deal will happen and I also - like you - think it's gonna be in Red Bull colours. Red Bull will see this in the same way Marlboro saw the Schumacher deal with Ferrari in 1996 and switched their sponsorship from McLaren to Ferrari. And this is because of what the fans will follow, and they will follow that combi.

Apart from that, I hope nobody believes Matton when he's saying he hasn't got the car for Ogier. That's not Mattons call, that's Linda Jackson's call. If Ogier signs for Citroën you can bet he will have whatever he's asking for, no matter what Matton says. He can have the C3 as team leader from the word "Go" in Monte...

On a personal note, I have never been a fan of M-Sport or Ford or Malcom Wilson. And after 2011 I was done being an Ogier fan. But yet I would absolutely love and cheer for the combi of Ford+Ogier+M-Sport because it simply would be an amazing challenge that would spice up the championship like not seen in many many years. It would also change my view on Ogier from being arrogant, to being a real man taking a seriously difficult challenge.

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Originally Posted by MikeD

I think Mirek means, the money for developing the car and team through the season at the same level as Citroën and Hyundai.

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Exactly! This is were M-Sport have fallen down in the last few years; money - not enough of it to develop, and pay for a top driver!! To get Ogier, and stay competitive, they're going to need a large budget - something they've not had for years. There doesn't seem to be any noise regarding the return of Ford...I suspect WorldRX is enough for them to promote the RS brand.

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Originally Posted by AndyRAC

Exactly! This is were M-Sport have fallen down in the last few years; money - not enough of it to develop, and pay for a top driver!! To get Ogier, and stay competitive, they're going to need a large budget - something they've not had for years. There doesn't seem to be any noise regarding the return of Ford...I suspect WorldRX is enough for them to promote the RS brand.

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I personally think there is a lot happening behind the curtains - and also at Ford. An opportunity like this is very rare. There is proper marketing value here ... and it might even be cheap compared to how it would normally be.

I think Malcom Wilsons phone is ringing non-stop right now. There are 3 challenges for him.

- Can he get the budget via sponsors
- Can he get Ford involved
- Can he get Ogier

Hyundai and Toyota are not in this game. It's either Citroën or M-Sport that's gonna sign Ogier ... unless he walks away from the WRC all together.

And one last thing. I bet you that Ogier is trying to get the feel of how the press and the fans react to him possibly signing for M-Sport Ford. If there is a buzz about the idea in the whole rally community and among the fans, then that might be the decisive factor. There is a HUGE difference between being and champion .... and a LEGEND! He's a champion with VW. He will be a legend if he becomes champion with M-Sport Ford.

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Originally Posted by N.O.T

I do not value rally drivers of an era that a woman could even be competitive, they were nothing.

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...and that's where I lost the last ounce of respect I had for you. Doesn't matter how right you are about something anymore, all of my respect for you is gone.

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Originally Posted by MikeD

He's a champion with VW. He will be a legend if he becomes champion with M-Sport Ford.

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I agree, but also with any other brand.

Think about Ogier for a bit, his personality, he wants to win and he is no doubt always comparing himself to Loeb. His goal has been from the start to beat Loeb's records because let's face it, except for Loeb, until now he has had no true rival. I think Ogier will pick the best car available, all other things like his respect for Wilson and bad relationship with Meeke or Citroen are secondary, even money is secondary. All that matters is where is his best chance to win more championships.

I too, as many othes have said here, would like to see an Ogier-MSport combination, as it would be a mix between an underdog team and a 4 time WDC so it would be in itself interesting but also if the team has fewer resources than the others it could be a more level playing field. It sounds nice and the chances of it happening seem to be increasing.

There's just one thing that's bothering me. What if those reports that the Fiesta has the best aero are true and it starts the year with a significant advantage? What if we get to the middle of the season and Ogier once again has a huge lead. Sure he will be in a different car but it will be the same thing again. I think the WRC needs a real fight for the championship and I'm not entirely sure we're going to get it even if Ogier goes to MSport.

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Originally Posted by HaCo

I agree, but also with any other brand.

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No. Winning it in a Ford would be more speciel since they haven't won the drivers' title since Ari Vatanens 1981 title. Furthermore a lot of long-term rally fans have a special place in their heart for Ford, because they have been in the championship in almost the whole of the championships history. Most other Manufacturers' come and go depending on their marketing plans.

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Originally Posted by MikeD

And one last thing. I bet you that Ogier is trying to get the feel of how the press and the fans react to him possibly signing for M-Sport Ford. If there is a buzz about the idea in the whole rally community and among the fans, then that might be the decisive factor. There is a HUGE difference between being and champion .... and a LEGEND! He's a champion with VW. He will be a legend if he becomes champion with M-Sport Ford.

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Ogier is already a legend. Winning 4 times the championship with such domination can't just make you a champion. Of course he will do something special if wins at m-sport. Let's hope there will be enough money and garantees to convince him.

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Originally Posted by MikeD

Apart from that, I hope nobody believes Matton when he's saying he hasn't got the car for Ogier. That's not Mattons call, that's Linda Jackson's call. If Ogier signs for Citroën you can bet he will have whatever he's asking for, no matter what Matton says. He can have the C3 as team leader from the word "Go" in Monte...

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Most likely not even Linda’s call…this one will certainly go up to Carlos Tavares, PSA’s CEO. Tavares is a notorious Petrolhead (being a Portuguese he was infected by rally virus on an early age) and he was at Renault when the Ogier/Citroen split occurred. So, he has no regrets and motorsport runs on his veins; another one that 'will do everything to make sure Ogier gets in'?

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Originally Posted by Rally Power

Most likely not even Linda’s call…this one will certainly go up to Carlos Tavares, PSA’s CEO. Tavares is a notorious Petrolhead (being a Portuguese he was infected by rally virus on an early age) and he was at Renault when the Ogier/Citroen split occurred. So, he has no regrets and motorsport runs on his veins; another one that 'will do everything to make sure Ogier gets in'?

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I am pretty sure that Matton and possibly other key members in the team have a say. I doubt these things are dictatorial decisions by one person. The fact that there is was bad blood between Citroen and Ogier in 2011 and that lots of staff still remain from those times probably play into this. Lefebvre's comments probably reflect the team's view on having Ogier back pretty well.

I think we can rule Hyundai out, the rest are maybes with M-sport seemingly the most likely right now, provided Wilson can get the structures in place.

EDIT; This was my 555th post so here's a pic of a Subaru
http://i1.8000vueltas.com/2010/04/19...mpreza5553.jpg

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Originally Posted by itix

EDIT; This was my 555th post so here's a pic of a Subaru

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haha this was nice ;)

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Originally Posted by itix

I am pretty sure that Matton and possibly other key members in the team have a say. I doubt these things are dictatorial decisions by one person.

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You're right. Matton and the team will be heard, but the decision will certainly be taken on a higher level. Having Mr. Tavares profile in mind, it looks likely that he’s already involved.

New Road Order rules and Power Stage points proposed for 2017:

http://www.autosport.com/news/report...-rules-changed

Also WRC Trophy for private drivers of 2016 cars...

https://scontent-mad1-1.xx.fbcdn.net...e6&oe=5887549C

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Originally Posted by Fast Eddie WRC

New Road Order rules and Power Stage points proposed for 2017:

http://www.autosport.com/news/report...-rules-changed

Also WRC Trophy for private drivers of 2016 cars...

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go back to 2014 rules is a reasonable decision. Also th WRC Trophy for Prokop. Now he will finally stop retiring from WRC so many times. Let's hope the promoter will not waste time on it and give more proper coverage to WRC2.

New point system at power stage is very stupid. the third qualified could take more point than the second and they are also too many points that a rally2 driver can take. I really don't like it. 3-2-1 was perfect. But is ok. I was afraid changes could have been worse.

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Originally Posted by AL14

go back to 2014 rules is a reasonable decision.

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They've gone with the 2nd best option.

I would've preferred WC order on 1st day, reverse WC order on the 2nd and reversed rally order on the last day. But still, way better than during the last two seasons.

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Originally Posted by AL14

go back to 2014 rules is a reasonable decision. Also th WRC Trophy for Prokop. Now he will finally stop retiring from WRC so many times. Let's hope the promoter will not waste time on it and give more proper coverage to WRC2.

New point system at power stage is very stupid. the third qualified could take more point than the second and they are also too many points that a rally2 driver can take. I really don't like it. 3-2-1 was perfect. But is ok. I was afraid changes could have been worse.

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I'm not a fan of either. That points system and going back to -14 rules is the worst desicion we could have. Either we keep the system we have or we go back to a qualifying stage that dictates road order for first two days, alternatively whole rally. Cars stopping tactically on friday evening to get a better road position on saturday and sunday is not in cherished bank of rally memories.

nothing official.

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CwgqwlSWEAEstBI.jpg:large

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Originally Posted by itix

Cars stopping tactically on friday evening to get a better road position on saturday and sunday is not in cherished bank of rally memories.

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It won't work without split times in the car. Besides, I can't remember anything like that in 2014, but maybe I'm wrong.

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Originally Posted by smsgrafica

It won't work without split times in the car. Besides, I can't remember anything like that in 2014, but maybe I'm wrong.

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My memory might fail me but I think they did. They did for sure in 2012 before they moved to the qualifying stage.

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Originally Posted by itix

I'm not a fan of either. That points system and going back to -14 rules is the worst desicion we could have. Either we keep the system we have or we go back to a qualifying stage that dictates road order for first two days, alternatively whole rally. Cars stopping tactically on friday evening to get a better road position on saturday and sunday is not in cherished bank of rally memories.

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There won't be any tactical stopping, Saturday and Sunday will run in reverse rally position so you want to be in front after day 1 to get a better position. Maybe if it rains it could happen but that doesn't happen often and is a gamble on the weather forecast being correct.

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Originally Posted by itix

My memory might fail me but I think they did. They did for sure in 2012 before they moved to the qualifying stage.

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No I'm 100% in 2014 they didn't because it would have been useless. From the second day the leading driver started as the last one.

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Originally Posted by dimviii

nothing official.

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CwgqwlSWEAEstBI.jpg:large

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Needs more Abu Dhabi

https://scontent-mad1-1.xx.fbcdn.net...36&oe=5897002F

I guess this photoshop madness doesn't end before Monte Carlo, lol

RallyingUK �� ‏@RallyingUK · 14s15 seconds ago

SAFARI RALLY: Kenya Motorsport Federation steers Safari Rally fast towards WRC return ���� #WRC �� @dailynation

http://www.nation.co.ke/sports/TalkU...ypz/index.html

Aight thanks, I stand corrected!

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Originally Posted by smsgrafica

They've gone with the 2nd best option.

I would've preferred WC order on 1st day, reverse WC order on the 2nd and reversed rally order on the last day. But still, way better than during the last two seasons.

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I would prefer them to throw away the contrived reverse order messing around and just run day 1 championship order then straight rally order after that.

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Originally Posted by GravelBen

I would prefer them to throw away the contrived reverse order messing around and just run day 1 championship order then straight rally order after that.

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why ? so you could see 2 days of cruising and tactics ?

I cannot believe that Kenya could possibly come back into the WRC.

It would be fantastic!

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Originally Posted by GigiGalliNo1

I cannot believe that Kenya could possibly come back into the WRC.

It would be fantastic!

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While I also think it would be great for the WRC to have the Safari Rally back in due to its famous historical link and because it will add a visit to another continent to the WORLD Rally Championship, we have to remember that any event will not be like Safari Rallies of the past. For example, even this Pro-Safari article acknowledges that it will be held over a 'closed' course.

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Originally Posted by Rally Hokkaido

While I also think it would be great for the WRC to have the Safari Rally back in due to its famous historical link and because it will add a visit to another continent to the WORLD Rally Championship, we have to remember that any event will not be like Safari Rallies of the past. For example, even this Pro-Safari article acknowledges that it will be held over a 'closed' course.

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I think having a closed course is good news, I mean it was always a problem on the Safari that the locals, donkeys, chickens etc have been running all over the road, while the competitors were going with 200 km/h... I fear more that it would have the same, generic format every rally has in the calendar.