Silly Season 2020

I also believe Citroen will stay for 2020. But beyond that, it's a question mark.

https://www.is.fi/ralli/art-2000006291271.html?ref=rss

Jouhki says it´s 50-50 that Ogier is joining TGR.

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Originally Posted by tomhlord

There are certainly massive macro politics threatening the involvement. Linda Jackson, the Citroen CEO who greenlighted the WRC project is rumoured to be getting the boot. Then we have today's news of a potential merger between FCA and PSA.

However, they have two drivers under contract for 2020 and a new aero package, I believe they'll be there next season but not in 2021.

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She's already gone. Last week I think.

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Originally Posted by AnttiL

I also believe Citroen will stay for 2020. But beyond that, it's a question mark.

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They may only stay if Ogier stays

So let's speculate that Ogier indeed moves to Toyota. I'm 100% sure they'll pull the plug then. Wtf are they going to do? Drive with Lappi and Östberg/Camilli/whoever? For what and for whom? To see how many last places they'll get?

If Ogier goes then could Citroen go for Thierry? I hardly think so, Thierry must be happy at Hyundai (him and Nico and Ott and Martin are good friends, no wonder why he welcomes Ott's move) and when'd even think of going to Citroen, his wife would surely take out her phone, open Twitter, start typing something and Thierry will freak out and end the negotiations because he doesn't want a Shitroen moment. Although, it was pretty entertaining.

Losing a manufacturer would be awful, of course. And yesterday's news that M-Sport's involvement in WRC will probably go down to the wire yet again makes my nerves tingle. Would be nice if the Promoter or FIA signs a contract with a manufacturer for X number of years. Then we wouldn't have to think every year who'll leave etc.

Although, I guess if someone wants to leave, they'll do it. Like with Volkswagen. They would've left anyway even if they'd have to pay a fine for breaking the contract. So in another words - my idea is useless :D

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Originally Posted by tomhlord

Then we have today's news of a potential merger between FCA and PSA.

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Let's see if FCA pulls out PSA from WRC or maybe the other way around. :)

The only reason Ogier could have to look for another drive is if Citroen leave WRC.

Not the other way around.

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Originally Posted by T16

She's already gone. Last week I think.

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"Moved to another role within PSA"

Yes - she's gone.

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Originally Posted by AL14

Let's see if FCA pulls out PSA from WRC or maybe the other way around. :)

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If done (they’ll be negotiating for several weeks) the merger won’t affect Citroen 2020 WRC plans. According to the reports, PSA will have 6 board members and FCA 5; Elkann (Agnelli grandson) is set to be Chairman and Tavares (PSA boss) the CEO.

Btw, despite an earlier resistance, Tavares is now firmly pushing for his brands electrification; hopefully, the 2022 WRC hybrids may fit on his stratergy.

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Originally Posted by Rally Power

Btw, despite an earlier resistance, Tavares is now firmly pushing for his brands electrification; hopefully, the 2022 WRC hybrids may fit on his stratergy.

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Good point.

I would say though, that their strategy for 'supermini' cars that are the same size as current WRC cars with the new 208 and Corsa is to offer Petrol, Diesel or full-EV and no hybrid in this segment. Which means the WRC Hybrid rules aren't necessarily relatable to the road-going brethren.