Wilson said he planned to name his drivers today but the Ogier availability meant he now cant do that.Quote:
Originally Posted by EstWRC
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Wilson said he planned to name his drivers today but the Ogier availability meant he now cant do that.Quote:
Originally Posted by EstWRC
Last Monday was the planned date for the press conference to name the team before the VW Withdrawl. With there being a lot of speculation that this Monday would be when M-Sport would make an announcement . Cant see it happening until after Rally Australia myself.. But could be wrong.
It should be wise to wait at least days after Australian WRC event. Maybe no proclamation until Ogier is released from VW contract.Quote:
Originally Posted by Fast Eddie WRC
In his interview with L'Equipe Wilson said it was planned for today but the Ogier negotiations have delayed it.Quote:
Originally Posted by Zermatt
right you are - do you have a link to the L'equipe article. I couldn't find it on their site.
Rumor has it that Toyota is very close to signing Latvala after meetings with both him and Mikkelsen. Only details left and they will announce it after rally australia. Wondering what the norwegian will do if this is right.
I assume its in their premium section. I found the Wilson interview reported on twitter.Quote:
Originally Posted by Zermatt
What does it say? Excuse my FrenchQuote:
Originally Posted by OnlyRally
Google translate:
WHAT FUTURE AND WHAT DESTINATION AND SEBASTIAN OGIER JULIEN INGRASSIA?
All rumors lead back to Sébastien Ogier today.
And if Reb Bull was the solution?
The fabric ignites since the official announcement of the withdrawal of Volkswagen Motorsport WRC World Championship. Everyone has his revelation or a rumor again.
Ogier is sticking to a few releases, refusing all interview with the press. While speculation is rife ...
Only Malcolm Wilson does not hide his desire that the quadruple world champion tests his Ford Fiesta RS WRC 2017 before starting discussions further with the French driver.
But it is fair to Malcolm, director of its Independent Business M-Sport which has no manufacturer Ford resource today, if not technical support for approvals.
The other directors stables remain discreet today, but who really know their desires to recruit Ogier - Ingrassia duo a four-time WRC World champion over the last four seasons.
Others ignite a probable approval of Polo R 2017 December 1, with the idea that they are taken over by a private stable. But how can we believe this when Volkswagen has never hired one of his weapons for four years?
From then everyone has his hypothesis. Even Yves Matton director of Citroën Racing remains discreet by saying that it was Ogier to make contact with him and not vice versa. For intentions and claiming that the strategy in 2017 will be based at Citroen on youth.
The only certainty today is that many left tubs available for Teams of builders. While regulation WRC 2017 allows them engaged until ... six WRC on one sleeve. But only three will be registered to score points for the constructor championship. Then in the end, only the two best seats will be selected to be recorded.
But the real problem for the teams factory today is the World Championship WRC resumes in less than two months and unable to build multiple chassis and the stock of parts Rechan
Or, it will leave a crew on the floor or run on an older version or WRC 2 to make room for the French.
Therefore another rumor seems plausible for the arrival of Ogier.
That of the Austrian company Red Bull, with its financial power as a challenge!
It must be said and remembered that Ogier is now the ambassador of Reb Bull. See again Red Bull in red Citroën Racing, it seems unlikely, with Abu Dhabi, the main sponsor acytuel.
Ditto for Toyota Gazoo Racing with Microsoft.
The most serious trail finally seems that Malcolm Wilson, although there is the risk of leaving a crew already planned on the floor early in the season.
Red Bull manager reportedly told late last week that there are discussions between Ogier and Wilson.
Figures have even circulated ... talking about 50 million € with the management of salaries of Ogier and Ingrassia!
The discussions also relate and deal with the arrival of Mikkelsen World Champion at M-Sport, Ogier has never hidden his sympathy for Andreas.
But things do not seem as simple today. As Malcolm said, noting that he still has unfinished business on his side.
Finally, remember all the same that Sebastien Ogier still has a two-year contract, not with Volkswagen, but with the VAG group alongside Mikkelsen elsewhere!
Out according to several sources, it appears that the group would not also let go easily or pay his remaining two years of the contract.
Hence the hypothesis that whosoever Ogier will even put their hands in the pocket to buy out their contracts!
A penny counts now among the German group with the risk of huge fines for them and one euro cent is a penny ...
And here we are talking of over 10 million € over two years excluding bonuses.
Colin Clark, the voice of the WRC, implied this week that the French would sign a season at M- Sport, discussions between Reb and M-Sport portannt two seasons.
This time Wilson should have a significant advantage over other teams.
Since he himself is the sole decision-maker, while others must obtain the approval of their sponsors.
Something not so simple today!
Malcolm must have other ambitions than Ogier in terms of image already, that would be huge with the world champion, but also his views cars everywhere with the famous and prestigious number 1 on the doors.
The probable arrival of other sponsors and the opportunity to see a Ford back with deep pockets, because this summer there was a rumor announcing the return of the American giant in the WRC, not for 2017 but for 2018 ...
We understand better why Malcolm is doing everything possible to seduce Ogier, or has decided to postpone his departure to Australia last round of the Championship WRC.
Besides that Ogier is a locomotive and a fine director developed. Lately Christian Loriaux said if Ogier becomes an M-Sport driver he would be happy to work with him ...
Of course when it comes to contract everything is possible, with a bid last minute switch that does everything.
But Red Bull track seems to have quite a future impact in the choice of the quadruple World Champion WRC. Today at M-Sport, the young Estonian Ott Tanak holds the rope to be part of the British team next season.
He again proved this season he has become more constant but the closest drivers top level.
So a Team M-Sport uniting Ogier, Tanak, Camilli, where Mikkelsen would be enough to scare a second team should come with two cars from M sport. The MACK D team with Elfyn Evans and Mads Otsberg likely unless either Eric Camilli if Ogier and Mikkelsen became official drivers M Sport ...
First with the next WRC 2016 Monte Carlo Rally, and with two new Fiesta RS 2017 from Sweden ..It anyway track that has given us this week Mads Otsberg he would be present at the rally Monte Carlo .. But probably not in the official team ..
Stay tuned !
From same source today:
Sébastien Ogier will test the Ford Fiesta RS WRC 2017 from M sport after the Australian rally, it is a certainty now announced by Malcolm Wilson himself. Once he has obtained all the guarantees he demands .. An operation that comes up with a lot of money and investment for Malcolm, but as he advances, it's the bet of his life!
like i said a week ago, its a done deal for me. where did you find the story? i couldnt find it on the website
Ogier will put Fiesta RS WRC one level above the others. Driving skills can't be homologated.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Andre Oliveira
Would love to see him drive it- Could be a great battle with Kris in the C3.
And hopefully also Thierry in the Hyundai.Quote:
Originally Posted by bassist
Only seems to be one source to this story - so I think we will need to be patient , I would have thought Ogier will want to concentrate on saying Goodbye to the Polo this week before we hear any announcement.
Gary Boyd @KiwiWRCfan · 3h3 hours ago
After 15 years in use MSport's fleet of Volvo 25T AWD recce cars are doing their final #WRC recce
#EndOfEraInWRC
https://o.twimg.com/2/proxy.jpg?t=HB...qEGZbzTLfBnTtQ
wonder what car they will choose next.
Why did they use the S60 , was it because the engine matched the Focus RS MK2?
Focus RS?Quote:
Originally Posted by dimviii
I believe that when they started using it it was the only passenger car in the Ford system (Ford used to own Volvo) that had 4WD.Quote:
Originally Posted by Zermatt
That would seem sensible - good shout on the Focus RS lets see
An Italian website summed it up well for me:Quote:
Originally Posted by EstWRC
"The question marks are many, starting with the car's competitiveness, the figures of the contract, a possible return of Ford to support M-Sport, or the intervention of Red Bull in the wake of Ogier. A number of items that in most cases cannot be answered at least until 2017, and therefore it's assumed that the commitment will be for one year only."
DobroSport-autohebdo @ericdobro · 8m8 minutes ago
@eWRCresults Seb test next week, the base is already known!
Makes sense to me. They are getting a bit long in the tooth now, interested to see their replacements.Quote:
Originally Posted by Lundefaret
When did they debut? I remember seeing gravel crews in them back in 2003. But I'm sure they've been going longer. Mental how long they've been in use.Quote:
Originally Posted by tomhlord
edited .
lol...lets wait a bit...very little time for him to adjust himself in the car.Quote:
Originally Posted by Andre Oliveira
Swedish quality ;)Quote:
Originally Posted by dimviii
This media saw Petter Solberg in the Fiesta last week...Quote:
Originally Posted by Zermatt
And was talking about Ogier in the car last week also...
Quote:
Originally Posted by traxx
"Again Dici radio and TV Dici summit of stupidity to the buzz, I hope that if one day there comes a serious accident on tests they will also be held responsible and judge for this purpose ..." Eric Dobrowolsky
Malcolm Wilson with M Sport tries the bet of his life with the quadruple World Champion Sébastien Ogier!
Twice Malcolm had wanted to sign the French Champion at M-Sport, a first 1st time in 2010 and then at the end of the 2011 season, but lack of substantial financial resources, the case had flipped to the chagrin the British director finally resigned as forced and obliged to put a cross on his project!
But this time the stakes are quite different and Wilson tried his luck again with a pilot now four times crowned World Champion;
Once the French driver will be released from his obligations with the VAG group if he succeeds, he hopes to put everything on his side to finally attract to its Independent Business, the beautiful M-Sport structure.
Because he knows very well that with the quadruple World Champion, it will be the elevator to the top of the WRC and the challenge to attract big sponsors in his wallet. Malcolm does not hide that he also hopes a Ford back to the forefront in the WRC. With it the dream of Ogier's presence could cause this time official involvement of the American giant Dearborn Detroit meadows.
For this, M-Sport must first meet the requirements of the French World Champion, this does not necessarily include the involvement of Red Bull as main sponsor ...
But more essentially the contribution of several competent engineers for the rally because until now, Malcolm lack deep pockets had the habit of throwing young engineers with minimal experience and young engineers.
It was obviously mainly by lack of means!
Since the independent British organization, remember, saw sales of its competition cars to wealthy amateurs customers and number, they build themselves without financial support from Ford!
Therefore if he wishes to get his way, Malcolm will have to put the package to meet the requirements of Sébastien Ogier, so much that he gave up his trip to Australia.
To become deeply involved in the bet of his life, even though he tried many others before. To focus exclusively on the 'Ogier folder' and especially find the financial resources to increase its independent structure.
So as naturally to have the solutions to make more efficient the Ford Fiesta RS WRC in version 2017 that the team began to roll on the roads of Monte Carlo next in the French Alps and in the Drôme.
also the continuing development as do the other teams plants.
This is the first requirement of the French Champion now have a powerful and reliable car ...
And if possible with the official support of the Ford home!
Recall a recent comment by Christian Loriaux, which had dropped:
"If Ogier sign at M-Sport, I'll be delighted to return to work with him! "
Sign that French is the key to attract attention to M-Sport and especially the leadership of the American giant Ford to a comeback at the top level of the WRC, one of the goals for Malcolm Wilson.
But for this, the boss of M-Sport, will have to find funds to make its ultra professional structure in competitiveness. Time is short and the final testing in the south of France show that there is still much work to do to make the most reliable Fiesta.
Top speed is already there, for sure, but to have a goal in WRC, it is also necessary reliability, the basis of all chances of victory ...
As often said, the other Seb Loeb, "Before thinking about winning a rally, you have already reach the finish! "
Besides, Malcolm does not hide having discussions with Ogier currently seen as the market situation in the WRC, he also discussed as with all drivers in search of a steering wheel for 2017.
According to our sources, appointment would be even taken for the quadruple World Champion title, testing the Fiesta RS WRC in 2017, starting next week after returning from Rally Australia!
And the name of a database already insistently for a first grip of the quadruple World Champion ...
It burns between Wilson and Ogier because according to our best information, this time the matter seems committed to finally see Sébastien Ogier and Julien Ingrassia in the cockpit of a car at M-Sport!
Eric Dobrowolsky
http://www.redbull.com/nz/en/motorsp...-wrc-recce-carQuote:
Originally Posted by dimviii
He must feel free and good in a car to show all his skills. Fiesta doesn't build around him as Polo was build, so if you don't confiden't in a car - no matter how many driving skills you have - you must fighting with a car and crash sometimesQuote:
Originally Posted by Andre Oliveira
I would expect M-Sport to choose something like the Ford Focus RS as their recce car. Need cage etc. Probably a few Everests as support vehicles.
According to @rallyemag If VW gives the OK, Sébastien Ogier will test the Ford Fiesta RS WRC 2017 the Thursday and Friday of the next week in Wales. #WRC
I´m pretty sure that some driver is going from Australia to Japan before heading to Europe...
if you are sure,tell us his name.Quote:
Originally Posted by pantealex
it starts with J
what is in Japan ?