Originally Posted by
mknight
Nandan signed Loeb not Adamo. Following his belief that when multiple drivers struggle trough 2017-2018 (Sordo, Paddon, Mikkelsen), it's best to get yet another driver.
CC also said that Loeb can now fight for win in any rally. That's extremely bold claim when he did ok in Monte and very good in Chile but had weak Sweden and terrible Corsica.
Therefore I very much doubt they would put him instead of Mikkelsen on rallies where Mikkelsen had good pace last year. That's all remaining gravel rallies except Finland. But for Finland it looks set for Mikkelsen and likely Hutunen, based on the starts in the other rallies for the 3 of them.
Much more likely that Loeb drives beside Mikkelsen and Neuville on some rallies that Paddon did last year and Sordo is not good at. GB clear candidate.
Tarmac rallies are much more unsure for both Mikkelsen and Loeb though.
As I wrote before the changes for Corsica were actually done because Loeb underperformed (relative to expectations) in Monte and Sweden. Sordo was taken in to secure some sure points as Loeb was uncertain (and you have to let Loeb run his first normal tarmac rally) .
Looking at results it clearly was a good choice.
So now for Germany Adamo has a choice between unsure Mikkelsen (based on dry tarmac last year), unsure Loeb (based on Corsica) and unsure Sordo (crashing out in Germany last two years). Not easy pick, but looks like Loeb is in based on doing the two tarmac rallies. For Spain it looks more clear with Sordo-Loeb likely if Loeb wants.
The rumor about needing some title is possible. Good that all 3 Hyundai drivers (without Neuville) score better manu points than both Toyota 2/3rd drivers.