[WRC] News & rumours (part II)

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25th April 2010, 10:12
RS

Quote:

Originally Posted by serial jeff

Indeed, it appears that excluding SS1 Atko was only a few seconds behind McRae... pretty good for being new to the car.

Are S2000s better on faster rallies? I thought it would be the opposite, since I was under the impression that group N cars had significantly more power.

On the other hand the S2000s do not have the torque for dragging themselves out of slow corners. It's tricky to say actually since they are such different types of cars and there are pros and cons in all areas. Overall a good S2000 should be faster everywhere, although I think the gap has closed a little with the latest big restrictors on the N4s.

The Malaysian Rally finished today and unfortunately Alister McRae retired on SS11 after dominating the morning stages due to engine failure from a broken radiator sustained after a jump.

Atkinson was a little slower today (maybe technical problem?) but it's good he finished and got some miles under his belt with his new car.
25th April 2010, 14:05
HaCo

The gap has closed a lot IMHO. Look at the Wallonie, how close Romain in the Evo X is to Loix. Ok, Loix is getting used to the car, but still good performance of the Evo X (also of Van Den Heuvel). In an interview Baumschlager told that the cars (S2K & N4) were more or less equal.
25th April 2010, 14:52
Mirek

HaCo, when average speed is almost 140 km/h (SS5/9/13 Crupet) than it's sure that S2000 loses a lot on straights and understandable that Romain was sometimes infront of Loix there. Today he wasn't close, maybe he had some troubles. I don't know roads of Rally Wallonie very well (except Naninne) but I supose they look similar like those of Condroz and there are lots of rpm limiter parts ;)
25th April 2010, 15:18
OldF

The biggest problem for S2000 cars is the top speed, which is about 165 km/h (depends on the gear ratios used but if they use ratios that gives higher top speed, the acceleration is not good enough due to lack of torque). If the stages are smooth and fast the N-group cards has an advantage but on slower and twisty stages IMO the S2000 is faster because they’re lighter and more agile compared to the group-N cars.
25th April 2010, 15:41
Mirek

Speaking about gravel bigger problem is very narrow road with first gear corners (in worst scenario uphill) where they have problem with traction. Of course they loose on too long straights but usually not that much as people think.

The best for S2000 are fast wide roads from corner to corner without straights or long descents. Generally fast stages are better untill thy are too fast on top speed. It's because less weight and better suspension which allows them to keep much higher speed in fast corners and much more effective braking in corners. ;)

By the way top speed 165 is case of older Sadev Abarths only. Fabia has 171 km/h or less used 182 km/h (events like Sweden). Peugeot usually uses top speed 175 km/h. Fiesta and newer Abarths has also around 170-175 km/h.
25th April 2010, 20:39
Wasted Talent

Quote:

Originally Posted by pucky54

Atkinson is already on same level as McRae when you watch the stage times

True but to be fair Alastair is a bit of a gentleman driver these days - fast and reliable but not spending very much time behind the wheel

WT
25th April 2010, 22:46
RS

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wasted Talent

True but to be fair Alastair is a bit of a gentleman driver these days - fast and reliable but not spending very much time behind the wheel

WT

I don't think that Alister is the definition of a gentleman driver but I had expected Atkinson to be faster straight away... but actually McRae has more recent driving experience than Chris.
26th April 2010, 13:44
Rallyper

PG will do some testing at Ford on Tuesday according to swedish newspaper.
He will help the Ford team to sort out some new parts on the Focus WRC.

PG: s comment is that this is only a test and he knows nothing what the future will bring.

http://www.vf.se/Sport/Varmland/Rall...ns-100426.aspx
26th April 2010, 22:24
julkki

Would be great if PG could get some WRC-events this year.
27th April 2010, 04:29
J.Lindstroem

Quote:

Originally Posted by julkki

Would be great if PG could get some WRC-events this year.

That would come from absolute nowhere. Crazy thought, get out of my head!
27th April 2010, 11:02
Rallyper

Quote:

Originally Posted by J.Lindstroem

That would come from absolute nowhere. Crazy thought, get out of my head!

Well, nothing is written in stone. Not even in the WRC. And MW needs a fast driver to meet up the Citroens, so why not?

Maybe MW reads this forum now and then....? I think we all here are very agreed on that PG deserves a wheel in Ford at the moment, just to help up the unbalanced momentum.
27th April 2010, 11:46
Barreis

Every driver needs two or three events to be competetive.. Maybe only P.Solberg should be on the pace and consistent right away.. But he has C4..
27th April 2010, 13:49
Bobcat

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rallyper

PG will do some testing at Ford on Tuesday according to swedish newspaper.
He will help the Ford team to sort out some new parts on the Focus WRC.

PG: s comment is that this is only a test and he knows nothing what the future will bring.

http://www.vf.se/Sport/Varmland/Rall...ns-100426.aspx

The comments are pretty interesting. ;)
27th April 2010, 16:43
jbmarcus21

Marcus Gronholm is invited to particate X Games to Los Angeles ... same week end of Rally Finland.... to be continued.....
27th April 2010, 18:29
jbmarcus21

news about wrc : http://www.facebook.com/pages/PLANET...0890732?ref=nf
27th April 2010, 21:02
Josti

Quote:

Originally Posted by jbmarcus21

Marcus Gronholm is invited to particate X Games to Los Angeles ... same week end of Rally Finland.... to be continued.....

I would prefer Rally Finland anytime, even if he's not participating.
27th April 2010, 22:09
ste898

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rallyper

PG will do some testing at Ford on Tuesday according to swedish newspaper.
He will help the Ford team to sort out some new parts on the Focus WRC.

PG: s comment is that this is only a test and he knows nothing what the future will bring.

http://www.vf.se/Sport/Varmland/Rall.../> 100426.aspx

Yes but MW will never get rid of his useless golden boy Hirvonen!!!

MW really needs some advice on drivers as he cannot pick them himself!!!

PG would be fantastic in a Ford!!!!!

any pics from test today?
28th April 2010, 01:36
L5->R5/CR

Quote:

Originally Posted by jbmarcus21

Marcus Gronholm is invited to particate X Games to Los Angeles ... same week end of Rally Finland.... to be continued.....

The Chairman of the selection committee for the Rally Car event flatly denied the credibility of this rumor.

Seems more like Ford asked him if he'd be interested instead of him having been actually invited.
28th April 2010, 10:25
Micke_VOC

PG did 300km test yesterday with the car Latvala drove in Turkey,

I think we gonna see PG in a Munchis or Monster Team Ford later this year, Ford need more drivers in the top.
28th April 2010, 10:55
Rallyper

Quote:

Originally Posted by Micke_VOC

PG did 300km test yesterday with the car Latvala drove in Turkey,

I think we gonna see PG in a Munchis or Monster Team Ford later this year, Ford need more drivers in the top.

But one bad thing is PG learned out his skills to wilslow who sat in the co-driver seat all the test.

PG said he was driving 200 km/h all day long, so maybe wilslow learned something then... and that means W will go on driving for Stobart.
28th April 2010, 12:30
J.Lindstroem

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rallyper

But one bad thing is PG learned out his skills to wilslow who sat in the co-driver seat all the test.

PG said he was driving 200 km/h all day long, so maybe wilslow learned something then... and that means W will go on driving for Stobart.

Yeah maybe PG transfered all his talent on Matt, so he will go on winning the Rally NZ!
28th April 2010, 13:27
Tomi

Quote:

Originally Posted by J.Lindstroem

Yeah maybe PG transfered all his talent on Matt, so he will go on winning the Rally NZ!

Keep on dreaming, he has been sitting with so many and much faster drivers, but nothing seems to help.
28th April 2010, 23:08
MJW

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rallyper

Well, nothing is written in stone. Not even in the WRC. And MW needs a fast driver to meet up the Citroens, so why not?

Maybe MW reads this forum now and then....? I think we all here are very agreed on that PG deserves a wheel in Ford at the moment, just to help up the unbalanced momentum.

Skoda Sweden have stepped in and will sponsor PG's S2000 Cup programme for the rest of 2010. Either way the rally in the Fiesta and test in Focus has helped PG's situation. source http://www.pgandersson.se/
28th April 2010, 23:27
Mirek

As far as I know this deal with Skoda was done already before Pirelli rally and Focus tests ;)
29th April 2010, 13:58
Bobcat

Quote:

Originally Posted by MJW

Skoda Sweden have stepped in and will sponsor PG's S2000 Cup programme for the rest of 2010. Either way the rally in the Fiesta and test in Focus has helped PG's situation. source http://www.pgandersson.se/

P-G Anderssons viktiga test inför framtiden http://www.vf.se/Sport/Bilsport/PG-A...en-100428.aspx

Quote:

• Vad betyder det här för framtiden?
– Jag har inte pratat med Malcolm än, men det var ett positivt test inför framtiden, säger Andersson hemlighetsfullt.

Focus test chance for ace Andersson http://www.maxrally.com/news/entry/f...ace_andersson/
Fordchefen låter P-G testa WRC – vad betyder det? http://blogg.vf.se/motorbloggen/2010...d-betyder-det/

We haven't heard Malcolm's side of the story yet so let's not jump to conclusions!
30th April 2010, 08:33
J.Lindstroem

According to PG in a Swedish medium, mini in WRC 2011 is now closer to become reality. He could also be one of two drivers for the team.
http://www.nwt.se/sport/article699375.ece

"P-G tells us that Prodrive recently has got the money for from BMW for the Wrc-ïnvestment. Two drivers is going to be contracted but yet no one is signed"

PG is going to meet Prodrive in a near future for discussing a deal.
30th April 2010, 09:31
alleskids

BMW will not fully support the Mini WRC project, only allowing it, as Prodrive will be responsible for the car and the budget. Just like X-Raid is devellopping the X3CC with permisison from BMW, without money from BMW. So the drivers wil probalry bring money with them
30th April 2010, 11:48
AndyRAC

Quote:

Originally Posted by alleskids

BMW will not fully support the Mini WRC project, only allowing it, as Prodrive will be responsible for the car and the budget. Just like X-Raid is devellopping the X3CC with permisison from BMW, without money from BMW. So the drivers wil probalry bring money with them

If that is indeed true, it's not really a surprise - Rallying doesn't fit the 'BMW image'.
And there have been rumours of going back to the DTM, plus their GT2 efforts in ALMS/LMS.
30th April 2010, 11:51
noel157

Quote:

Originally Posted by AndyRAC

If that is indeed true, it's not really a surprise - Rallying doesn't fit the 'BMW image'.
And there have been rumours of going back to the DTM, plus their GT2 efforts in ALMS/LMS.

BMW has confirmed that they will enter DTM in 2012 providing a few rules are changed and it looks like Audi and MB will support any rule changes.

Regarding Prodrive/Mini can't see the 2 drivers that have been mentioned bringing a sizeable budget to the programme. Hopefully DR will be looking after that end.
30th April 2010, 12:05
Rallyper

Quote:

Originally Posted by AndyRAC

If that is indeed true, it's not really a surprise - Rallying doesn't fit the 'BMW image'.
And there have been rumours of going back to the DTM, plus their GT2 efforts in ALMS/LMS.

But - rallying fit the "Mini" brand. And BMW want to make money on Minis as well, so - in the end rallying is an image that BMW has to accept in the name of Mini. :)
30th April 2010, 15:04
Barreis

DTM is finished deal..
1st May 2010, 07:18
J.Lindstroem

Quote:

Originally Posted by Barreis

DTM is finished deal..

Yes it is :) What do you want to say with this statement, Barries? It has nothing to do with rallying so im happy to hear what meaning behind this is! :)

Cheers Barries!
1st May 2010, 10:48
Barreis

It's bad they don't want to be involved officialy in WRC and want in DTM..
1st May 2010, 11:43
AndyRAC

Quote:

Originally Posted by Barreis

It's bad they don't want to be involved officialy in WRC and want in DTM..

Yes, but as I've already said, Rallying doesn't fit their image. And Germany is the biggest car market in Europe, so it makes sense to do the DTM. Where they take on their biggest rivals; Audi, Mercedes. Taking on Ford, Citroen in the WRC isn't for them - it's probably beneath them.
1st May 2010, 17:02
Barreis

Whole Germany, Austria and Swiss watch DTM and that's big market.. Don't forget about driver's salaries and that's what makes them stars..
1st May 2010, 17:21
AndyRAC

Quote:

Originally Posted by Barreis

Whole Germany, Austria and Swiss watch DTM and that's big market.. Don't forget about driver's salaries and that's what makes them stars..

Exactly!!!
People need to look at the bigger picture, especially were WRC is concerned - and realise that other Motorsport disciplines are more relevant to Manufacturers.
2nd May 2010, 02:02
J.Lindstroem

Quote:

Originally Posted by AndyRAC

Yes, but as I've already said, Rallying doesn't fit their image. And Germany is the biggest car market in Europe, so it makes sense to do the DTM. Where they take on their biggest rivals; Audi, Mercedes. Taking on Ford, Citroen in the WRC isn't for them - it's probably beneath them.

Yes, exactly! Maybe no one is saying anything else but i think they can do both. DTM with the BMW brand and WRC with the MINI brand. BMW would never go to Wrc as, like you say, their brand fits better in racing than in rallying, Mini fits better since it is a car in the same "small car" vategory as the other cars (C3, Fabia, Fiesta, Satria) and also it has a heritage of rallying in the past wich they can use in some marketing about the car. Thats what companies that has a lot of brands do, they place their brands on different markets to be able to play on as many fields as possible.
2nd May 2010, 13:38
AndyRAC

Quote:

Originally Posted by J.Lindstroem

Yes, exactly! Maybe no one is saying anything else but i think they can do both. DTM with the BMW brand and WRC with the MINI brand. BMW would never go to Wrc as, like you say, their brand fits better in racing than in rallying, Mini fits better since it is a car in the same "small car" vategory as the other cars (C3, Fabia, Fiesta, Satria) and also it has a heritage of rallying in the past wich they can use in some marketing about the car. Thats what companies that has a lot of brands do, they place their brands on different markets to be able to play on as many fields as possible.

Yes, absolutely! VW are a prime example of this - they match their different brands to suit each Motorsport discipline.
2nd May 2010, 20:18
Motorsportfun

by the way, looks like Mini will be in the WRC like BMW is in the Dakar.

Prodrive put the money and BMW Group gives green flag and brand to the programme. It's easier for them: if they do well, they'll say they're supporting the team, if Richards fails, they'll say it's a private team. :D
3rd May 2010, 21:26
SubaruNorway

Any news if the oil leak by the American coastline caused by BP oil will have any inflict on the BP Ford team?

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