Will the new Impreza be a dismal failure?

I think the first rally for the new Impreza was fairly good. When the rivals are having so much problems, the 2nd place isn't really the indication of the improved performance, but regardless of how you get to the podium, it will definitely give the team and, most importantly, Petter much needed moral boost. This time Chris was the unfortunate one but unless you encounter problems on the stages, you'll never find problem. So hopefully, there is a lesson learned from the first rally both for the team and Chris.

Interesting to see how new Impreza will perform after some more testing. I would say that there is still much work to do in terms of pace. Petter's margin to Loeb really didn't reflect genuine speed-levels as Petter was driving the whole event from better road-position than Loeb.

It is now obvious that new group N Impreza is dissappointment. I wonder if there is all fundamentals right with their basic-car.

Excellent result for the new S14 which I have been a fan since I seen the shape of the new car
long may it continue

Driver comments:

Petter
“Ah! This is just incredible! I am so, so pleased. I can’t put it into words!” exclaimed an excitable Solberg. “It is so good to be back here again, and so important. I’m so happy for the team who’ve put in so much work to get this car ready. It’s incredible, I can’t believe it. First time in the new car, second is not bad at all! We knew it would be tough here but to finish second is just great. It’s what everyone has been waiting for. Phil and I, the team, the fans, everybody. This car has so much potential, I mean so much. This is it, we’re coming back!”

Chris
“It’s good to get the first stage win for the new car on its first rally; it’s a good feeling” said Chris Atkinson. “It obviously hasn’t been a good weekend for points for us, but other people have had bad luck this year and we were just unlucky this time. We wanted to see what the car would do and it felt good this morning, which showed in the speed. We can be faster though as there is still more to come. When we get the package just right we’ll be a lot faster still.”

I'm still sceptic about the new Subaru even that Petter seems to be happy about the car. Most of the top drivers had problems in this rally and that's part of the reason why he was 2nd in Greece. 2nd is good, but I wonder where he would've finished if Mikko, J-M, Dani and Chris would have had no problems. My guess is positions 5-6, so pretty much those that he have had so far this year. I think the next 2 rallies will tell more about the car.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Woodeye

I'm still sceptic about the new Subaru even that Petter seems to be happy about the car. Most of the top drivers had problems in this rally and that's part of the reason why he was 2nd in Greece. 2nd is good, but I wonder where he would've finished if Mikko, J-M, Dani and Chris would have had no problems. My guess is positions 5-6, so pretty much those that he have had so far this year. I think the next 2 rallies will tell more about the car.

---

You speak absolute sense!

I thought the same things when the rally was over. I'm happy for Petter's elation, but at the same time I am going to reserve my judgment of the S14 until the end of Finland. Subaru is my favorite team and I want to see both Petter and Chris succeed.

All we need to do is wait just a little more time.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Woodeye

I'm still sceptic about the new Subaru even that Petter seems to be happy about the car. Most of the top drivers had problems in this rally and that's part of the reason why he was 2nd in Greece. 2nd is good, but I wonder where he would've finished if Mikko, J-M, Dani and Chris would have had no problems. My guess is positions 5-6, so pretty much those that he have had so far this year. I think the next 2 rallies will tell more about the car.

---

But isn't that exactly what says that new subaru is good? Petter didn't have problems!
There is no such thing as a perfect rally where everyone finishes troublefree, somebody always has problems. And if you and your car can avoid problems, then you will finish high. And you certainly cannot underrate that car and driver. Do you also think that Seb is weak because he manages to escape problems? Or why is JML always fast in few first stages and then cocks up? Is he not a mature driver or is it car's fault when the suspension breaks against a rock? :P

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by ARF

But isn't that exactly what says that new subaru is good? Petter didn't have problems!
There is no such thing as a perfect rally where everyone finishes troublefree, somebody always has problems. And if you and your car can avoid problems, then you will finish high. And you certainly cannot underrate that car and driver. Do you also think that Seb is weak because he manages to escape problems? Or why is JML always fast in few first stages and then cocks up? Is he not a mature driver or is it car's fault when the suspension breaks against a rock? :P

---

Not really, it tells its a quite strong car, after a few rallies I belive it's time to judge the car more, I think Petter could have done the same result with the old car aswell if he would have been the only one to run without problems.
JM even he is the youngest driver who have won a WRC rally, is for sure not mature enough, but he is getting better all the time.

On the first day Subaru seemed to struggle, but seemed to gain more competitiveness later as the potential of the car started to unveil. Good to see Petter achieving a good result after a huge amount of unluck. Surely we can't make final conclusions about the new car yet, but it at least has shown some promise, although it still doesn't seem good enough to challenge Loeb.

ok, yes it is to fast to judge if car is competitive-but i think petter change complete driving style; he didnt push without head and risk which is one step closer to victory. Good car or not he must adjust driving to conditions on the road not just drive flat out like formula. And even if car is not good if he belive the car is better i m sure the poudium era begins for him.