Quote:
Originally Posted by the sniper
... and also from renting cars to privateers like Bouffier, Solowow etc., who surely pay for them a lot of money.
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Quote:
Originally Posted by the sniper
... and also from renting cars to privateers like Bouffier, Solowow etc., who surely pay for them a lot of money.
However M-Sport did it be grateful they did... the WRC needs all the entries it can get !!
Good luck to them. :)
yeah, the more cars the better i supposeQuote:
Originally Posted by Fast Eddie WRC
businesses/sponsors are having a rough time, so any contribution is welcomed :)
Their wesite still called 'Qatar' M-Sport: http://www.qatarmsportwrt.com/ but updated now with M-Sport logos:
Official press release:
With the 2014 FIA World Rally Championship (WRC) fast approaching, the M-Sport World Rally Team is proud to reveal its all-new livery for the year ahead. The innovative blue and black Ford Fiesta RS WRC will be piloted by Mikko Hirvonen and Elfyn Evans on all 13 rounds of the up-coming season.
The new design was revealed with a live wrapping in conjunction with partners 3M Peltor at the UK's Autosport Show this weekend. Spectators were able to watch the design develop as 3M's team applied the vinyl throughout the show.
As in previous years, M-Sport receives technical support from the Ford Motor Company. The team's range of award-winning rally cars continue to draw strength from the Blue Oval's advanced EcoBoost technology as used on latest production models and the 2014 Fiesta RS WRCs will be adorned with the company's EcoBoost branding.
The new design also pays tribute to M-Sport's long-established team partners Castrol and Michelin as well as our highly-valued trade partners. All have been integral to the team's past success and their presence on the new-look Fiesta acknowledges their continued support and technical expertise.
Opting for a mix of youth and experience in the driver line-up, the new-look M-Sport World Rally Team will make its first appearance on the stages at next week's traditional season-opener: Rallye Monte-Carlo.
Team Principal, Malcolm Wilson OBE, said:
"I'm very happy to reveal the new 2014 livery for the M-Sport World Rally Team. There has been a lot of hard work to get to this point, and I need to commend the efforts of every single member of our dedicated team.
"I am also delighted to announce that we will continue our long and successful partnership with our team partners, Castrol and Michelin, as well as our valued trade partners. We also continue our excellent working relationship with the Ford Motor Company whose invaluable technical support continues to aid M-Sport in the design and development of our award-winning range of Fiesta rally cars."
Rear view of the 2014 livery:
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Bdyn43HCAAA7jAA.jpg:large
Great pic of Kubica's car:
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BdyY13XCAAA70P9.jpg
Sure.Quote:
Originally Posted by Fast Eddie WRC
I'm sure that Mr. Wilson would be much happier if the M-sport sticker would be replaced by some others...
Yes, also naming Castrol and Michelin as sponsors is clutching at straws. I can't think of a works WRC team who has not had an oil and tyre partner?Quote:
Originally Posted by COD
As long as Malcolm can pay the bills that's all that matters, but it is perhaps a bit worrying they haven't been able to attract any "real" sponsors, especially when they benefited from Qatar money in the past. Anyone know how much that was worth to them?
Anyhow, kudos to Wilson for pulling this model off, when Prodrive failed to do so with Mini.
I don't worry about M-Sport. There is a fair number of privateers with money and M-Sport is almost the only chance to rent a proper car now. VW rents nothing, Hyundai also nothing (at least in the moment) and Citroën seems to be on a way out of the sport (plus they are more expensive anyway)...
I'm thinking that nowdays they (M-Sport) have maybe more possibilities to rent out "proper" cars for good drivers? As they don't have to worry about conflict of interest like they had to during manufacturer era...? Now when any Fiesta is doing well, Malcolm can go into spotlight and be happy.Quote:
Originally Posted by Mirek
Yeah, sure their cash flow is very positive at the moment. Letīs hope it stays that way. Kubica of course brings his money as well. I would say the situation for M-Sport looks very bright for now and the near future.
I'm sure I read somewhere that approx 60 Fiesta R5 cars have been ordered at nearly Ģ200k each. That and the other bits and bobs they're getting will be enough to tie them over I'm sure. Long term though, they definitely need a committed sponsor.
What a load of PR Bullsh1t ....delighted my ass . M-sport down the quaters !! .....money out of Malcom's pocket .... There will be some 'Malcom specials' out this year ide say ...Quote:
Originally Posted by Fast Eddie WRC
How worse would it be for M-Sport's business not to have a top manufacturer team in WRC? Probably it's better for them to put or renounce at some money in the WRC team and still be attractive to top potential customers.
Bouffier's M-Sport Fiesta WRC ready to go ...
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Bd-GFPSCAAA5lum.jpg
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Bd-GFPSCAAA5lum.jpg:large
I've noted that the Fiesta RS WRC tested was the new nose version of the Fiesta, but it doesn't appear in Monte Carlo. Is M-Sport saving the evolution for later?
The test car is a old one with new front. The new front will be used on Portugal.
It looks like it'll probably debut in Portugal.Quote:
Originally Posted by Lalo
EDIT: too slow :P
Quote:
Originally Posted by focus206
Thanks guys ;)Quote:
Originally Posted by Andre Oliveira
Will Bouffier do more events this year?
Depends on budget. I suspect it's not too big which is a pity. Hopefully see him in ERC R5 or R3.Quote:
Originally Posted by Plan9
His plans for 2014 are not known - but yes, maybe some WRC rallies with R3 and/or ERC rallies with 207 S2000 or later on with R5. Maybe some Polish rallies with 208 R2 again. Donīt think weīll see him in a WRC again this year after Monte.Quote:
Originally Posted by noel157
If Toyota or any other manufacturer joins the party I can imagine Bouffier would be in demand as a test driver having experience of the DS3, i20 and Fiesta WRCs.
My favourite action photo of the new livery so far, really shows the colours well: :cool:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...g?t=1389735267
If Wilson wants results, he will replace Hirvonen with Bouffier at least on tarmac roundsQuote:
Originally Posted by Plan9
Wonīt be possible, because Hirvonen is his No. 1 driver.Quote:
Originally Posted by COD
Itīs possible, No.1 only have to do 10 events! New rule for this season.Quote:
Originally Posted by WUff1
Ahh thank you, didnīt know this!
Malcom Wilson seriously impressed by Kubica ...
http://www.wrc.com/en/wrc/news/january- ... 2-12-.html
His raw speed has impressed me too in recent times, but his extra experience will soon mean he could be a real challenger... :facelick:
Malcolm has to cool down a little.Kubica while his debut is excellent,had a much more clear road.It is clearly visible at videos and photos.
That is a great shame. He is to be commended for his performance in Monte Carlo thus far. Its good he is able to keep being invloved with rallying but more time in a WRC car would certainly be a better match for his ability than an R class car. Pitty he does not have more money.Quote:
Originally Posted by WUff1
I hope Bryan will take the win at the end of the rally! :) So MAYBE Malcolm could decide to help him with the budget at least for the tarmac rounds... Come on Bryan!
[quote=irish_tiger]What a load of PR Bullsh1t ....delighted my ass . M-sport down the quaters !! .....money out of Malcom's pocket .... There will be some 'Malcom specials' out this year ide say ...[/quote:63tzsxaw]Quote:
Originally Posted by Fast Eddie WRC":63tzsxaw]Their wesite still called 'Qatar' M-Sport: [url="http://www.qatarmsportwrt.com/
Poor Francois Delecour got the first Malcom Special of 2014 - stopped about what 8 Km in to the first stage ;(
As bad as Hirvonen is i dont think Bouffier is better then him - he was almost three minutes behind Hirvonen in Monte last year . Bouffier is just having a bit of luck at the moment - there is a long way to go yetQuote:
Originally Posted by COD
Last year's Monte Carlo was first ever Bouffier's run in a WRC car. He never drove it even in some small national event before. He also lost most of the time when he went off in a snow bank. This year's Monte was his second ever outing with WRC car and first with Fiesta.
Malcolm said that want find some way to have Bouffier on more events this season :bounce:
Translates: Hope Bouffier finds mre money fom sponsors :laugh:Quote:
Originally Posted by Andre Oliveira
He is doing the second round of the ERC week after next in Latvia. He will drive a DS3 RRC against Lappi in works Skoda, Kajetanowicz in Fiesta R5 and Breen in semi-works 207 S2000.Quote:
Originally Posted by Plan9
One imagines that would not be too difficult after Monte Carlo.Quote:
Originally Posted by COD
[quote=Prisoner Monkeys]One imagines that would not be too difficult after Monte Carlo.[/quote:26objowo]Quote:
Originally Posted by COD
M-sport has not been able to find and main sponsor and neither was Prodive for the Mini so I imagine it is nt that easy....