[WRC] News & rumours (part II)

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Originally Posted by Kielder

The context is very different, but Sordo's step back in Corsica last Friday and Saturday was maybe two steps forward. IMO it would be better for Neuville to have again the feeling of a win than only participate in NZ. It's clear that the team is thinking that someday he'll need this experience to have the chance to win in NZ. You never know what's the right choice.

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I agree about your comments on Sordo and Corsica and Neuville going to NZ. He is not yet ready for the WRC full time and could end up like Duval.

Unfortunately in Auto Action Magazine this week Yves Matton said that he and PSA did not mind if NZ was permanently dropped as "they have not interest in going there" (I assume for selling cars or doing the event with the WRC team; sorry I cannot post a link as they do not have a online service I can find). I expect then that Neuville's participation could be to help Nasser in the M2 points if nothing else (maxrally.com has something on this angle) NZ is not always kind to first timers so it is not yet prudent to make any claims about his possible results.

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Originally Posted by Plan9

NZ is not always kind to first timers so it is not yet prudent to make any claims about his possible results.

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Hey Plan, any broader thoughts on the above observation? I've watched NZ rounds since middle of the 80s since we had a good number of NZ rally guys visiting up here in the NW of USA--doubtless via Rod Millen's good work in US Championship---and from what I can see as a driver myself the roads look real nice and fun, maybe just a bit fast but didn't look particularly difficult..
What do you figure makes it rough for first timers down there?

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Originally Posted by janvanvurpa

Hey Plan, any broader thoughts on the above observation? I've watched NZ rounds since middle of the 80s since we had a good number of NZ rally guys visiting up here in the NW of USA--doubtless via Rod Millen's good work in US Championship---and from what I can see as a driver myself the roads look real nice and fun, maybe just a bit fast but didn't look particularly difficult..
What do you figure makes it rough for first timers down there?

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Well, firstly I hope it is as enjoyable to drive as it is to watch. The speed and sometimes the weather were concerns I had.

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Originally Posted by tommeke_B

5 events so far. He made some mistakes, but his times were always good, regarding it's the first time he's driving these events, while all other drivers are doing these rallies for at least the third time... If you don't make mistakes, you can't learn from them... After this year we can talk more, then we'll see if he made progress or not, and how fast he is on tarmac... ;)

Duval his problem was more than just crashing too much. Let's say he's not the most social person... Pitty, because I still think he was the only driver who could compete against Loeb on tarmac in the last 10 years.

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Thanks for the comment. Clearly he has the time to improve. He is young and very well funded. Indeed we can wait as long as you would like but there is no denying he has made his WRC break at a young age and does not have the consistency of some of his peers. Tarmac is probably not so much an issue as gravel is where the championship is set for now. I have not seen to date that he has learned from his mistakes and money does not grow on trees.

Duval also had the problem of being in Ford with someone of similar speed to him to being with Loeb! Could we also say that Ogier was close to Loeb as well on tarmac? Markko also won the odd tarmac event too...

Skoda have created a Rally version of the Citigo car!


Skoda to Debut Citigo Rally and DJ Concepts at the 2012 Wörthersee Tour - Carscoop

It's just a show car for Wörthersee tuning festival. I strongly hope the R5 will be based on Fabia III (to come next year) and not on this ugly tiny thing (CitiGo is only 3,5 meters long!).

OUCHHHH.THIS ONE HURTS!!!! World Rally series is a

my eyes bleed now... thank you.

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Originally Posted by Red bull

OUCHHHH.THIS ONE HURTS!!!! World Rally series is a

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For a supposed 'renowned expert' seems a little bit emotional and lacking in actual suggestions or pointing out the problems.

OK, so a top flight rally car costs 400k, but that's hardly aimed at your grass roots competitor. You can still rally a 40k car!

Two-time WRC champion Marcus Gronholm to compete in Global Rallycross events in America - WRC news - AUTOSPORT.com