[WRC] News & rumours (part II)

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Juha_Koo

:D :D

I hope your kidding... High profile was mainly due to historical context, what wasn't "bigger" back then than nowdays? Boeing 707 was a mean machine, produced helluva lot of noice, smoke, etc. but modern-day Airbus' kicks it in every feature...

---

I mean in the way of public, media and manufacturer interest it was bigger, let alone most rallies were run nationwide.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Juha_Koo

Gr.B was a phenomena, yes. There's absolutely no denying it. But wishing to get those times back always makes me put the person saying it to category "rally fan" instead of "rally enthusiastic". :) One interesting fact: back in 1985 season the average winning margin was 5,1 minutes, even with Safari and Cote D'Ivoire results excluded. Now, if we look last season (2011), the average winning margin was 0,7 minutes! I wonder which is more interesting to follow - from the perspective of even results. With gr.B, there's a problem that memories have grown sweeter with time.

---

Of course we shouldn't go back to Group B, it is a phenomena your right, something unique that's irreplaceble and can't be replicated (it wouldn't even make sense). But it stands alone so strong because it was radically different than what was there before and again what was after. And those statistics don't say much, rallies were longer and cars weren't as reliable as now, it's not to be compared.

[quote="Josti"]I mean in the way of public, media...
And that probably caused most of the troubles. Some people had became really crasy not realising what danger put themselves rushing in front of those beasts. It is hard to control this situation.

Let's start some rumours.... Tommi Mäkinen spotted at Finland's biggest BMW/Mini dealer... ;)

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by tommeke_B

Next "rumor" will be Carlos Sainz at the supermarket? Not really going anywhere with these things, also a former WRC champion has a life and needs to buy a car at some point... ;)

---

Shhh... this is my test for how long it will take that MTV3 has rumours about Tommi's contract with Mini... ;)

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Juha_Koo

:D :D

I hope your kidding... High profile was mainly due to historical context, what wasn't "bigger" back then than nowdays? Boeing 707 was a mean machine, produced helluva lot of noice, smoke, etc. but modern-day Airbus' kicks it in every feature...

Gr.B was a phenomena, yes. There's absolutely no denying it. But wishing to get those times back always makes me put the person saying it to category "rally fan" instead of "rally enthusiastic". :) One interesting fact: back in 1985 season the average winning margin was 5,1 minutes, even with Safari and Cote D'Ivoire results excluded. Now, if we look last season (2011), the average winning margin was 0,7 minutes! I wonder which is more interesting to follow - from the perspective of even results. With gr.B, there's a problem that memories have grown sweeter with time.

---

I see where you're coming from, but I think the bigger winning time - margin was to do with the manufacturers constantly trying to out do each other, by making their cars even more crazy every year.

I think the cars from Grp B were way more spectacular and had a lot more road presence, seeing a big, wide arch Quattro thundering through the stages sideways with deafening dump valves, kicking gravel everywhere and spitting flames at you when they went past is a lot better than seeing go kart-ish fiestas and DS3's.
I mean if someone offered me the choice between a 'Grale and a new Fiesta, I know which one I'd choose :D

Good debate though :up:

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by rallyfiend

I don't get it?

Some of that vision is from the last few years!

---

Some yes, about 5% maybe.

I agree to those who want those years back. It was a big difference from today. Much of that because of there where more drivers competing of the podiums back then. And the drivers where personalitys. Just the guys you want to see and hear comments from at stageends.

With more manus and also three car teams allowed we should make it possible to have more drivers (not any paying ones) and hopefully they all can compete for podiums.

Not sure if mentioned already, but some interesting news around the PSA group.

Apparently even the French state is considering to buy a part of the company. An article I read today states that they need to cut the budget as soon as possible.

In the last year PSA shares went down 72%.

This will probably have an effect on the rally programme. Many discussions about Citroen exit and Peugeot entry, however, after these reports, I think both may stay out of motorsport for a long time.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Francis44

Not sure if mentioned already, but some interesting news around the PSA group.

Apparently even the French state is considering to buy a part of the company. An article I read today states that they need to cut the budget as soon as possible.

In the last year PSA shares went down 72%.

This will probably have an effect on the rally programme. Many discussions about Citroen exit and Peugeot entry, however, after these reports, I think both may stay out of motorsport for a long time.

---

I dont think they are considering to leave the WRC. It is pretty good marketing for them, not too costly and very long line of customers with S2000 cars (whic is like free exposure, no customers pay to expose their cars all around Europe) and now with DS3 2WD cars + old WRCars + they have good sponsor support as well.

They shut down their Le Mans because it was pretty big waste of money for them. Strage looking cars, no customers, normal media exposure only for 24 hours per year and constantly ridiculed by Audi = not worth of their money.

One thing I remember from my Economy lecture that when your sales go down then do not cut your costs on your marketing costs just rethink your strategy (Better to cut the number of staff and their working hours). PSA has done it very well. A few years ago their customer numbers were not so great. Look what has happened now? how many DS3 2WD and 207 S2000 cars you can see in in each rally? Excellent strategy. They just need to reconsider their strategy outside Europe.

Back in the early to mid 1980's Peugoet were in a very bad way economically and sales wise, some say that the WRC programme with the 205T16 was what saved the company. I think Citroen will step down from the top class and remain with R2 DS3 2 wd and Peugeot come in with 208 model.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by MJW

Back in the early to mid 1980's Peugoet were in a very bad way economically and sales wise, some say that the WRC programme with the 205T16 was what saved the company. I think Citroen will step down from the top class and remain with R2 DS3 2 wd and Peugeot come in with 208 model.

---

And Citroen leaving allows Loeb to depart stage left. Job done....unless he finishes at the end of this year.