[WRC] News & rumours (part II)

If Citroen leaves this year it will be a bad taste after that, because they didn´t dare to challenge VW in 2013.

That´s why I think they´ll stay for at least next year. Maybe in 2014 it will be a swap to Peugeot in PSA group.

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Originally Posted by AndyRAC

They only won Le Mans once in 2009, but won virtually every other race, beating Audi convincingly. They were favourites to win this years WEC...before the pull out.

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Perhaps Citroen predict the same with VW in WRC, they have to win, but won't. But I think this would be shame if they leave, would like to see proper fight between these teams.

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Originally Posted by Francis44

Loeb said some time ago that he would like to do some rally's that he likes even if he retires, like Monte Carlo or France. I think that's not a problem for him since he can easily put together a number of sponsors, or even sponsor himself (altough very unlikely).

If Citroen jumps ship, there's a handfull of drivers who suddently see themselves in problems. Hirvonnen, Neuville will have to start too look for something else, since I dont think Peugeot will be back that soon.

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Loeb could (and will) do some rallies in the future like most of retired rally drivers do - just for fun. But I doub't he would agree on "limited program" like Sordo is this year for example. If he would do Rallies next year, that would be when he decides and what he likes. Looks like we have to sorry for Hirvonen though, he really hoped Citroen is his future probably.

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Originally Posted by stefanvv

Perhaps Citroen predict the same with VW in WRC, they have to win, but won't.

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Perhaps it has nothing to do with competitors. Citroen came to WRC from zero and beet all other manus, some of them with large experience. PSA finance situation is terrible and when there's a risk of closing factories and send home 5 or 10 thousand workers there's obviously an obligation to put sport programmes in perspective. Let's hope for the best.

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Originally Posted by Arganil

Perhaps it has nothing to do with competitors. Citroen came to WRC from zero and beet all other manus, some of them with large experience. PSA finance situation is terrible and when there's a risk of closing factories and send home 5 or 10 thousand workers there's obviously an obligation to put sport programmes in perspective. Let's hope for the best.

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Well, that is probably just one more reason to pull out in tough times. May be PSA is in big crisis, I don't know, but if this is true, then it is normal to concentrate on more critical parts of the business and cut some (big) expenses.

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Originally Posted by SlowSon

absolutely no doubt loeb will retire before VW start its first rally

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As usually these words were attacked by the usual fanatic Loeb forum members. Then the british press show the naked true about 2013 and suddenly the Loeb kids are quiet.

And voilá! One more time Loeb don't have to handle true competition, Citroen retires. There's always one way to avoid things :D

Angrisani-Polliccino at the start of the Rally Italia-Sardegna e RACC Catalunya, on a Mitsubishi Lancer EVO X by Vomero Racing

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Originally Posted by JAM

As usually these words were attacked by the usual fanatic Loeb forum members. Then the british press show the naked true about 2013 and suddenly the Loeb kids are quiet.

And voilá! One more time Loeb don't have to handle true competition, Citroen retires. There's always one way to avoid things :D

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So you are really suggesting the reason for Citroen retiring is Loeb doesn't have to face Ogier? You can't be serious...
Maybe you are saying this just to annoy NOT :D

BBC News - Peugeot Citroen plans 8,000 job cuts
Business news re PSA economic situation.

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Originally Posted by igi

So you are really suggesting the reason for Citroen retiring is Loeb doesn't have to face Ogier? You can't be serious...

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PSA are in recession from several years, they've made several other cuts. They kept participating in WRC only because the win was certain.