The Transformation of Elfyn Evans: https://www.dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/t...f-elfyn-evans/
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The Transformation of Elfyn Evans: https://www.dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/t...f-elfyn-evans/
With Evans and Rovanpera continuing to deliver top results probably there’s no need to keep Ogier in 2021; bringing Lappi back could be enough. Who knows, maybe Makinen’s happy face after the PS was about realizing he can actually save all those millions of Ogier wage…besides, Evans, Latvala and Hanninen are more than competent to help developing the future car.
I think Makinen was just ecstatic as he has earmarked Kalle to be his driver since 15/16, said openly he was ahead of Lappi and Suninen when they all tested the Yaris years ago, and obviously was still in a bit of shock at how well he has done so soon.
Tommi also mentioned how good the feeling was within the team, with all 3 drivers. I think a weight has been lifted without Tanak and Martin grumbling away in the background, haggling over R5s and all the other contract shite that soured the relationship last year, and so far it looks like Evans and Ogier can fight for the title. When Tanak was announced at Hyundai, it looked for a few weeks like Toyota were fucked and maybe wouldn't have any driver capable of a full title challenge.
Now they have two (and a future 3rd in Kalle), who actually want to be there at the team and care only about the driving. The scenes in the Toyota camp with Evans and Rovanpera's dads involved was great to see. Happy faces on everyone and although Ogier wasnt delighted with 4th, his comments about Kalle deserving 3rd in the TGR youtube video were nice to see.
Kalle is marvelous, MC was already proof enough. He has clearly set the bar for young drivers incredibly high (Oliver Solberg etc.) Nevertheless for me it was a real surprise that no team orders were given. It is clear that Kalle is not in the position to fight for the title. Why the heck did TGR want to give points away? It seemed to be just a intoxicated moment in a very Finnish team. Clearly not a pleasant moment for Ogier and the team spirit itself. Not a wise decision in my mind.
How come that's "clear"? He's got 30 points from the first two rallies and is only 12 points away from leading the whole thing. Yes, he'll probably make a mistake or two sometime during the year, but we'll see. It would have been an idiotic call from Tommi to give any sort of team orders. Also on short-term, but especially thinking about long-term.
I was joking on that (no doubt Makinen was happy for the Rovanperas) and serious on the rest; if Ogier declining is confirmed, why trying to convince him to continue? Many drivers are available and it’s great for the series to be able to get new title contenders and push young drivers over the top.
Any chance for english translation?
https://areena.yle.fi/1-50454608