I know it's been talked about in other places but here's to hoping it actually comes true: https://www.autosport.com/wrc/news/1...off-wrc-return
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I know it's been talked about in other places but here's to hoping it actually comes true: https://www.autosport.com/wrc/news/1...off-wrc-return
Ypres confirmed today that Neuville will do the additional WRC class event in the Hyundai i20 Coupe WRC.
Next year WRC Rally Japan will be a tarmac rally. It would be highly appreciated in Japan / TGR that Katsuta would get proper tarmac rally practise with WRC before that. It would make sense that Taka would drive WRC in Germany and Catalunya this year. Even more so, if JML does not perform in next 5 gravel rallies and loses the possibility to drivers championship, after that there is no critical reason why Taka could not replace him in coming tarmac rallies.
It would make sense for Toyota to have a points scoring driver who could score many points and allow them to take the title(s), last year Mr. Toyoda was very much interested in it, probably hasn`t changed. Katsuta`s only option could be practising in a fourth car, not replacing JML. Quite a critical reason i`d say.
Completely agree with the text, Neuville's lead is different this year but I believe that it can't last long with the current Hyundai performances and non existing support from the team mates. Neuville wasn't the fastest guy in neither of the previous rallies and that's a fact. Being luck and avoiding offs won't bring him title in the end if he doesn't perform fastest times continously.
And you'd think Hyundai would rather see their R5 car promoted...
Still, many fans who dont travel to rallies will be glad to see the WRCar in action.
TN: "To repeat last year and drive an R5 in the Renties Ypres Rally would not have been newsworthy to the fans. We won the race last year. What more could we do? On the other hand, we really want to be part of it in Ypres, because it is great to drive for our fans in our own country. The enthusiasm of our supporters was fantastic in Ypres last year, which is why we are starting again, but this time with the Hyundai i20 Coupé WRC. "
"Last year, Nicolas and I wondered what it would be like to drive the WRC on the Ypres course. The rally is very specific, with deep cuts, and also very fast. It will be a challenge to go fast with our Hyundai i20 Coupé WRC, " laughs Thierry. "We may miss a bit of a competitive feeling because we are not competing against the other R5s, but that way we can entertain the fans. For me it is certainly interesting to tame Ypres with the WRC. We are going to drive at a fast pace without taking unnecessary risks. It will be great for the fans! "
https://mailchi.mp/ypresrally/rentie...9-news-1795065
First of all they`d rather improve their WRC and win the titles this year...