Why not Breen to Toyota if Lappi leaves? A swop. And both happy?
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Why not Breen to Toyota if Lappi leaves? A swop. And both happy?
Maybe the thinking would be that with the Tanak & Latvala that they could afford a "maverick" in the 3rd car that could bring a few wins, even if he does stack it a few times also. If, and its a big if, he could win a few events they might see that as someone stopping a Neuville or Ogier winning that particular rally, and thus a help to Tanak towards Championship.
The question is if that would actually be better for manu champ and worse for driver. Bad for driver championship because there would be no telling when he would charge for win. And it's quite sure he won't settle for 2-3rd or react well to team orders.
But for manu + PR it could be good.
As Citroen are the only team running just two full time drivers, and if we are to presume they want that to change next year then it's a pretty good market right now if you're a driver.
This might create opportunities for the likes of Meeke and Tidemand (who i doubt will stick with Skoda if they are not coming with a WRC in 2020)
I think the silly season depends on Ogier, once he decides the rest of the pieces can fall into place. After Ogier at the moment Toyota is probably the most wanted team so they can choose whoever they want, unless Citroen starts to throw some money around. With Neuville signed Hyundai can stay calm and wait to choose a 3rd driver.
If he stays at MSport then Citroen will probably push to get Lappi. So Toyota will need to replace him with someone like Suninen or Breen, maybe Paddon. That could free up a space for Meeke or Tidemand.
If he goes to Citroen then Toyota probably stays as is and MSport need a driver, could be Ostberg if they go to money saving mode.
A bit more aggressive for Citroen would be to get both Ogier and Lappi so that would be a mix of both other situations, but I doubt they will do it, but it would be a good shake up of the team. Also keep Breen and that would be a very strong team.
we'll see
Anyone heard of any secret tests happening in a Yaris over the past month?
I`m sure that Ogier`s one demand is having at least one wingman. Breen isn`t up to it yet.