Citroen WRT

[wia5958]

Maybe but was fair bit of bad press between meekes crashes and citroens dismissal of meeke. Could be trying to seperate themselves from bad publicity just a thought. Also meekes helmets always have quite a large abu dhabi sponosor so could be a personal sponsor to him

[AnttiL]

Exactly, why I'm not convinced they'll be back with Citroen in 2020.

True, they could well be returning elsewhere in 2020. And this could also be the reason for the year off, they time to make plans. Maybe their only option for 2019 would have been M-Sport with currently no championship contender drivers available (remember they already announced earlier they would drop their Citroen support if they wouldn't be competing seriously for the championship in 2019).

[AnttiL]

Maybe but was fair bit of bad press between meekes crashes and citroens dismissal of meeke. Could be trying to seperate themselves from bad publicity just a thought. Also meekes helmets always have quite a large abu dhabi sponosor so could be a personal sponsor to him

Who even remembers that stuff anymore after such an intense championship fight and an unpredictable silly season?

[wia5958]

Who even remembers that stuff anymore after such an intense championship fight and an unpredictable silly season?

the press when at the start of the season its all talk of meeke returning with toyota after being dropped mid season by citroen

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Ogier on returm to Citroen, the C3 and Loeb...

http://sport24.lefigaro.fr/auto-moto...u-sport-936260

[AnttiL]

Ogier on returm to Citroen, the C3 and Loeb...

http://sport24.lefigaro.fr/auto-moto...u-sport-936260

He also says stuff like rallies should be shortened to two days but keep current 300 km of stages. Also mentions that electrification should be adopted soon.

[deephouse]

He also says stuff like rallies should be shortened to two days but keep current 300 km of stages. Also mentions that electrification should be adopted soon.

He is incredible, why bothered if he wants to end the career in two years. This shows exactly that he is player.

[AnttiL]

I think shortening to two days with the same kilometres would be a positive thing, it would increase the endurance element and give more value for spectator per traveling day.

[the sniper]

It was seemingly rumoured that Mads was asked for 3 to 4 million euros for (a presumably partial?) season in a third car. If that is the cost we're talking for that, is it not utterly incredible that that budget can't be found for Loeb to do a partial season? Loeb, PSA darling and legend, a long time Reb Bull athlete, a likely rally winner, competing in a Championship where Red Bull are the promoter, yet collectively they can't provide what is a relatively small increase in budget for such a cause? Just seems odd to me the more you think about it, given the amount both organisations must be investing in the WRC overall.

Separately I wonder whether Abu Dhabi walked away because Citroen asked them for more money than they'd previously been paying. Having sponsored Citroen throughout the 'dark years', maybe they felt a bit insulted to be squeezed for more once the team finally got itself in a better position going forward?

Basically Budar maybe over played his hand, thinking Abu Dhabi would pay more, Mads would pay for his drive and the Loeb drive would be sorted on the foundations of those things falling into place...?

[deephouse]

that really is a sign of them quitting as soon as possible.