[WRC] News & rumours (part IV) 2016

[seb_sh]

Latvala was probably the easiest to predict considering how finnish the Toyota team is.

It all depends now on how the private VW team will be organised. Is it just Qatar or a joint effort with Red Bull? How many cars will they run?
The strongest line up would be Ogier, Mikkelsen and Al-Attiyah/Suninen (alternating depending on how Nasser wants or can). That would actually still be the strongest starting line up in 2017.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

I can see Ogier going with the RedBull/Qatar team if at all possible. I'm sure he wont want to see someone else in 'his' Polo getting the benefit.

Mikkelsen must surely go wherever Ogier doesnt and he would be very strong in the Polo.

[Mirek]

Latvala signs for Toyota then..

http://www.autosport.com/news/report...oyota-wrc-seat

No free beers then...

[seb_sh]

some more info here: http://www.motorsport.com/wrc/news/a...c-plan-857371/

from the article:
Al-Attiyah revealed to Motorsport.com that he is working on a deal with the VW Group, which is 14.6-percent owned by the Qatar sovereign wealth fund.
He said: "We are trying to drive the new Polo R 2017. As you know, Qatar has some shares in the VW Group.
"I met the officials here in Qatar and we are trying to make that possible. If it’s possible, then why not? If we get the confirmation, then I’ll do the full WRC season next year."
Should he not secure a deal with Volkswagen, Al-Attiyah also indicated he will take part in the WRC Trophy class, which was created for pre-2016 cars.

so if he gets the deal done he'll be a full time driver, I guess maybe except for Monte if he's doing the Dakar. If not he's going to do WRC trophy, I assume in a '16 Polo.

[MM WRC]

I start to have a feeling that VW 2017 is going to be another Citroen 2006...

[Rally Power]

It all depends now on how the private VW team will be organised. Is it just Qatar or a joint effort with Red Bull? How many cars will they run?
.

Probably it’s just a 2 car team, as having 3 would make a bit harder to get the proper budget. Red Bull has been supporting Nasser on his Dakar entries for a long time and it was through him that Toyota got RB sponsorship for next Dakar. Besides, RB was VW sponsor and actually is the WRC promoter, so it makes all sense to believe they can become a partner on this deal.

Btw, now that Toyota is out of his map, is Ogier delaying a sign with MSport to see how this Qatar/RB deal comes out? And isn't Matton a bit too quiet? Is it yet possible a reactive move from Citroen middle east partner to get Ogier along?

Yep, most exciting silly season ever!

[dimviii]

Probably it’s just a 2 car team, as having 3 would make a bit harder to get the proper budget.

maybe Ostberg could pay a 3rd car drive

[Rally Power]

maybe Ostberg could pay a 3rd car drive

Yep, hard to imagine a month ago that VW could become MSport main competitor on the rally rent business…

[pantealex]

Latvala signs for Toyota then..

http://www.autosport.com/news/report...oyota-wrc-seat

and Tommi says he did not...

http://www.iltasanomat.fi/ralli/art-...0.html?ref=rss

[bluuford]

and Tommi says he did not...

http://www.iltasanomat.fi/ralli/art-...0.html?ref=rss

Finally he picked up my call and listened.. I really want those beers from Mirek :P