[WRC] News & Rumours 2018

[EstWRC]

Managed to go back and watch the interview with Budar on AllLive. Good to see Porter pressing him on next year's plans. No harm in a few difficult questions to team managers every now and then.

I hope Citroen don't back themselves into a corner again though. They've said they want a driver who can win any rally on any surface and challenge for the championship, so at the moment that is only Neuville, Ogier & Tanak. But Ott is under contract so not available. Only other option could be Lappi but that's putting faith in potential more than what he can definitely deliver now and next season. I still don't see Ogier, Neuville (or even Lappi) going there. They basically need to offer the biggest contract in wrc history to attract Seb or Thierry, and even then it probably won't be enough - unless Seb feels he has unfinished business at Citroen or wants to go back to a manufacturer (and French) team.

from yesterday

SO:" i think i will join you!"
CB: "oh, really? great!"
MO: "Shit, im doomed again"

[AnttiL]

Why not Ogier-Breen-Østberg? Like I said earlier, it would be a good team with a championship contender, a young fast tarmac guy and a more experienced gravel guy.

[EstWRC]

i have nothing against that but in that case i think Breen and Ostberg would share the car IMO. Budar just said in an recent interview that everything in their team depends how much money they must pay for the top driver. And we have seen that so far these two seasons Citroen has mainly operated with two cars.

[AnttiL]

i have nothing against that but in that case i think Breen and Ostberg would share the car IMO. Budar just said in an recent interview that everything in their team depends how much money they must pay for the top driver. And we have seen that so far these two seasons Citroen has mainly operated with two cars.

Maybe Østberg could bring some of his own sponsor money, like this season?

[AnttiL]

Another thought: if Toyota and Hyundai keep their lead drivers and Ogier goes to Citroen, who is M-Sport’s lead driver? Evans? Meeke? Try to get Lappi or Sordo or Paddon?

[EstWRC]

lets hope it is enough(ostberg sponsor money i mean)...i also like this line-up Ogier, Breen and Ostberg for Citroen

but then again, M-sport with just Evans and Suninen?

[Marcco]

If Ogier goes to Citroen, then M-sport's doors are open for Meeke or Paddon

[mknight]

MSPORT has gone into money making mode numerous times before and after winning both champs. last year it is possible. In some ways it might be a preferred option cause MSPORT wont leave WRC while Citroen without some wins and real chance for title next year might.

[ESTR]

M-Sport's only option is Meeke (if Ogi goes out)

[Rally Power]

Why not Ogier-Breen-Østberg? Like I said earlier, it would be a good team with a championship contender, a young fast tarmac guy and a more experienced gravel guy.

Yep, it'd be great but with Mr. Tavares ‘doing more with less’ motto it’s hard to believe they'll eventually get the budget to sign Ogier; Tanak is unavailable and in the remote case Neuville decides to leave Hyundai he can prefer going to Toyota. If Citroen is serious about getting a winning driver for the next season, they should be already talking with the best out of the top 3: Lappi.