[WRC] News & Rumours 2019

[tommeke_B]

I think it's quite common for rallies to be shorter than WRC events when they don't have the WRC value. A longer rally is more expensive to set up and there's no sense to do it when you don't get as much exposure as with WRC. It doesn't mean they are not capable of arranging a longer rally.

It does make sense to organize a proper event... It's not because you can organize a 120km event, that you are capable of doing the same for a 300km event with 10 to 100x as much spectators. I think events should already have a certain quality and reputation before going to the WRC. Events like Catalunya and Germany had a big reputation already before they joined the WRC calendar. Nowadays they choose events based on the world map. "Oh, Japan looks fun, Corsica or Sardinia will have to leave." I think FIA and the promoter are taking big risks with this.

[rallyfiend]

It does make sense to organize a proper event... It's not because you can organize a 120km event, that you are capable of doing the same for a 300km event with 10 to 100x as much spectators. I think events should already have a certain quality and reputation before going to the WRC. Events like Catalunya and Germany had a big reputation already before they joined the WRC calendar. Nowadays they choose events based on the world map. "Oh, Japan looks fun, Corsica or Sardinia will have to leave." I think FIA and the promoter are taking big risks with this.

I think you've missed the point - this event in November is a promotional stunt.

They already ran their proper Candidate Event that was evaluated by FIA in 2018.

[racerx1979]

I think you've missed the point - this event in November is a promotional stunt.

They already ran their proper Candidate Event that was evaluated by FIA in 2018.

Typical Japanese mentality. Going 110% beyond. I think it's about time Japan comes back to the scene. Would be a good one to spectate and might be the start for other Japanese manu's to get involved.

[Rally Power]

I think you've missed the point - this event in November is a promotional stunt.
They already ran their proper Candidate Event that was evaluated by FIA in 2018.

Actually, besides the promotional stunt this year event intends to be a test for the organizers; once they’re using less than 40% of a proper WRC event stage miles, it’ll hardly be a full scale test. Btw, last year candidate event route was even shorter and a bit bizarre, which makes one wonder if the FIA and the promoter aren’t dangerously lowering the series quality level in order to get new foreign events. https://rallysportmag.com/is-this-th...rary-unveiled/

[AnttiL]

Actually, besides the promotional stunt this year event intends to be a test for the organizers; once they’re using less than 40% of a proper WRC event stage miles, it’ll hardly be a full scale test.

Rally Chile 2018 143 km
Rally Turkey 2017 199 km

And rallies that got dropped from WRC:

Rally Poland 2018 (ERC) 214 km
Acropolis Rally 2014 (ERC) 238 km
Rally New Zealand 2017 226 km

BTW it almost seems like a preset formula for a new WRC rally to have 2x3 stages on Friday and Saturday and two single-run stages between the two power stage runs on Sunday. The China Rally, Turkey and Chile all were made on this formula (until Chile had the repeat of SS1 removed on RG2)

[Rally Power]

Rally Chile 2018 143 km
Rally Turkey 2017 199 km
And rallies that got dropped from WRC:
Rally Poland 2018 (ERC) 214 km
Acropolis Rally 2014 (ERC) 238 km
Rally New Zealand 2017 226 km

For sure there’s no need to run a 300 SS kms event as a pre WRC test (or candidate event), but under 200kms will always look a bit short for a proper go. Anyway, once Rally Japan was approved last year with only 106 SS kms and only 16kms were added this year, one can honestly wonder if it will ever meet the 300 SS kms distance. It’s a fair doubt, not a criticism.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Østberg in NZ interview:
"I also hope still being in the Citroen system increase my (WRC) chances.”

https://t.co/x2cqZFoK4o?amp=1

[rallyfiend]

Østberg in NZ interview:
"I also hope still being in the Citroen system increase my (WRC) chances.”

https://t.co/x2cqZFoK4o?amp=1

That's what Craig Breen thought.

How did that work out for him?

[Fast Eddie WRC]

That's what Craig Breen thought.

How did that work out for him?

Ostberg means he is still driving for Citroen (in WRC2-Pro)...

Breen is out there competing in European rallies to keep him in the eye.

2019 San Remo:

[Rallyper]

Well, then he should be way ahead...