[WRC] News & Rumours 2019

[Allez Andruet]

https://www.is.fi/ralli/art-2000006269210.html

Timo Jouhki saying it's basically "Toyota or nothing" for Latvala. It can be read that Wilson doesn't want Latvala back at M-Sport, though it's always possible to get a Fiesta WRC with proper backing. Sounds like Jouhki doesn't want do that (to fund JML's driving) anymore (my interpretation).

[AnttiL]

Another thing that Jouhki says is that Rovanperä's next year deal is announced between Catalunya and Australia.

They also talk about Latvala becoming Toyota's test driver. I don't see that happening, because they have Hänninen who can use the guest driver quota.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Merci Jeannot

https://www.diariomotor.com/competic...merci-jeannot/

A true rally legend and one of my heroes from when I started driving my first hot-hatchback, a Renault 11 Turbo.

Watching him compete on tarmac in a fwd hatch against the Integrales, Cosworths & BMW M3's was amazing.

[steve.mandzij]

https://www.is.fi/ralli/art-2000006269210.html

Timo Jouhki saying it's basically "Toyota or nothing" for Latvala. It can be read that Wilson doesn't want Latvala back at M-Sport, though it's always possible to get a Fiesta WRC with proper backing. Sounds like Jouhki doesn't want do that (to fund JML's driving) anymore (my interpretation).

It'd be very unfortunate and borderline disgraceful for Latvala's career to end off so abruptly and unceremoniously

[Rallyper]

https://www.is.fi/ralli/art-2000006269210.html

Timo Jouhki saying it's basically "Toyota or nothing" for Latvala. It can be read that Wilson doesn't want Latvala back at M-Sport, though it's always possible to get a Fiesta WRC with proper backing. Sounds like Jouhki doesn't want do that (to fund JML's driving) anymore (my interpretation).

I don´t think he is funding Latvala since many many years. He had brought home his investments on JML, ROI, since late 00´I strongly believe. He would collect his share also if Latvala goes to Ford. He won´t be for free.

[Rally Power]

Right, as long as the team is given the green light from the manufacturer, they must ensure they can continue working, and that includes contracts with drivers on the following season. Meanwhile, the manufacturer can pull the plug whenever they want. But I would still assume Hyundai has given them strong green light to start planning 2020.

+1. More than the risk of a short term pull-out, failing this year manus title may be decisive for Hyundai long term WRC commitment; they can always run the current car and drivers one season more but avoid to start the 2022 car development, having in mind a future series switch. Let's hope not.

[mknight]

https://www.is.fi/ralli/art-2000006269210.html

Timo Jouhki saying it's basically "Toyota or nothing" for Latvala. It can be read that Wilson doesn't want Latvala back at M-Sport, though it's always possible to get a Fiesta WRC with proper backing. Sounds like Jouhki doesn't want do that (to fund JML's driving) anymore (my interpretation).

Two points:

- Wilson "doesn't want" Latvala (thought it's not clear to me if Joukhi says that or the authors of the article claim that)
- He says the place held by Mikkelsen "can go to just about anyone", yet at start he says Toyota or nothing? So just about anyone but not Latvala?

[RS]

It'd be very unfortunate and borderline disgraceful for Latvala's career to end off so abruptly and unceremoniously

I have nothing against him because he seems a nice guy but some might say he has been quite lucky to have had such a long and unbroken career in WRC already.

Personally think he probably has a year or two left in him but choosing when one’s career in motorsport ends is a bit of a luxury.

[er88]

Not sure what the facts/ numbers are in terms of numbers of full seasons by every driver currently in the wrc (and the likes of Breen/ Paddon/ Ostberg), but Jari has without a doubt had more full seasons than anyone.

The problem is we are in an era where the driver pool needs/deserves an extra manufacturer. Kalle, Paddon, Ostberg, Breen arguably all deserve seats in the top class, but you could say so do drivers like Latvala who are still well ahead of the next tier down like Tidemand/ Greensmith etc.

[T16]

Not WRC, but the Mull rally have some decent coverage on their Facebook page. They have another couple of stages to go this evening.
Mainly stage end and service park interviews with Colin Clarke and David Evans, but it’s worth a watch.