Silly Season 2019

[racerx1979]

He went home because his second child had been just born.

But still, I believe he’s out of the team.

This is true, but apparently he met with a few people before flying home.
Same with Turkey. I was on the plan with his co-driver, but Lappi had left early to be with his son and also had met with the Even guys ( three of them) and a few others.

I also think Lappi is out unless things change. Meeke to Toyota could be a possibility. I honesty would take Sordo over Meeke to save money .. lol.

[tomhlord]

I honesty would take Sordo over Meeke to save money .. lol.

In a ideal world, sure, but I think Dani is quite happy where he is.

[Tarmop]

Carwise yes, but there`s a talk about him wanting to do a whole season again

[tomhlord]

Carwise yes, but there`s a talk about him wanting to do a whole season again

Good point.

Although, interesting to hear that perhaps Mikkelsen's contract doesn't necessarily have to be for each and every rally.

[Tarmop]

Yup, definitely interesting, especially after quite bad performance so far. Then we have Paddon, who has a big support from Hyundai NZ but if he hasn`t given up (which i don`t think) and become a hobby driver, needs a full season ASAP. So both Sordo and Paddon not very keen on sharing a car.

[mknight]

Yup, definitely interesting, especially after quite bad performance so far. Then we have Paddon, who has a big support from Hyundai NZ but if he hasn`t given up (which i don`t think) and become a hobby driver, needs a full season ASAP. So both Sordo and Paddon not very keen on sharing a car.

I very much doubt Mikkelsen is not driving full season. As to his bad performance, while certainly much worse than expected after the 3 rallies in I20 at the end of 2017 it's certainly not terrible.

5 times he dropped out of top placement due to issues. 4 times technical issues with car (Turkey from 1st, Sardinia from 1st, Monte from 3rd, Portugal from 4th (ahead of later top 3 cars), 1 puncture (Argentina from 1st)).

Mikkelsen was faster than Paddon 3 times (SWE, SARD, TURK), Paddon faster once (FIN) + Portugal until crash.

Sordo has very good results this year, however, if you look at it in detail he actually was driving at about same speed on same rallies last year as well, but had technical issues with the car on many rallies. (similar to Mikkelsen this year). He is also obviously not driving the rallies where he never did well (FIN, GB...).

I agree that sharing the car is not good for Paddon. However if Hyundai choose based on performance they should pick Neuville, Mikkelsen, Sordo (if he wants), they have Huttunen for development. Off course there might be other factors (NZ support) that push Paddon. I somehow expect that one of them will switch teams instead, would be better for both.

[EstWRC]

i expect some announcements this week.

Most probably Ogier or the Toyota situation.

[jbmarcus21]

ACM published RG1... but its noticed that new manufacturers could be enter to WRC soon ... Who ? ► http://bit.ly/2QVwXgz

[tomhlord]

ACM published RG1... but its noticed that new manufacturers could be enter to WRC soon ... Who ? ► http://bit.ly/2QVwXgz

I hope another manufacturer joins, but it would be a big challenge to go against the four established teams. A year or more to develop a new car, so 2020 at the earliest.

[racerx1979]

Porsche for RGT? Skoda? VW? Proton?... Season is too silly at this point and I love it!