Silly Season 2019

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Re Breen to M-Sport, I've been saying this for weeks.

You also said Breen possibly to Hyundai and Paddon possibly to M-Sport, Eddie..... no prizes for covering every possible outcome.[/QUOTE]

I didnt say Breen to Hyundai... quote me T16.

No-one else was saying Breen to M-Sport.

[AnttiL]

No-one else was saying Breen to M-Sport.

Miika Wuorela brought up that Breen had been offered a 2+1 deal from M-Sport on 3rd October https://www.motorsportforums.com/sho...59#post1193459

In this post from September 26th Eddie suggests that Breen stays at Citroen and T16 replies he should go to M-Sport

[T16]

You also said Breen possibly to Hyundai and Paddon possibly to M-Sport, Eddie..... no prizes for covering every possible outcome.

I didnt say Breen to Hyundai... quote me T16.

No-one else was saying Breen to M-Sport.[/QUOTE]

you posted this: So as the Ulsterman gets a seat, the Irishman now looks to be out of one. Where next for Breen ?

M-Sport or part-time at Hyundai seem the only choices. Or could it be full-time there and Mikkelsen dropped after his poor year...

[T16]

Miika Wuorela brought up that Breen had been offered a 2+1 deal from M-Sport on 3rd October https://www.motorsportforums.com/sho...59#post1193459

In this post from September 26th Eddie suggests that Breen stays at Citroen and T16 replies he should go to M-Sport

Ha - brilliant - well spotted AnttiL.... Eddie, what you say to that?

[tomhlord]

This thread has gone rapidly downhill, tragic.

On the plus side, there's a rally on and still some 2019 seats to fill. Onwards.

[wrc2017]

actually has.. very tragic..

[Jewy46]

So if Breen & Paddon do go to M-Sport as rumoured, do you guys think this is better for their futures than part seasons with Citroen & Hyundai respectively?

The advantage would obviously be guaranteed full season, gaining experience & momentum on every round rather than more pressure on every event they compete in.

The disadvantage is not being in a "factory" backed car. Citroen are going to fling money at the car now(by the sounds of it) but it looks like Breen is not going to be there to reap the rewards, and of course the Hyundai is fast as is and will continue to be developed.
The Fiesta is only going to fall behind on development as time goes on.

Of course my hope is a full season will suit both drivers (particularly Breen who hasn't got that chance yet) but only time will tell.

[BobJones]

So if Breen & Paddon do go to M-Sport as rumoured, do you guys think this is better for their futures than part seasons with Citroen & Hyundai respectively?

It hinges on the amount of car development budget. e.g. new aero on all cars, engine upgrades etc. If M-Sport can keep up with the development race then I feel it's a good move. If they are behind due to budget constraints then Breen and Paddon may find themselves at the bottom of the top 10.

[mknight]

I do think that Fiesta will fall behind in development.
But still it might be good for them because:
- Fiesta will still be an allround car, which can't really be said about both C3 (problems in trick conditions) and I20 (fast rallies/low grip/tarmac)
- more importantly they will be in same team with the youngest driver on the edge of establishing himself, if one of them is clearly faster than Suninen all the time in same car, it should help his employnment chances

[doubled1978]

It hinges on the amount of car development budget. e.g. new aero on all cars, engine upgrades etc. If M-Sport can keep up with the development race then I feel it's a good move. If they are behind due to budget constraints then Breen and Paddon may find themselves at the bottom of the top 10.

For Breen I think it's a no brainer, go to MSport if thats an option. For Paddon it's more complicated, he has a strong relationship with Hyundai, not just in WRC and he might have the opinion that he could have a lasting relationship with the company after he stops driving in WRC etc. For his long term employment it might be good to stay, even if its not a full time drive...Incidentally I think Kopecky is in a similar situation with Skoda.