[WRC] News & rumours (part IV) 2016

[BigWorm]

Interview with Esapekka Lappi (in Finnish):
http://www.iltasanomat.fi/ralli/art-2000001944826.html

Lappi strongly denies signing any kind of contract with Toyota for 2017 and feels that now (after VW announcement) his chances to drive in WRC next season are quite slim.

"It doesn't look good for me. I can't compete against Ogier or Latvala (for the remaining WRC seats)."



If I was Tommi, I would much rather take Lappi than Latvala. Latvala clearly (based on 2016) is on his way down, but Lappi has some serious potential.

A shame if he misses out next season, I think he has got serious talent. Finland's next big thing in my eyes, the next step for him is a WRC car and it would be sad if he won't get the chanve next season. Hopefully Toyota only signs one VW driver and he gets a few outings in Toyota next year.

[Simmi]

Interview with Esapekka Lappi (in Finnish):
http://www.iltasanomat.fi/ralli/art-2000001944826.html

Lappi strongly denies signing any kind of contract with Toyota for 2017 and feels that now (after VW announcement) his chances to drive in WRC next season are quite slim.

"It doesn't look good for me. I can't compete against Ogier or Latvala (for the remaining WRC seats)."



If I was Tommi, I would much rather take Lappi than Latvala. Latvala clearly (based on 2016) is on his way down, but Lappi has some serious potential.

Brinkmanship on contracts has now (fortunately for him) put Tommi in a strong situation. I just wonder why he wouldn't have locked up a deal with Lappi by now? I don't believe for one second he knew this was going to happen at VW. Not sure if they were haggling over money, length of the deal or what. But if Lappi hasn't signed with Toyota he has really missed the boat here.

That said there are some tasty options if you are Dmack and can pull the money together for two cars.

[RS]

Interview with Esapekka Lappi (in Finnish):
http://www.iltasanomat.fi/ralli/art-2000001944826.html

Lappi strongly denies signing any kind of contract with Toyota for 2017 and feels that now (after VW announcement) his chances to drive in WRC next season are quite slim.

"It doesn't look good for me. I can't compete against Ogier or Latvala (for the remaining WRC seats)."



If I was Tommi, I would much rather take Lappi than Latvala. Latvala clearly (based on 2016) is on his way down, but Lappi has some serious potential.

I clicked 'like' because I agree with your last statement.

Strange how quickly things can change from a drivers market into a teams market.

[Mintexmemory]

Is Latvala the most talented driver never to win the title?

In an objective measure Latvala is the driver with the most WRC wins without ever taking the title - more wins in less rallies contested than Peter S. Only one more win than Hirvonen, however.

[AL14]

Nueville in french:

http://www.rtbf.be/sport/moteurs/ral...-vw?id=9445895

"The championship doesn't lose interest with the VW withdrawal"

he says that the three VW drivers should not worry because next year all manufacturers are preparing 3 cars and there are some free spots.

Some french please confirm since I don't know the language properly.

[EstWRC]

at the moment i really want to see what Wilson is thinking. we have seen what Makinen's and Matton's thoughts are but what is the old clever fox thinking and planning.

[Danny0405]

Nueville in french:

http://www.rtbf.be/sport/moteurs/ral...-vw?id=9445895

"The championship doesn't lose interest with the VW withdrawal"

he says that the three VW drivers should not worry because next year all manufacturers are preparing 3 cars and there are some free spots.

Some french please confirm since I don't know the language properly.

Yes, it's a good translation of what he said.
He says also that Toyota is number 1 in sales worldwide, Hyundai number 4 so VW withdrawal is not a nightmare for the WRC.

[A FONDO]

Could Malcolm Sport hit the deal with RedBull on time, or they will go to Citroen again?

[RS]

at the moment i really want to see what Wilson is thinking.

Probably that he regrets signing a two year deal with Camilli.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Probably that he regrets signing a two year deal with Camilli.

It would probably be fairly cheap to pay him off if necessary. Or pass him to DMack with Evans...