[WRC] FORUM8 Rally Japan 2024

**AE1WRC** · 24th November 2024, 15:42

Originally Posted by becher

Even though I like Neuville, I don't think he has a chance really and neither does Tänak. I think Rovanperä will have their number again next year.

EstWRC mentioned this before I really want to see Ott vs Kalle in a championship fight. I promise you this can be a "must see TV". I also think Kalle is the biggest threat but IMO the only guy that can put up a fight with him is Ott (except Ogier since he is not a full timer).

**focus206** · 24th November 2024, 15:46

Originally Posted by becher

Even though I like Neuville, I don't think he has a chance really and neither does Tänak. I think Rovanperä will have their number again next year.

I'm very curious to see if Kalle will confirm himself as wunderkind and win again the title next year, comfortably.
But I will say that although I'd pick Kalle as best rally driver overall in this moment, with 3 crashes out of 7 starts, Neuville would have had a chance to beat him this season. Yes, different mentality for Kalle without the title chase etc. but 3 DNF is already a big loss, a couple more mistakes or technical trouble in the remaining 6 rounds and Kalle might not have been able to stop Neuville this year. But we'll never know for sure.

**AE1WRC** · 24th November 2024, 15:55

Originally Posted by focus206

I'm very curious to see if Kalle will confirm himself as wunderkind and win again the title next year, comfortably.
But I will say that although I'd pick Kalle as best rally driver overall in this moment, with 3 crashes out of 7 starts, Neuville would have had a chance to beat him this season. Yes, different mentality for Kalle without the title chase etc. but 3 DNF is already a big loss, a couple more mistakes or technical trouble in the remaining 6 rounds and Kalle might not have been able to stop Neuville this year. But we'll never know for sure.

Bro was super relaxed this season. His accident in Portugal was literally not listening Jonne properly.

**Eli** · 24th November 2024, 16:00

I know we've been banging on this a lot this season and I'm aware last year was simillar but I think the fact we again had 7 consecutive gravel events and 3 of them being Poland-Latvia-Finland, changed the mindset of many, that coupled with the fact Kalle & Ogier didn't do a full season added mountains of pressure for all involved full time. Next year I reckon the dynamic will change again, as we lost Poland, and got another unknown event in the form of Paraguay, Canary Islands will be a huge step into the unknown too for most (unless Hyundai decide to reward Hayden with the 4th car there, not gonna happen, I know) & Finally, Saudi Arabia will throw in a huge curveball to the end of the sesason, coupled that with a normal (hopefully) scoring system, qualifying stage and Rovanperä coming back, it'll be a totally different ( & I Hope) less of a strange year.

**becher** · 24th November 2024, 16:01

Originally Posted by focus206

I'm very curious to see if Kalle will confirm himself as wunderkind and win again the title next year, comfortably.
But I will say that although I'd pick Kalle as best rally driver overall in this moment, with 3 crashes out of 7 starts, Neuville would have had a chance to beat him this season. Yes, different mentality for Kalle without the title chase etc. but 3 DNF is already a big loss, a couple more mistakes or technical trouble in the remaining 6 rounds and Kalle might not have been able to stop Neuville this year. But we'll never know for sure.

I think he will win, just think about it: he is a two time champion and wasn't involved in a real title fight yet.

**AE1WRC** · 24th November 2024, 16:05

Originally Posted by Eli

I know we've been banging on this a lot this season and I'm aware last year was simillar but I think the fact we again had 7 consecutive gravel events and 3 of them being Poland-Latvia-Finland, changed the mindset of many, that coupled with the fact Kalle & Ogier didn't do a full season added mountains of pressure for all involved full time. Next year I reckon the dynamic will change again, as we lost Poland, and got another unknown event in the form of Paraguay, Canary Islands will be a huge step into the unknown too for most (unless Hyundai decide to reward Hayden with the 4th car there, not gonna happen, I know) & Finally, Saudi Arabia will throw in a huge curveball to the end of the sesason, coupled that with a normal (hopefully) scoring system, qualifying stage and Rovanperä coming back, it'll be a totally different ( & I Hope) less of a strange year.

Yes I am always excited to see new rallies and especially the qualifying stage (let's see how that plays out).

**AE1WRC** · 24th November 2024, 16:07

Originally Posted by becher

I think he will win, just think about it: he is a two time champion and wasn't involved in a real title fight yet.

Facts. 2022 we knew from the halfway to the season, it was just the matter of when. In 2023, I am sorry, but as much as I like and respect Elfyn he was never a big threat to Kalle.

**focus206** · 24th November 2024, 16:13

Originally Posted by becher

I think he will win, just think about it: he is a two time champion and wasn't involved in a real title fight yet.

I think Kalle is indeed the favourite, but it's worth noting that both Neuville and Tanak were driving far less reliable cars than Kalle in 2022 and 2023. Kalle would have still won, but it would have been closer for sure.

**becher** · 24th November 2024, 16:14

Originally Posted by focus206

I think Kalle is indeed the favourite, but it's worth noting that both Neuville and Tanak were driving far less reliable cars than Kalle in 2022 and 2023. Kalle would have still won, but it would have been closer for sure.

Of course, especially in 22 the Hyundai was an inferior car overall.