Quote Originally Posted by Rally Power View Post
I don't remember Mr. Wilson complaining when Ford decided to replace Boreham's Motorsport base for his garage in Cockermouth...

Ford contracts made MSport a top force in WRC. Why are so many people doubting the same cannot happen with Toyota and TMR?!?

There's also a huge advantage for the sport in these manufacturers and private teams joint ventures. Manus factory teams are usually limited time involvements, only focused in WRC. When marketing strategy diverge or financial crisis erupt they leave the sport instantly. Private teams has rally as their core business; they'll do everything in order to maintain their sport activities, so they tend to develop other rally categories programs, providing competitive cars to national and regional series, helping the sport growth worldwide.
Ok. If people won't do their own research or think then I will for you.

It will fail as it is all about the details. There is a massive difference between tinkering with a car in the garage - pretty much what many many car preparation companies do around the world and then competing in the WRC.

I did a quick google on subaru rally car preparers, I came up in 30 seconds with Autosportif, TEG sport, A&H motorsport, Vermont Sportscars, MSL Motorsport etc. All of them like Tommi, modify Subaru Imprezzas. What has he got with regards car preparation pedigree that sets him apart? Nothing, they are all the same. He hasn't won anything with his prepared cars has he?

So lets then look at what he thinks he will be doing. Building and then testing a car himself. He probably can, Alex Kelsey a 19 year old in New Zealand did that.
BUT:
Who will make decisions on the drivers? Who will look after the driver development program? Who will build the sponsorship packages and then entertain the sponsors? Who will spec and buy the equipment for the rally bases in each location and kit out the mechanics? Who will optimise the work the mechanics do? Who will design and get the clothes for the team? Who will organise the catering in the different countries? Who will work out the parts requirements and then ensure they are all available in the right place for each rally? Who will manage the accounts? Who will book the travel? The accommodation? What recce cars will they use?

Why do you think VW did all of this for 12 months with a Skoda and Ogier driving in WRC2??????? Because they had 12 months to kill before the car was ready????

But Tommi says "I will build a car and I will test it".

And please please please stop comparing Tommi and his garage to Malcolm Wilson:

Malcolm Wilson was driving and developing the Escort Cosworth before Ford gave him contracts for the WRC programme, he had an existing relationship and a familiarity with the company. His team won national titles in several countries with the car so he had A) a track record and B) experience of the required logistics to support teams in other countries. The WRC car was originally developed by Ford Motorsport and then handed over to the Belgian RAS Team in 1994. They then took it back in 1996 as it wasn't a success with the Belgians (alarm bells here guys). I know this as my Brother worked for Ford Motorsport in the late 80's early 90's.

Malcolm Wilson wasn't given the contract to run the team and car until the end of 1996 for the 1997 season (the car was still the Escort Cosworth - and had been developed by Ford) the first M-Sport develop car didn't arrive until 1999.

So, he had AT LEAST 3 years experience with the car and company before he entered the WRC with a car not developed by him but Ford Motorsport. He then had another 2 years to get used to the logistics and team management BEFORE a new car was developed.

Take the time to think about this guys.

Honestly people - this is not the small time. It is not a garage next to your house with a bunch of mates.

It is the WRC.