[WRC] News & rumours (part IV) 2016

[itix]

The Eurosport coverage (which is what I get as well) really sucks... The commenter sounds about as coherent and interested in the subject as I would sound commenting a fashion show (but with less cynicism)

[Andre Oliveira]

We have great comentators on Eurosport PT

[AL14]

What a smart move by Hyundai. Are they convinced that such decisions will make Neuville improve his performances? How can this kind of environment help him?

[itix]

I think they kind of did that because it didn't really help having a number one last year... As the number one quickly changed mid year...

Also I guess the team politics is difficult now

[stefanvv]

To me it seems like a diplomatic solution. It's kind of difficult to raise Neuville or Paddon as N1 driver, so Sordo is the safest bet.

[EstWRC]

What a smart move by Hyundai. Are they convinced that such decisions will make Neuville improve his performances? How can this kind of environment help him?

Exactly. im gonna say that Neuville wont be with Hyundai in 17.

[seb_sh]

To me it seems like a diplomatic solution. It's kind of difficult to raise Neuville or Paddon as N1 driver, so Sordo is the safest bet.

It's not only diplomatic it's the logical choice to have most flexibility and most points considering the drivers form in the 2nd half of last year. I think they see Sordo as a safe driver who finishes rallies, so they are more confident he can consistently bring points in. The other two are unknown quantities for next year.

If Neuville gets his brain back on track and stops overdriving and crashing, which I think may happen if the new car is fast, then they will just nominate him on all rallies. If he continues like he ended last year and Paddon finishes rallies then they can nominate Paddon for the main team. I think they are looking at these two scenarios as most likely. They only have a problem in scenarios where Sordo scores less points than the other two but even then they have some flexibility.

[GigiGalliNo1]

Sordo as number 1!

He must be happy.... first time in a long time? Career first?

[AL14]

It's not only diplomatic it's the logical choice to have most flexibility and most points considering the drivers form in the 2nd half of last year. I think they see Sordo as a safe driver who finishes rallies, so they are more confident he can consistently bring points in. The other two are unknown quantities for next year.

If Neuville gets his brain back on track and stops overdriving and crashing, which I think may happen if the new car is fast, then they will just nominate him on all rallies. If he continues like he ended last year and Paddon finishes rallies then they can nominate Paddon for the main team. I think they are looking at these two scenarios as most likely. They only have a problem in scenarios where Sordo scores less points than the other two but even then they have some flexibility.

All true but how can you expect from Neuville to "put his mind on track" if you keep treating him like a newcomer? It's not about what he deserves and what is right, it's about make your drivers being faster and collect more points. Sordo will be the same as he has been in the last years. Paddon has a 3 years contract and is very much hungry for victories. Neuville needs confidence and support, no matter how bad he behavied in the past. And don't forget he can be good on all surfaces unlike Sordo and Paddon. He should have been the nominated driver in my opinion.

[EstWRC]

Evans will do 7 rounds with Ford Fiesta WRC http://www.autonews-magazine.com/blog/?p=44240