[WRC] News & rumours (part IV) 2016

[itix]

Actually, WRC’s were previously leveled with R5’s in WRC2, running in RRC specs with the 30mm restrictor. Unwisely, FIA decided to impose the 28mm restrictor at the end of 2015. If they kept 30mm, RRC’s could still be competitive in WRC2 and other international or national series.

With the permanent evolution of R5’s cars, 30mm RRC’s would hardly dominate those series and outdated WRC’s could easily run some years more, without the need to create another (hopeless) competition inside WRC.

This makes perfect sense to me. Those who has bought a WRC machine could easily compete in wrc 2 in this way... No need for a new series, no need for banning the old machines, everybody (except N.O.T) wins

[dimviii]

WRC veteran Dani Sordo has revealed he is deciding between a renewal of his contract with Hyundai and a move to another team for the 2017 season.

Similar to teammate Thierry Neuville's deal, the Spaniard's contract will expire at the end of the current season.

While Neuville has been rumoured to join Citroen next year, Sordo himself admitted he is in talks with another team as well as Hyundai, which is thought to be Toyota.

"At the moment I have some conversation with the team [Hyundai] and with another team so it looks good for the next year, we'll see," Sordo told Motorsport.com.

"At the moment it's a little bit early to say anything. The most important thing right now is to have the best rallies possible and to start negotiations after that.

"[I'll stay in WRC] if not in this team then another, I hope.

"Next year Toyota is also coming so there will be more cars and drivers will move a little bit more so it will be interesting."
Everything a "little better" on new car

With a couple of fourth- and sixth-place finishes, Sordo has enjoyed his best season start since he had joined Hyundai, as he currently sits fifth in the drivers' standings.

The 33-year-old praised the new Hyundai i20 introduced this year, highlighting the engine as one of the biggest improvements.

"Everything is a little bit better in the new car," he said. "The only big difference is the new engine, which is much better.

"The chassis is completely different, it's a longer car. In some fast places it's more stable than the car before but is less agile so when it's very twisty it's a little bit worse than before but we have much more interesting points, good points, than with the old car."
Rallycross is "not the same sensation"

Asked if he was tempted to switch to rallycross like former WRC rivals Sebastien Loeb and Petter Solberg, Sordo said he has a clear preference for rallying, as he feels driving on a circuit is not the same.

"For me rally is the top, maybe rallycross is good, but I always dreamed of rallying when I was little," said the Spaniard.

"I also like rallycross because it's a little bit same to rally but on a circuit and it's not the same sensation.

"Driving the car on a circuit is, I don't know, you feel you need something more."
http://www.motorsport.com/wrc/news/s...medium=twitter

[Eli]

I see Dani will try everycar from the WRC fold before he retires (apart from VW's machine).

[EstWRC]

The other team has to be Toyota.

[GigiGalliNo1]

Maybe Paddon / Sordo 1/2 for 2017. It'll make Sordo happy no? Why leave if he's happy and comfortable.

[AL14]

Please guys, he is doing what everybody who has to extend a contract does... Talking to others to get a better offer from his actual partner.

[Simmi]

It's certainly a great time to be an experienced, averagely quick WRC driver.


Regardless of what happens, I really hope the knock-on of Toyota's arrival is a few more young guns in the WRC. Although we might just have to settle for Lappi and a full season for Abbring.

[Rallyper]

It's certainly a great time to be an experienced, averagely quick WRC driver.


Regardless of what happens, I really hope the knock-on of Toyota's arrival is a few more young guns in the WRC. Although we might just have to settle for Lappi and a full season for Abbring.

Not likely. Hanninen and one more top 6 guy must be. 3rd?

[Simmi]

Not likely. Hanninen and one more top 6 guy must be. 3rd?

Not saying Lappi/Abbring etc would go to Toyota. Just that it would be nice if three more works seats helped bring fresh talent through into the WRC as a whole. Instead of prolonging the careers of average drivers.

[pantealex]

3rd?

Mix of Japanise/Old Foxes (Arai,Katsuta,Mikko,Petter,Tommi etc)