[WRC] News & rumours (part IV) 2016

[dimviii]

Return of specific rain tyres into the rules?

A NEW MICHELIN WET-WEATHER TYRE DESIGNED FOR IMPROVED SAFETY IN ADVERSE CONDITIONS WILL BE MADE AVAILABLE TO FIA WORLD RALLY CHAMPIONSHIP COMPETITORS FOR THE FIRST TIME AT NEXT WEEKEND’S ADAC RALLYE DEUTSCHLAND (18 - 21 AUGUST).

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Following calls from drivers, Michelin has developed the Pilot Sport FW2 (Full Wet 2) to combat aquaplaning on WRC asphalt rounds in the event of heavy rain.

The key feature of this second-generation version of Michelin’s wet-weather tyre is its specific, heavily-grooved and symmetrical 18-inch tread pattern with channels that clear water to the sides. This provides enhanced grip and traction, both in a straight line and when cornering.

The French firm’s WRC programme manager Jacques Morelli explained: “The clearance capacity of the Michelin Pilot Sport FW2 marks an improvement over that of the Michelin Pilot Sport H5/S5. Thanks to its narrower tread compared with the Michelin Pilot Sport H5 and S5 and its deeper grooves, the contact patch has been doubled in heavy rain.”

The new tyre is intended for extreme conditions only, and teams will be restricted to an allocation of eight tyres per car per rally. It will be limited to sealed-surface events, with ADAC Rallye Deutschland followed consecutively in 2016 by Rally China-Beijing (8 - 11 September), Tour de Corse - Rallye de France (29 September – 2 October) and the part-asphalt RallyRACC Catalunya - Rally de España (13 - 16 October).

http://www.wrc.com/en/wrc/news/augus...2--12-12-.html

[Mirek]

A NEW MICHELIN WET-WEATHER TYRE DESIGNED FOR IMPROVED SAFETY IN ADVERSE CONDITIONS WILL BE MADE AVAILABLE TO FIA WORLD RALLY CHAMPIONSHIP COMPETITORS FOR THE FIRST TIME AT NEXT WEEKEND’S ADAC RALLYE DEUTSCHLAND (18 - 21 AUGUST).

What an irony considering the reasoning behind the removal of rain tyres few years a go...

[EightGear]

Episode 28.


http://www.autosport.com/news/report...ke-finland-win

[Simmi]

Classy guy is Jost.

A better reply from Meeke would have been "See you next Tuesday!" Although that might have been lost in translation.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

He's correct but it doesnt need to be said in such a way after every rally.

Three Championships and a 4th on the way but he still wont show a bit of sportsmanship.

He should at least acknowledge that the current road order has given fans a bit of variety on the gravel events, which the WRC sorely needed...

[Fast Eddie WRC]

krismeeke.com ‏@krismeeke
https://twitter.com/autosport/status/762671309843271680 …

[Lundefaret]

Episode 28.


http://www.autosport.com/news/report...ke-finland-win

This is off course politics, and Capito is running Ogiers errands, but you would think a man like Capito would be a bit more elegant in his statements.
Sweeping is definitely a factor, no two ways about it, and in my analysis I have Latvala as the winner if all started on same grip level. But Meeke still has to drive every stage, do a fantastic Ouninpohja, and that with only a part program this year, and less experience than many of his competitors. So its not like this victory was a case of just showing up, just look at Tänak.

I think rallying, and scociety in general, should be about the opportunity to speak your meaning, but to say something like that Meeke should not enjoy his win, hmmm... If that is really what he said, I think that is a non clever way to communicate as the boss of a great sports team.

What about Latvala in Mexico? Following his resent logic Capito should then have gone out saying that Jari Matti shouldn't enjoy his win (like Ogier said).
I have a feeling that there is a certain French driver that is voicing his opinion in no uncertain terms whitin the team, and threatens to quit if he doesnt get his way.

[EightGear]

Exactly, he's making a fair point but his words are very poorly chosen.

Saying Meeke would 'look like an idiot' if he finished 2nd is completely unnecessary.

[Munkvy]

So when Ogier wins in Germany from first on the road, will he say it has no value and Ogier shouldn't feel like he deserved it, as he had the best conditions and therefore an unfair advantage?

[focus206]

He's just a kid making his childish statements, we shouln't even bother with him, hopefully he'll be gone rather soon...