[WRC] News & rumours (part IV) 2016

[Danny0405]

So for me that makes things even more of a mystery. Toyota we know won't have a third car on the Monte. And if Adapta were running (via M-Sport) then it would be hard to believe they'd force out Mads for someone else.

I am intrigued...

Maybe Makinen is looking for part-time drivers?
For example, Hanninen is the only full-time driver as he made the testing
And then, 3 part-time drivers such as Lappi, Ostberg and Evans (with Evans replacing Ostberg in asphalt rallyes and occasionaly Lappi).
It would quite similar to the strategy of Hyundai in their first season.
In addition to that, as Corsica is quite early this season, it would give Ostberg an easier road position in Gravel rallyes

[nafpaktos]

. I doubt Malcolm will want them on his works cars next year either even though they have a successful relationship going.

Why not?

[Allez Andruet]

Maybe Makinen is looking for part-time drivers?
For example, Hanninen is the only full-time driver as he made the testing
And then, 3 part-time drivers such as Lappi, Ostberg and Evans (with Evans replacing Ostberg in asphalt rallyes and occasionaly Lappi).

That's highly unlikely. Lappi will get full season, mark my words for it. The guy who broke the story (of Hänninen and Lappi) on Finnish broadcasting company (YLE) knows his stuff. It was later also reported on another Finnish media that sources with knowledge of the situation have confirmed Lappi as being the other full season driver.
Regarding the drivers, Tommi has said it many times, that he wants to make "investments for the future". Lappi fits that more than well and Hänninen is the understandable exception to the rule being the main test driver in 2016 and sort of a team player for 2017. Östberg somehow doesn't fit that scenario - I'd much rather sign Evans than Östberg if I was Tommi. It's hard to see Östberg getting any better than what he's already shown. I have a feeling (for what's it worth ) that the third driver will be someone outside the spectulation we've seen.

[Danny0405]

Östberg somehow doesn't fit that scenario - I'd much rather sign Evans than Östberg if I was Tommi.

For me too, Evans is a choice that Ostberg as he has only two years in a works team so probably more potential of improvement
However, i don't understand why Lappi has not been confirmed yet (except if it is just to be sympathetic with Skoda as Lappi is still in the WRC2 championship race).

[RAS007]

"Ott will be back and he'll be winning with us next season."

This seems extremely unlikely (the winning part).

[Simmi]

Why not?

Just watch the 2016 season dude. What more needs explaining to you? The tyres are barely competitive. No point building a pukka 2017 WRC car and then tying one arm behind your back.

[Grundo Farb]

That's highly unlikely. Lappi will get full season, mark my words for it. The guy who broke the story (of Hänninen and Lappi) on Finnish broadcasting company (YLE) knows his stuff. It was later also reported on another Finnish media that sources with knowledge of the situation have confirmed Lappi as being the other full season driver.
Regarding the drivers, Tommi has said it many times, that he wants to make "investments for the future". Lappi fits that more than well and Hänninen is the understandable exception to the rule being the main test driver in 2016 and sort of a team player for 2017. Östberg somehow doesn't fit that scenario - I'd much rather sign Evans than Östberg if I was Tommi. It's hard to see Östberg getting any better than what he's already shown. I have a feeling (for what's it worth ) that the third driver will be someone outside the spectulation we've seen.

And they're Finnish.

[pantealex]

I would say that Lappi is not getting full season deal.

M-Sport gave full season to Camilli, who at the time had 0 starts with WRC, was it right decision ?

Part season deal for Lappi

[Simmi]

I would say that Lappi is not getting full season deal.

M-Sport gave full season to Camilli, who at the time had 0 starts with WRC, was it right decision ?

Part season deal for Lappi

Camilli had only ever had 10 rallies in his career in a 4WD car before moving to Ford. I think that was part of the issue.

Lappi is ready. Or he certainly should be. Whether he'll get that full season or not I have genuinely no idea.

[RS]

Yes, Lappi is much more qualified than Camilli. He is also capable on all surfaces.

Ostberg third car for loose surfaces and Evans or someone else for tarmac seems like a plan.