[WRC] News & rumours (part IV) 2016

[seb_sh]

Mikkelsen is the third best driver in WRC, and he has been since 2015. Thats why it would be a shame to see him without a seat in 2017. Look at Camilli, does anyone really care about him? Or Østberg. They will never be able to match Ogiers speed. The sport need the guys that are able to chase down Ogier..
So, overrated or not, he is still in the top 3 and lets hope he will find a seat for next year.

Completely agree, in 2017 there are only 2 drivers that can challenge Ogier: Mikkelsen and Neuville. There are many other good drivers now, much more than 5 years ago but they are all at least 1 level below Ogier. Even Mikkelsen and Neuville need favourable circumstances to stand a chance, if everything is equal Ogier will beat them.

Also before people make the argument about Mikkelsen having the best car for a few years: he's been a close 3rd two times against JML and Neuville. He has grown above JML lately and he's about equal with Neuville. The only one clearly better, shoulders above the rest, is Ogier. Unless Meeke gets a clearly superior DS3 next year no on else can win the title in 2017 except Ogier, Mikkelsen or Neuville.

Moving on... about this silly season, it seems Ogier will make his decision soon. But even after that there are many things yet unknown. The first important point is the manufacturer registration for 2017 which i think is in december sometime. There we will find out if Ford decides to back MSport and if there will be any kind of VW team.

[Duvel]

Completely agree, in 2017 there are only 2 drivers that can challenge Ogier: Mikkelsen and Neuville. There are many other good drivers now, much more than 5 years ago but they are all at least 1 level below Ogier. Even Mikkelsen and Neuville need favourable circumstances to stand a chance, if everything is equal Ogier will beat them.

Also before people make the argument about Mikkelsen having the best car for a few years: he's been a close 3rd two times against JML and Neuville. He has grown above JML lately and he's about equal with Neuville. The only one clearly better, shoulders above the rest, is Ogier. Unless Meeke gets a clearly superior DS3 next year no on else can win the title in 2017 except Ogier, Mikkelsen or Neuville.

Moving on... about this silly season, it seems Ogier will make his decision soon. But even after that there are many things yet unknown. The first important point is the manufacturer registration for 2017 which i think is in december sometime. There we will find out if Ford decides to back MSport and if there will be any kind of VW team.

Agree whit you 100%
There are some other drivers in WRC how have the pace, but not on all rally's (Paddon, Tanak, JML,..).
Also completly agree whit you on Meeke, if the car is bether than al the rest mayby, but if not i'm afraid he'l be pushing very, probaly to much, we al know what happens than.