2018 Teams

[AnttiL]

Where from? I haven't seen anything lately.

Read it from a Finnish forum, supposedly somene heard that "from Rally Poland and from elsewhere as well". Rumours are just rumours, but I had to post it for some speculations...think of all the seats that would open. Most likely Mikkelsen would be the second Polo driver (that's why he's leaving Citroen already?). Hyundai and Citroen could keep their current drivers and there would be a free seat in M-Sport and possibly in the place of Hänninen...for Suninen and Tidemand? Or a third Polo as well?

[[RMC]Pip]

VW RedBull team would be the icing on the cake for WRC. It's already a suberb year for rallying, getting back VW for 2018 would be mind-blowing. But I think this is all just speculation.

[Rally Power]

VW RedBull team would be the icing on the cake for WRC. It's already a suberb year for rallying, getting back VW for 2018 would be mind-blowing. But I think this is all just speculation.

+1

[racerx1979]

I thought Hänninen was signed for 2017-2018? Rumor has it TM will not can Hänninen after a year, but you would think something has to be done if he does not step it up. He's consistently on the bottom 5.

[Simmi]

Will not believe that's happening until I see it on a stage. I have to think it's just a dream.

[Simmi]

I thought Hänninen was signed for 2017-2018? Rumor has it TM will not can Hänninen after a year, but you would think something has to be done if he does not step it up. He's consistently on the bottom 5.

Hmm. I thought Toyota had Latvala and Hanninen on one year plus option deals? I'd assume it's the same for Lappi. Would have been pretty crazy to chuck Hanninen a two-year deal. But then we've seen Citroen do something equally rash.

[EstWRC]

At rally sardegna Mäkinen said to estonian media that all the drivers have one year contract

[macebig]

I think Tommi will try to get Suninen. If he doesn't succeed he will keep Hänninen.

[mknight]

I think Tommi will try to get Suninen. If he doesn't succeed he will keep Hänninen.

I totally disagree.

The goal for Toyota for next year has to be to start being a contender for both championships. So first and foremost he would want Ogier, if that is not possible (also maybe due to Latvala) and Latvala as well as Lappi stay they would want/need a driver that can reliably score good points on any event.
No need for two "young"/new drivers, one is enough. (so no Sunninen).
Hanninen is neither young, nor promising and clearly not able to bring reliable points.

Drivers without contact that are able to bring stable/good points and charge for wins are: Tanak and Mikkelsen.

[Revman]

Was thinking about this very issue....Would Toyota want Ogier if they have a happy Latvala? Jari-Matti seems pretty content. Would this not totally throw him off of his game?

I would think that Latvala would stay with Lappi. I agree it would be either Tanak or Mikkelsen. Who would be better in your opinion?