[WRC] News & Rumours (part V) 2017

[Simmi]

Pretty standard if you fly out to a rally from the UK there will be an armada of M-Sport people there. Even Malcolm rolls in the cheap seats. Don't think anything has changed there since the works Ford days. I doubt any drivers are flying business class. Only time you could argue it's an advantage is on long-hauls.

[jparker]

While on subject, in Porugal I saw expensive car with TGR stikers in front of Crowne Plaza Porto, while the mecanics were in my hotel - Ipanema Park.

[Simmi]

While on subject, in Porugal I saw expensive car with TGR stikers in front of Crowne Plaza Porto, while the mecanics were in my hotel - Ipanema Park.

They seem to host a lot of Japanese VIPs on rallies so it was probably something to do with that.

[racerx1979]

Bus loads of Japanese VIP's in Germany too.

[mknight]

Clark kitchen table:
https://www.facebook.com/voiceofrall...6365079526157/

Nothing really new, mostly same points as people have here.
Specifically:
- sees Tanak as Ogier's wingman for the title chase
- no mention of Ogier's future or Ford at all, says he will stay at M-Sport in comments
- no mention of Tanak's future directly but seems to assume he will start at M-Sport
- speculating Hanninen might stay at Toyota
- suggesting Paddon is under pressure for results
- speculates Meeke might be on the way out

--------------------------------
What I found interesting is how he says that Meeke is unfairly threated by Citroen and that they should have supported him more etc. and uses Nandan with Neuville and Paddon as example.... and then basically 1 min later goes on how Paddon should not expect support forever if he keeps underperforming.

As a reminder this is like 3rd time Meeke has a crashing period (2014 and 2015 the years before) during his stay at Citroen (see for example here: http://www.wrc.com/en/wrc/news/augus...2--12-12-.html , - note that Meeke crashed in germany after that article was published, but ended 3rd in Australia), both times before he kept driving all the time and with the team.

[the sniper]

I imagine Rally GB will be popular with Toyota officials, the service park in Deeside is on the land of the Toyota engine plant there.

[Simmi]

Clark kitchen table:
https://www.facebook.com/voiceofrall...6365079526157/

Nothing really new, mostly same points as people have here.
Specifically:
- sees Tanak as Ogier's wingman for the title chase
- no mention of Ogier's future or Ford at all, says he will stay at M-Sport in comments
- no mention of Tanak's future directly but seems to assume he will start at M-Sport
- speculating Hanninen might stay at Toyota
- suggesting Paddon is under pressure for results
- speculates Meeke might be on the way out

Translation = he doesn't know anything.

I'm not knocking Col because I do love speculation and watching vids like this. But let's take it for what it is.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

I already posted this in the CCKT thread...

[mknight]

Translation = he doesn't know anything.

I'm not knocking Col because I do love speculation and watching vids like this. But let's take it for what it is.

True, but even if he knew I don't think he would tell outright.

[Eli]

https://www.autosport.com/wrc/news/1...turkey-returns

As discussed today by this forum.