The thread of talents

**Mirek** · 14th January 2019, 16:36

Originally Posted by Entertainer

How about talents outside of the EU? Takamoto Katsuta could perhaps have a break-out year, showed some promise in Sweden last year with the WRC2-win.

In a few weeks Katsuta is 26 years old. For me when I speak about young talents I means someone much younger and less experienced.

**kure91** · 14th January 2019, 19:01

When I´m reading this list of talents I would personaly add Julian Wagner (soon to be 23 YO). Last year in CZ frontrunner of 2WD and not so long ago he won Jaenner. This year he will do whole Austrian championship with Fabia R5 from BRR

**Duvel** · 14th January 2019, 19:07

Originally Posted by dodge33cymru

Two that I saw last year who impressed in the few passes of theirs I saw roadside:

Jan Solans (younger brother of Nils, who himself was hanging with the works R5 Skodas in Spain) - dominated Spanish RC4 last year.

Jean-Baptiste Franceschi looked superb in GB and Spain in RC4 too, but hasn't been particularly dominant. No idea on his plans for this year; JWRC or French Champs in an R5, but hope to see him out and about somewhere.

What wil the program of Nils Solans be? He looked very promosing aswel.

**Jarek Z** · 14th January 2019, 21:43

Should we add Ralfs Sirmacis from Latvia to this list? He was very impressive in ERC a few years ago, including some overall wins...

**sindroms** · 15th January 2019, 08:54

Originally Posted by Jarek Z

Should we add Ralfs Sirmacis from Latvia to this list? He was very impressive in ERC a few years ago, including some overall wins...

He could be on this list regarding his skills and previous results. Tough I don't see at the moment any indications about his returning on international arena unfortunately.

**Entertainer** · 15th January 2019, 09:16

Originally Posted by Mirek

In a few weeks Katsuta is 26 years old. For me when I speak about young talents I means someone much younger and less experienced.

Sounds reasonable, guess we should draw the line somewhere when it comes to age. 23-25 could be considered a maximum of some sort, to earn a place on the list.

**Entertainer** · 15th January 2019, 09:26

Talent list in threadpost #1 will continue to be updated through the season, as much as I am capable. Keep up with the additions and updates on "your" drivers.

**m-ast** · 15th January 2019, 11:32

Originally Posted by Duvel

What wil the program of Nils Solans be? He looked very promosing aswel.

He is trying to do WRC2

**dodge33cymru** · 15th January 2019, 11:37

Originally Posted by Duvel

What wil the program of Nils Solans be? He looked very promosing aswel.

He was strong in Spain, but less so on other rounds (although improved over the year). He's not exactly particularly young either though; 26 going on 27. Would probably have more impact in ERC in my opinion.

Originally Posted by Jarek Z

Should we add Ralfs Sirmacis from Latvia to this list? He was very impressive in ERC a few years ago, including some overall wins...

I wouldn't say so, he's not been active for the last couple of years so I suspect he's got no backing (and what there was may be with Gryazin or Sesks now).

**PLuto** · 15th January 2019, 12:06

Originally Posted by dodge33cymru

He was strong in Spain, but less so on other rounds (although improved over the year). He's not exactly particularly young either though; 26 going on 27. Would probably have more impact in ERC in my opinion.

I agree, he was going to WRC too quickly. And now they are making same mistake with younger brother. I think that one season in ERC before going to JWRC should help him a lot.

Originally Posted by dodge33cymru

I wouldn't say so, he's not been active for the last couple of years so I suspect he's got no backing (and what there was may be with Gryazin or Sesks now).

Last year he was trying to secure budget for JWRC, but he was not successful. I hope he will be more successful for this season.