[WRC] News & Rumours 2019

[er88]

Citroen want Hybrid technology. However if Ogier leaves and they can't attract a top championship challenging driver (or one with huge potential to be), I reckon they'll pull the plug. Lappi was meant to be that but he's started poorly and who knows if he'll turn it around. If he can get into position to lead the team when Ogier goes that'll be great.

The only way I don't see Ogier leaving is if he wins the next two titles and wants to go for 9/10 world titles. He's certainly capable but has been hinting about retirement for years now, despite having plenty of years left in the tank

[mknight]

Exactly, If Citroen board decides after looking at news rules to continue in WRC, it doesn't matter what Ogier costs.

After all that's one of the biggest takeaways from the C3 fiasco start.... to win you need top driver lineup not just lot of money on car development. Looking at the lineup they started 2017 with in hindsight it's almost ridiculously bad. (Lefevbre who? - I am sure you also remember how he did in results).

(Off course the other takeaway is that you need to listen to drivers during development, but that also means you need multiple drivers with experience which goes back to previous point. What kind of experienced advice could they get from Lefevbre/ Breen who just did first 2-3 rallies in DS3 WRC)

Anyway right now I see much bigger chance of Citroen staying than Skoda or VW joining when hybrids are introduced. VW/Skoda leadership seem to aim at going from petrol/diesel directly to electric almost completely skipping hybrid. (unlike Toyota who does the opposite).

[AnttiL]

In one of the latest rallies press conferences a question came from the floor about hybrids and Ogier just said "I'll be retired when those cars come around".

[er88]

Yep he did. In normal circumstances I think he'll go but there's maybe a few things that could change his mind between then and now. You're a long time retired, and just look how even Loeb can't get enough of this sport.

Ogier could definitely challenge for titles into his 40s if he had the appetite for it.

[racerx1979]

Yep he did. In normal circumstances I think he'll go but there's maybe a few things that could change his mind between then and now. You're a long time retired, and just look how even Loeb can't get enough of this sport.

Ogier could definitely challenge for titles into his 40s if he had the appetite for it.

Lets hope he comes back for a full season when he is in his 40's since he's not too happy when drivers come for a partial season...lol

[WRC1]

Yep he did. In normal circumstances I think he'll go but there's maybe a few things that could change his mind between then and now. You're a long time retired, and just look how even Loeb can't get enough of this sport.

Ogier could definitely challenge for titles into his 40s if he had the appetite for it.

...and if Volkswagen calls him he will for sure not say NO

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Mitsubishi would be my guess for a new Manufacturer.

But I worry about Ford who are in financial trouble and M-Sport being unable to produce a hybrid on their own.

[doubled1978]

Mitsubishi would be my guess for a new Manufacturer.

But I worry about Ford who are in financial trouble and M-Sport being unable to produce a hybrid on their own.

Hopefully they won’t need to do it alone. It depends if the FIA allow they hybrid element to be open, or if they stipulate a spec system. I would think it would be better to initially at least have a spec system to keep the costs sensible...and Toyota would probably have a head start on all the others with their huge experience in hybrid from WEC.
I suppose it depends on how much the manufacturers want to ‘develop’ the technology, or if they are happy to ‘advertise’ the technology.

[Rally Power]

Citroen want Hybrid technology. However if Ogier leaves and they can't attract a top championship challenging driver (or one with huge potential to be), I reckon they'll pull the plug. Lappi was meant to be that but he's started poorly and who knows if he'll turn it around. If he can get into position to lead the team when Ogier goes that'll be great.
(...)

You can be right but we’ve to stay positive and believe the top 3 will grow to a top 4 or 5 even if Ogier leaves. Hopefully Lappi, Suninen or even a younger driver will be on Tanak and Neuville level in 2 years time. Fingers crossed.

[dimviii]

rip..




Jean Pierre Champeau died .. one of the discoverers of Loeb ..

It is not a known name for fans of this part of the world, but has made one of the historical chapters of the Gallic rally with its sporting activity and especially with the support of multiple champion Sebastien Loeb.

Champeau was an active participant in the French rally that also projected the presence of son Mark, unfortunately died during the awards of the Mont Blanc Rally of 99.

Two years later his contribution was fundamental for the start of the professional career of Sebastien Loeb, in need of financial support to drive a Saxo Kit Car with which he won the Gallic Championship and began his historic promotion to the Junior World Championship.

http://www.rallynoticias.com/nivel2...._noticia=15297