1) The part about GB and Turkey is no real news. It's basically logical thinking just like everyone does here. We have been discussing they need another driver instead of Sordo on the 3 rallies for last 2 months or so. But Paddon looked like the most likely candidate.

Sordo didn't drive any of those rallies last year and has always been terrible in GB, Breen had his second best results with 4th there last year. So that's pretty much 100% sure pick. Turkey is a bit more uncertain but as mentioned Sordo didn't start there last year. (Mikkelsen led by 40s ahead of Tanak when dif/driveshaft broke due to mechanics making a mistake in service). In a way Australia could be seem even more likely for Breen since Sordo didn't start there last 2 years (so never with 2017 cars), but his results weren't too bad there before.


2) The part about Mikkelsen seems a bit out of place in the article as in none of the 3 gravel rallies Mikkelsen is likely to be benched, that is much more likely in Spain and/or Germany. Which also the reference to Corsica suggests. Note that both time Mikkelsen was benched Loeb got 0 manu points, had poor pace and managed to crash as well (I'd argue Sordo replaced Mikkelsen in Corsica though, not Loeb).

Anyway Mikkelsen would not want to drive at Hyundai if they will only offer part-season. Breen will easily accept full season, question is how good he really is in other car than C3. Evans is still more likely imo but he certainly won't accept part-season deal.