Andreas Mikkelsen

[CWJ]

No. He has been a factory driver during the past 5 seasons.

I'v missed that. Sry

[AnttiL]

No. He has been a factory driver during the past 5 seasons.

It was said by Latvala in Finnish media. WRC cars will have smaller restrictors and drivers who have had P1 within past five years are not allowed to drive. So gentleman drivers and young drivers are allowed, although no sense for any young driver to spend the money…

[CWJ]

It was said by Latvala in Finnish media. WRC cars will have smaller restrictors and drivers who have had P1 within past five years are not allowed to drive.

Mmmhh. Might be my fault, I remember him personally saying 2 years...

[Mackie]

In an interview with norwegian newspaper VG after the Championship-title in WRC2, Mikkelsen says he feels he deserves to be in the WRC. But it's hard due to the lack of seats avaliable.
"- What about Ford?"
"- At Ford you need money to get a seat. That is not an option for me."
He has an option in Skoda, staying there in WRC2 at least for the start of 2022.
"- And then we will see what happens..."

So it's not looking too bright for Mikkelsen...

[abcrally]

In an interview with norwegian newspaper VG after the Championship-title in WRC2, Mikkelsen says he feels he deserves to be in the WRC. But it's hard due to the lack of seats avaliable.
"- What about Ford?"
"- At Ford you need money to get a seat. That is not an option for me."
He has an option in Skoda, staying there in WRC2 at least for the start of 2022.
"- And then we will see what happens..."

So it's not looking too bright for Mikkelsen...

Very difficult to get back to the main class when you have lost your seat. History shows that too.

[AnttiL]

Very difficult to get back to the main class when you have lost your seat. History shows that too.

In the recent years Tänak, Evans, Mikkelsen himself, Östberg, Breen, Meeke, Lappi…

[dck1989]

Not right place to ask but....

"At Ford you need money to get a seat. That is not an option for me."

What the details of Breen's deal if he went to m-sport and asked them to give him a contract...was he bringing money and driving for free?

[Mackie]

What the details of Breen's deal if he went to m-sport and asked them to give him a contract...was he bringing money and driving for free?

It's fair to assume that Greensmith is paying. But Fourmaux and Breen? The question is, have Ford said to Mikkelsen that if he wants a seat he has to pay what Greensmith is paying.

[seb_sh]

It's fair to assume that Greensmith is paying. But Fourmaux and Breen? The question is, have Ford said to Mikkelsen that if he wants a seat he has to pay what Greensmith is paying.

Fourmaux' car has big Red Bull stickers and afaik the FFSA also has some budget for young drivers. No idea about Breen, could be he has some sponsorship and/or MSport thinks he's worth putting in the car.

[Lead]

So what will future bring for 2021 WRC2 and ERC champion? Didnt dominate every event he entered (to say at least), but steady and clever drive got him two titles even before both last championship rounds.

Not looking very bright for Mikkelsen at the moment, as there is no free Rally1 seats available for next season and there is no interest from any of teams about his services.
Is there a point to continue in WRC2 for next season (Skoda?) and wait for opportunity if any of Rally1 factory teams decide to change their lineup mid-season? If he decides not to compete at all, he could end his career now as WRC2 and ERC cahmpion? Or wait for additional manufacture team entering 2023 season? Really tough situation for him.