Rally Discussion and Bar Talk Thread

**EstWRC** · 19th March 2022, 08:00

this long pause feels like off-season again...even worse i would say, no news at all

they definitely have to find something for next year to fill the gap

**Danny0405** · 19th March 2022, 10:40

For the 1st season of a new regulation, having a long pause at this moment is not bad even if it can be quite boring for fans.

It allows teams to work on the car, especially when they were late like Hyundai, and to work a little more quietly on specific issues such as the hybrid problems seen in Sweden.
I think that, if it is used properly by FIA and teams, it will help to improve the level on the long-term (better than being always in short-term workarounds to have short-term improvements).

But definitely yes, it is only valuable for this season, not the next ones. A return in Mexico would be good.

**Rallyper** · 19th March 2022, 11:18

Originally Posted by Danny0405

For the 1st season of a new regulation, having a long pause at this moment is not bad even if it can be quite boring for fans.

It allows teams to work on the car, especially when they were late like Hyundai, and to work a little more quietly on specific issues such as the hybrid problems seen in Sweden.
I think that, if it is used properly by FIA and teams, it will help to improve the level on the long-term (better than being always in short-term workarounds to have short-term improvements).

But definitely yes, it is only valuable for this season, not the next ones. A return in Mexico would be good.

Portugal was in March ten years ago...

**Fast Eddie WRC** · 22nd March 2022, 09:18

A question leading from a recent AR podcast...

Have there been any WRC drivers who have been a team-mate of both Loeb and Ogier ?

**HKSjbg** · 22nd March 2022, 09:37

Tanak. Briefly at Hyundai in 2020 with Loeb and of course at M-Sport from 2017-18

**AnttiL** · 22nd March 2022, 09:44

Originally Posted by Fast Eddie WRC

A question leading from a recent AR podcast...

Have there been any WRC drivers who have been a team-mate of both Loeb and Ogier ?

Sordo in Citroen 2010 (with both at the same time)
Mikkelsen with Ogier in VW 2013-2016, with Loeb in Hyundai 2019

**WRCStan** · 22nd March 2022, 10:53

Ostberg? or is the definition too loose - M-Sport/Ogier 2017, Citroen/Loeb 2018.

**AnttiL** · 22nd March 2022, 11:15

Originally Posted by WRCStan

Ostberg? or is the definition too loose - M-Sport/Ogier 2017, Citroen/Loeb 2018.

In 2017 Östberg was in his own team, just entered through M-Sport, but they didn't collaborate at all.

**Fast Eddie WRC** · 22nd March 2022, 11:42

Good answers ! It's surprisingly few considering the number of years they have both driven.

**KiwiWRCfan** · 23rd March 2022, 05:24

Originally Posted by EstWRC

this long pause feels like off-season again...even worse i would say, no news at all

they definitely have to find something for next year to fill the gap

Yes it does feel like an off season again.
We need to assess the calendar gap with expectations and available knowledge at time calendar was set. To set events to later months was in my opinion a smart decision at the time. They were difficult decisions in a pandemic hit world. Hopefully situation continues to improve with more certainty for people everywhere. Setting of next years calendar should be easier.