Rally Discussion and Bar Talk Thread

**AnttiL** · 23rd March 2022, 08:07

Originally Posted by KiwiWRCfan

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.

very good point Gary, definitely they must have thought about COVID as one factor. Remember in 2020 they had to cancel all rallies from March to July and people were here mocking FIA for not getting any rallies organized although in the end the situation turned out better for the summer. In 2021 we had a similar calendar as now with emphasis on the summer dates and it worked. Monte Carlo struggled with tight restrictions and Sweden was canceled altogether, as was Japan.

Another thing is that it's not that simple to make rallies change their dates. The hole is effectively left by Mexico, which is still off the calendar for COVID reasons(?). And furthermore, if Mexico makes it to next year's calendar, they won't have to do further arrangements.

They could have moved Portugal to March, but it's supposed to be a "linked" rally with Sardinia, so they would have to move both, and I'm sure both events benefit from a summer data in terms of spectators and road conditions (remember how ERC Fafe had to cancel stages a week ago)

**Fast Eddie WRC** · 23rd March 2022, 10:21

The Promoter is probably ok with this WRC break so as to show and promote the first two rounds of the newly-acquired ERC.

**flat_right** · 23rd March 2022, 11:28

Agree with all the points but as a suggestion (maybe someone reads this) then maybe they can think out something for fans in the future. For example something like Drive to Survive in F1 but much better without the fake drama etc. Some behind the scenes stuff, meetings etc from past year. Or some special episodes with drivers. Would have been nice and could fill the gap and keep the buzz going. Now it is very-very quiet.

**AnttiL** · 23rd March 2022, 11:55

Originally Posted by flat_right

Agree with all the points but as a suggestion (maybe someone reads this) then maybe they can think out something for fans in the future. For example something like Drive to Survive in F1 but much better without the fake drama etc. Some behind the scenes stuff, meetings etc from past year. Or some special episodes with drivers. Would have been nice and could fill the gap and keep the buzz going. Now it is very-very quiet.

I think this was pretty awesome. https://www.wrc.com/en/news/2022/wrc/wrc-at-50-1970s/

But I agree with you, maybe some special from WRC+, like at least retro highlights or something

**Fast Eddie WRC** · 24th March 2022, 09:28

Even Dirtfish have run out of WRC stories and reporters are asking fans for their favourite unusual WRC facts... and even funny driver names.

**AnttiL** · 25th March 2022, 07:57

Originally Posted by AnttiL

https://itgetsfasternow.com/2022/03/...-stages-21-30/

Rally Finland top stages 20-30

And next we go to positions 11-19

https://itgetsfasternow.com/2022/03/...-stages-11-19/

**Lancia Stratos** · 25th March 2022, 15:48

Originally Posted by AnttiL

I think this was pretty awesome. https://www.wrc.com/en/news/2022/wrc/wrc-at-50-1970s/

But I agree with you, maybe some special from WRC+, like at least retro highlights or something

Another one up now.

https://www.wrc.com/en/news/2022/wrc/wrc-at-50-1980s/

**pantealex** · 2nd April 2022, 14:21

Originally Posted by anttil

and next we go to positions 11-19

https://itgetsfasternow.com/2022/03/...-stages-11-19/

top-10 ?

**AnttiL** · 2nd April 2022, 15:34

Forgot to post here

https://itgetsfasternow.com/2022/04/...0-stages-1-10/

**lmmjvss** · 2nd April 2022, 16:19

Just came here to say that I find interesting to listen to Colin and the other Dirt Fish guys talking on the podcast about how WRC is the "ultimate proving ground" for manufacturers to develop technology and showcase their innovations...
While WEC reporters say WEC is the ultimate proving ground for manufacturers to develop technology and etc...
And F1 say it is the ultimate proving ground for bla bla bla.... And Formula-E and Extreme-E also say they are the proving ground for new tech and bla bla bla...

hahah Interesting.. I enjoy all of these championships and yet I dont see any of them being the proving ground for anything. I dont even know what that mean. Are any of these series actually developing something for the road?

Cuz if I were to guess, maybe that RoboRace could be the actual series that could be used as a "proving ground" series, but so far no one seems interested haha... The new FIM E-Xplorer World Cup could be more interesting, with 3 "manufacturers" building an electric moto that is capable of racing in urban and terrain (if we are talking about "proving ground"). The Air Race is also returning without RedBull, and they have this plan to start having eVtols with only manufacturer teams. That would be VEERY interesting from this tech-development point of view...

Where is "autosport" right now?