[WRC] 91e Rallye Automobile Monte-Carlo (16-22 January 2023)

[EstWRC]

[EstWRC]

Nobody commenting this super excited rally in rally1 class?

[mknight]

I thought that giving Fourmaux the chance to show that the Fiesta is good was a good decision for both parties: Adrien could gain confidence and M-Sport have a capable driver to promote the Fiesta. No, he won't be as quick as the likes of Gryazin, Lindholm and Suninen, but a battle with the rest seemed plausible. Well, even when Fourmaux pushed like hell he was significantly slower than the best Rally2 guys, there's no battle with Lopez, Rossel or Lefebvre.

That just means one thing: M-Sport's core business is in a bad state (that's one of the reason why I think we see RB throwing more money at M-Sport. The company is having troubles and without RB's support their Rally1 program would collapse or be on the cusp of it). Why would anyone want to buy a Fiesta when there's Hyundai and Škoda? I've heard plenty of people complaining about M-Sport's customer service as well: the cars are not getting the promised upgrades at scheduled times, it's been hard to get your hands on spare parts etc.

Yes, I know, Malcolm and Millener talk at the start of every season how it's so hard to find the budget for Rally1. But I don't remember the business side of M-Sport to be as bad as it is in the previous years. Perhaps someone can prove me wrong, I sincerely hope that!

I had Fourmaux as a favorite for.win if there is snow/ice . Cause both him and Fiesta are best in that kind of conditions.

There.was no snow and ice so it's not so big surprise he is doing bad.

But I totally agree MSport business is in.shambles.

R5 is bad and getting much worse the last 3 years. Now.with C3, new i20, new Skoda and then Yaris coming they have to make completely new car or just call it off.
R3 never really got all that popular and now is getting competition. There is a small chance that the car will be about same speed and it will increase the popularity of the category.
R2 I am not quite sure, but MSport doesn't seem to be dominating there either.

Which makes me wonder what the plan in Rally1 is. I get going all in for Tanak with RedBull and that is great. But after last year surely there are people that would want to pay for driving Puma (provided reliability is improved). But Greensmith and Bertelli are gone and doesn't seem like any other paying customers are coming.

[dimviii]

Lefebvre passed Lopez at general

[dimviii]

Neuvilles spin.Lucky that at this point there was no cement wall.
https://twitter.com/JakubHoreovsk?re...default%3F1000

[dimviii]

Rossel now 10,5 sec from Gryazin

[meh]

Neuvilles spin.Lucky that at this point there was no cement wall.
https://twitter.com/JakubHoreovsk?re...default%3F1000

2 lucky escapes already from this rally..

[Rallyper]

Problem is they happend to Solberg .... all the time.

You know the last time he actually won a rally with a decent competition (in his class) was Estonia 2020, yep that's 2,5 years and lots of rallies ago.

"It's not important he is learning" doesn't last forever.

I praised him yesterday for good pace with no issues all day. That's what he needs to do, not stage wins and then issues. WRC3 is Per going full retard cause he is running out of things to say.

"Full retard..."
I´m laughing. Your text could be applied on several top drivers.

[EstWRC]

Can’t wait for the PS stage already to see some pushing. Total Snooze fest so far.


Also, could finally see what’s the real speed of Ford although I suspect it will be very hard for Tänak to get some points. It all depends on Katsuta

[Eli]

Can’t wait for the PS stage already to see some pushing. Total Snooze fest so far.


Also, could finally see what’s the real speed of Ford although I suspect it will be very hard for Tänak to get some points. It all depends on Katsuta

I think Tänak will just (about) manage it, I’m sure he’s more than keen to finish Monte-Carlo for once, 10 points are still better than none, and I hope Sweden will be better for Toyota’s opposition.